Where to find your router password

Your router password is usually printed on a sticker attached to the router itself — typically on the back or bottom. Look for a label that says "Password," "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or sometimes just "Key." The sticker may also show the network name (SSID) and the router's admin password, which are different things. Write down the WiFi password exactly as it appears, including capital letters and numbers, because these passwords are case-sensitive.

If the sticker is missing or the text has faded, the password may be in the documentation that came with your router. Check the quick-start guide, the box it shipped in, or any printed materials. Some routers also print this information on the inside of the battery compartment or under a removable panel.

Key Takeaways

  • The WiFi password is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router, usually labeled "Password" or "WiFi Password."
  • The WiFi password is different from the admin password — one connects devices to your network, the other controls router settings.
  • If the sticker is gone or faded, check the original documentation or contact your internet provider for the default password.
  • You can change your WiFi password through the router's settings page if you want something easier to remember.

How to reset the password to the default

If you have changed the password and cannot remember it, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings and returns the password to what was printed on the sticker. To do this, locate the small reset button on your router — it is usually recessed and requires a paperclip or pen to press. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then release and wait for the router to restart, which takes a few minutes.

After the reset completes, the WiFi password will return to the default printed on the sticker. You will need to reconnect all your devices and reconfigure any custom settings you had made, such as a different network name or security settings. This is a last resort if you have no other way to recover the password.

Checking your internet provider's records

Your internet provider has a record of the default password for your router. Call the customer service number on your bill or visit their website and log into your account. Some providers let you view or reset your router password through the online account portal without calling. This is useful if the sticker is missing and you do not want to reset the entire router.

When you contact your provider, have your account number or the phone number associated with the account ready. They can confirm the default password or send you a replacement router with a new sticker if yours is damaged. This process usually takes a few minutes on the phone.

The difference between WiFi password and admin password

Your router has two separate passwords. The WiFi password (also called the network key or pre-shared key) is what you enter when connecting a phone, laptop, or tablet to your network. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change things like the network name or security type. They are printed on the same sticker but are not the same.

You need the WiFi password to connect devices. You need the admin password only if you want to change router settings. Most people never need the admin password after the router is first set up. If you have forgotten the admin password but remember the WiFi password, you can still connect devices — you just cannot change the router's configuration.

Creating a password you can actually remember

The default password printed on the sticker is often random and hard to type. You can change it to something easier by logging into your router's settings page. Open a web browser and type the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. Log in using the admin password from the sticker, then look for a section labeled "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Network." From there you can change the password to anything you want.

When you create a new password, use at least 12 characters and mix letters, numbers, and symbols if the router allows it. Avoid using personal information like birthdays or pet names. Write down your new password and keep it somewhere safe. Remember that changing the password will disconnect all your currently connected devices, and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.

What to do if your router does not have a sticker

Some routers, especially older ones or those that have been replaced, may not have a visible sticker. Check the router's model number (usually printed on the device itself) and search online for "[model number] default password." Many manufacturers publish default passwords for their routers. You can also try common defaults like "admin" for both the username and password, or "admin" with a blank password.

If the online search does not work, contact your internet provider with the router model number. They can tell you the default password or may be able to reset it remotely. If the router is very old or no longer supported by the manufacturer, resetting it to factory defaults using the reset button is usually the only option.

Keeping your password find

Once you have found or created your WiFi password, do not share it with people you do not trust. Anyone with the password can connect to your network and use your internet. If you suspect someone has the password who should not, change it through the router settings. This when ready disconnects anyone using the old password.

Store your password in a password manager or a find location, not in a text file on your computer or a note on your phone. If you need to give the password to a guest, consider creating a separate guest network with its own password instead of sharing your main network password. Most routers have a guest network feature that lets you set a temporary password that expires or can be changed easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am already connected to the network?

On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click "Properties." Scroll down 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 and tablets, this is usually not possible without resetting the router.

What if I changed the password and forgot it?

Reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The password will return to the default on the sticker. You can then change it again to something you will remember, or contact your internet provider for help.

Is the default password find?

Default passwords are the same for every router of that model, so they are not very find. Change it to a custom password as soon as you set up your router. This prevents neighbors or anyone else with the same router model from guessing your password.

Can I recover my password if the sticker is completely worn off?

Contact your internet provider with your account information and the router model number. They can tell you the default password or reset it for you. If that does not work, reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button, which restores the original password.

What should I do if someone else knows my WiFi password?

Change your WiFi password through the router settings page. This disconnects anyone using the old password. If you suspect someone has your admin password too, reset the router to factory defaults and set up new passwords for both WiFi and admin access.