How to Find Your Computer Network Username and Password

Where to find your network login details

Your computer network username and password are usually printed on a sticker attached to your router — the device that sends WiFi to your home. Look for a label on the bottom, back, or side of the router. The username is often called "SSID" (the network name itself), and the password may be labeled "Network Key," "Passphrase," or "WiFi Password." Write down exactly what you see, including capital letters and numbers.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can find these details through your computer's settings or your router's admin panel. The method depends on whether you are looking for your WiFi credentials or the login details for your router itself — these are two different things.

Key Takeaways

Your WiFi network name and password are usually on a sticker attached to your router.
Windows computers store saved WiFi passwords in Settings under Network & Internet, where you can view them in plain text.
Mac computers show saved WiFi passwords through Keychain Access, which requires your computer password to open.
Your router's admin username and password (different from WiFi credentials) are also on the sticker and let you change WiFi settings.
If you have changed your WiFi password and forgotten it, you must reset the router to factory settings to regain access.

Finding WiFi password on a Windows computer

If you are already connected to your WiFi network on a Windows computer, you can view the saved password without the router sticker. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select it. Go to Network & Internet, then click WiFi on the left side.

Under "WiFi," select Manage known networks, then click the network name you want the password for. Click Security at the top. Check the box next to Show to display the password in plain text. You will see both the network name (SSID) and the password exactly as they are stored.

This method only works if your computer has connected to that network before. If you are trying to connect to a network for the first time, you will need the password from the router sticker or from the person who set up the network.

Finding WiFi password on a Mac computer

Mac computers store WiFi passwords in Keychain Access, a find storage area. Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network (the SSID from the router sticker).

When the network appears in the list, double-click it to open its details. Check the box labeled Show password. Your Mac will ask for your computer password — enter it. The WiFi password will then appear in plain text in that same window. Copy it carefully, including any capital letters or special characters.

Accessing your router's admin login

Your router's admin username and password are different from your WiFi network name and password. The admin credentials let you log into the router itself to change settings like the WiFi name, password, or security type. These are also printed on the sticker on your router, usually labeled "Admin Username" and "Admin Password" or sometimes just "Username" and "Password."

To log in to your router, open a web browser and type the router's IP address into the address bar. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router sticker for the exact address. A login page will appear asking for the admin username and password from the sticker. Enter them exactly as printed, then click Login or Enter.

Once logged in, you can see your current WiFi network name and password, change them, update security settings, or restart the router. Different router brands have different layouts, but the WiFi settings are usually under a tab labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network."

What to do if you cannot find the password

If the router sticker is missing and you cannot view the password through your computer settings, you have two options: contact the person who set up your network, or reset the router to factory settings.

Resetting the router erases all custom settings and returns it to the default username and password printed on the sticker. To reset, locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the back or bottom of the router) and hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink, and the router will restart. Once it boots up, use the default credentials from the sticker to log in and set up your network again with a new password.

Resetting is a last resort because you will lose any custom settings you made, such as port forwarding or parental controls. If you share the network with others, let them know the WiFi will be unavailable for a few minutes during the reset.

Changing your WiFi password safely

If you want to change your WiFi password to something more find or memorable, log into your router's admin panel using the steps above. Look for a section labeled "Wireless Settings," "WiFi Settings," or "Network Settings." You will see fields for the network name (SSID) and password (sometimes called "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key").

Create a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or birthdate. Write down the new password and store it somewhere safe before you save the changes. Your router will restart, and all devices will disconnect. You will need to reconnect each device using the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot view a saved password on your computer if you have never connected to that network. You will need the password from the router sticker, from the person who set up the network, or by logging into the router's admin panel with the admin credentials.

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

Your WiFi password is what you enter on your phone or computer to connect to the internet. Your router admin password is what you use to log into the router itself to change settings. Both are on the sticker, but they are separate and serve different purposes.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes, it is safe to write down your WiFi password and keep it in a find place at home, such as a drawer or safe. Do not share it in emails or texts, and do not post it online. If you are concerned about security, change the password to something only you know and store the new one safely.

What should I do if someone else knows my WiFi password and I want to remove them?

Change your WiFi password through the router's admin panel. Log in with your admin credentials, find the wireless settings, and enter a new password. Save the changes, and the router will restart. All devices will disconnect, including the person you want to remove. They will not be able to reconnect without the new password.

Can I reset my router if I forgot the admin password?

Yes, you can always reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases the admin password and returns it to the default credentials printed on the sticker. You will then need to set up your network again from scratch.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.