Check the sticker on your router

The easiest place to find your WiFi username — technically called the network name or SSID — is on a label stuck to the bottom or back of your router. Most internet providers print the network name and password on a white or silver sticker so you can connect devices without logging into the router itself.

Look for a line that says "Network Name," "SSID," "WiFi Name," or sometimes just "Name." The password is usually listed as "Network Key," "WiFi Password," or "Security Key" on the same sticker. Write down both before you move the router, because the sticker can wear off or become hard to read over time.

If you cannot find a sticker or it is too faded to read, move to the next method. Do not assume the network name is something generic like "Linksys" or "Netgear" — those are factory defaults that change when your internet provider sets up the router.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi network name is printed on a sticker attached to the bottom or back of your router, along with the password.
  • If the sticker is missing or faded, you can log into your router's settings page using the admin username and password (usually "admin" and "admin" or printed on a separate label).
  • On Windows, you can see your network name and password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks without logging into the router.
  • On Mac, the network name appears in System Settings > WiFi, and the password is stored in Keychain but requires your computer password to view.
  • If you changed your network name and forgot it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.

Log into your router's settings page on Windows

If the sticker is gone or unreadable, you can see your network name and password through your computer's settings without touching the router. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it, then click Forget and Properties. The network name appears under "Network Name," and if you click Show next to the password field, it will display the WiFi password in plain text.

This method works only if you are already connected to the network. If you have never connected to this network on this computer, or if you have forgotten the password and cannot connect, you will need to use the router login method instead.

Check your network name on Mac

On a Mac, click the WiFi icon in the top-right corner of your screen. Your network name appears at the top of the menu with a checkmark next to it. To see the password, open System Settings > WiFi, find your network in the list, and click Details. Click the lock icon to unlock it (your computer will ask for your Mac password), then click Show Password.

Like the Windows method, this only works if your Mac is already connected to the network. The password is stored in your Mac's Keychain, which is why your computer password is required to view it.

Log into the router directly through a web browser

If you need to change your network name or password, or if the methods above do not work, you can log into the router itself. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. One of these addresses will take you to your router's login page.

You will need the router's admin username and password. These are often printed on a separate label on the router (different from the network name sticker), or they may be "admin" and "admin" by default. Once you log in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. Your network name and password are listed there, and you can change them if you want.

If you do not know the admin password and cannot find it on the router, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including the network name and password you may have created, and returns it to the defaults printed on the sticker.

Reset the router if you cannot log in

Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it comes back up, the network name and password will be the ones printed on the original sticker.

Resetting the router will also erase any custom settings you made, such as a stronger password or a hidden network. You will need to set those up again after the reset. If you have changed your network name and password and cannot remember them, and you do not have the original sticker, a factory reset is the only way to regain access.

What to do if you see multiple networks with similar names

Some routers broadcast both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network, and they may have similar names — for example, "MyNetwork" and "MyNetwork-5G." Both are yours. The 5 GHz network is faster but has shorter range; the 2.4 GHz network is slower but reaches farther. You can connect to whichever one works best for your device and location.

If you see networks with names you do not recognize, they belong to your neighbors. Do not try to connect to them. If you want to hide your own network name so it does not appear in other people's network lists, you can do that in the router settings under "Hide SSID" or "Broadcast SSID," but this makes it slightly harder for your own devices to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WiFi network name without losing internet?

Yes. When you change the network name in the router settings, your internet connection stays active. Devices that are already connected will stay connected until you change the password. New devices will need the new network name and password to join. You can change the name back anytime if you make a mistake.

What if I forgot my WiFi password and cannot see it anywhere?

If the sticker is gone and you cannot log into the router, a factory reset is your only option. Hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The network name and password will return to what is printed on the original sticker. If you do not have the sticker, contact your internet provider — they can tell you the default credentials or send you a replacement sticker.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down and storing it in a safe place at home is safer than reusing the same password across multiple networks or devices. If you are worried about someone finding a written password, consider storing it in a password manager instead, which encrypts it and requires your master password to view.

Why does my network name have numbers or letters I did not choose?

Your internet provider sets the default network name based on your router model and a unique identifier. You can change it to anything you want by logging into the router settings. Some people keep the default; others change it to something easier to remember or more personal.

Can I have the same network name as my neighbor?

Technically yes, but it is confusing. If two networks have the same name, your device may connect to the wrong one. It is better to give your network a unique name so there is no mix-up. You can change it in the router settings anytime.