Where to find your WiFi password physically on the router
Your WiFi password is printed on a sticker attached to your router itself. Look for a white or silver label on the bottom, back, or side of the device. The password appears next to labels like "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "PSK," or sometimes just "Password."
The sticker also shows your network name (SSID) — the name that appears when you search for WiFi networks on your phone or computer. Write down both the network name and password exactly as printed, including capital letters and numbers, because WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.
If the sticker is worn, faded, or missing, you can still retrieve the password through your router's settings menu. This takes a few more steps but works on any router model.
Key Takeaways
- Your WiFi password is printed on a sticker on the physical router — usually on the bottom or back — next to "WiFi Password" or "Network Key."
- If the sticker is illegible or missing, you can log into your router's settings menu using the admin username and password (also on the sticker).
- The default admin username is usually "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password," but check your sticker for the exact credentials.
- Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Security," or "Network Settings" to find your current password.
- You can change your WiFi password to something easier to remember, but write down the new one in case you need it later.
Logging into your router when the sticker is unreadable
Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your WiFi. Type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Press Enter and a login page should appear.
If neither address works, check the sticker on your router for the correct IP address, or look at the back of your router's box if you still have it. Some routers also print this information on a card inside the box.
At the login screen, enter the admin username and password. These are printed on the sticker and are different from your WiFi password. The default username is usually "admin" and the password is often "admin," "password," or a blank field — but always check the sticker first, because manufacturers vary.
Finding your password in the router settings
Once you are logged in, look for a menu section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," "Security," or "Advanced." The exact name depends on your router brand — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, D-Link, and others all use slightly different layouts.
Inside this section, find the field labeled "Passphrase," "Pre-Shared Key," "PSK," "Network Key," or "WiFi Password." This field contains your current WiFi password. It may appear as dots or asterisks for security, but some routers have a "Show Password" checkbox you can click to reveal it in plain text.
If you cannot find this section, look for a "Wireless Security" or "WiFi Security" page. Write down the password exactly as it appears, including any capital letters, numbers, or special characters.
What to do if you forgot the admin password
If you changed the admin password and no longer remember it, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including your WiFi password, and returns the router to the state it was in when you first received it.
To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink, and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, you can log in using the default admin credentials printed on the sticker.
After a factory reset, your WiFi password returns to whatever is printed on the sticker. You can then log back in and change it to something new if you wish.
Changing your WiFi password to something you can remember
If the password on the sticker is long or difficult to type, you can change it to something easier. Log into your router settings as described above, navigate to the Wireless or WiFi Security section, and look for a field to edit the passphrase or password.
Create a new password that is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols if possible — this makes it harder for others to guess. Avoid using obvious words, birthdays, or names. Write the new password down and store it somewhere safe, like a notebook or password manager.
After you save the new password, your router will restart and disconnect all devices. You will need to reconnect each device using the new password. The old password will no longer work.
Troubleshooting when you cannot access the router settings
If you type the IP address and nothing appears, make sure your device is connected to the WiFi network. You cannot access the router settings over the internet — you must be on the same network. If you are on a different network, switch to your WiFi first.
If the login page appears but the default username and password do not work, check the sticker again for the exact credentials. Some routers use "admin" and "admin," others use "admin" and a blank password, and some use completely different defaults. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, a factory reset is your only option.
If the router does not respond at all, make sure it is powered on and the ethernet cable is connected. Wait 30 seconds for it to fully boot, then try again. If the lights on the front are off, check that the power cable is plugged in and the outlet is working.
Why your router stores the password this way
Your router keeps your WiFi password in its memory so it can broadcast your network and check that devices connecting to it know the correct password. The password is also printed on the sticker so you have a physical copy if you need to reconnect a device or give the password to a guest.
The admin password is separate from the WiFi password because it controls access to the router's settings — changing channels, updating firmware, or viewing connected devices. Keeping these two passwords different means someone who knows your WiFi password cannot change your router settings without also knowing the admin password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password on my phone or computer instead of the router?
On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click "Properties." Scroll down to "Security" and toggle "Show" next to the password field. On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, and check "Show password." On phones, you usually cannot view saved passwords without resetting the network, so checking the router is faster.
What if my router does not have a sticker with the password?
Log into the router settings using the IP address and default admin credentials (usually "admin" and "admin"). Navigate to Wireless or WiFi Security and look for the passphrase field. If you cannot remember the admin password, perform a factory reset by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, then log in with the default credentials again.
Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?
Writing down your WiFi password and storing it in a safe place — like a notebook in your home or a password manager — is reasonable. The bigger security risk is using a weak password that others can guess. A strong password written down is safer than a weak password memorized.
Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?
You do not need to change it constantly, but changing it once a year or after someone moves out is a good practice. If you suspect someone has your password or you want to disconnect a specific device, changing the password will force all devices to reconnect using the new one.
What is the difference between the WiFi password and the admin password?
The WiFi password lets devices connect to your network. The admin password lets you log into the router's settings to change the WiFi password, adjust channels, or view connected devices. You need the admin password only if you want to change router settings; guests only need the WiFi password.