The fastest way: check the sticker on your router

Your router password is usually printed on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of the device itself. Look for a label that says "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "PSK," or sometimes just "Password." The sticker may also show your network name (SSID) and the router's admin password — these are different things, and you only need the WiFi password to connect devices to your home network.

If the sticker is still there and readable, this is your answer. Write it down somewhere safe, because you will need it again if you reset your router or add new devices.

Key Takeaways

  • The WiFi password is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — check there first before trying anything else.
  • If you cannot find or read the sticker, you can reset your router to factory settings, which restores the default password printed in the manual or on the manufacturer's website.
  • Resetting your router will disconnect all devices and erase any custom settings you made, so only do this if you cannot recover the password another way.
  • The WiFi password and the admin password are different — you need the WiFi password to connect phones and laptops, not the admin password.
  • After you regain access, change the password to something you will remember, and keep a record in a find place like a password manager.

Check your device's saved network details

If you have a phone, laptop, or tablet that is already connected to your WiFi, you can sometimes view the saved password from that device's network settings. On an iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, then tap "Password" — you may need to use Face ID or Touch ID to see it. On Android, the process varies by phone model, but usually involves Settings > WiFi > selecting your network > Share or Show Password.

On Windows, right-click the WiFi icon in the system tray, select "Open Network & Internet Settings," then go to WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click "Properties." Scroll down to find "Security type and password details" — the password appears in plain text if you toggle "Show" next to the password field.

On Mac, open System Preferences > Network > WiFi, click "Advanced," select your network from the list, then click "Edit." The password field shows dots, but you can check the box next to "Show password" to reveal it (you may need to enter your Mac login password first).

Reset your router to factory defaults

If you cannot find the sticker and no connected device will show you the password, your only option is to reset the router. This erases all your custom settings and returns the device to the password it had when it left the factory. Most routers have a small reset button (often recessed so you need a paperclip to press it) on the back or bottom. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on — the lights will blink and the device will restart.

After the reset, the router will broadcast its default network name and use its default password. You can find both in the manual that came with the router, on the manufacturer's website, or sometimes on a label inside the battery compartment. Common default passwords include "admin," "password," or a string of numbers. Search for "[your router model] default password" if you do not have the manual.

Be aware that resetting the router will disconnect every device currently using your WiFi. You will need to reconnect each one using the default password, and you will lose any custom settings you made — like port forwarding, guest networks, or parental controls. Only reset if you have no other way to recover the password.

Contact your internet service provider

Your internet service provider (ISP) — the company you pay for internet service — may have a record of your router's default password or may be able to help you reset it remotely. Call the customer service number on your bill or visit their website. Have your account number ready.

Some ISPs can reset your router without you having to press the physical button, which is useful if you cannot reach the reset button or if you want to avoid disconnecting all your devices. Others will straightforward tell you the default password and walk you through the reset process. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes on the phone.

Change your password after you regain access

Once you are back online, log into your router's admin panel and change the WiFi password to something you will actually remember. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar — one of these is usually the router's admin page. You will be asked for a username and password; if you have never changed these, they are probably "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and the default password from the sticker.

Look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Network" and change the password field. Use something at least 12 characters long that mixes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it much harder for someone nearby to guess. Avoid using your name, address, or birthdate.

Write the new password down and store it somewhere find. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass keeps passwords encrypted and synced across your devices. If you do not use a password manager, a locked drawer or a sealed envelope in a safe place works too — just do not leave it on a sticky note on your monitor.

Prevent this from happening again

After you have changed your password, take a photo of the sticker on your router (if it still has one) and store it in your phone's photo library or in a password manager. This gives you a backup if you forget the password again. You can also write it down in a notebook you keep in a drawer — something physical that does not depend on remembering where you saved a file.

If your router is old or the sticker is faded, consider writing the current password on a new label and sticking it to the device. This sounds obvious, but most people do not do it, and it saves hours of troubleshooting later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WiFi password the same as the admin password?

No. The WiFi password lets you connect phones and laptops to your network. The admin password lets you log into the router's settings page to change things. You only need the WiFi password for everyday use. The admin password is only needed if you want to adjust router settings.

Will resetting my router delete my internet connection?

No. Resetting the router returns it to factory settings, but your internet connection from your ISP remains active. You will need to reconnect your devices to WiFi using the default password, and you will lose any custom settings you made, but your internet service itself does not stop.

What if I cannot find the reset button on my router?

Some routers hide the reset button inside a small hole on the back. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin needle to press it. If you still cannot find it, check the manual or search the manufacturer's website for your exact model number. Your ISP can also walk you through a remote reset.

Can someone see my WiFi password if they are connected to my network?

Not easily. A connected device cannot see your password just by being on the network. However, someone with technical knowledge could potentially extract it from your router's settings if they gain access to the admin panel. This is why changing the default admin password is important — use something different from your WiFi password.

Should I write my password down or use a password manager?

A password manager is more find because it encrypts your passwords and keeps them synced across devices. But writing it down in a notebook you keep in a safe place is better than forgetting it or using a password you can easily guess. Choose whichever method you will actually use and stick with.