Where your router stores this information

Your WiFi username (called the network name or SSID) and password live in one place: your wireless router. The router is the device that broadcasts your WiFi signal — usually a box with antennas sitting on a shelf or mounted on a wall. When you set up your internet service, your provider either installed this router or you bought one yourself.

The network name and password are not stored on your computer or phone. They are settings inside the router itself. This is why you can see your network name from any device in range, but you need the password to connect to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's default network name and password are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device itself.
  • You can also find this information by logging into your router's settings page using a web browser on any connected device.
  • If you changed the password after setup and cannot remember it, you can reset the router to factory defaults, which erases all your custom settings.
  • Your internet provider's support line can confirm your network name and help you reset your password if you have lost access.

Check the sticker on your router

The fastest way to find your network name and password is to look at the physical router. Flip it over or look at the back panel. You will see a sticker with information printed on it. This sticker usually includes:

  • Network Name (or SSID)
  • Password (or WiFi Key, WiFi Password, or Security Key)
  • The router's own login username and password (different from your WiFi password)
  • The router model number and serial number

Write down the network name and password exactly as they appear. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If the sticker is worn or unreadable, move to the next method.

Log into your router's settings page

You can view and change your network name and password by entering your router's settings. Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi. Type one of these addresses into the address bar:

  • 192.168.1.1
  • 192.168.0.1
  • 10.0.0.1

One of these will open a login page. You will need the router's username and password — these are printed on the sticker mentioned above, and they are different from your WiFi password. Common default usernames are "admin" or "administrator". Common default passwords are "admin", "password", or blank (meaning you just press Enter).

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "SSID". This is where your network name and password are stored. You can view the current password here, or change it to something new if you want.

Reset your router if you cannot log in

If you changed the router's login password after setup and cannot remember it, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings, including any changes you made to the network name or password.

Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and return to the settings printed on the sticker. This process takes a few minutes. Once it is done, you will need to reconnect all your devices using the default network name and password.

Resetting the router is a last resort because you will lose any custom settings you made, such as a strong password you created or parental controls you set up. If you are not comfortable doing this, contact your internet provider's support line and ask them to help you reset the router remotely or walk you through the process.

Contact your internet provider

Your internet provider has a record of your account and can tell you your network name over the phone. Call the customer support number on your bill or on the provider's website. Have your account number ready.

The provider can also reset your router password for you remotely, or they can send a technician to help. Some providers offer chat or email support as an alternative to calling. This is the safest option if you are uncomfortable accessing the router's settings yourself or if you have already tried the methods above without success.

Protect your network name and password

Once you have found your network name and password, keep the password somewhere safe. Do not share it with people you do not trust. Anyone with your password can connect to your WiFi and see the traffic on your network.

If you think someone has your password without permission, change it through the router's settings page. This will disconnect anyone currently using your WiFi and force them to enter the new password to reconnect. You will also need to reconnect your own devices.

Consider changing your password every few months, especially if many people have had access to it. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between my WiFi password and my router login password?

Your WiFi password is what you enter on your phone or computer to connect to the internet. Your router login password is what you use to access the router's settings page. They are two separate passwords. The WiFi password is printed on the sticker; the router login password is also on the sticker but is used only when you log into the settings page.

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

On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties. Check the box next to "Show Password". On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show Password", and enter your computer password. On phones, you usually cannot view the password directly, but you can reset it through the router settings.

What if I reset the router but still cannot log in?

After a reset, the router should accept the default username and password from the sticker. If it does not, the router may have a hardware problem. Contact your internet provider and ask them to replace it or send a technician to troubleshoot.

Is it safe to change my network name and password?

Yes. Changing your network name and password is safe and recommended. After you change them, all your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password. This does not affect your internet service itself.

Can I use the same password for my WiFi and my router login?

You can, but it is not recommended. Using different passwords means that if someone learns your WiFi password, they cannot access the router's settings to change your network or see your traffic. Keep the router login password stronger and more private.