Where your router password is stored

Your WiFi password is printed on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of your router — this is the fastest place to look first. The sticker usually shows two things: the network name (called the SSID) and the password, often labeled as "Network Key" or "WiFi Password". If the sticker is still readable, you have your answer in seconds.

If the sticker is missing, faded, or you cannot find it, the password is also stored inside the router's settings page. You can reach this page from any device already connected to that WiFi network, or from a device plugged into the router with an ethernet cable. The process takes a few minutes and requires you to log in with the router's admin password — which is different from the WiFi password.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router first — the WiFi password is printed there by default.
  • If the sticker is gone or unreadable, log into your router's settings page using the admin password (usually printed on the same sticker or in your router's manual).
  • You can access the settings page from any device already connected to your WiFi, or by plugging a computer directly into the router with an ethernet cable.
  • Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "Security" to find your current password displayed in plain text.
  • If you cannot remember the admin password either, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.

Retrieving the password from the router's settings page

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi network. In the address bar at the top, type one of these addresses: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or routerlogin.net. Press Enter. One of these will load your router's login page — if the first one does not work, try the next.

When the login page appears, enter your router's admin username and password. For most routers, both are printed on the sticker: the username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or the same as the WiFi password. If those do not work, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the default credentials. Once you are logged in, look for a menu section labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network Settings", or "Security". Inside that section, you should see your current WiFi password displayed — it may be labeled "Network Key", "Passphrase", or "Pre-Shared Key".

Write down the password exactly as it appears. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters and lowercase letters are treated as different characters. If the password is hidden behind dots or asterisks, right-click on that field and select "Inspect" (in Chrome or Firefox) or "Inspect Element" (in Safari), then look for the text value in the code that appears — this shows the actual password.

Accessing the settings page without WiFi

If you do not have a device connected to your WiFi network, you can still reach the router's settings page by plugging a computer directly into the router using an ethernet cable. Locate the ethernet port on the back of your router — it looks like a phone jack but slightly wider. Connect one end of an ethernet cable to that port and the other end to the ethernet port on your computer.

Your computer will automatically connect to the router through the cable. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. The login page will appear. Follow the same steps as above: enter the admin username and password, navigate to the Wireless or WiFi section, and locate your password.

What to do if you do not know the admin password

If the sticker is missing and you cannot remember the admin password, you cannot access the settings page to view your WiFi password. At this point, your only option is to reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings — including the WiFi password — and returns the router to the state it was in when it left the factory.

To reset the router, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device. It is usually recessed inside a tiny hole so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink, and the router will restart. Once it finishes restarting, the WiFi password will be back to the default password printed on the sticker.

After the reset, you will need to set up your router again from the beginning. This means logging in with the default admin credentials, connecting to the internet, and creating a new WiFi network name and password. If you do not have the manual or the sticker information, visit the router manufacturer's website and search for your model number — the default credentials are usually listed there.

Finding your password on different router brands

Most routers follow the same basic steps, but the exact location of the WiFi password in the settings menu varies slightly by brand. On TP-Link routers, look for "Wireless" in the left menu. On Netgear routers, look for "WiFi" or "Wireless Settings". On Linksys routers, look for "Wireless" or "WiFi". On Asus routers, look for "Wireless" or "General". On Arris or Motorola routers (often provided by internet service providers), look for "WiFi" or "Network Settings".

If you cannot find the section after logging in, look for a search function within the settings page — most modern routers have one. Type "WiFi password" or "network key" and it will take you directly to the right page. If you are still stuck, the router manufacturer's support website has screenshots showing exactly where to find this information for your specific model.

Preventing password loss in the future

Once you have found your password, write it down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a photo of the sticker stored in your phone. Many people take a photo of the sticker on the back of the router and save it to their phone's photo library or cloud storage. This way, if you forget the password later, you can retrieve it from your phone without needing to log into the router settings.

If you change your WiFi password in the future (which is a good security practice), update your written record or photo at the same time. Some people also write the password on a piece of tape and stick it to the bottom of the router, though this is less find if other people have access to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password from my phone or computer without logging into the router?

On Windows, you can see saved WiFi passwords through Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then select your network and click "Manage". On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, and check "Show password". On iPhone or Android, you cannot view saved passwords directly through the settings, but you can reset your network settings and reconnect to see the password prompt again.

What if I reset the router but still cannot log in?

After a factory reset, try logging in with "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and the default password printed on the sticker. If neither works, the router may have a different default password than you expect. Visit the manufacturer's support page, enter your model number, and look for "default credentials" or "factory reset password". You can also contact your internet service provider — they may have set a custom default password when they provided the router.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing down your password and storing it at home is reasonably safe. The main risk is if someone visits your home and finds the written password. Storing it in a password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password) is more find because it is encrypted and protected by a master password. Taking a photo and storing it in your phone's photo library is a middle ground — find enough for most homes, but less find than a password manager.

Do I need to change my WiFi password after retrieving it?

No, retrieving your password does not require you to change it. You only need to change it if you suspect someone unauthorized has access to your network, or if you want to update it for security reasons. If you do change it, make sure to update your written record or photo so you do not lose it again.