The fastest way to find your router password

If you have forgotten your router password, the quickest path is to look at the sticker on the back or bottom of the router itself. Most routers ship with a default password printed there — usually a combination of letters and numbers. Write down exactly what you see, including capital and lowercase letters, because passwords are case-sensitive.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, your next step depends on whether you can still log into the router. If you can access it through a web browser or app, you can view or reset the password from inside the router's settings. If you cannot access it at all, you will need to perform a factory reset, which erases all your custom settings and returns the router to its original state.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the physical sticker on your router first — the default password is usually printed there and works when ready.
  • If you can log in to your router's settings page, you can view or change the password without resetting the device.
  • A factory reset returns the router to its original password but erases all your custom network settings and connected devices.
  • The router password is different from your internet service provider password — you need the router password to connect new devices to your home network.

Finding the password on the router label

Flip your router over or look at the back panel. You should see a white or silver sticker with information printed on it. Look for a line that says "Password," "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or sometimes just "Key." The characters next to it are your default password.

Copy this password exactly as it appears — do not add spaces or change the capitalization. Some routers also print the network name (called the SSID) on the same sticker. Once you have written down the password, try connecting a phone or laptop to your WiFi network using it. If it works, you are done. If it does not work, the password may have been changed since the router was installed, and you will need to try the next method.

Viewing or changing the password if you can log in

If you can still access your router's settings — either through a web browser or a mobile app — you can see your current password or create a new one without resetting the device. Open a web browser on a computer connected to your router and type the router's address into the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's manual or the sticker on the device to be sure.

You will be asked to log in. Use the username and password from the router's sticker — the username is often "admin" and the password is the one printed there. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," "Network," or "Security." Inside this section, you should see your current network password displayed. You can also change it to something new if you prefer. Write down the password exactly as it appears, then log out and try connecting a device using it.

If you do not remember the login password for the router's settings page itself, you will need to perform a factory reset.

Resetting the router to restore the default password

A factory reset erases all your custom settings — including the network name, password, and any devices you have connected — and returns the router to the state it left the factory. After a reset, you will use the default password from the sticker to log in again, and you will need to reconnect all your devices.

To perform a reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router. It is usually recessed inside a tiny hole so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip, pen, or the tip of a straightened paper clip to press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink or turn off, which signals the reset is happening. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the router to restart.

Once the lights stabilize, the router is ready. Use the default password from the sticker to connect your devices again. You will then need to log into the router's settings page and set up your network name and password the way you want them. If you do not remember how to do this, your router's manual or the manufacturer's website will have step-by-step instructions.

What to do if the sticker password does not work

If the password on the sticker does not work, someone has changed it since the router was installed. This is actually a good sign for security — it means the default password is not being used. However, it also means you cannot log in without resetting the device.

Before you reset, try logging in to the router's settings page using the default username and password one more time. Sometimes the network password is different from the login password for the settings page. If you still cannot get in, a factory reset is your only option. After the reset, you can set a new password that you will remember.

Preventing this problem in the future

Once you have set a new password, write it down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager on your computer, or even a photo on your phone. Many people keep a small notebook near the router with the network name and password written in it.

If you use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your web browser, you can store the password there too. This way, you will have it if you need to connect a new device or help a guest connect to your network. Avoid using the same password for your router as you use for email or banking accounts — if someone learns your router password, they should not be able to access anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the router password the same as my internet password?

No. Your internet password is what your service provider uses to authenticate your account. Your router password is what you use to connect devices to your home network. You need both, but they are separate. If you have forgotten your internet password, contact your service provider.

Will a factory reset disconnect my internet?

A factory reset will not disconnect your internet service itself, but it will erase your router's settings. You will need to log back into the router and re-enter your internet service provider account information so the router can reconnect to the internet. This usually takes a few minutes.

Can I reset the router without losing my internet?

No. A factory reset erases all settings, including the information the router uses to connect to your internet service. However, once you log back in and re-enter your provider information, your internet will work again. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes total.

What if I do not have a paperclip to press the reset button?

A straightened paper clip, a ballpoint pen with the tip removed, or even a toothpick will work. The goal is to reach the small recessed button. If you cannot find anything, you can also unplug the router's power cable for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and when ready press and hold the reset button as it powers up — this sometimes triggers a reset on certain models.

How do I know if the reset worked?

After a reset, the router's lights will blink or cycle through different colors for one to three minutes as it restarts. Once the lights settle into their normal pattern, the reset is complete. You can then connect to the network using the default password from the sticker.