Check the sticker on your router first

The easiest place to find your router password is on a sticker attached to the device itself. Most routers have a label on the bottom or back that lists the default password — the one the manufacturer set before you ever touched it. Look for a line that says "Password," "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or sometimes just "Key." Write down exactly what you see, including capital letters and numbers.

If you never changed the default password, this is the one you need to connect devices to your WiFi. If you changed it at some point and forgot the new one, the sticker shows what it was originally, but that won't help you log back in — you'll need to reset the router instead.

The sticker might also show a username (often "admin") and the router's web address, usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. These details matter if you need to log into the router's settings page to change WiFi settings or recover a forgotten password.

Key Takeaways

  • The default password is printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router and works only if you never changed it.
  • If you changed the password and forgot it, you must reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.
  • Resetting involves holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds; the router will restart and return to its default password.
  • After a reset, you can log into the router's settings page using the default username and password from the sticker to create a new WiFi password.

Reset the router if you changed the password

If you created your own WiFi password and can't remember it, the only way to recover it is to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings — your WiFi name, password, port forwarding rules, and any other changes you made — and returns the router to the state it left the factory.

To reset, locate the reset button on your router. It's usually a small, recessed button on the back or bottom, sometimes labeled "Reset" or "Restore." You'll need a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint pen to press it, because it's deliberately hard to hit by accident. Press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will flash or go dark, and the router will restart. This takes about a minute.

Once the router finishes restarting, the default password from the sticker will work again. You can now connect to WiFi using that password, then log into the router's settings page to create a new password you'll actually remember.

Log into the router's settings page

To change your WiFi password after a reset, you need to access the router's settings page through a web browser. Open any browser on a device connected to the router (or connected to its WiFi), type the router's web address into the address bar, and press Enter. The address is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check the sticker on your router to be sure.

A login screen will appear asking for a username and password. Use the default credentials from the sticker — usually "admin" for the username and the password printed on the label. Once you're logged in, look for a section called "WiFi," "Wireless," "Network," or "Settings." Find the field for WiFi password or network key, enter a new password you'll remember, and save the changes. The router will explore the new password when ready.

Write down your new password somewhere safe — not on a sticky note on the router, but in a password manager or a notebook you keep in a drawer. This way you won't be in this situation again.

What to do if the sticker is missing or unreadable

If the sticker is worn, missing, or illegible, you can still find the default password by looking up your router's model number. The model number is printed somewhere on the router — usually on the same sticker as the password, or on the front or back of the device. Write it down exactly as it appears.

Search online for "[your router model] default password" — for example, "TP-Link Archer C7 default password." Most manufacturers publish this information, and you'll find it on the router maker's support page or on tech forums. If the search doesn't turn up results, try the manufacturer's website directly and look for documentation or support pages for your specific model.

If you still can't find it, resetting the router is your fallback. The reset button works regardless of the model, and it will restore the factory defaults so you can set up the router from scratch.

Prevent this from happening again

Once you've set a new WiFi password, store it somewhere you can actually find it later. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or even the password manager built into your browser will save it securely and let you look it up on any device. If you prefer paper, write it in a notebook you keep in a safe place — not on the router itself or on a sticky note on your desk.

You might also consider writing down the router's web address and default username on the same piece of paper. If you ever need to reset again or change settings, you'll have everything you need without hunting for the sticker.

Some routers let you set up a recovery email address in the settings page. If your router supports this, add your email so you can request a password reset link instead of having to do a full factory reset. Check your router's settings page to see if this option exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the router disconnect all my devices?

Yes. When you reset the router, all devices lose their WiFi connection because the network name and password return to the factory defaults. You'll need to reconnect each device using the default password from the sticker, then again with your new password once you've set it up.

Can I reset the router without losing my internet connection to other devices?

No. Resetting affects the entire router, so every device connected to that WiFi will disconnect. Devices connected by ethernet cable to the router will stay connected, but WiFi devices will drop off until the reset is complete.

What if I reset the router but still can't log in?

Try the exact password from the sticker, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. If that doesn't work, the sticker may be incorrect or the router may have a different default. Search online for your router model and "default password," or contact the router manufacturer's support line for help.

Is there a way to recover my old WiFi password without resetting?

No. Once you forget a WiFi password, the only way to see it again is to reset the router. The password is stored in the router's memory and can't be retrieved any other way. Some routers let you reset the password through a recovery email, but this still requires access to the settings page, which you can't reach without the password.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting if I know the default password?

Yes. If you never changed the default password, you can log into the settings page using the default credentials from the sticker and create a new password from there. You only need to reset if you changed the password and forgot it.