Where your router password actually lives

Your WiFi router password is printed on a sticker attached to the router itself — usually on the back or bottom. Look for a label that says "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "PSK," or sometimes just "Password." The sticker also shows your network name (SSID) and sometimes a default admin password, which is different from your WiFi password.

If the sticker is missing or faded, you have three other ways to recover it: through your router's admin panel, by resetting the router to factory defaults, or by contacting your internet service provider. Each method works in different situations, and some are faster than others.

Key Takeaways

  • The WiFi password is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — this is the fastest place to look first.
  • You can view your current WiFi password by logging into your router's admin panel using the default username and password, usually printed on the same sticker.
  • If you cannot find the sticker or remember the admin password, a factory reset will restore the router to its original settings, but you will lose any custom changes you made.
  • Your internet service provider can tell you the default password for your specific router model, or help you reset it remotely.
  • The WiFi password and the admin password are separate — knowing one does not give you access to the other.

Reading the sticker on your router

Most routers have a label on the back or underside that lists the WiFi network name and password. The label typically shows:

  • SSID or Network Name: The name that appears when you search for available networks on your phone or computer
  • WiFi Password or Network Key: The password you type to connect to that network
  • Admin Username and Password: Credentials to log into the router's settings (different from the WiFi password)
  • MAC Address: A unique identifier for the router itself

Write down the WiFi password exactly as it appears — it is case-sensitive, and special characters matter. If the sticker is worn or the ink has faded, you may need to use one of the other methods below.

Logging into your router to view the password

If you can read the admin username and password from the sticker, you can log into your router's control panel and view the WiFi password there. Open a web browser on a device connected to your WiFi and type your router's IP address into the address bar. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check your router's sticker or manual for the exact address.

When prompted, enter the admin username and password from the sticker. Once logged in, look for a section labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," "Network," or "Security." The WiFi password (sometimes called "Pre-Shared Key" or "PSK") should be visible there. Some routers hide the password behind asterisks or dots — look for an option to "show" or "reveal" it.

This method works only if you remember or can read the default admin password. If you have changed the admin password since you set up the router and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router instead.

Resetting your router to factory defaults

If you cannot find the sticker and do not remember the admin password, you can reset the router to its original factory settings. This erases all custom changes — including any WiFi password you set yourself — and restores the default password printed on the sticker.

To reset most routers, locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the case 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 will flash and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, the WiFi password will be whatever is printed on the sticker.

Before you reset, know that this will disconnect all devices from your WiFi and erase any custom network settings you configured. You will need to reconnect each device and reconfigure any special settings (like port forwarding or a custom network name) afterward. If you have made significant changes to your router, contact your internet service provider first — they may be able to help you recover the password without resetting.

Contacting your internet service provider

Your internet service provider (ISP) — the company that bills you for internet service — has records of your router model and can tell you the default WiFi password for that model. Call the customer service number on your bill or visit their website to reach support.

Have your account number and router model ready when you contact them. You can find the model number on the sticker or the back of the router. The ISP can also reset your router remotely in some cases, which restores the default password without you having to press the physical reset button.

This is the best option if you have made custom changes to your router that you want to keep, or if you are uncomfortable opening the router's admin panel yourself.

The difference between WiFi password and admin password

These are two separate passwords that control different things. The WiFi password is what you type on your phone or laptop to connect to the internet. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings to change things like the network name, security type, or port forwarding rules.

Someone who knows your WiFi password can connect to your network and use your internet, but they cannot change your router settings. Someone who knows the admin password can change everything about how your router works, including the WiFi password itself. Keep both passwords find, but understand that they serve different purposes.

Keeping your router password find going forward

Once you have recovered your WiFi password, consider changing it to something only you know. Log back into the admin panel, find the WiFi or Wireless settings, and change the password to something strong — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Also change the default admin password if you have not already. This prevents anyone who finds your router's sticker from logging into your settings. Write down both new passwords in a find place, like a password manager, so you do not lose them again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my router does not have a sticker?

Check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website — you can search by model number. If that does not work, try the most common default passwords for that brand (often "admin" for both username and password, or a blank password). If none of those work, a factory reset is your next step.

Will resetting my router delete my internet connection?

No. A factory reset restores the router to its original settings but does not affect your internet service itself. Your ISP connection will come back online once the router finishes restarting. You will need to reconnect your devices to the WiFi using the default password.

Can I reset my router if I do not have a paperclip?

Yes. Any thin, pointed object works — a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen, a thumbtack, or the tip of a small screwdriver. The goal is to press and hold the recessed reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

What if I changed my WiFi password and forgot it?

You will need to reset the router to factory defaults, which will erase your custom password and restore the default one from the sticker. After that, you can set a new password and write it down in a safe place.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down and storing it securely — like in a password manager or a locked drawer — is safer than trying to remember it and potentially using a weak password instead. Just do not leave it visible on a sticky note near the router where guests can see it.