Where to find your WiFi password on your own router

The fastest way to find your WiFi password is to look it up on the device that created the network — your router. Every router has a sticker on the back or bottom with the default network name and password printed on it. If you have never changed the password since installation, that sticker holds the answer.

If you have changed the password and do not remember it, you can reset the router to factory settings. This erases your custom password and returns the network to whatever the manufacturer set as default. On most routers, you hold down a small reset button (usually recessed, requiring a paperclip or pin) for 10 to 15 seconds while the device is powered on. The router will restart, and the password will revert to the one printed on the sticker.

Resetting the router means you will need to set up your network again from scratch — reconnect all your devices, create a new password, and reconfigure any custom settings. This takes 20 to 30 minutes but is the most reliable method if you have lost access to your own password.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router first — it holds the default password and requires no tools or technical knowledge.
  • If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, though this erases all custom settings.
  • On Windows, you can view a saved password through network settings if you are already connected to the network.
  • On Mac and iPhone, saved passwords appear in System Settings or iCloud Keychain without needing to reset anything.
  • If you cannot access the router and have no connected devices, contact your internet service provider — they can reset the device remotely or provide the default credentials.

Viewing a saved password on Windows

If your computer is already connected to the network, Windows stores the password and you can view it without resetting anything. Open Settings, go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi. Click on Manage Known Networks and find your network name in the list. Select it, then click Properties.

In the Properties window, scroll down to Security. You will see a checkbox labeled Show to reveal the password in plain text. Click it, and Windows will display the password you are connected to. This method works only if you are already logged into a device on that network — it does not help if you have no way to connect.

Viewing a saved password on Mac or iPhone

On a Mac, open System Settings and go to General, then Passwords. Search for your network name and click it. Your Mac will ask you to authenticate with your fingerprint or password, then display the WiFi password on screen.

On an iPhone or iPad, the process is similar but slightly different. Go to Settings, then Passwords (or Keychain on older versions). Search for your network name, and the password will appear after you authenticate. Both methods require that you have already connected to the network at some point and that you are logged into the same iCloud account you used when you connected.

Resetting your router to factory defaults

Locate the reset button on your router — it is usually a small, recessed button on the back panel, sometimes labeled Reset or Restart. You will need a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen, or a similar thin object to press it, since the button is deliberately small to prevent accidental resets.

Make sure the router is powered on. Press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — you may see lights on the router flicker or go dark. Release the button and wait 30 to 60 seconds for the router to restart completely. Once the lights stabilize, the router has returned to factory settings.

After the reset, check the sticker on the router for the default network name and password. Connect a device to the network using those credentials. You will then need to log into the router's admin panel (usually by typing the router's IP address into a web browser) to set up a new password and reconfigure your network settings.

Contacting your internet service provider

If you cannot access the router physically and have no connected devices, your internet service provider can help. Call the customer service number on your bill or your provider's website. Explain that you have lost access to your WiFi password and need to reset the router.

Many providers can reset the device remotely, which returns it to factory settings without you having to touch it. Some will provide the default credentials over the phone so you can look up the password yourself. A few providers require a technician visit, though this is less common. Have your account number and the router model (usually on the device itself) ready when you call.

What to do if you cannot find the sticker

If the sticker on your router is worn, faded, or missing, you can find the default password online using the router model number. The model is printed on the device itself, usually on the back panel. Search for "[router model] default password" and you will find the manufacturer's default credentials.

Common router manufacturers include Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and Arris. Each publishes a list of default passwords by model. Once you have the default password, you can reset the router and use it to reconnect. If the online search does not return results, the reset button method will always work — it returns any router to its original state regardless of the model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find someone else's WiFi password without their permission?

No. Accessing someone else's network without permission is illegal in most places and violates computer fraud laws. The methods described here work only on your own router or on a network you have permission to access. If you need to use someone else's WiFi, ask them directly.

Will resetting my router delete my internet connection?

No, resetting the router returns it to factory settings but does not affect your internet service itself. Your internet service provider's connection remains active. After the reset, you reconnect to the network using the default password, and your internet works as before. You will need to reconfigure any custom settings you had set up, such as a custom network name or advanced security options.

What if I reset the router but still cannot remember the password?

After a reset, the password is whatever the manufacturer printed on the sticker attached to the router. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, search online for the router model and "default password." If you still cannot find it, contact your internet service provider — they have records of the device and can provide the default credentials or reset it remotely.

Can I view my WiFi password on my phone if I am already connected?

On iPhone, yes — go to Settings, Passwords, search for your network name, and authenticate with your face or fingerprint. On Android, the process varies by manufacturer and Android version. Some phones show the password in WiFi settings under Advanced, while others do not display saved passwords at all. If your Android phone does not show it, use a connected computer instead.

How long does it take to reset a router?

The physical reset takes about 10 to 15 seconds of holding the button. The router then takes 30 to 60 seconds to restart. After that, you can when ready connect to the network using the default password. Reconfiguring your custom settings (if you want to change the network name or password again) takes an additional 10 to 20 minutes depending on how many settings you customize.