The fastest way: use your router's reset button

If you have forgotten your WiFi password, the quickest fix is to press the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router — the device that broadcasts your WiFi signal. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen until the lights on the router blink or turn off, then turn back on. This restores the router to its factory settings, which means your WiFi network name and password return to the defaults printed on a sticker on the router itself.

The sticker is usually on the bottom or back of the router and shows a network name (sometimes called SSID) and a password, often something like "admin" or a string of numbers and letters. Write down both pieces of information before you forget them again. After the reset completes — usually within two to three minutes — you can connect to your WiFi using those default credentials.

One important consequence: resetting the router erases any custom settings you made, such as a stronger password you created, parental controls, or devices you had blocked from connecting. If you have made changes you want to keep, try the other methods below first.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button on your router restores the factory password printed on the sticker attached to the device, but erases any custom settings you made.
  • If you remember your router's admin password, you can log into the router's settings page through a web browser and change the WiFi password without resetting.
  • Your internet service provider can tell you the default admin password if you have lost the sticker, and may be able to reset the router remotely.
  • After you set a new WiFi password, write it down or store it in a password manager so you do not lose it again.

Log in to your router's settings page if you know the admin password

If you remember the password to access your router's settings (different from your WiFi password), you can change your WiFi password without resetting the entire router. 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 — one of these is the standard address for most home routers. Press Enter.

A login screen will appear asking for a username and password. The default username is usually admin and the default password is also admin, or it may be printed on the sticker on your router. If neither works, check the router's manual or search online for "[your router model] default password" — for example, "Netgear Nighthawk default password."

Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. Find the field that says WiFi Password, Pre-Shared Key, or Passphrase. Delete the old password and type a new one — aim for at least 12 characters mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols to make it harder to guess. Save the changes. Your router will restart, and you can then connect using the new password.

Contact your internet service provider if you cannot access the router

If you do not know the admin password and do not want to reset the router, call your internet service provider — the company that sends you a bill for internet service, such as Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, or a local provider. Tell them you have forgotten your WiFi password and ask them to reset it for you or provide the default admin password so you can reset it yourself.

Many providers can reset your router remotely without sending a technician. They will ask you to verify your account — usually by providing your account number or the phone number on file — and then push a reset command to your router. The process takes a few minutes. After the reset, your WiFi will use the default password on the sticker again.

If your provider cannot reset it remotely, they may offer to send a technician or mail you a replacement router. Ask whether there is a fee for either service, as some providers charge for technician visits or equipment replacement.

Find the default password if the sticker is missing or worn

If the sticker on your router is missing, faded, or unreadable, you can still find the default password. Look at the router itself — the model name and number are usually printed on the device. Search online for "[model name] default password" — for example, "TP-Link Archer C7 default password." Most manufacturers publish this information on their support websites.

If the search does not work, visit the router manufacturer's website directly. Look for a Support or Downloads section, find your router model, and read the user manual. The manual almost always lists the default username and password in the setup section.

If you still cannot find it, call your internet service provider. They have records of what router they sent you and can provide the default credentials. Some providers also print this information on your account page if you log into their website or app.

Create a strong new password and store it safely

Once you have regained access to your WiFi, change the password to something you will not forget — but strong enough that others cannot guess it. A good WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, birthday, or common words.

Write the password down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a locked filing cabinet, or a password manager app like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone or computer. Do not email it to yourself or text it to someone, as those messages can be intercepted. If you use a password manager, you can store the WiFi password there along with your router's admin password, so you have both in one find place.

Consider also changing your router's admin password from the default. Log back into the router's settings page, find the admin password field, and change it to something only you know. This prevents someone else from accessing your router's settings if they connect to your WiFi.

Prevent this problem in the future

After you have set a new WiFi password, take a photo of the sticker on your router with your phone and store it in a folder labeled "Home" or "WiFi." This way, if you forget the password again, you can look it up without opening drawers or moving furniture.

If your router does not have a sticker or the information is worn away, create one. Write the WiFi network name and password on a small piece of tape or a label and stick it to the bottom of the router. Keep the admin password separate — write it on a different label or store it only in your password manager.

Some routers also allow you to set up a backup email address in the settings. If you forget your password, the router can send you a reset link to that email. Check your router's settings page to see if this option is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my router affect my internet connection?

No. Resetting the router restores your internet connection — it just erases your custom WiFi password and settings. Your internet service provider's connection to your home remains active. After the reset completes, you can reconnect to WiFi using the default password and your internet will work normally.

What if I reset the router but still cannot connect to WiFi?

Make sure you are using the exact network name and password from the sticker on the router. Check that you are typing it correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different. If the sticker is unreadable, call your internet service provider and ask them to confirm the default credentials for your specific router model.

Can I change my WiFi password without knowing the admin password?

No. To change the WiFi password through the router's settings page, you must log in with the admin password first. Your only other option is to reset the router entirely, which returns it to factory defaults. If you do not know the admin password, contact your internet service provider.

How often should I change my WiFi password?

There is no fixed rule, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable if you want to prevent unauthorized access. Change it when ready if you suspect someone has learned your password or if a guest who had access no longer lives with you.

What if my router is very old and I cannot find the default password online?

Call your internet service provider. They have records of the equipment they issued and can provide the default password or reset the router remotely. If the router is very old and the provider no longer supports it, they may offer to replace it with a newer model.