Where to find your WiFi password if you still have it

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: on the router itself, in your device's network settings, and possibly in your account with the internet provider. The easiest route depends on what you have access to right now.

Check the router first. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the network name (SSID) and the password. The sticker is usually white or silver and printed in small text. If the sticker is missing or faded, you can still see the password by logging into the router's admin panel — typically by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser on a device already connected to that WiFi.

On Windows, you can also find the password through Settings. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties. Scroll down to Security and toggle "Show" next to the password field. On Mac, open Keychain Access (in Applications > Utilities), search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your computer password when prompted.

Key Takeaways

  • The password label is usually on a sticker attached to the bottom or back of your router.
  • If the sticker is gone, you can log into the router itself by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser and using the default admin username and password.
  • Windows and Mac both store WiFi passwords in their system settings, where you can view them if you already have access to a connected device.
  • Your internet provider's website or app may also show your network password if you log in with your account credentials.
  • If you cannot remember the router's admin password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all custom settings.

Logging into the router when you don't know the password

If the sticker is missing and you cannot find the password in your device settings, you can access the router's admin panel using the default username and password. These vary by manufacturer — common defaults are admin/admin, admin/password, or admin/12345. Check your router's manual or search online for "[your router model] default password" to find the exact combination.

Once you log in, look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Security. The password field will show there, usually masked with dots or asterisks. Some routers let you view it by clicking an eye icon; others require you to change it to see it. Write down the password or change it to something you will remember.

If the default username and password do not work, the router may have been changed by a previous owner or technician. In that case, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. This erases all custom settings and restores the defaults, so you will need to set up the WiFi again from scratch.

Resetting the router to factory settings

A factory reset clears the router completely and returns it to the state it was in when it left the manufacturer. This means you lose any custom settings — including the WiFi password you created — but it also means you can start fresh if you are locked out.

Locate the reset button on the back or bottom of the router. It is usually a small, recessed button labeled Reset. While the router is powered on, use a paperclip, pen, or the tip of a thumbtack to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the router will blink or go dark, and the device will restart. This takes about two to three minutes.

Once the router restarts, it will broadcast a default network name (usually something like "TP-Link-1234" or "Netgear-5G") with a default password printed on the sticker. Log in with those credentials, then access the admin panel and create a new WiFi password. Write it down or store it somewhere safe.

Checking your internet provider's account

Many internet providers store your WiFi password in their online account portal or mobile app. Log in with your account username and password, then look for a section labeled WiFi, Network, or Internet Settings. The password should be listed there, sometimes masked for security.

This method works best if you remember your provider account password. If you do not, you can reset it through the provider's website using your account number and email address. Common providers like Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and AT&T all offer this option on their login pages.

Some providers also let you call customer service to confirm your WiFi password over the phone. You will need to verify your identity with your account number or the phone number on file. This is slower than checking online, but it works if you do not have internet access on another device.

Creating a new password if you want to change it

If you found your password but want to change it for security reasons, log into the router's admin panel and navigate to the WiFi or Wireless settings. Look for a field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key (PSK). Delete the old password and type in a new one.

A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or other personal information. Write down the new password and store it somewhere find — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note on your phone.

After you change the password, click Save or explore. The router will restart, and all devices currently connected will be disconnected. You will need to reconnect each device using the new password. This is normal and takes only a few seconds per device.

What to do if you cannot access the router at all

If the router is in a locked cabinet, mounted in a ceiling, or otherwise inaccessible, contact your internet provider. They can reset the router remotely or send a technician to help. If you rent your home, the landlord or property manager may also have access to the router or the password.

If the router belongs to a business or shared network (like an apartment complex WiFi), ask the person who manages it — a landlord, office manager, or IT staff member. They should be able to provide the password or reset it for you.

If you own the router but cannot physically reach it, a factory reset is your last option. You can ask someone else to press the reset button for you, or you can remove the router from its location and reset it yourself. After the reset, you will need to set it up again, which takes about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am connected but do not know what it is?

Yes. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, click Properties, and toggle "Show" next to the password. On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, and check "Show password". Both require you to enter your computer password.

What is the default password if the sticker on my router is missing?

Default passwords vary by manufacturer. Common ones are admin/admin, admin/password, or admin/12345. Search online for "[your router brand and model] default password" to find the exact one. If none of those work, the router may have been changed by a previous owner, and you will need to reset it.

Will resetting my router delete my internet connection?

No. Resetting the router returns it to factory settings but does not affect your internet service. Your provider's connection remains active. After the reset, you will need to set up the WiFi network again and reconnect your devices, but your internet will work as soon as the router restarts.

Can my internet provider tell me my WiFi password over the phone?

Yes. Call your provider's customer service number, verify your identity with your account number or phone number on file, and ask them to confirm your WiFi password. This takes a few minutes but works if you cannot access the router or your online account.

What should I do if I forgot the password to log into the router's admin panel?

If you cannot log in with the default username and password, the router was likely changed by a previous owner. Your only option is to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all custom settings and restores the defaults.