Where your WiFi password lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: on the router itself (usually a sticker on the bottom or back), in your router's settings page (which you reach through a web browser on any device already connected), and in your device's saved networks list (if you've connected before). The fastest route depends on whether you're already connected to the network or locked out entirely.

If you can't find the password and need to reset it, you'll need to access the router's admin panel. This requires knowing the router's IP address (usually printed on the router) and the admin username and password (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the WiFi password, depending on your router model).

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router first — most manufacturers print the default WiFi password there.
  • If you're already connected on a phone or laptop, you can view the saved password in your device's network settings without touching the router.
  • If you've forgotten both the WiFi password and the router admin password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this erases all your custom settings.
  • Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can look up your WiFi password if you provide proof of account ownership, though response times vary.
  • Changing your password regularly is simpler than recovering a forgotten one — most routers let you change it in the settings page under "Wireless" or "WiFi Settings."

Finding the password on the router itself

Most routers ship with a default WiFi password printed on a sticker attached to the device. Look on the bottom, back, or inside the battery compartment. The label usually shows "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "Passphrase," or "Security Key" followed by a string of letters and numbers.

This password is set by the manufacturer and remains the same until you log into the router's settings and change it yourself. If you've never changed it, this is your password. If you changed it once and forgot it, you'll need to use one of the other methods below.

Viewing the password on a device you're already connected to

On Windows: Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi. Click "Manage known networks," select your network, and click "Forget." Reconnect to the network — Windows will prompt you to enter the password. Alternatively, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, WiFi, then "Advanced options." Scroll to "Known networks" and click your network name. The password field may show dots; right-click and select "Show password" if the option appears (this varies by Windows version).

On Mac: Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). Search for your WiFi network name. Double-click the result, check the "Show password" box, and enter your Mac password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear in plain text.

On iPhone or iPad: Open Settings, go to WiFi, tap the information icon (i) next to your network name, and look for "Password." On iOS 16 and later, you can tap the password field to reveal it. On earlier versions, the password may not display — you'll need to use another method.

On Android: This varies by manufacturer and Android version. On most recent phones, go to Settings, Network & Internet, WiFi, then tap your network name and select "Share." A QR code appears; scan it with another device to see the password in plain text. Some phones show the password directly in the network details.

Accessing the router's settings page to view or change the password

If the sticker is missing or worn and you can't view the password on a connected device, you can log into the router itself. Open a web browser on any device connected to the network and type the router's IP address into the address bar. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1. Check your router's label or manual for the exact address.

When the login page appears, enter the router's admin username and password. The default is often "admin" for both fields, though some routers use "admin" and a blank password, or "admin" and the WiFi password. If none of these work, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "Security." The current WiFi password will be displayed in a field labeled "Passphrase," "Password," or "Network Key." You can view it here or change it to something new. After changing it, save the settings — your router will restart and all devices will disconnect.

Resetting the router when you've forgotten the admin password

If you can't log into the router's settings page because you've forgotten the admin password, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. Locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the case). Using a paperclip or the tip of a pen, press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart.

After the reset, the router returns to its factory settings: the WiFi password reverts to the one printed on the sticker, and the admin password resets to the default (usually "admin" and "admin"). You'll need to reconfigure any custom settings you had — network name changes, port forwarding, parental controls, and so on.

Be aware that a factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone. If you have other devices or services relying on custom router settings, this method will disrupt them until you reconfigure everything.

Contacting your Internet Service Provider for help

Your ISP has a record of the WiFi network name and default password associated with your account. Call the customer service number on your bill or visit your ISP's website. You'll need to verify your account — usually by providing your account number, phone number, or the address on file.

Response times vary. Some ISPs can tell you the password when ready over the phone. Others may require you to verify your identity through additional steps or may send the information by email or text. A few ISPs offer online account portals where you can view this information yourself after logging in.

Preventing this problem in the future

Write down your WiFi password and store it somewhere find — a password manager, a locked drawer, or a note on your phone. If you change the password, update your record at the same time.

Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass to store WiFi passwords alongside other sensitive information. These tools encrypt your passwords and sync across devices, so you can retrieve them from anywhere.

If you share your WiFi with guests or family members, use a separate guest network (most routers have this feature) with a different password. This way, if someone forgets the guest password, you don't have to reset the entire router or change your main network password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not from your phone or laptop — those devices only store passwords for networks they've already joined. You'll need to access the router's settings page (if you know the admin password) or check the sticker on the router itself. If you've forgotten both the WiFi password and the admin password, a factory reset is your only option.

What if the sticker on my router is damaged and I can't read the password?

Log into the router's settings page using the default admin credentials, or contact your ISP with proof of account ownership. If you can't log in and don't remember the admin password, perform a factory reset by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The router will return to its default state, and the password on the sticker will work again.

Does resetting the router delete my Internet connection?

No — resetting the router returns it to factory settings, which means it will reconnect to your ISP automatically (your ISP account information is stored separately). However, any custom settings you configured — like a changed WiFi name, port forwarding rules, or parental controls — will be erased and must be set up again.

Can I change my WiFi password without logging into the router?

Not directly. You must access the router's settings page through a web browser or the router's mobile app (if the manufacturer provides one). Some ISPs offer apps that let you manage your router remotely, but you'll still need to log in with your account credentials first.

Is it safe to use the default WiFi password that came on the sticker?

The default password is better than no password, but it's not unique to your home — anyone with the same router model knows what the default password looks like. Change it to something only you know. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid words from the dictionary or personal information like birthdays or pet names.