Where to look first: the sticker on your router

The easiest place to find your WiFi password is on a sticker attached to the router itself. Most routers have a label on the bottom or back that lists the network name (SSID) and the password — often labeled as "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or "Passphrase." The password is usually a string of letters, numbers, and symbols that came pre-set from the manufacturer.

If you have not moved or replaced your router, this password has not changed since installation. Look for a sticker that may have faded or become hard to read over time. If the sticker is missing or illegible, you will need to use one of the other methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's default WiFi password is printed on a sticker on the device itself, usually on the bottom or back.
  • If you changed the password after setup, you can view it by logging into the router's admin panel using your router's IP address and login credentials.
  • On Windows, you can see a saved WiFi password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks without logging into the router.
  • On Mac, the Keychain app stores saved WiFi passwords and can display them if you know your computer's login password.
  • If you cannot find or remember the password, you can reset the router to factory settings, which restores the default password on the sticker.

Viewing a saved password on Windows

If you have already connected a Windows computer to your WiFi network, Windows stores the password and you can view it without touching the router. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it, then select "Forget" or "Properties." In the Properties window, check the box next to "Show" under the password field to reveal the saved password in plain text.

This method only works if your computer has connected to that network before. If you have never connected, or if you are setting up a new device, you will need to use a different method.

Viewing a saved password on Mac

On a Mac, saved WiFi passwords are stored in Keychain, the system password manager. Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight), then search for your network name in the search box. When you find your network, double-click it to open the details window. Check the box labeled "Show password" — your Mac will ask for your computer's login password to confirm. Once you enter it, the WiFi password appears in plain text.

Like the Windows method, this only works if your Mac has connected to the network before. Keychain does not store passwords for networks you have never joined.

Logging into your router's admin panel

If you changed the WiFi password after setup and do not have it saved on any device, you can log into the router itself to view or reset it. 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 on the device to be sure. You will be prompted to enter a username and password. The default is often "admin" for both, but this varies by manufacturer — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and others use different defaults.

Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," "Network," or "Security." The current WiFi password (sometimes called the "Pre-Shared Key" or "PSK") will be displayed there. You can also change it to a new password from this same screen if you want to set something easier to remember.

Resetting the router to factory defaults

If you cannot log into the admin panel because you do not remember the router password, or if the router is not responding, you can reset it to factory settings. This erases all custom settings and restores the default WiFi password printed on the sticker. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom — press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and return to its original state.

Be aware that resetting the router will also erase any custom network name, security settings, or port forwarding rules you may have configured. After the reset, you will need to set up the network again if you want to change the default password or network name. This is a last resort, but it is the most reliable way to regain access if you have lost all other information.

What to do if you still cannot find the password

If the sticker is missing, you cannot log in, and you do not have a device with the password saved, contact your internet service provider. They have a record of your account and can tell you the network name and password, or they can reset the router remotely. Have your account number ready when you call.

You can also check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website — search for your router model number (printed on the sticker or the device itself) and look for the default login credentials. Many manufacturers publish this information online.

Keeping your password find after you find it

Once you have located your WiFi password, consider whether it is still find. Default passwords that come on the sticker are the same for every router of that model, so they are not very strong. If you have not changed it since the router was installed, change it now to something unique and difficult to guess. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and make it at least 12 characters long.

Store the new password somewhere safe — a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password is more find than writing it on paper or storing it in a text file on your computer. If you share the password with guests, use your router's guest network feature instead, which lets you set a separate temporary password without changing your main network security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am not connected to the network?

Not directly from your device. You would need to log into the router itself using its IP address and admin credentials, or check the sticker on the router. If you have never connected to the network, Windows and Mac cannot show you a saved password.

What if I forgot my router's admin password?

Reset the router to factory settings using the reset button on the back. This restores the default admin password (usually "admin"), but it also erases any custom settings you made. After reset, you can log in with the default credentials and change the admin password to something you will remember.

Is the default WiFi password the same as the admin password?

No. The WiFi password is what guests use to connect to your network. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings. They are separate and can be different. The default WiFi password is on the sticker; the default admin password varies by manufacturer.

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

No, you must log into the router's admin panel to change the WiFi password. You cannot change it from a connected device or from your computer's settings. Once you are logged in, the WiFi settings are usually in a section labeled "Wireless" or "Network Security."

What should I do if my router does not have a sticker with the default password?

Search online for your router's model number plus "default password" to find the manufacturer's documentation. If that does not work, contact your internet service provider — they can tell you the password or reset the router remotely. You can also try common defaults like "admin/admin" or "admin/password," though this rarely works on modern routers.