Where to find your WiFi username and password
Your WiFi username and password are usually printed on a sticker attached to your router — the box that broadcasts your wireless signal. Look on the bottom, back, or side of the device. The username is often called the network name or SSID, and the password may be labeled WiFi Password, Network Key, or Passphrase.
If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can retrieve both pieces of information from inside your router's settings. This requires you to log in to the router's control panel using a computer or phone connected to the network.
If you cannot find the sticker and do not remember setting a password, you have one more option: reset the router to its factory settings. This erases your custom password and returns the device to the default username and password printed in the manual or on the manufacturer's website.
Key Takeaways
- The WiFi username and password are printed on a sticker on your router's bottom, back, or side.
- If the sticker is gone, you can log into your router's settings page using a web browser to view both the username and password.
- Resetting your router to factory settings will erase your custom password and restore the default one, but this disconnects all devices until you reconnect them.
- The default login for your router itself (different from WiFi credentials) is usually admin/admin or admin/password, found in your router's manual.
Checking the router sticker first
Before you do anything else, examine your router carefully. The sticker is usually on the bottom of the device, but some routers place it on the back or side. The sticker will show the network name (SSID) and the WiFi password side by side. Write down both exactly as they appear — capitalization and special characters matter.
If the sticker is faded or partially worn away, take a photo of it with your phone's camera and zoom in on the image. You may be able to read characters that are hard to see in person. If the sticker is completely gone, move to the next section.
Logging into your router to view the password
To access your router's settings, open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi network. Type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. One of these addresses will open your router's login page.
At the login screen, enter the router's default username and password. For most routers, this is admin for both fields. Some routers use admin as the username and password as the password. If neither works, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website — search for "[your router model] default login."
Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. Your WiFi username and password will be displayed there. Write them down or take a screenshot.
Resetting your router if you cannot log in
If you cannot remember the router's default login and cannot find the manual, you can reset the device to its factory settings. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.
The router will restart and return to its default state. All your custom settings, including your WiFi password, will be erased. Once it finishes restarting, the default WiFi username and password will be printed on the sticker again, or you can find them on the manufacturer's website by searching for your router model.
After you reset the router, all devices that were connected to your WiFi will be disconnected. You will need to reconnect each one using the default password, then log back into the router and create a new custom password if you wish.
What to do if you have a new router you have not set up yet
If you just received a new router and have not yet connected to it, the default WiFi username and password are on the sticker. The default username is usually something generic like TP-Link-1234 or NETGEAR-5678 (with numbers specific to your device). The default password is often printed right below it or may be admin or a blank field.
Connect to the network using the default credentials, then follow the router's setup wizard. The wizard will guide you through creating a new custom WiFi password. Write down your new password somewhere safe — a notebook, a password manager, or a photo stored securely on your phone.
Keeping your password safe once you find it
Once you have located your WiFi password, store it somewhere you can find it again without having to reset the router. A notebook kept near the router works well. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can also store it securely. Avoid texting the password to yourself or posting it in unencrypted messages.
If you share your WiFi with guests or family members, you do not need to give them the password every time. Most devices remember the password after you enter it once. If someone needs to reconnect, you can tell them the password verbally or show them the sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the WiFi password the same as the router login password?
No. The WiFi password is what you use to connect your phone or laptop to the internet. The router login password is what you use to access the router's settings page. They are separate. You need the router login to change the WiFi password, but you do not need it to use the internet.
What if the sticker shows two different network names?
Many routers broadcast both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network. Both use the same password. The 5 GHz network is faster but has shorter range. The 2.4 GHz network is slower but reaches farther. You can connect to either one — the password works for both.
Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?
Yes. Log into your router's settings using the method described above, find the WiFi Settings section, and look for an option to change the password. You can create a new password without losing any other settings. Write down the new password and update it on all your devices.
What if I reset the router and still cannot log in with the default password?
Check the router's manual or the manufacturer's support website for the correct default username and password — they vary by model. If you do not have the manual, search online for "[router brand and model number] default login." If the default login still does not work after a reset, the router may have a hardware issue and may need to be replaced.
Do I need to tell my internet provider my WiFi password?
No. Your internet provider does not need your WiFi password. They only need the account information you use to pay your bill. Your WiFi password is between you and your router. If someone claims to be from your provider and asks for it, do not share it.