Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: on the router itself (usually a sticker on the back or bottom), in your router's settings page (which you can reach from any device already connected to that WiFi), and possibly in your email if you set up the router yourself and saved the confirmation.

The fastest route depends on whether you're already connected to the WiFi. If you are, you can pull the password from your router's settings in under two minutes. If you're not connected, you'll need to either look at the router physically or reset it to factory defaults.

Key Takeaways

  • Most routers have the default WiFi password printed on a sticker attached to the device itself — check the back, bottom, or inside the battery compartment first.
  • If you're already connected to the WiFi on a phone, computer, or tablet, you can view the saved password through your device's settings without touching the router.
  • Your router's admin page (usually accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser) shows the WiFi password if you know the admin username and password.
  • Resetting the router to factory defaults will erase your custom password and return it to the default printed on the sticker, but it will also erase any other settings you've customized.
  • If you rent your router from your internet provider, calling their customer service is often faster than troubleshooting on your own.

Check the physical router first

Before you do anything else, look at the router itself. Most routers have a sticker with the default WiFi network name (SSID) and password printed directly on the device. This sticker is usually on the back or bottom of the router, but some manufacturers put it inside the battery compartment or on the power adapter.

The sticker typically shows two things: the network name (which may say "SSID" or "Network Name") and the password (which may say "WiFi Password", "Key", or "Passphrase"). Write down exactly what you see, including capital letters and numbers, because WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.

If the sticker is missing, faded, or you've changed the password since setup, move to the next step.

View the password from a connected device

If you're already connected to the WiFi on your phone, computer, or tablet, you can see the password without touching the router. The steps vary by device type.

On an iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, then tap the info icon (i) next to it. Scroll down and look for "Password" — you may need to tap "Show Password" or use Face ID to reveal it.

On an Android phone: Go to Settings > WiFi, long-press the network name, then tap "Share" or "View Password". You may need to enter your phone's PIN or use biometric authentication. Some Android versions show the password directly in the network details instead.

On a Windows computer: Right-click the WiFi icon in the system tray, select "Open Network & Internet Settings", click "WiFi" on the left, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks". Click the network name, then "Properties", then toggle "Show" next to the password field.

On a Mac: Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight), search for your network name, double-click the result, check the "Show password" box, and enter your Mac password when prompted.

Access your router's settings page

If you know the admin password for your router but have forgotten the WiFi password, you can change it through the router's settings page. Open a web browser on any device connected to the WiFi and type one of these addresses into the address bar: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. (If neither works, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the correct address.)

You'll see a login page asking for a username and password. The default username is usually admin and the default password is often admin, password, or blank. If you've changed these credentials and forgotten them, you'll need to reset the router.

Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled "WiFi Settings", "Wireless", "Network", or "Security". The exact name and location vary by manufacturer. Find the field labeled "WiFi Password", "Pre-Shared Key", or "Passphrase" and you'll see your current password. You can also change it here if you want to set something new.

Reset the router to factory defaults

If you can't access the router's settings page and the sticker is gone, you can reset the router to its original factory state. This will erase your custom WiFi password and return it to whatever is printed on the sticker, but it will also erase any other settings you've customized, such as port forwarding or parental controls.

Most routers have a small reset button (usually recessed so you can't press it by accident) on the back or bottom. Use a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint 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's back online, the WiFi password will be the default one printed on the sticker.

If you can't find the reset button, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions specific to your model. Some routers require you to hold the button for a different length of time, and a few have a reset option in the settings page itself.

Contact your internet provider if you rent the router

If your router is rented from your internet service provider (ISP) rather than owned by you, calling their customer service is often the simplest path. They can tell you the default password, help you access the settings page, or reset the router remotely without you having to do anything.

Have your account number or phone number ready when you call. Most providers can walk you through viewing the password on a connected device or resetting it in under 10 minutes. If the router is very old, they may offer to send you a replacement at no charge.

Prevent this from happening again

Once you've recovered your password, consider writing it down in a find place — a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass is better than a sticky note on the router. You can also change the password to something you'll remember more easily, as long as it's at least 12 characters and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

If you set up a new router in the future, take a photo of the sticker with the default credentials and store it in your phone's photo library or cloud storage. This takes 10 seconds and saves you hours of troubleshooting later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I've changed the password and can't remember the new one?

You'll need to reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button. This erases your custom password and returns it to the default on the sticker. If you want to avoid this, you can also try accessing the router's settings page if you remember the admin password — that will show you the current WiFi password without resetting anything.

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

Not directly from your device. You'll need to either look at the sticker on the router, access the router's settings page from a device that is connected, or reset the router to factory defaults. If you're locked out of the settings page and the sticker is gone, a factory reset is your only option.

Is it safe to use the default password that came with my router?

The default password is better than no password, but it's not ideal because anyone who knows your router model can look it up online. Changing it to a unique password that only you know is more find. Use at least 12 characters and mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

What if the reset button doesn't work?

Some routers require you to hold the button for longer than 10 seconds — try 30 seconds. Others require you to reset while the router is powered off, then power it on while holding the button. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's support website for the exact procedure for your model.

Can I recover a password I used on a different router?

No. Each router stores its own WiFi password independently. If you've moved or replaced your router, you'll need to recover the password from the new router using the steps above. The old router's password won't work on the new one.