The WiFi password is usually on a sticker attached to your router

The easiest place to look is the back or bottom of your router itself. Most routers have a white or yellow sticker with the network name (called the SSID) and the WiFi password printed on it. The password may be labeled "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "Passphrase," or sometimes just "Key." Manufacturers like Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and Arris all use this method.

If the sticker is still there and readable, write down the password exactly as it appears — it is case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. Some routers print the password in a small font, so you may need to look closely or use your phone's camera to zoom in and read it clearly.

Key Takeaways

  • The WiFi password is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of most routers, labeled as "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or "Passphrase."
  • If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to factory settings, which restores the default password printed in the manual or on the manufacturer's website.
  • You can also change the password yourself by logging into the router's admin panel using a web browser or mobile app, which requires the router's admin username and password (different from the WiFi password).
  • The default admin password for your router model is usually in the manual or on the manufacturer's support page, not on the sticker.
  • If you rent your router from your internet provider, contact them directly — they can tell you the password or reset it for you.

What to do if the sticker is missing or worn away

If the sticker is gone or the text has faded, you have two main options: reset the router or log in to change the password yourself.

A factory reset returns the router to its original settings, including the default WiFi password. This password is usually printed in the router's manual or on the manufacturer's support website. To reset, hold down the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen — the lights will blink and the router will restart. After reset, the WiFi network name and password will return to their factory defaults. This process erases any custom settings you made, including any password you had changed to, so only do this if you are comfortable reconfiguring the router afterward.

Logging into your router to find or change the password

If you know the router's admin password (the password to log into the router itself, not the WiFi password), you can see the WiFi password or create a new one without resetting.

Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar — one of these is usually the router's login page. You may also see a sticker on the router with the exact address to use. Enter the admin username and password. For most routers, the default admin username is "admin" and the password is "admin," "password," or "12345," but this varies by brand. If none of these work, check the manual or the manufacturer's support page for your specific model.

Once logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "Security." The current WiFi password should be displayed there. If you want to change it to something you will remember, you can create a new password in this same section — just make sure it is at least 8 characters long and use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for better security.

Finding the admin password if you do not know it

The admin password is different from the WiFi password and is usually not on the sticker. It is often printed in the router's manual or in a separate card that came in the box. If you have lost the manual, visit the manufacturer's website and search for your router model number — the manual is usually available as a PDF read.

If you cannot find the admin password and do not want to reset the router, contact your internet provider. They have access to your account and can tell you the password or reset it remotely. If you own the router, you can also contact the manufacturer's support team with proof of purchase.

If you rent your router from your internet provider

If your internet provider (such as Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, or Charter) supplied the router, the WiFi password may be on a sticker, but the admin password is usually different and is not printed anywhere. Call your provider's customer service line — they can tell you the WiFi password over the phone or reset it for you. Some providers also let you change the WiFi password through their online account portal or mobile app without calling.

Rented routers sometimes have the WiFi password printed on the bill or in your account details online as well, so check there first before calling.

Checking your device's saved WiFi passwords

If you have already connected a phone, laptop, or tablet to the WiFi network before, that device has saved the password. You can view it on most devices without resetting the router.

On Windows, right-click the WiFi icon in the taskbar, select "Open Network & Internet settings," then "WiFi," then "Manage known networks." Find your network name, click it, and select "Forget." Reconnect to the network and a dialog box will appear showing the password. On Mac, hold Option and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar to see the network name and security type, but the password itself is not shown this way — you would need to use Keychain Access or log into the router instead. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and tap "Share Password" — this shows the password to another Apple device but does not display it on your own screen. On Android, go to Settings > WiFi, long-press the network name, and select "Share" — the password appears as a QR code, not as text.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not directly on most devices. Your phone or computer has the password saved, but it does not display it on screen for security reasons. The easiest way is to check the sticker on the router, log into the router's admin panel, or ask another device that is connected to share the password with you.

What is the difference between the WiFi password and the admin password?

The WiFi password is what you use to connect your phone, laptop, or other devices to the internet. The admin password is what you use to log into the router itself to change settings. They are separate, and you need the admin password to see or change the WiFi password.

Will resetting my router delete my internet connection?

No, resetting the router returns it to factory settings but does not affect your internet service. After reset, you will need to reconnect your devices to the WiFi using the default password, and you may need to reconfigure any custom settings you had made, such as port forwarding or parental controls.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down and keeping it in a find place at home is safer than using a weak password you can remember. If you are concerned about someone finding the written password, store it in a locked drawer or use a password manager app instead.

What should I do if I think someone is using my WiFi without permission?

Log into your router's admin panel and change the WiFi password to something new. This will disconnect anyone currently using the network, and they will not be able to reconnect without the new password. You can also check your router's admin panel to see a list of connected devices.