Where your WiFi password lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: on the router itself (usually a sticker on the back or bottom), in your router's settings page (which you access through a web browser), or in your device's saved network list. The easiest route depends on whether you remember your password at all and what device you're trying to connect.

If you've forgotten the password completely, the router sticker is your fastest option — most routers ship with a default password printed there. If that sticker is gone or worn away, you can reset the router to factory settings and use the default password, or log into the router's settings page if you remember the admin password. On Windows and Mac, you can also pull the password from a device that's already connected.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router first — the WiFi password is usually printed there in small text.
  • On Windows, you can view a saved WiFi password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks without touching the router.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access and search for your network name to see the password in plain text.
  • If the sticker is missing and you've forgotten the password, you can factory reset the router using the small reset button, then use the default password printed in the manual or on the router's label.
  • Resetting the router erases all your custom settings, so write down your network name and any port forwarding rules before you reset.

Finding the password on the router itself

Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the network name (called the SSID) and the WiFi password. Look for text that says "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "Passphrase," or sometimes just "Password." The text is often small and may be printed in light gray ink, so tilt the router under a light to read it clearly.

If the sticker is faded or missing, check inside the battery compartment if your router has one, or look at the original box or paperwork that came with it. The manual or quick-start guide usually lists the default password. If you've lost all of those, you'll need to either reset the router or log into its settings page.

Viewing a saved password on Windows

If your Windows computer is already connected to the network, you can see the password without touching the router. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it, then click Properties.

Scroll down to the "Security" section and look for the line that says "Security type" and "Encryption type." Below that, you'll see a field labeled "Network security key." Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text. You'll need to confirm you're the device owner — Windows may ask for your PIN or fingerprint.

Viewing a saved password on Mac

On a Mac, open Keychain Access by pressing Command+Space, typing "keychain," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type your network name (the WiFi SSID). When it appears in the list, double-click it.

A window will open showing details about that network. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your login password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text in the password field. You can now copy it and share it with others or write it down.

Logging into your router's settings page

If you remember the admin password for your router (different from the WiFi password), you can log in and view or change the WiFi password. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar — one of these is the standard address for most home routers. Press Enter.

A login page will appear. The default username is often "admin" and the default password is often "admin" or "password," but check your router's manual or the sticker on the device for the exact credentials. Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings." The WiFi password (sometimes called the "Pre-Shared Key" or "PSK") will be displayed there, and you can change it if you want.

Resetting the router to factory defaults

If you've lost both the WiFi password and the admin password, you can reset the router to its factory settings. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed into the case) on the back or bottom of the router. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After the reset, the router will use its default network name and password, which are printed on the sticker or in the manual. Write down your current network name and any custom settings (like port forwarding rules) before you reset, because the reset erases everything. Once the router restarts, you can log back in with the default credentials and reconfigure it.

What to do if you can't find the password anywhere

If the sticker is gone, the manual is lost, and you can't log into the settings page, contact your internet service provider. They have a record of the router model and can tell you the default password, or they can send a technician to help. Have your account number ready when you call.

Alternatively, if you own the router, you can look up the model number (printed on the device) and search online for the default password — most manufacturers publish these. If the router belongs to someone else (a landlord, workplace, or shared network), ask them directly for the password rather than attempting a reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WiFi password the same as the admin password?

No. The WiFi password is what you enter to connect to the network. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page. They're separate, and you can change one without affecting the other. Most people only need the WiFi password.

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

Not from your device. You need either the router itself (to read the sticker), access to a computer that's already connected (to view the saved password), or the admin password (to log into the settings page). If you have none of those, contact your internet provider or the network owner.

What happens if I reset the router?

The router returns to its factory settings, which means the network name and password go back to the default, and any custom changes you made (like port forwarding or a custom network name) are erased. You'll need to set everything up again from scratch using the default password.

Why is my password different from what's on the sticker?

Someone changed it after the router was set up. Check with whoever manages the network — they may have changed it for security reasons. If it's your router, you can log into the settings page and change it back, or reset the router to restore the default password.

Can I change my WiFi password myself?

Yes, if you have the admin password. Log into the router's settings page (usually 192.168.1.1), find the WiFi or Wireless section, and look for the password or "Pre-Shared Key" field. Change it to something new and save. All devices will need to reconnect using the new password.