Where to find your WiFi username and password

Your WiFi username (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 two lines: one labeled "Network Name," "SSID," or "WiFi Name," and another labeled "Password," "Passphrase," or "Key." Write down both exactly as printed, including capital letters and numbers.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can recover both pieces of information from your router's settings page. This requires you to log into the router using a computer or phone already connected to the network, or by plugging an ethernet cable directly into the router.

If you have never changed your password since the router was installed, it is the one printed on the sticker. If you changed it at some point and forgot the new one, you will need to reset the router to factory settings — a process that erases your custom password and returns it to the original.

Key Takeaways

  • Your network name and password are printed on a sticker on the physical router itself, usually on the bottom or back.
  • The network name is also called the SSID, and the password may be labeled as "Passphrase" or "Key" on the sticker.
  • You can view your current password through the router's settings page if you are already connected to the network.
  • If you changed your password and cannot remember it, you can reset the router to restore the original password from the sticker.
  • Resetting the router erases any custom settings you made, so only do this if you have no other way to recover the password.

Checking the router sticker first

Before trying anything else, locate your router and look for the information sticker. Routers are usually placed near where your internet cable enters the house — often in a closet, on a shelf, or mounted on a wall. The sticker is typically white or silver and printed with small text.

The network name on the sticker may look like "Netgear-5G" or "TP-Link-Guest" or something similar — it is the name you see when you search for available networks on your phone or computer. The password is usually a random string of letters, numbers, and sometimes symbols. Copy it exactly, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters, because WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.

If the sticker is faded or partially worn away, take a photo with your phone's flashlight on to make the text clearer. If it is completely illegible, move to the next section.

Finding your password through the router settings

If you are already connected to your WiFi network, you can view the password through the router's web page. Open a web browser on any device connected to that network and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Press Enter.

A login page will appear asking for a username and password. If you have never changed these, try admin for both the username and password — this is the factory default for most routers. If that does not work, check the sticker on the router again; some manufacturers print the default login credentials there as well.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "Settings." The current network name and password should be displayed there. Write them down exactly as shown. If you see an option to view the password (sometimes hidden behind an eye icon or "Show Password" button), click it to reveal the full text.

Resetting the router if you cannot access settings

If you cannot log into the router settings page and the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. This will restore the original network name and password printed on the sticker, but it will also erase any custom settings you made — including changes to the network name, password, or security settings.

To reset the router, locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the case so you cannot press it by accident). Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink, and the device will restart. Once it finishes restarting, the network name and password will be back to the factory defaults shown on the sticker.

After the reset, you can log back into the router settings and change the password to something new if you wish. Write down your new password in a safe place so you do not lose it again.

What to do if you do not have the original sticker

If the sticker is completely gone and you cannot access the router settings, contact your internet service provider (ISP). They have a record of the router model and can tell you the factory default network name and password for that specific device. You can usually find your ISP's phone number on your internet bill or on their website.

Alternatively, if you know the router brand and model number (printed on the router case itself), you can search online for the default credentials. Websites like RouterPasswords.com or the manufacturer's support page often list factory defaults for common models. Once you have the default password, you can reset the router as described above and use those credentials to log in.

Changing your password after you find it

Once you have located your current password, you may want to change it to something more memorable or find. Log into the router settings page using the steps described earlier, find the wireless or WiFi settings section, and look for an option to change the password or passphrase.

Choose a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information like your name or address. Write down your new password and store it somewhere safe — a password manager, a locked notebook, or a find note on your phone.

After you change the password, all devices currently connected to your WiFi will be disconnected. You will need to reconnect each device using the new password. This is normal and expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password on my phone or computer?

On most devices, you can view a saved WiFi password through the network settings, but the process varies. On Windows, go to Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click "Properties." On Mac, open System Preferences > Network > WiFi, click "Advanced," and select your network. On iPhone and Android, the process is more limited — you usually cannot view saved passwords directly, but you can forget the network and reconnect using the password from your router sticker.

What if I changed my password and cannot remember the new one?

Reset the router to factory defaults using the recessed reset button. This will restore the original password from the sticker. You will then need to reconnect all your devices using the factory password, and you can set a new custom password afterward if you wish.

Is the network name the same as the password?

No. The network name (SSID) is what you see when you search for available WiFi networks — it is public and visible to everyone nearby. The password is what you type in to connect — it should be kept private. Both are printed on the router sticker, but they are separate pieces of information.

Why does my router have two network names?

Many modern routers broadcast two networks: one on the 2.4 GHz band and one on the 5 GHz band. They often have similar names, like "Netgear-2.4G" and "Netgear-5G," but they usually share the same password. Both are listed on the sticker. The 5 GHz network is faster but has shorter range; the 2.4 GHz network is slower but reaches farther.

Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?

There is no strict requirement to change it regularly, but changing it once a year or after someone moves out is a reasonable practice. If you suspect someone has your password or accessed your network without permission, change it when ready. A strong password that you do not share makes regular changes less necessary.