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

The simplest place to look is the physical router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom, back, or side that lists the WiFi network name (called the SSID) and the password needed to connect. The sticker is usually white or silver and contains small printed text. The password may be labeled as "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "Passphrase", or sometimes just "Password".

If you cannot find a sticker or the text has faded, the password is also stored inside the router's settings menu, which you can access from any device already connected to that WiFi network. You do not need to reset the router or call your internet provider to retrieve it.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router first — this is where manufacturers print the default WiFi password.
  • If the sticker is missing or unreadable, log into your router's settings menu using the admin username and password (also on the sticker).
  • The settings menu is reached by typing your router's IP address into a web browser on a connected device.
  • If you have changed the WiFi password since you set up the router, only the settings menu will show your current password.

How to access your router's settings menu

To view the password stored in your router, you need to log into the router's admin panel. Start by opening a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi — a phone, tablet, or computer. Type the router's IP address into the address bar. The most common IP address is 192.168.1.1, though some routers use 192.168.0.1 or 10.0.0.1. Check your router's sticker to confirm which one yours uses.

Press Enter. A login page should appear asking for a username and password. These are the admin credentials, not your WiFi password — they control access to the router's settings. The default username is usually admin and the default password is often admin, password, or blank. If those do not work, check the sticker on your router or the manual that came with it. If you have changed these credentials and forgotten them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings including your WiFi password.

Finding the password once you are logged in

After you log in, you will see a menu of settings. Look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Security. The exact name and location varies by router brand and model. Once you find this section, you should see a field labeled "Password", "Passphrase", "Pre-Shared Key", or "PSK". The password displayed there is what you need to give to anyone trying to connect to your network.

If the password appears as dots or asterisks for security reasons, look for a checkbox or button labeled "Show" or "Reveal" to display it in plain text. Some routers also let you view the password by right-clicking the field and selecting "Inspect" or similar, though this requires more technical knowledge.

What to do if you cannot find the sticker

If the sticker is missing, damaged, or you cannot locate it, try the IP address method above. If you do not know the admin password and cannot reset the router, contact your internet service provider. They have records of your account and can either tell you the default credentials or walk you through resetting the router remotely.

If you set up the router yourself and changed the admin password, but you have forgotten it, the only way to regain access is to perform a factory reset. This is a small button on the router (usually recessed so it requires a paperclip or pin to press) that you hold for 10 to 15 seconds. The reset erases all settings, including your WiFi password, and returns the router to its original state. After a reset, you will see only the default network name and password from the sticker.

Why your current password might differ from the sticker

The password printed on the sticker is the default password set by the manufacturer. If you or someone else has logged into the router settings and changed the WiFi password, the sticker will no longer show your current password. The settings menu is the only place to find what you actually changed it to.

If you have changed the password and forgotten what you set it to, you have two options: reset the router to factory settings (which returns it to the sticker password but erases all your custom settings), or contact your internet service provider to see if they can retrieve it for you. Some providers keep records of customer-configured passwords, though this is not may provide.

Differences between router brands

The steps above work for most home routers, but the exact menu layout differs between brands like Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, Asus, and others. The IP address to type in the browser is usually the same (192.168.1.1), but the admin username and password vary. Always check your specific router's sticker or manual first. If you are unsure which brand you have, look at the logo on the front or back of the device.

Some internet service providers issue their own branded routers that may have different default credentials or a different login process. If your router is labeled with your provider's name (like Comcast, Verizon, or Charter), contact them directly for the default admin password, as it may not be printed on the sticker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password from my phone or computer without logging into the router?

On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties. On Mac, hold Option and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar. On phones, you generally cannot view saved passwords without logging into the router, though some Android devices show it in Settings > WiFi > Saved Networks.

What if I forgot my admin password and cannot reset the router?

Contact your internet service provider. They can often reset the router remotely or provide you with the default credentials. If the router is yours (not rented from the provider), you can perform a factory reset by holding the small reset button on the device for 10 to 15 seconds, which returns everything to default settings.

Is the WiFi password the same as the admin password?

No. The WiFi password is what guests use to connect to your network. The admin password controls access to the router's settings menu. They are separate and can be different. You need the admin password to view or change the WiFi password.

Why is my password showing as a series of dots?

The router hides the password for security — if someone else looks at your screen, they cannot read it. Look for a "Show" or "Reveal" button or checkbox near the password field to display it in plain text temporarily.