Where to find your WiFi password on the router itself

The fastest way to find your WiFi password is to look at the sticker on the back or bottom of your router. Most routers have a label that lists the network name (called SSID) and the password printed right there. The password may be labeled as "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "Security Key," or sometimes just "Key." Write down exactly what you see — it is case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter.

If the sticker is worn, faded, or missing, you can still recover the password through your router's settings page. This requires logging into the router's admin panel using a web browser on a device already connected to your network. The process differs slightly depending on whether your router is from a major manufacturer like Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, or Asus, but the basic steps are the same across all of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the physical sticker on your router first — the password is usually printed there and is the quickest way to find it.
  • If the sticker is unreadable, log into your router's settings page by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser.
  • You will need the router's admin username and password to access settings; these are often "admin" and "admin" or printed on the same sticker as the WiFi password.
  • Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network" to find your current password displayed in plain text.
  • If you cannot remember the admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this will erase all your custom settings.

Logging into your router through a web browser

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi — a phone, tablet, or computer. In the address bar at the top, type 192.168.1.1 and press Enter. If that does not work, try 192.168.0.1 instead. One of these two addresses will take you to your router's login page. You may also see a prompt asking you to accept a security warning — click through it to continue.

A login screen will appear asking for a username and password. The default credentials for most routers are admin for both the username and password. Try that first. If it does not work, check the sticker on your router again — the admin credentials are sometimes printed there alongside the WiFi password. If you have changed these credentials before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router, which is covered in a later section.

Finding the password in your router's settings

Once you are logged in, look for a menu option labeled Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Security. The exact name varies by manufacturer. Click on it. You should see a section that shows your network name (SSID) and, nearby, a field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," "Security Key," or "Pre-Shared Key." The password will be displayed in that field, usually hidden behind dots or asterisks for security.

To see the actual password in plain text, look for a checkbox or button labeled "Show," "Reveal," or an eye icon next to the password field. Click it. The password will then appear as readable text. Write it down carefully, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters like hyphens or underscores.

Resetting your router if you cannot log in

If you cannot remember the admin password and cannot log in, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. This will erase all your custom settings, including your WiFi network name and password, so use this only as a last resort. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident.

With the router powered on, use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the front will blink, and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, the WiFi network name and password will return to the factory defaults printed on the sticker. You can then log in with those credentials and change them to something you prefer.

Checking your password on Windows, Mac, or Linux

If you are already connected to your WiFi on a computer, you can view the password without logging into the router. On Windows, right-click the WiFi icon in the system tray (bottom right corner), select "Open Network & Internet settings," then click "WiFi" and "Manage known networks." Find your network name, click it, and select "Properties." Scroll down to "Security" and toggle "Show" next to the password field.

On Mac, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). In the search box, type your network name. Double-click the result, check the box next to "Show password," and enter your Mac login password when prompted. On Linux, the process varies by distribution, but passwords are typically stored in /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/ — you may need to open a terminal and use a text editor with administrator permissions to view them.

What to do if you see a different password than expected

If the password you find in the router settings does not match the one on the sticker, someone has changed it since the router was set up. This is normal and actually a good security practice — the sticker password is a default that should be changed. Use the password you found in the router settings, not the one on the sticker.

If you want to change the password to something easier to remember, you can do so in the same Wireless or WiFi settings menu where you found it. Look for an option to edit or change the password, type your new one, and save. Your devices will disconnect briefly and then reconnect using the new password. You will need to enter the new password on each device the next time it tries to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my password showing as a series of dots instead of actual letters?

The dots are a security feature to prevent someone looking over your shoulder from seeing your password. Look for a "Show" button, checkbox, or eye icon next to the password field and click it to reveal the actual text. This is safe to do on your own device.

I typed 192.168.1.1 but nothing happened. What should I try?

Try 192.168.0.1 instead — different routers use different addresses. If neither works, check if your device is actually connected to the WiFi. You can also try typing your router's model number followed by "login" into a search engine to find the correct address for that specific model.

Can I view my WiFi password on my phone?

On Android, go to Settings, select WiFi, find your network, and tap "Manage." You may see the password displayed, though some phones require you to scan your face or fingerprint first. On iPhone, open Settings, go to WiFi, tap your network name, and look for a password field — iPhones do not always display it in plain text. The router login method works on any phone with a web browser.

What if I reset my router but still cannot remember the admin password?

After a factory reset, the admin password returns to the default (usually "admin" and "admin"). If that does not work, check the sticker on the router for the correct default credentials. If the sticker is missing or damaged, search online for your router's model number and "default password" to find what the manufacturer set.

Is it safe to change my WiFi password?

Yes, changing your password is actually recommended. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to make it strong. After you change it, all your devices will disconnect and ask you to enter the new password the next time they connect. You will not lose any data or settings on those devices.