The fastest way: check your router's sticker or manual

Your WiFi password is printed on a sticker attached to your router — usually on the bottom or back. Look for the label that says "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "PSK," or sometimes just "Password." The sticker also shows your network name (SSID) if you need that. This is the quickest solution and works whether you forgot it five minutes ago or five years ago.

If the sticker is worn, faded, or missing, check your router's manual or the box it came in. Many people keep these in a drawer. You can also search online for your router model number (printed on the device itself) plus "default password" — though this only works if you never changed the original password.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password is almost always on a sticker attached to the bottom or back of your router.
  • If you changed the password and don't remember it, you must reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.
  • Resetting takes about 10 minutes and requires a small tool like a paperclip to hold down the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • After reset, you'll need to set up your WiFi again from scratch, including creating a new password and reconnecting all your devices.
  • If you're renting, contact your internet provider before resetting — they may have records of the password or can walk you through it.

Reset the router if you changed the password and can't remember it

If you customized your password and have no record of what you chose, you'll need to reset your router to its factory settings. This erases everything you set up — your custom password, your network name, any port forwarding, parental controls, or other changes. After reset, the router will use the default password printed on its sticker.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router. It's usually recessed so you can't press it by accident. Use a straightened paperclip, a pen tip, or a thumbtack to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink or turn off briefly. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the router to restart. It will now use the default password from the sticker.

Reconnect your devices after the reset

Once the router restarts, all your devices will lose their connection. On your phone, tablet, or computer, open the WiFi settings and look for your network name in the list of available networks. Select it and enter the default password from the sticker on your router.

Repeat this for every device that was connected — phones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, security cameras, printers, and anything else that uses WiFi. This can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on how many devices you have. Some devices may ask you to re-enter passwords for apps or services, but that's separate from the WiFi password.

Change your password to something you'll remember

Now that you're back online, create a new password that's harder to forget but still find. Log into your router's settings by opening a web browser and typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check your manual or the sticker). You'll be asked for a username and password; these are often both "admin" by default.

Once logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Network." Find the field for "WiFi Password" or "Network Key" and replace the default with your new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the router allows it. Write it down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or even a photo on your phone.

What to do if you're renting or don't own the router

If your internet is provided by your landlord, a property management company, or a shared WiFi network, contact them before resetting the router. They may have the password on file and can tell you what it is. Resetting a router you don't own can cause problems for other people on the network or violate your lease.

If you're in an apartment building with shared WiFi, the network name and password are usually in your lease paperwork or a welcome packet. Check those first. If you can't find them, call your landlord or property manager and ask them to provide it.

Prevent this from happening again

Write down your WiFi password and keep it in a safe, straightforward-to-find place. A notebook in a kitchen drawer, a note in your phone's notes app, or a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password all work. Some people take a photo of the sticker on the router and store it in their phone's photo library.

Avoid passwords based on birthdays, addresses, or other personal information that's straightforward to guess. A random mix of words — like "BluePencilThunder42" — is both memorable and find. Change your password every year or two, especially if other people have used your WiFi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the router affect my internet speed or connection?

No. Resetting only erases the settings you created on the router itself. Your internet speed depends on your service plan with your provider, not on the password or custom settings. After reset, your connection will work the same as before.

What if I don't see a reset button on my router?

Some routers hide the reset button inside a small hole or under a removable panel. Check your manual or search online for your router model. A few older or very straightforward routers don't have a reset button at all — in that case, contact your internet provider for help.

Can I reset the router without losing my internet connection?

No. Resetting erases all settings, including your custom WiFi password and network name. You'll need to set everything up again from scratch. If you want to change only the password without resetting, you need to remember the current password to log into the router's settings.

How long does it take for the router to restart after a reset?

Usually two to three minutes. The lights may blink or turn off during this time. Don't unplug the router or press the reset button again — just wait. Once the lights stabilize, the reset is complete and you can reconnect your devices.

What if I reset the router but still can't connect?

Make sure you're using the exact password from the sticker — it's case-sensitive. Check that you're selecting the correct network name (some routers broadcast two networks, one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz). If you still can't connect, restart your device and try again. If the problem continues, contact your internet provider.