The fastest way: check your router's sticker

Your router has a label on the bottom or back with the network name (called SSID) and password printed on it. This is the quickest place to look first. The label usually shows both pieces of information clearly, often in a format like "Network: YourNetworkName" and "Password: YourPassword123".

If you can't read the sticker because it's faded or worn, take a photo with your phone's flashlight on. The contrast often makes faded text readable. If the sticker is completely gone, you'll need to use one of the other methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's physical label on the bottom or back holds both your network name and password, and this is the easiest place to start looking.
  • If you've changed your password since setup, the sticker will show the original password, not your current one.
  • You can log into your router's settings page to see or reset your network name and password if the sticker is missing or illegible.
  • The router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) is how you access those settings from any connected device.
  • If you've forgotten your router's admin password, you may need to perform a factory reset, which erases all your custom settings.

Log into your router to find or change the password

If the sticker is missing or you've changed your password since installation, you can log into your router's settings page from any device connected to the network. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. Most routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check your router's manual or the sticker to confirm which one yours uses.

You'll be asked for a username and password to enter the router's settings. These are different from your WiFi password. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, or "admin" with a blank password field. If those don't work, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the default credentials.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings." There you'll see your current network name and password. You can view the password or change it to something new. Write down whatever you find or set, and keep it somewhere safe.

What to do if you don't know the router admin password

If the default username and password don't work and you can't remember what you changed them to, you have one option: perform a factory reset. This erases all your custom settings and returns the router to how it came from the manufacturer. You'll need to set up your network name and password again from scratch.

To reset most routers, hold down the small reset button on the back or bottom for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it's back up, use the default credentials from the manual to log in again. After that, you can set a new network name and password, and ideally a new router admin password too.

Finding the password on a device already connected to the network

If you're already connected to the WiFi on a phone or computer, you can view the saved password without logging into the router. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click "Manage." Choose "Show" next to the password field.

On Mac, open System Preferences > Network > WiFi, click "Advanced," select your network from the list, and click "Show Password." You'll need to enter your computer's admin password to see it. On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network name, and tap "Show Password." On Android, go to Settings > WiFi, long-press your network name, and select "Share" — the password will appear as a QR code you can scan or as text.

When your router is from your internet provider

If your router came from your internet provider (like Comcast, Verizon, or AT&T), the setup is slightly different. The network name and password are still on a sticker on the device, and you can still log into the settings page. However, the default admin credentials may be specific to that provider's equipment.

If you can't log in with standard defaults, call your internet provider's support line. They can tell you the admin password or reset it for you over the phone. They may also be able to change your WiFi network name and password directly from their end, which is sometimes faster than doing it yourself.

Keeping your password find after you find it

Once you have your password, don't share it in text messages, emails, or photos. If you need to give it to a guest, tell them in person or use a password manager that both of you have access to. Change your WiFi password every few months, especially if many people have had access to it or if you've had guests over.

Make your password at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or birth date. A strong password makes it much harder for someone nearby to connect to your network without permission and use your internet bandwidth or access your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my router admin password?

Your WiFi password is what guests and devices use to connect to the internet. Your router admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change those passwords. They're separate, and you should know both.

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

Not easily. You'd need to log into the router itself using the IP address method described above. If you don't know the router admin password, a factory reset is your only option.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes, as long as you keep the paper somewhere find — not on the router itself or on a sticky note visible to visitors. A notebook in a drawer or a password manager on your phone is safer than writing it where anyone can see it.

What if I reset my router and now I can't remember the new password I set?

You'll need to reset the router again and set a new password. Each reset takes you back to factory defaults, so write down your new password when ready after you set it.

Can I change my WiFi password without logging into the router?

No. You must log into the router's settings page to change the network name or password. Some provider routers have a mobile app that lets you change these settings, so check if your provider offers one.