The fastest way: check your router's sticker

Your WiFi password is printed on a sticker attached to your router — usually on the bottom or back. Look for a label that says "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "PSK," or sometimes just "Password." The sticker also shows your network name (SSID), which you'll need when connecting a device.

This sticker was placed there when your internet provider installed the router or when you first set it up. If you've changed the password since then, the sticker will show the original one, not your current password. But if you haven't changed it, this is your answer.

If the sticker is missing, faded, or you can't find it, move to the next step.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router.
  • If you've changed the password since setup, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings to use the sticker password again.
  • You can reset your router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this erases all your custom settings.
  • If you have a device already connected to the network, you can view the saved password through your computer or phone's WiFi settings.
  • After resetting, you'll need to set up your internet connection again and create a new WiFi password.

Retrieve the password from a device already connected

If a laptop, phone, or tablet is already connected to your WiFi, you can view the saved password through that device's settings. This works even if you don't remember the password yourself.

On Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Click the network name, then select "Manage." Click "Forget," then reconnect to the network. When prompted, enter the password — but before you do, open Settings again and go to Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks > [Your Network Name] > Manage. The password field will show dots, but you can right-click and select "Show Password" to see the actual characters.

A simpler path on Windows: open Command Prompt (search for "cmd"), type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name), and press Enter. Look for "Key Content" in the results — that's your password.

On Mac: Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). Search for your network name in the search box. Double-click the result, check the "Show password" box, and enter your Mac password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear.

On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon (i) next to your network name, and look for "Password." iOS 16 and newer will show it directly; older versions may not display it here. If you don't see it, try the Mac or Windows method instead.

On Android: Go to Settings > WiFi > [Your Network Name] > Share. Your phone will display a QR code and the password. You may need to authenticate with your fingerprint or PIN.

Reset the router to factory settings

If you can't find the sticker and no device is connected, you'll need to reset the router. This erases all your custom settings — including your current WiFi password — and returns it to the factory default password on the sticker.

Locate the small reset button on your router. It's usually recessed (you'll need a paperclip or pen to press it) and labeled "Reset" or "Restart." With the router powered on, hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The lights on the router will blink or turn off, then come back on. This takes about one to two minutes.

Once the router restarts, the WiFi password will be the one printed on the sticker. You can now connect your devices using that password. After you're connected, you can create a new custom password through the router's admin panel if you want something more memorable.

Set up a new password after resetting

After resetting the router, you'll need to log into the router's admin panel to change the password to something you'll remember. Open a web browser on a connected device and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar.

You'll be asked for a username and password. These are the admin credentials, which are also on the sticker (often "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and the default WiFi password). Once logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Network." Change the password to something you'll remember and save the changes.

Your devices will disconnect briefly, then you can reconnect using the new password. Write down the new password and store it somewhere safe — a notes app, a password manager, or even a photo of a written note.

What to do if you can't access the admin panel

If you've forgotten the admin password (different from the WiFi password) and can't log into the router's settings, you'll need to reset the router again. There's no way around this — the admin panel is locked and can't be accessed without the correct credentials.

After the reset, use the default admin credentials from the sticker to log in. Change the admin password to something you'll remember at the same time you create a new WiFi password. Many people use the same password for both, which makes it easier to manage.

Prevent this from happening again

Once you've regained access, take a moment to store your WiFi password somewhere you can find it later. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password manager on your phone will keep it find and searchable. If you prefer paper, write it down and keep it in a drawer or file — not on a sticky note on the router itself.

You can also take a photo of the sticker on your router and store it in your phone's photo library or cloud storage. This way, if you forget again, you can retrieve it without opening the router's settings or resetting anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the router disconnect my other devices?

Yes. When you reset the router, all devices will lose connection. After the reset completes and you reconnect using the default password, they'll need to reconnect one by one. This usually takes a few minutes per device.

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

Some routers hide the reset button inside a small hole on the back or bottom. Look for a tiny hole labeled "Reset" — you'll need a straightened paperclip or a SIM card ejector tool to reach it. If you still can't find it, check your router's model number (usually on the sticker) and search online for "[Model Number] reset button location."

Can I reset the router without losing my internet connection?

No. Resetting the router returns it to factory settings, which means you'll lose your custom WiFi password and any other settings you've configured. You'll need to set everything up again from scratch.

What if the password on the sticker doesn't work?

If the sticker password doesn't work, you've likely changed it at some point. Try the password retrieval method from a connected device, or reset the router to restore the sticker password. If neither works, contact your internet provider — they may be able to reset the router remotely or provide the original password.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing down your password is safer than forgetting it and needing to reset the router repeatedly. Keep the written password in a find location — a drawer, a safe, or a password manager — rather than on a sticky note visible to guests or near the router itself.