Where your router stores the credentials you need
Your WiFi username and password live in two places: a sticker on the back or bottom of your router, and in the router's settings page on your computer or phone. The sticker is the fastest route if you have not changed the default password since installation. If you have changed it and cannot remember it, you will need to log into the router itself using the admin username and password — which is different from your WiFi credentials.
Most home routers come with a default admin username of "admin" and a default password printed on the same sticker as your WiFi details. If that does not work, the router manual or the manufacturer's website will list the defaults for your specific model. Once you are logged in, you can see your current WiFi name and password, or change them if you want something easier to remember.
Key Takeaways
- Check the sticker on your router first — it usually has both your WiFi name and the default password printed on it.
- Your WiFi password is separate from your router admin password; you need the admin credentials to change the WiFi password.
- If you have changed your WiFi password and forgotten it, you can reset the router to factory defaults, which will erase your custom password and restore the one on the sticker.
- Resetting the router takes it offline for a few minutes and requires you to reconnect all your devices once the defaults are restored.
Finding the sticker with your default credentials
Look on the back, bottom, or side of your router for a white or silver sticker. It will list your WiFi network name (also called SSID), your WiFi password, the router model number, and usually the default admin username and password. Take a photo of this sticker with your phone so you have it saved even if the sticker fades or peels off.
If the sticker is missing or illegible, you can find the defaults by searching online for your router model number plus "default password." The model number is also on the sticker, or you can find it in your router's manual or the box it came in. Most manufacturers publish a list of default credentials for each model on their support website.
Logging into your router to see or change the password
Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your WiFi. Type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. One of these addresses will take you to your router's login page. If neither works, check your router manual or search for "[your router model] default IP address."
When the login page appears, enter the default admin username and password from the sticker. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," "Network," or "Settings." This is where you will see your current WiFi network name and password. You can also change them here if you want a new password that is easier to remember. Write down any changes you make so you do not lose them again.
What to do if you cannot remember the admin password
If the default admin password does not work, someone may have changed it after installation. You have two options: find whoever set up the router and ask them for the password, or reset the router to factory defaults.
To reset the router, look for a small recessed button on the back or bottom labeled "Reset." Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it comes back online, the admin password will be the default one on the sticker again, and your WiFi password will also revert to the default. You will need to reconnect all your devices to the WiFi using the default password, and then you can log back in and set a new custom password if you want.
Resetting your WiFi password without losing internet
If you only want to change your WiFi password and you remember the admin password, you do not need to reset the router. Log in using the steps above, find the WiFi or Wireless settings, and change the password there. The change takes effect when ready, but all your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.
If you want to change the password but have forgotten both the WiFi password and the admin password, a factory reset is your only option. Plan for a few minutes of downtime while the router restarts, and have the new password written down before you start so you can reconnect your devices quickly.
Keeping track of your credentials so you do not lose them again
After you have found or changed your password, write it down in a safe place. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone's operating system can store it securely. If you use a password manager, you will not have to remember it, and you can retrieve it whenever you need to connect a new device.
If you prefer not to use a password manager, keep a physical note in a drawer or file where you keep other household documents — the same place you might keep your router manual or internet bill. Avoid writing it on a sticky note on the router itself, where a visitor could see it. You can also take a photo of the sticker and store it in your phone's photo library, but make sure your phone is password-protected so the photo is not visible to anyone who picks it up.
Why your router has two different passwords
The WiFi password is what your devices use to connect to the internet. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change that WiFi password or adjust other network settings. They are separate so that someone who knows your WiFi password cannot automatically access your router's settings and change things without your permission.
If you share your WiFi password with guests or family members, they will not be able to see or change your admin password unless you tell them what it is. This is why it is important to change the default admin password from whatever is printed on the sticker — if someone knows your router model, they can look up the default and log in without your permission. You can change the admin password in the same settings page where you change the WiFi password.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between my WiFi password and my admin password?
Your WiFi password is what you type into your phone or computer to connect to the internet. Your admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change the WiFi password or adjust network settings. They are separate for security — someone who knows your WiFi password cannot change your router settings without the admin password.
Can I find my WiFi password if I am already connected to the network?
On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, click your network name, then "Manage." On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, check "Show password," and enter your computer password. On iPhone or Android, you can see the password in your WiFi settings if you have already connected, though the exact steps vary by device and operating system version.
What happens if I reset my router to factory defaults?
The WiFi password and admin password both revert to the defaults printed on the sticker. All your devices disconnect from the network and you must reconnect them using the default password. Any custom settings you made — like port forwarding or parental controls — are also erased. The reset takes a few minutes while the router restarts.
Is it safe to use the default WiFi password that came with my router?
The default password is better than no password, but it is not ideal because it is the same for every router of that model. If someone knows your router model, they can look up the default password online. It is safer to change it to a custom password that only you know, which you can do by logging into the router settings page.
Where should I write down my WiFi password so I do not forget it again?
A password manager on your phone or computer is the most find option because it encrypts the password. If you prefer a physical note, keep it in a drawer with other household documents, not on a sticky note visible near the router. You can also take a photo of the sticker and store it in your phone's photo library, as long as your phone is password-protected.