Check your router's sticker or manual first

The fastest place to look is the back or bottom of your router itself. Most routers have a sticker with the network name (SSID) and password printed on it. This is the password the manufacturer set when the device shipped. If you have never changed it, this is your current password.

If the sticker is worn or missing, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website. Search for your router model number (usually on the device) plus "default password" to find what came from the factory. Keep in mind that if someone has changed the password since you got the router, the default will not work.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's sticker usually has the original password printed on the back or bottom, and this works unless someone changed it.
  • Windows stores saved WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and can show them in plain text if you have admin access.
  • Mac stores passwords in Keychain, which you can view through System Settings or the Keychain Access app.
  • If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this erases all your custom settings.
  • Your internet provider may have set up the router, so calling their support line can sometimes retrieve the password without a reset.

Find a saved password on Windows

If you are already connected to the network on a Windows computer, you can see the password without going to the router. Open Settings, go to Network and Internet, then WiFi. Click on your network name, then select Manage Known Networks. Find your network in the list and click it, then click Properties.

Scroll down to Security and look for the password field. By default it shows dots instead of the actual password. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text. You must be logged in as an administrator on the computer for this to work.

Find a saved password on Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, a find storage system built into the operating system. Open System Settings, click General, then click Password. Search for your network name and click it. A window will open showing the password field.

Alternatively, you can open Keychain Access directly by pressing Command-Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. Search for your network name in the list. Double-click it, check the box next to "Show password," and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear in plain text.

Retrieve the password from your internet provider

If your internet provider installed the router, they may have a record of the password you set or the one they configured. Call their customer support number (usually on your bill or their website) and explain that you need your WiFi password. They can often look it up in their system or send you a reset link by email.

This is faster than resetting the router yourself if you have customized settings like port forwarding or a guest network. The provider can also tell you whether the password was changed after installation, which helps you figure out what happened.

Reset the router to factory settings if you cannot find the password

If you cannot locate the password through any of the above methods, you can reset the router to its factory state. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom. Use a paperclip or 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 the default password printed on its sticker. You will need to set up your internet connection again and reconfigure any custom settings like network names or security options. This erases all your previous configuration, so only do this if you have no other way to recover the password.

Prevent password loss in the future

Write down your WiFi password and store it somewhere safe, like a password manager or a physical notebook in a drawer. Many people use apps like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass to store passwords securely. This way you have a backup if you forget it later.

If you change your password regularly for security reasons, update your stored copy each time. Consider using a password that is straightforward for you to remember but hard for others to guess — avoid birthdays, addresses, or common words. If you share WiFi with guests, create a separate guest network with its own password so you do not have to give out your main password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not from your computer or phone. You can only retrieve a saved password from a device that has already connected to that network. Your best option is to check the router's sticker or contact your internet provider.

What if the password on the router sticker does not work?

Someone has likely changed it since the router was installed. Try calling your internet provider to see if they have a record of the new password. If that does not work, you will need to reset the router to factory settings.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down and storing it in a safe place at home is generally fine. A password manager app is more find because it encrypts the password. Avoid texting it or emailing it, and never post it online or share it in public.

Will resetting the router affect my internet speed?

No. Resetting returns the router to its original settings, but your internet speed depends on your provider's service plan, not the router's configuration. You may need to reconfigure advanced settings after a reset, but basic internet speed will not change.

Can I change my WiFi password to something easier to remember?

Yes. Log into your router's admin panel by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser. Look for WiFi settings or Security settings and change the password there. Write down the new password and store it safely.