Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: inside your router itself, in your computer's memory if you've connected before, and possibly written on a sticker on the router. The fastest route depends on whether you remember connecting to the network and whether you can physically reach the router.

If you've never connected a device to this network, the password is only on the router — either on a sticker on the back or bottom, or in the router's settings page. If you have connected before, your computer remembers it and can show it to you without touching the router at all. The method you use depends on what device you're using and what access you have.

Key Takeaways

  • Most routers have the default WiFi password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device.
  • Windows computers can display a saved WiFi password through Settings without needing the router password.
  • Mac computers store WiFi passwords in Keychain and can show them through System Settings.
  • If you've changed the password and forgotten it, you can reset the router to factory settings, which erases all custom passwords.
  • The router's admin password (different from WiFi password) is needed to change settings, and is also usually on a sticker or in the manual.

Finding the password on a sticker attached to the router

Look at the back, bottom, or sides of your router for a white or gray sticker. This sticker usually lists the network name (called SSID) and the password next to it. The label might say "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "Passphrase", or just show the password without a label. Write down exactly what you see, including capital letters and numbers, because WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.

If the sticker is faded or missing, the password may be in the manual that came with the router, or you can look up the model number (also on the sticker) on the manufacturer's website. For routers from major providers like Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon, the manual is usually available as a PDF read.

Retrieving a saved password from Windows

If you've already connected a Windows computer to the network, Windows remembers the password and can show it to you. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet, then WiFi. Click "Manage known networks" and select the network name you want the password for. Click "Properties" and scroll down to "Security type and encryption details". Toggle the switch next to "Show" under the password field, and the password will appear in plain text.

This method works only if you've connected to that network before on this specific computer. If you've never connected, or if you're using a different computer, you'll need to use the router method instead. The password Windows shows you is the actual WiFi password — the same one you would type into any other device.

Retrieving a saved password from Mac

On a Mac, WiFi passwords are stored in Keychain, which is the system's password manager. Open System Settings, click WiFi, then click "Details" next to the network name. In the window that opens, look for the password field. If it's blank or shows dots, click the lock icon in the bottom left corner of the window, enter your Mac's login password, and the WiFi password will appear.

Like Windows, this only works if you've connected to the network before on this Mac. If you don't see the network listed, you haven't connected to it yet and will need to check the router sticker or access the router's settings page instead.

Accessing the router's settings page directly

If the sticker is missing and you haven't connected any device to the network yet, you can log into the router itself through a web browser. Open a browser on any device connected to the internet (including a phone on mobile data) and go to the router's IP address, which is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You'll see a login page asking for a username and password.

The default username and password are usually "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and the router's serial number (found on the sticker). If those don't work, search online for "[your router model] default login" — for example, "Netgear Nighthawk default login". Once you're logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. The password field will show your current WiFi password, though it may be hidden behind dots until you click "Show".

This method requires you to know the router's admin password, which is different from the WiFi password. If you don't know either one and the sticker is gone, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings.

Resetting the router if you've forgotten everything

If you've changed the WiFi password and forgotten it, and you can't find the sticker or access the settings page, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings, including the WiFi password, and returns it to whatever password was printed on the sticker originally.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom 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 press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it's back on, the WiFi password will be whatever is printed on the original sticker. You'll need to reconnect all your devices using that password, and you can then change it to something new through the settings page.

Warning: resetting also erases any custom network names, port forwarding rules, or other settings you've configured. Only do this if you have no other way to recover the password.

What to do if the password doesn't work

If you've found what you think is the password but devices won't connect, check these common issues. First, make sure you're typing it exactly as written — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". Second, confirm you're connecting to the right network name; routers often broadcast both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network with similar names, and some devices work better on one than the other.

Third, if the password on the sticker looks unusually short (fewer than 8 characters) or contains only numbers, it may be the router's admin password rather than the WiFi password. Check the sticker again for a separate line labeled "WiFi Password" or "Network Key". If you're still stuck, try resetting the router and using the default password from the sticker, then change it to something you'll remember before reconnecting your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not from your computer — your device only stores passwords for networks it has connected to before. You'll need to check the router sticker, access the router's settings page, or reset the router. A phone on mobile data can access the router's settings page if you know the admin password.

Is the WiFi password the same as the router admin password?

No, they're different. The WiFi password is what you type to connect devices to the network. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change configurations. Both are usually on the sticker, but they're separate.

What if I reset the router but still don't know the password?

After a reset, the WiFi password returns to whatever is printed on the sticker on the router. If the sticker is missing or illegible, contact the router's manufacturer with the model number and they can tell you the factory default password, or you can search the model number online.

Can someone else see my WiFi password if they have access to my computer?

Yes, if they can log into your computer, they can follow the Windows or Mac steps above to see your WiFi password. This is why it's important to use a strong login password on your computer itself, separate from your WiFi password.

Do I need to change the default WiFi password?

It's a good idea. Default passwords are the same across thousands of routers of the same model, so anyone nearby could potentially connect. You can change it through the router's settings page by logging in with the admin password, finding the WiFi settings, and entering a new password you'll remember.