Where to look first: the sticker on your router

The easiest place to find your router password is on a sticker attached to the device itself. Most routers have a label on the bottom or back that lists the default password — the one the manufacturer set before it left the factory. Look for a line that says "Password," "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or sometimes just "Key." The password may also be labeled "WPA2 Key" or "Passphrase."

If you never changed this default password after setting up your router, this sticker password will work right now. Write it down or take a photo before you move on, because you may need it again.

The sticker also shows your network name (called the SSID) and sometimes a PIN. These are different from the password — the network name is what you see when you search for WiFi on your phone, while the password is what you type to connect.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router first — the manufacturer's default password is printed there and works if you never changed it.
  • If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which erases your custom password and returns the default.
  • 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.
  • After a reset, you will need to set up your internet connection again and create a new password before your devices can reconnect.

Check your device's saved network information

If you are already connected to the router on a computer or phone, that device may have stored the password. On Windows, go to Settings, then Network & Internet, then WiFi, then Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list, click it, and select "Forget." Then reconnect — Windows will ask you to enter the password again, and you can look at what you type.

On a Mac, open System Settings, go to WiFi, click Details next to your network name, and look for the password field. You may need to click the eye icon to reveal it, and your computer may ask for your login password first.

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network name, and look for the password field. Android phones do not display saved passwords in the same way, so this method works best on Windows, Mac, or Apple devices.

Log into your router's admin panel to change the password

If you remember the password to your router's admin panel (the control center you use to change settings), you can log in and change the WiFi password to something you will remember. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's manual or the sticker to be sure.

You will see a login screen asking for a username and password. The default username is often "admin" and the default password is on the sticker. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "WiFi," "Wireless," "Network," or "Security." Find the field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," or "Pre-Shared Key," and type a new password you will remember. Save your changes.

This method only works if you still know the admin password. If you do not, you will need to reset the router instead.

Reset your router to factory settings

If you cannot find the password any other way, you can reset the router to its original factory state. This erases your custom password and returns the default password from the sticker. Find the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident.

With the router powered on, use a paperclip, pen, or the tip of a small screwdriver to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the router will blink or change color, which means the reset is happening. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the router to restart.

After the restart, the router is back to its factory state. The password on the sticker will now work again. However, you will need to reconnect to the internet — your internet service provider's setup information may be required, so have that handy before you reset.

What happens after you reset: reconnecting your devices

Once the router restarts after a reset, all your devices will be disconnected. You will need to reconnect each one by selecting the network name from the WiFi list and entering the default password from the sticker. Your computer, phone, tablet, smart TV, and any other connected devices will all need to reconnect one by one.

If you had customized any router settings before the reset — such as port forwarding, parental controls, or a custom network name — those changes are now gone and you will need to set them up again. Write down any custom settings you remember before you reset, so you can recreate them afterward.

Before you reset, also make sure you have your internet service provider's account number or phone number handy. Some routers require you to re-enter your internet connection details after a factory reset, and your ISP may need to verify your account.

Prevent this problem in the future

Once you have regained access to your router, write down the new password you create and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or even a photo on your phone. Many people keep a small notebook near the router with the network name and password written down, which makes it straightforward to share with guests and to find if you forget.

You can also change the network name to something you will recognize, which makes it easier to find your WiFi when you are looking for it. The network name does not have to be secret — only the password does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my router affect my internet connection?

Yes. After a reset, your router will not be connected to the internet until you set it up again. You will need your internet service provider's account information or the setup details they gave you when you first installed the router. Call your ISP if you do not have this information.

Can I reset my router without losing my internet?

No. A factory reset erases all settings, including your internet connection details. However, if you remember your admin password, you can change just the WiFi password without resetting — log into the admin panel and change the password there instead.

What if the reset button does not work?

Some routers have a reset button that only works when the router is powered off. Try powering off the router, waiting 10 seconds, then pressing the reset button while it is off. If that does not work, check your router's manual for the exact reset procedure — different brands have different methods.

How long does it take for the router to restart after a reset?

Most routers take two to three minutes to restart and be ready to use. The lights will stop blinking and settle into a steady pattern when the restart is complete. Do not unplug the router during this time.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?

Yes, if you know the admin password. Log into the router's admin panel at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, find the WiFi or Wireless section, and change the password there. This is much faster than a full reset and does not disconnect your internet.