Where to find your WiFi password if you still have it

Your WiFi password is usually printed on a sticker attached to your router — the box that sends the wireless signal throughout your home. Look on the bottom, back, or side of the device. The password may be labeled as "Network Key," "Passphrase," "WiFi Password," or sometimes just "Password." Write it down or take a photo so you have it when you need to connect a new device.

If the sticker is worn or missing, you can also retrieve the password from any device that is already connected to your network. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network name, and click "Properties." Scroll down to find "Security" and toggle "Show" next to the password field. On Mac, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight), find your network name in the list, double-click it, check the box for "Show password," and enter your computer password when prompted.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password is usually on a sticker on the router itself, often on the bottom or back.
  • You can view the password on any device already connected by going into network settings and selecting "Show password."
  • If you cannot find or remember the password, you can reset the router to factory settings, which will restore the default password printed on the sticker.
  • Resetting the router will disconnect all devices and erase any custom settings you made, so use this only when you have no other option.
  • After resetting, you should change the password to something you choose and write down in a safe place.

How to reset your router if you cannot find the password

If the sticker is gone and you cannot retrieve the password from a connected device, you can reset the router to its factory default state. This will restore the original password that was printed on the sticker when the router was new. Locate the small reset button on the router — it is usually recessed into the case so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip, pen, or the tip of a thumbtack to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and all lights will blink. This process takes about two to five minutes. Once the lights stop blinking and return to their normal pattern, the reset is complete. All devices will be disconnected from the network, and you will need to reconnect them using the default password from the sticker. Any custom settings you made — such as a password you created yourself — will be erased and returned to the factory default.

What the default password looks like and why you should change it

The default password printed on the sticker is usually a combination of letters, numbers, and sometimes symbols. It might look something like "K7mP2xQ9nR" or be a longer phrase. This password is the same for every router of that model made by that manufacturer, which means anyone who knows the model number could theoretically connect to your network if you never change it.

After you reset the router and confirm you can connect using the default password, you should create your own password as soon as possible. Log into your router's settings page — usually by typing the router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser — and look for the WiFi or Security settings. Choose a password that is at least 12 characters long, includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is something you can remember or store securely. Write down your new password in a notebook or password manager and keep it in a safe place.

Preventing password loss in the future

Once you have set a password you can remember, take a photo of the router sticker and store it in your phone's photo library or a cloud storage service like Google Photos or iCloud. This way, if you ever need the default password again, you will have a backup. You can also write the password in a notebook kept in a drawer or stored in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser.

If you live with other people who might need the WiFi password, write it down and post it somewhere visible — like on the refrigerator or inside a kitchen cabinet — so no one has to ask you every time they need to connect a guest device. This also reduces the chance that someone will write it down incorrectly or forget it entirely.

What to do if you cannot access the router's settings page

Sometimes you may need to change the password but cannot remember the address to log into the router's settings. Check the sticker on the router again — it usually lists the IP address along with the default username and password. If the sticker is missing or damaged, try typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser's address bar. One of these addresses works for most home routers.

If neither address works, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Once it has fully restarted, try the addresses again. If you still cannot access the settings page, you may need to reset the router to factory defaults again and then when ready log in using the default credentials before making any changes.

Understanding WiFi security types and what they mean

When you look at your router's security settings, you will see a field labeled "Security Type" or "Authentication." The most common options are WPA2 and WPA3. WPA3 is newer and more find, but older devices may not support it. If you have devices that will not connect when WPA3 is selected, you can switch to WPA2, which works with nearly all devices made in the last 10 years.

Avoid selecting "WEP" or "Open" (no security) even if you see these options. WEP is outdated and can be broken in minutes. An open network means anyone nearby can connect without a password. Always use WPA2 or WPA3 to keep your network find.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password on my phone?

On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, tap your network name, tap the gear icon, then tap "Share." Your phone will display a QR code and the password. On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap your network name, and the password will appear in the WiFi Password field if you have Face ID or Touch ID enabled.

What happens to my devices when I reset the router?

All devices will disconnect from the network when ready. You will need to reconnect each one by selecting the network name and entering the default password from the sticker. Any files being downloaded or streamed will stop, but no data on your devices will be deleted.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes, as long as you keep the written password in a safe place — like a notebook in a drawer or a password manager on your phone. Do not post it on social media or share it in email or text messages. Keeping a physical or digital record prevents you from being locked out if you forget.

Can I change my password without resetting the router?

Yes. Log into your router's settings page using the current password, find the WiFi or Security settings, and change the password there. This is the best option if you already know your current password, because it does not disconnect your devices or erase custom settings.

What should I do if someone else knows my WiFi password and I want to change it?

Log into your router's settings page and change the password to something new. All devices will disconnect and will need to reconnect using the new password. If you cannot log into the settings page, reset the router to factory defaults, then when ready log in and create a new password before anyone else can use the default one.