Check the sticker on the back or bottom of the router

The easiest place to find your router password is on a physical sticker attached to the device itself. Most routers have a label on the back or bottom that lists the default network name (called the SSID) and the password you need to connect devices to your Wi-Fi. The password may be labeled as "Password," "Key," "Passphrase," or "Network Key" — different manufacturers use different terms.

Look for a sticker that includes both a network name and a string of letters and numbers. Write down exactly what you see, including capital and lowercase letters, because passwords are case-sensitive. If the sticker is worn, faded, or missing, move to the next method.

Log into the router's admin panel through your browser

If the sticker is gone or illegible, you can access the router's settings directly through a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi. Open a new browser tab and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar — these are the most common router addresses. Some routers use a web address instead, like routerlogin.net or myrouter.local; check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website if neither IP address works.

When the login page appears, enter the default username and password. For most routers, the username is admin and the password is admin, password, or 12345 — but this varies by brand. If the defaults do not work, search online for "[your router model] default password" to find the correct credentials. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Network," or "Security." Your Wi-Fi password will be displayed there, often in a field labeled "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key."

Key Takeaways

  • The Wi-Fi password is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router and is the fastest way to find it.
  • If the sticker is missing, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser address bar to reach the router's settings page.
  • Log in with the default username and password (usually admin/admin or admin/password) to view your Wi-Fi password in the wireless settings section.
  • Write down your password exactly as it appears, including capital letters and numbers, because routers are case-sensitive.

Find your password on Windows if you are already connected

If you are already connected to your Wi-Fi on a Windows computer, you can view the password without logging into the router. Go to Settings, then select Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi. Scroll down and click "Manage Known Networks," then select your network name from the list.

Click Properties, then scroll down to the "Security" section. You will see a field labeled "Network Security Key" with dots or asterisks hiding the password. Check the box next to "Show" to reveal the actual password. Write it down exactly as it appears.

Find your password on Mac if you are already connected

On a Mac, open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, then type "Keychain Access" and press Enter. In the Keychain window, search for your Wi-Fi network name in the search box at the top right. When your network appears in the list, double-click it to open its details.

A window will pop up showing information about your network. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac may ask you to enter your computer's login password to confirm — this is a security measure. Once you enter it, your Wi-Fi password will appear in plain text. Write it down exactly as shown.

Reset the router if you cannot find or remember the password

If the sticker is gone and you cannot log into the admin panel because you do not remember the default password, you can reset the router to factory settings. This erases all custom settings and returns the router to the state it shipped in, so you will need to set up your Wi-Fi again from scratch.

To reset, locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the case) on the back of the router. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it boots up, the Wi-Fi network name and password will revert to the defaults printed on the sticker — or to the manufacturer's standard defaults if the sticker is missing. You can then log in and create a new password of your own.

Create a new password you will remember

Once you have found or reset your password, you can change it to something easier to remember. Log back into the admin panel using the current password, navigate to the wireless or Wi-Fi settings, and look for an option to change the passphrase or password. Enter a new password at least 8 characters long — longer passwords are harder to guess, and mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols makes them stronger.

After you save the new password, all your devices will disconnect from Wi-Fi. You will need to reconnect each one using the new password. Write the new password down and store it somewhere safe, like a password manager or a notebook in a drawer, so you do not lose it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I type 192.168.1.1 and nothing happens?

Try 192.168.0.1 instead — different routers use different addresses. If neither works, check your router's manual or search the manufacturer's website for the correct admin address. You can also open a command prompt on Windows and type ipconfig, then look for the "Default Gateway" number, which is your router's address.

What is the difference between the router password and the Wi-Fi password?

The router password (admin password) lets you log into the settings to change how the router works. The Wi-Fi password is what you enter on your phone or laptop to connect to the internet. They are separate — you need the Wi-Fi password to use the network, and the admin password only if you want to change settings.

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

The default password is the same for every router of that model, so anyone who knows the model number can log in and change your settings. Change it to a unique password as soon as you can. The same goes for the admin password — change the default admin login to something only you know.

Can I view my Wi-Fi password on my phone?

On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, long-press your network name, and tap "Manage." You may see the password displayed, depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer. On iPhone, you cannot view a saved Wi-Fi password without resetting the network connection and re-entering it manually.