Forgot your WiFi password? No problem!

Lost your WiFi password? It happens to everyone now and then. Fortunately there are several ways to find your password again without having to reset your router. In this article we show you all the options.

Tip: Store your WiFi password safely in a password manager, so you never lose it again!

Finding your WiFi password on Windows (step by step)

If your Windows computer is already connected to the WiFi network, you can easily find the password:

Windows 10 and 11:

  1. Right-click the WiFi icon in the taskbar
  2. Click Open Network & Internet settings
  3. Click Network and Sharing Center (or go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center)
  4. Click your WiFi network name next to Connections
  5. Click Wireless Properties
  6. Go to the Security tab
  7. Check Show characters to see the password

Using Command Prompt (CMD):

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
  2. Type the command: netsh wlan show profile name=NETWORKNAME key=clear
  3. Replace NETWORKNAME with your WiFi name
  4. The password is shown next to Key Content

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

On a Mac your WiFi password is stored in the Keychain:

  1. Open Keychain Access (search for it with Spotlight using Cmd + Space)
  2. Search for your WiFi network name
  3. Double-click the network
  4. Check Show password
  5. Enter your Mac administrator password
  6. The WiFi password is now shown

Using Terminal:

  1. Open Terminal
  2. Type the command: security find-generic-password -ga NETWORKNAME | grep password
  3. Enter your Mac password when prompted

Finding your WiFi password on your router (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)

You can also look up the password in the router settings:

  1. Connect your computer to the router with a network cable (or WiFi if that still works)
  2. Open a browser and go to:
    • 192.168.1.1 (most common)
    • 192.168.0.1 (alternative)
    • Or check the router sticker for the correct address
  3. Log in with the router admin username and password
    • Often by default: admin / admin or admin / password
    • Check the router sticker for the correct details
  4. Look for the Wireless, WiFi or WLAN settings
  5. The password is often listed under WPA Key, Wireless Password or Network Key

WiFi password on the router sticker

The easiest method! Look at the bottom or back of your router:

  • Look for a sticker with network information
  • The default WiFi password is often listed as:
    • WiFi Password
    • Wireless Key
    • WPA/WPA2 Key
    • Network Key

Note: This only works if you have never changed the default password!

Resetting the router as a last resort

If none of the methods above work, you can reset the router to factory settings:

Warning!

A factory reset erases all settings, including:

  • Your custom WiFi name and password
  • Port forwarding rules
  • Parental controls
  • Other configurations

How to reset:

  1. Find the Reset button on the router (often a small pinhole)
  2. Use a paperclip or pen to press the button
  3. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink
  4. Wait for the router to restart
  5. Use the default password from the router sticker

FAQ

Is 192.168.1.1 not working? Try 192.168.0.1 or check your computer settings to see what the Default Gateway address is.

I no longer know the router admin password Try the default combinations (admin/admin, admin/password) or reset the router.

Can I see the WiFi password on my phone? On Android 10+ you can share the password with a QR code in the WiFi settings. On iPhone this is harder and you often need a Mac.

How do I create a secure WiFi password? Use at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid obvious words.