Where to look first: the router itself

The easiest place to find your WiFi password is printed on a sticker attached to the router. Look on the bottom, back, or side of the device — most manufacturers put a label there with the network name (called the SSID) and the password next to it. The password may be labeled as "Network Key", "Passphrase", "WiFi Password", or "Security Key".

If you see the password but it looks like a long string of random letters and numbers, that is normal. Write it down exactly as it appears, including capital letters and special characters, because WiFi passwords are case-sensitive. If the sticker is faded or missing, you will need to use one of the other methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • The WiFi password is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router.
  • If you have already connected a device to the network, you can view the saved password through your computer or phone settings without logging into the router.
  • You can reset the router to its factory default password by holding the reset button, though this will disconnect all devices temporarily.
  • If you cannot find the password and cannot reset it, contact your internet service provider with your account number and they can tell you what it is.

Checking a device that is already connected to the network

If you have a computer, phone, or tablet already connected to your WiFi, you can view the saved password through that device's settings without needing to log into the router. The steps differ depending on what type of device you have.

On Windows: Go to Settings, then Network & Internet, then WiFi. Click "Manage known networks" and select your network name. Click "Properties". Scroll down to "Security type and security info" and toggle "Show" next to the password field. You will see the password in plain text.

On Mac: Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). Search for your network name in the search box. Double-click the network name in the results. Check the box next to "Show password" and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear.

On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings, then WiFi. Tap the information icon (i) next to your network name. Tap "Password" — iOS will show the password if you have Face ID or Touch ID enabled on the device.

On Android: The process varies by manufacturer, but generally: go to Settings, then Network & Internet or Connections, then WiFi. Tap your network name, then tap "Share" or "QR Code". The password will appear on screen or in the QR code details.

Logging into the router to find or reset the password

If the sticker is gone and you cannot view the password from a connected device, you can log into the router's settings page. You will need the router's IP address, which is usually printed on the sticker as well, or is commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

Open a web browser on any device connected to the network and type the IP address into the address bar. You will be asked for a username and password to log in to the router itself — this is different from your WiFi password. The default username is often "admin" and the default password is often "admin", "password", or is blank. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website if these do not work.

Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "Security". The WiFi password (also called the pre-shared key or PSK) will be displayed there. You can also change it to something you will remember more easily, though you will need to reconnect all your devices afterward.

Using the factory reset button if you are locked out

If you cannot log into the router because you do not know the router's admin password, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This will erase all custom settings and restore the default password, which is usually printed in the manual or on the manufacturer's website.

Locate the small reset button on the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink and it will restart. This process takes a few minutes and will disconnect all devices from the network temporarily.

After the reset, you can log into the router using the default credentials and find or change the WiFi password. Be aware that any custom settings you made (like port forwarding or parental controls) will be erased, and you will need to reconnect all your devices to the network.

Contacting your internet service provider

If you have tried all the above steps and still cannot find the password, contact your internet service provider. Have your account number ready. The provider can tell you what the current WiFi password is, or can reset it remotely so you can set a new one.

Some providers also have online account portals where you can view or change your WiFi password without calling. Log into your account on the provider's website and look for a section labeled "WiFi", "Network", "Devices", or "Internet Settings". The exact location varies by provider.

Preventing password loss in the future

Once you have found or reset your WiFi password, consider writing it down and storing it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note in your phone. You can also change the password to something easier to remember, as long as it is at least 8 characters and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for security.

If you change the password, make sure to update it on all your devices. Most devices will prompt you to re-enter the password the next time they try to connect. If a device does not prompt you, go into that device's WiFi settings, "forget" the network, and then reconnect by selecting the network name and entering the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the password on the sticker does not work?

The password may have been changed since the router was installed. Try the default password for that router model (check the manual or manufacturer website), or use one of the other methods above to find the current password. If you have a device already connected, viewing the saved password through that device's settings is usually fastest.

Will resetting the router delete my internet connection?

No, resetting the router will not delete your internet connection to your service provider. It will only erase the WiFi settings and custom configurations you made. Your modem will still be connected to your internet service provider, and the router will reconnect to the modem after it restarts.

Can I change my WiFi password without logging into the router?

No, you must log into the router's settings page to change the WiFi password. However, if you have a device already connected to the network, you can view the current password through that device's settings, which may be all you need.

What if I forgot the router's admin password too?

Use the factory reset button to restore the router to its default settings. This will reset both the WiFi password and the admin password to their factory defaults, which you can find in the manual or on the manufacturer's website.

Is it safe to use the default password that came with the router?

No, it is better to change the default password to something unique. Default passwords are publicly known and make your network less find. Once you log in with the default credentials, change the WiFi password to something only you know.