Where Your Router Password Is Stored

Your router password is printed on a sticker attached to the router itself — usually on the back or bottom. Look for a label that says "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "PSK," or sometimes just "Password." The sticker also shows your network name (SSID) and often the router's admin password, which is different from your WiFi password.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, the password is still recoverable through your router's settings page or your internet provider's account. You do not need to reset the router to find it — resetting erases all your custom settings and forces you to set everything up again from scratch.

Before you look anywhere else, check whether you have saved the password in your phone or computer. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click "Properties" — the password appears under "Network Security Key" if you check "Show." On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, and check "Show password."

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — this is the fastest place to look first.
  • Windows and Mac both store your WiFi password in their network settings, where you can view it without resetting anything.
  • Your router's settings page shows the password if you log in with the admin password (also on the sticker).
  • Your internet provider's website or app usually displays your WiFi password if you log in with your account credentials.
  • A factory reset erases all your settings and should only be used if every other method fails.

Checking Your Router's Settings Page

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. This takes you to your router's settings page. If neither address works, restart your router, wait two minutes, and try again.

When the login page appears, enter the admin username and password. These are printed on the sticker on your router — they are usually "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and the serial number or MAC address. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "WiFi," "Wireless," "Network," or "Internet Settings." Your WiFi password (sometimes labeled "Pre-Shared Key" or "Passphrase") appears there in plain text.

If you do not know the admin password, you cannot access this page without resetting the router. Write down your WiFi password before you close the browser so you do not have to log back in.

Retrieving the Password From Your Internet Provider

Log into your internet provider's website or mobile app using your account username and password. Most providers have a section for managing your WiFi settings — it may be labeled "Internet," "WiFi," "Devices," "Network," or "Home Network."

Common providers and where to find this section: Comcast Xfinity has it under "Internet" in the Xfinity app or website; Spectrum has it under "Services" > "Internet"; Verizon Fios has it under "Network" in the My Fios app; AT&T has it under "Internet" in the myAT&T app. If you cannot find it, call your provider's customer service number — it is on your bill — and ask them to tell you your WiFi password over the phone. Have your account number ready.

This method works even if you have forgotten the admin password, because your provider stores a copy of your WiFi settings on their end.

What to Do If the Sticker Is Unreadable

If the sticker is faded, scratched, or missing, try shining a bright light on it at an angle — sometimes the text becomes visible. If that does not work, take a close-up photo with your phone's flash and zoom in on the image; the contrast often makes faded text readable.

If the sticker is completely gone, your internet provider can print a new one or mail you a replacement label. Call the number on your bill and explain that your router label is missing. Some providers will email you the information instead.

Do not guess at the password or try common defaults like "password" or "12345678" — modern routers lock you out after several wrong attempts, and you will have to wait before trying again.

When You Need to Reset the Router

Reset your router only if you have tried the sticker, your computer's saved networks, the settings page, and your provider's account, and none of them work. A reset erases your WiFi name, password, and any custom settings you have made.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back of the router (usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it). With the router powered on, hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink or turn off. Wait two minutes for the router to restart. The WiFi network name and password will revert to the factory defaults printed on the sticker.

After a reset, you will need to set up your WiFi again: log into the settings page at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, create a new network name and password, and reconnect all your devices. This process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Preventing Password Loss in the Future

Take a photo of the sticker on your router and store it in your phone's photo library or a cloud service like Google Photos or iCloud. This gives you a backup if the physical sticker fades or the router is damaged.

Write your WiFi password in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password managers in Windows and Mac. These tools store passwords securely and sync across your devices, so you can retrieve the password from any phone or computer without logging into your router.

When you change your WiFi password (which is a good security practice every year or two), update the photo and your password manager at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have ever connected to the network on your computer or phone. Windows and Mac both store the password in their network settings even after you disconnect. Your internet provider's website also shows it regardless of whether you are currently connected.

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

Your WiFi password is what guests and devices use to connect to your network. Your admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change WiFi settings, restart the router, or update firmware. Both are printed on the sticker, but they are separate.

Will resetting my router affect my internet speed or connection?

A reset does not change your internet speed — that is determined by your provider and your plan. It only erases your WiFi settings and custom configurations. After you reset and reconnect your devices, your speed should be the same as before.

My router sticker shows two passwords — which one do I use?

The longer one (usually 8 to 16 characters with numbers and symbols) is your WiFi password. The shorter one or the one labeled "Admin" is for logging into the router's settings page. Use the WiFi password to connect your phone, computer, and other devices.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?

Yes. Log into your router's settings page at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, find the WiFi or Wireless section, and change the password there. You can also change it through your internet provider's website or app. After you change it, you will need to reconnect all your devices using the new password.