Your WPA2 password is stored in your router settings or on a sticker attached to the router itself

The WPA2 password is the security code you enter when connecting a device to your WiFi network. It is not the same as your internet service provider login. Most people find it in one of three places: a sticker on the physical router, the router's admin panel (accessed through a web browser), or the device settings on a phone or computer that has already connected.

The easiest route depends on whether you still have access to the router and whether you remember the password at all. If you can see the router, check for a sticker first — manufacturers often print the default password there. If the sticker is missing or the password has been changed, you will need to log into the router itself through a browser.

Key Takeaways

  • Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back listing the WiFi name and default WPA2 password.
  • If the password has been changed from the default, you can view it by logging into the router's admin panel using a web browser.
  • On Windows, Mac, and phones, you can see saved WiFi passwords in system settings if you are already connected to the network.
  • The router's default login credentials (usually admin/admin or admin/password) are often printed on the same sticker as the WiFi password.

Check the sticker on your router first

The fastest way to find your WPA2 password is to look at the physical router. Most routers have a label on the bottom, back, or side that lists the WiFi network name (SSID) and the default password. This sticker usually also shows the router's model number and the default admin username and password for accessing the router's settings.

If you have moved the router or the sticker has worn off, the information may still be inside the router's documentation or on the box it came in. Check any paperwork that came with your internet service. If you cannot find the sticker and do not have the original documentation, you will need to access the router through your browser.

Log into your router to view or change the password

To access your router's settings, open a web browser and type the router's IP address into the address bar. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. When prompted, enter the admin username and password — these are usually printed on the sticker mentioned above, or they may be the defaults: admin for both username and password.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, or Security. The WPA2 password (sometimes called the Pre-Shared Key or PSK) will be displayed there. If you want to change it to something you will remember, you can do so in this same section. After making changes, save and reboot the router — this usually takes a few minutes.

If you cannot remember the admin password and it has been changed from the default, you may need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all custom settings and returns the router to its original state. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.

Find a saved WiFi password on Windows

If your Windows computer is already connected to the network, you can view the saved password without accessing the router. Right-click the WiFi icon in the system tray (bottom right corner) and select Open Network and Internet Settings. Click Manage Known Networks, then select your WiFi network and choose Properties.

Scroll down to the Security section and check the box next to Show to reveal the password in plain text. This method only works if you are already connected to the network — Windows does not display passwords for networks you have never joined.

Find a saved WiFi password on Mac

On a Mac, open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing Keychain Access, and pressing Enter. Search for your WiFi network name in the search box. When you find it, double-click the entry and check the box next to Show Password. You will be asked to enter your Mac's admin password to confirm.

Like Windows, this method only works if your Mac has previously connected to the network. The password will appear in plain text once you authenticate.

Find a saved WiFi password on iPhone or Android

On an iPhone running iOS 16 or later, go to Settings, then WiFi, and tap the information icon (i) next to your network name. The password appears under the WiFi Password field — you may need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID first.

On Android, the process varies by manufacturer and Android version. Most phones do not display saved passwords directly in settings. Instead, open your router's admin panel on a browser (using the steps above) to view the password. Some Android phones allow you to share the WiFi network with another device by scanning a QR code, which bypasses the need to type the password manually.

What to do if you cannot find the password anywhere

If the sticker is gone, you cannot access the router's admin panel, and no device has ever connected to the network, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings. Locate the small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it) and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default settings.

After the reset, the WiFi password will revert to whatever is printed on the sticker. You can then log into the admin panel using the default credentials and change the password to something custom. Keep the new password written down or stored in a password manager so you do not lose it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WPA2 the same as my internet password?

No. Your WPA2 password is for connecting to your WiFi network. Your internet password is what you use to log into your internet service provider's account online. They are separate and unrelated.

Can I see my WPA2 password if I am not connected to the network?

Only if you have access to the router itself or to a device that is already connected. If neither is true, you will need to reset the router to factory settings to regain access.

What if I changed the password and forgot it?

Reset the router to factory settings using the recessed reset button on the back. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while powered on. The password will revert to the default shown on the sticker, and you can then set a new one through the admin panel.

Why does my router have both a default password and an admin password?

The WiFi password (WPA2) is what you enter on your phone or computer to join the network. The admin password protects the router's settings so others cannot change your WiFi name or password without permission. They serve different purposes.