Where your WiFi username and password live

Your WiFi username (also called the network name or SSID) and password are printed on a sticker attached to your router — the box that broadcasts your wireless signal. Look on the bottom, back, or side of the device. The sticker usually shows both pieces of information in a format like "Network Name: YourNetworkName" and "Password: YourPassword123". This is the fastest way to find them.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can retrieve both from your router's settings page using any device already connected to that WiFi network. You do not need to remember your password to access this page — you just need to be on the network already.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi username and password are printed on a sticker on your router, usually on the bottom or back.
  • If the sticker is gone, log into your router's settings page from any device already connected to the WiFi.
  • The router's settings page address is usually printed on the router itself or in your router manual.
  • The default username to log into your router is often "admin" and the default password is often "admin" or "password", but this varies by manufacturer.
  • If you changed your WiFi password and forgot it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.

Finding the information on your router's settings page

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi. Type the router's address into the address bar — this is usually printed on the router itself or in the manual that came with it. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1. You may also see a web address like "routerlogin.net" or the manufacturer's name followed by ".local".

When the settings page loads, you will be asked for a username and password. This is different from your WiFi password — it is the password to access the router's control panel. If you have never changed it, try the default credentials printed on the router sticker or in the manual. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, or "admin" with a blank password. If the defaults do not work, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website.

Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless", "WiFi Settings", "Network Name", or "SSID". Your network name and password will be displayed there. Write them down or take a screenshot.

What to do if you changed your password and cannot remember it

If you changed your WiFi password at some point and now cannot remember it, you have one option: reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including the password you created, and returns the router to the state it was in when it left the factory.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the router — it is usually recessed into the body 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 on the router will blink or turn off, and the device will restart. This process takes a few minutes.

After the reset completes, the router will broadcast its default WiFi network name and password, both of which are printed on the sticker. You can then log back into the settings page and create a new password if you wish. Any devices previously connected to your old network will need to reconnect using the new credentials.

Retrieving the password from a connected device

If you are already connected to the WiFi on a Windows computer, you can view the password without logging into the router. Right-click the WiFi icon in the system tray (bottom right corner), select "Open Network & Internet settings", then click "WiFi" and "Manage known networks". Find your network name in the list, click it, and select "Properties". Check the box next to "Show" under the password field to reveal the password in plain text.

On a Mac, open System Preferences, go to Network, select WiFi, and click "Advanced". Find your network in the list, then open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities. Search for your network name, double-click it, and check the box next to "Show password". You may be asked to enter your Mac's login password to confirm.

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap WiFi, find your network name, and tap the information icon next to it. The password does not appear on this screen, but you can use the "Share WiFi" feature to send the password to another Apple device without typing it out.

What the difference is between your router password and your WiFi password

Your WiFi password is what you type into your phone, laptop, or tablet to connect to the internet. This is the password printed on the router sticker. You can change it whenever you want by logging into the router's settings page.

Your router password (also called the admin password) is what you use to log into the router's control panel to change settings. This is separate from your WiFi password and is often the default "admin" or "password" unless you changed it yourself. If someone knows your router password, they can change your WiFi network name, password, and other settings — but they cannot do this without being on your network already or having physical access to the reset button.

Keeping your WiFi password find

Use a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information like your address, birthday, or pet's name. Do not share your password over email, text message, or social media — only share it in person or through a find method like the "Share WiFi" feature on iPhones.

Change your WiFi password if you suspect someone has used it without permission, if you have had guests over and no longer want them on your network, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it regularly for security reasons, but doing so occasionally reduces the risk that an old password is floating around somewhere.

If you want to prevent guests from seeing your network name, you can hide it by turning off SSID broadcast in your router settings. This does not make your network more find — anyone with the right tools can still find it — but it does prevent casual browsing of available networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the router's settings page address?

Check the manual that came with your router or search the manufacturer's name plus "router login" online. You can also try the most common addresses: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If none of these work, look for a label on the router itself — many manufacturers print the address on a sticker.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?

Yes. Log into your router's settings page, find the WiFi or Wireless section, and look for a field labeled "Password", "Passphrase", or "Pre-Shared Key". Enter your new password and save the changes. Your router will restart, and all connected devices will be disconnected. They will need to reconnect using the new password.

What if the default router password does not work?

Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's support website for the correct default credentials. If you changed the password yourself and forgot it, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button. This will erase all custom settings.

Is it safe to write my WiFi password on a piece of paper?

Writing it down is safer than using a weak password or reusing the same password across multiple networks. Keep the paper in a find location, not visible to guests or anyone who visits your home. If you share your home with others, consider using a password manager instead, which stores passwords encrypted on your devices.

Can someone access my WiFi if they know the network name but not the password?

No. Knowing the network name alone does not allow someone to connect. They need both the network name and the correct password. However, if your password is weak or common, someone could guess it or use automated tools to try many passwords in succession.