Check your router's sticker or documentation 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. The password is usually labeled as "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "Security Key," or sometimes just "Key." Write it down exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter.

If the sticker is worn or missing, check the paperwork that came with your router when you first got it. The setup guide or quick-start card often has the default password printed on it. Keep this documentation in a safe place for future reference.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's physical sticker is the easiest source — check the back or bottom for a label with the network name and password.
  • You can log into your router's admin panel through a web browser to view or change your password if you know the admin login.
  • On Windows, you can find saved passwords through Settings without logging into the router.
  • On Mac and iPhone, the Keychain stores your WiFi password and can display it with a few clicks.
  • If you have forgotten everything, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this erases all your custom settings.

Find your password through your router's admin panel

If the sticker is gone and you have the router's login credentials, you can view your password by logging into the router itself. Open a web browser and type the router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's manual or the sticker for the exact address.

Enter the admin username and password when prompted. These are often printed on the router's sticker as well, and many routers use "admin" as the username with "admin" or a blank password as the default. Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "Security." The password field should display your network password there, though it may be hidden behind dots or asterisks.

If you do not know the admin password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings (see the section below). Write down your password once you find it, and consider changing the admin password to something you will remember.

Retrieve a saved password on Windows

Windows stores WiFi passwords you have connected to before. Right-click the WiFi icon in your system tray (bottom right corner) and select "Open Network and Internet settings." Click "WiFi" in the left menu, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks."

Find your network name in the list and click it. Select "Forget" if you want to remove it, or click "Properties" to view more details. In the Properties window, scroll to the "Security type" section and check the box next to "Show" under the password field. Your password will appear in plain text.

Retrieve a saved password on Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, the system password manager. Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. Search for your network name in the search box at the top right.

When you find your network, double-click it to open its details. Check the box labeled "Show password" at the bottom of the window. You will be asked to enter your Mac login password to confirm. Once you do, your WiFi password will display in plain text in the password field.

Retrieve a saved password on iPhone or iPad

iPhone and iPad also store passwords in Keychain. Go to Settings, then tap "Passwords" (or "Passwords and Accounts" on older versions). You may need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

Search for your network name in the list. Tap it to open the details, and your WiFi password will appear. You can tap the eye icon next to the password to show it in plain text, or tap "Copy" to copy it to your clipboard so you can paste it elsewhere.

Reset your router to factory settings if you have forgotten everything

If you cannot find the password anywhere and do not have the admin login, you can reset the router to its factory default settings. This will erase all your custom settings, including your WiFi network name and password, and return everything to what it was when you first bought it.

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, you can log in with the default credentials printed on the sticker and set up a new password.

After resetting, you will need to reconnect all your devices to the network using the new password. This process takes 10 to 15 minutes total.

Contact your internet provider if the router belongs to them

If your router came from your internet service provider (ISP) rather than being one you purchased yourself, the provider may have set a custom password during installation. Call the customer service number on your bill or visit the provider's website to request your password.

Many providers can look up your account and send the password to your email or phone number on file. Some providers also let you view it through their online account portal. Have your account number ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am connected to the network?

Yes. On Windows, use the Settings method described above. On Mac, use Keychain Access. On iPhone, go to Settings > Passwords. All three methods work whether or not you remember the password — the system has it stored.

What if my password contains special characters and I cannot type it correctly?

Copy and paste the password instead of typing it. Once you find it on your device, select the password text, copy it, and paste it into the field where you need it. This avoids mistakes with characters that look similar, like the number zero and the letter O.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down and keeping it in a safe place at home is reasonable. Avoid posting it online, texting it to people, or writing it where guests can easily see it. If you want to share it with a guest, read it aloud or show them the sticker on the router rather than writing it down for them to keep.

Will resetting my router affect my internet connection?

The reset itself does not affect your internet connection to your ISP — that comes through the cable or phone line. However, you will lose internet on all your devices until you reconnect them to the newly reset network with the default password. The whole process usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

What if I reset the router but still do not know the default password?

Check the sticker on the router or the manual that came with it. If you no longer have those, search online for your router model number plus "default password." Most manufacturers publish this information. If that does not work, contact your ISP or the router manufacturer's support line.