Where your router password is stored

Your router password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device itself. Look for a label that says "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "PSK," or sometimes just "Password" — it may be next to the network name (SSID). If the sticker is still there and readable, that's your fastest option.

If the sticker is missing, worn away, or you've changed the password since setup, you have three main ways to recover it: through your router's admin panel, through your internet service provider's account, or by resetting the router to factory defaults.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the physical sticker on your router first — the password is usually printed there and hasn't changed unless you manually updated it.
  • You can log into your router's admin panel using the default username and password (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number) to view or change your WiFi password.
  • Your internet service provider's website or app may show your WiFi password if they provided the router, though this varies by provider.
  • Resetting your router to factory settings will restore the original password but will erase any custom settings you've made.
  • You will need the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and a device already connected to the network to access the admin panel.

Accessing your router's admin panel

The admin panel is a web page built into your router where you can view and change settings, including your WiFi password. To reach it, open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi network and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, you can find the correct address by checking your router's manual or the manufacturer's website.

When the login page appears, enter the default username and password. For most routers, both are admin. Some manufacturers use admin as the username and the router's serial number (printed on the sticker) as the password. If you've changed these credentials before and don't remember them, you'll need to reset the router.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "Security." The WiFi password (also called the pre-shared key or PSK) should be visible there. Some routers hide the password behind a checkbox that says "Show password" — click it to reveal the full string of characters.

Checking your internet service provider's account

If your internet service provider supplied the router, they may store your WiFi password in your online account. Log into your ISP's website or mobile app using your account credentials. Look for a section called "My Services," "Internet," "WiFi," or "Network Settings."

Not all providers display this information, and the location varies widely. Comcast Xfinity, for example, shows it under "Internet" in the Xfinity app. Verizon Fios displays it in the My Verizon app under "Network." AT&T and other providers have similar options but in different locations. If you can't find it after a few minutes of searching, contact your provider's customer support — they can tell you the password over the phone after verifying your account.

Resetting your router to factory defaults

If you can't access the admin panel and your ISP won't help, you can reset the router to its original settings. This will restore the default WiFi password printed on the sticker, but it will also erase any custom settings you've made, including port forwarding, parental controls, or a custom network name.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back of the router — it's usually recessed so you can't press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it's back online, the WiFi password will be the one printed on the sticker.

After resetting, you'll need to set up your internet connection again. Your ISP may have sent you setup instructions when you first received the router, or you can find them on the manufacturer's website. You'll also want to create a new WiFi password once you're back online, rather than relying on the default one.

Finding your router's default login credentials

If you need to log into the admin panel but don't know the default username and password, check the router's manual or the sticker on the device. The manual usually lists both. If you've lost the manual, you can search online for "[router model number] default password" — most manufacturers publish this information.

Common defaults across brands include "admin" and "admin," "admin" and "password," or "admin" and a blank password field. Some routers use the serial number or MAC address as the password. If none of these work, the router may have been set up with custom credentials by a previous owner or technician, in which case a factory reset is your only option.

What to do if you still can't find it

If the sticker is gone, you can't access the admin panel, and your ISP won't provide the password, resetting the router is the most straightforward solution. The process takes about 20 minutes and requires no special tools beyond a paperclip.

Alternatively, if you have a device that's already connected to the WiFi, you may be able to view the saved password through that device's settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click "Properties" — the password appears under "Security Key." On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, and check "Show password." On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network, and look for the password (iOS 16 and later). Android devices don't display saved passwords in settings, but you can view them through the router's admin panel instead.

Keeping your password find after you find it

Once you've recovered your password, consider whether you want to keep it. Default passwords and old passwords that may have been shared with guests or previous residents are security risks. Change your WiFi password to something strong — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

To change it, log back into the admin panel, find the WiFi or Wireless settings, and look for an option to change the password or PSK. Save the new password somewhere find, like a password manager, rather than writing it on the router itself. This way, you'll have it if you need it later, but it won't be visible to anyone who picks up the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you need to be connected to the network to access the router's admin panel. If you're locked out, use a device that's already connected (a phone, laptop, or tablet), or reset the router to restore the default password. You can also contact your ISP to ask for the password.

What's the difference between the WiFi password and the admin password?

The WiFi password is what guests and devices use to connect to your network. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page. They're separate — changing one doesn't affect the other. If you forget the admin password, you'll need to reset the router.

Will resetting my router affect my internet connection?

Resetting will disconnect your internet temporarily while the router restarts, but it won't damage your connection to your ISP. You'll need to log back into the admin panel and re-enter your ISP account information (if required) to restore internet access. This usually takes a few minutes.

Is it safe to use the default WiFi password that came on the sticker?

Default passwords are weak and may have been seen by installers, previous owners, or anyone who's handled the router. Change it to a strong custom password as soon as you can. Use the admin panel to set a new one, then store it in a password manager rather than writing it down.

Why can't I log into the admin panel even with the default password?

The default credentials may have been changed by a previous owner, technician, or someone else with access to the router. If you're certain you haven't changed them yourself, try resetting the router to factory defaults. This will restore the original login credentials and WiFi password.