Where your router password is stored

Your router password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device itself. Look for a label that says "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "PSK," or sometimes just "Password" — it may be next to the network name (SSID). If the sticker is still there and readable, that's your fastest option.

If the sticker is missing, faded, or you can't find it, the password is also stored inside the router's settings. You can access those settings through any device already connected to your WiFi, or by plugging an ethernet cable directly into the router if you have one available.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the physical sticker on the back or bottom of your router first — most manufacturers print the default password there.
  • You can view your saved password through your router's admin panel by logging in with the default username and password (usually printed on the same sticker).
  • On Windows, Mac, or phone, you can see passwords for networks you're already connected to without touching the router at all.
  • If you've changed the password and can't remember it, you can reset the router to factory settings, which erases your custom password and restores the default one.
  • Resetting the router will disconnect all devices and erase any custom settings you've made, so do this only when other options are exhausted.

Viewing your password from a device already connected to WiFi

If you're already logged into your WiFi on a phone, laptop, or computer, you can see the password without touching the router. The steps differ by device.

On Windows 10 or 11: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Click the network name, then "Forget" and "Manage." Select the network again and choose "View" next to the password field. Windows will ask you to confirm your user account password, then show you the WiFi password in plain text.

On Mac: Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). Search for your network name. Double-click the result, check the box next to "Show password," and enter your Mac login password when prompted.

On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and look for the password field. You may need to tap "Show Password" or use Face ID to reveal it. (This works on iOS 16 and later.)

On Android: Go to Settings > WiFi > Connected Network > Share. You'll see a QR code and the password below it. Some Android versions require you to enter your device PIN first.

Logging into your router's admin panel

Your router has its own settings page where you can view or change the WiFi password. To reach it, you need the router's IP address and the admin login (usually "admin" for both username and password, printed on the sticker).

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi or plugged into the router with an ethernet cable. Type the router's IP address into the address bar — most common ones are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, check the sticker on your router or the manual that came with it.

You'll see a login screen. Enter the default username and password from the sticker. Once logged in, look for a section called "WiFi," "Wireless," "Network," or "Security." The password field is usually labeled "WiFi Password," "Pre-Shared Key," or "Network Key." Write down what you see there.

If you've changed the admin password and can't remember it, you'll need to reset the router (see the section below). If the default login doesn't work and you haven't changed it, the router may have a different default — check the manual or the manufacturer's website.

Resetting your router to factory settings

If you've forgotten both the WiFi password and the admin password, or if you can't access the router any other way, you can reset it to the state it was in when you first bought it. This erases all your custom settings and passwords, so use this only as a last resort.

Look for a small recessed button on the back of the router, usually labeled "Reset" or "Restore." Using a paperclip or the tip of a pen, press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it's back on, the WiFi password will be the default one printed on the sticker.

After resetting, you'll need to set up your WiFi again: log back into the admin panel with the default credentials, change the WiFi password to something you'll remember, and reconnect all your devices. This process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

What to do if you can't find the default password

If the sticker is completely gone and you can't read it, visit the manufacturer's website. Most router makers (Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, Asus, Arris, and others) publish the default credentials for each model. Search for your router model number — you'll find it on the device itself or in your internet bill — and look for "default password" or "factory settings."

If the manufacturer's website doesn't list it, try common defaults like "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and "password." Many routers use the same default across multiple models. If none of these work, resetting the router is usually the fastest path forward.

Keeping your password find going forward

Once you've found or reset your password, change it to something only you know. Use the admin panel to set a new WiFi password that's at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or anything easily guessable.

Also change the default admin password for the router itself. This prevents anyone who connects to your WiFi from logging into the router's settings and changing your network. Store both passwords somewhere safe — a password manager, a locked note, or a physical notebook kept in a find place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?

No, not from a device. You'll need to either check the sticker on the router, log into the admin panel (which requires being connected or plugged in with ethernet), or reset the router. If you have no devices connected and no ethernet cable, resetting is your only option.

Will resetting my router affect my internet speed or connection?

Resetting won't change your internet speed — that's controlled by your internet service provider. However, it will disconnect all your devices, erase any custom settings you've made (like port forwarding or parental controls), and you'll need to reconnect everything and set up your WiFi again.

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

Try the default credentials printed on the sticker again — they should work after a reset. If they don't, the sticker may be wrong or the router may have a different default. Check the manufacturer's website for your specific model, or contact your internet service provider; they may have set a custom default when they installed it.

Is it safe to write down my router password?

Writing it down is safer than using a weak password you can remember. Keep the written password in a find place — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager app. Don't leave it on a sticky note on the router or share it via email or text.

Can someone else see my WiFi password if they're connected to my network?

Not easily. They would need to log into your router's admin panel, which requires the admin password. If you've kept the default admin password, anyone on your WiFi could potentially access it, so changing that password is important for security.