It's quite common to need to connect a new device to your home network but forget the password. It's especially frustrating if you already have internet access on other devices, but can't remember the password. Fortunately, operating systems and routers themselves store this data, and recovering it is easy, even for a novice.
There are many methods that allow you to find out forgotten authorization data. Restoring access It's possible to do this through the router interface, Windows settings, or a mobile phone. The specific method you choose depends on which devices you currently have connected to the network and whether you have physical access to the router itself.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the most effective action algorithms. We'll cover both software methods via computers and smartphones, as well as physical inspection of equipment. It is important to understand, that the security of your network directly depends on the complexity of your password, so after regaining access, you should consider strengthening it.
Finding the password on the router sticker
The simplest and most obvious way, but often overlooked, is to inspect the device's case. Router manufacturers such as TP-Link, Keenetic or ASUS, factory data is often printed directly on the bottom or back of the device. If you've never changed the safety settings since purchasing the device, this data will be up to date.
Please pay attention to the field with the name Wireless Password, WPA/WPA2 Key or simply PasswordThe SSID (network name) is usually listed next to it, which should also match the name of your access point. Sometimes the code is printed in small print, so use good lighting or your phone's flashlight.
⚠️ Note: If you or someone in your household has previously changed security settings via the web interface, the data on the sticker will be out of date. In this case, you will need to use software recovery methods.
To easily verify that the information on the label matches the information in the system, check the device's MAC address. It is also listed on the label and should match the address displayed in the connection properties on the computer.
How to find out your password in Windows 10 and 11
If a Windows computer is already connected to your Wi-Fi network, the operating system stores the security key in its profile. This is the fastest method and doesn't require logging into the router settings. You'll need administrator access to the system.
To get started, open the Start menu and go to "Settings" (the gear icon). Then select "Network & Internet" and find "Change adapter settings" or "Advanced network settings." In the window that opens, find your wireless connection, right-click it, and select "Status."
In the dialog box that appears, click "Wireless Network Properties." Go to the "Connection" tab. This is where the information you're looking for is located, hidden for security reasons.
☑️ Windows Steps
To view hidden text, check the "Show characters" box. Your password will then appear in the "Network Security Key" field. If the system asks for administrator permissions, confirm your permission.
It's worth noting that this method only works for the network the computer is currently connected to or has previously connected to. If you delete the network profile, the data will be lost, and you'll have to find other solutions.
Recovery via command line
For more advanced users or when the graphical interface isn't working correctly, the command line is a great option. This method is universal and allows you to view saved profiles of all networks the computer has ever connected to.
Run the command prompt as administrator. To do this, enter cmd In Windows Search, right-click "Command Prompt" and select the appropriate option. In the window that opens, enter the following command to display a list of all saved profiles:
netsh wlan show profilesAfter running the command, you'll see a list of all networks. Find the name of your home network in the list. Next, use the command to display the key for a specific network, replacing "Name_WiFi" with the name of your access point:
netsh wlan show profile name="Name_WiFi" key=clearIn the command output, find the "Security Options" section. The "Key Contents" line (Key Content) will contain the desired password in clear text. This method is especially useful if you need to quickly copy a password without unnecessary mouse clicks.
Viewing your password on Android and iPhone
Smartphone owners can also find out their Wi-Fi password, although the interfaces on Android and iOS differ. On modern versions of Android (starting with version 10) and iOS 16, this feature is built into the system and accessible via a QR code.
On Android, go to "Settings" → "Wi-Fi." Tap the gear icon next to your active network or select "Share" (the QR code icon). After verifying your identity (fingerprint or pattern), a QR code will appear, with the password often written below it.
iPhone owners have a similar situation, but only on iOS 16 and later. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap the blue information icon (i) next to the network name. Tap the "Password" field—the system will perform biometric verification (Face ID or Touch ID) and reveal the hidden characters.
- 📱 Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → Gear → Share (QR code).
- 🍏 iOS 16+: Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) → Tap Hidden Password.
- 🔒 Safety: To view, you need to unlock your device screen.
- 👁️ Visualization: On Android, the password is often visible just below the QR code.
If you have an older version of iOS, there may not be a built-in password viewer, and you'll have to use iCloud Keychain sync with your Mac if you have it set up.
Login to router settings
If none of your devices are connected to Wi-Fi, or you want to change the password to a more complex one, you'll need to log in to the router's web interface. To do this, connect your computer to the router via an Ethernet cable or, if possible, via Wi-Fi (using WPS or a guest network).
The login address is usually on the same sticker as the password. Most often, it is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or a domain name (eg my.keenetic.net). Enter this address in your browser. You will need the administrator login and password (often this is admin/admin).
After successful authorization, the interface will differ depending on your router model. Look for sections labeled "Wireless," "Wireless Mode," "WLAN," or "Wi-Fi." In the security subsections (Security) there will be a field with the current password.
| Router brand | Entrance address | Menu section | Password field |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless → Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
| Keenetic | my.keenetic.net | My Networks and Wi-Fi → Home Network | Wi-Fi network password |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | Wireless Network → General | Authentication method |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wi-Fi → Security Settings | PSK encryption key |
In this section, you can not only view but also change the password. After applying the settings, all devices will be disconnected and will need to be reconnected with a new key.
⚠️ Note: Router firmware interfaces are subject to update. If you can't find the desired option, check the manufacturer's official manual for your model, as the menu layout may vary.
What should I do if I forgot my router administrator password?
If you changed the password for accessing your router settings (not the Wi-Fi password, but the admin password) and forgot it, you can't recover it using software. The only solution is to reset the device to factory settings using the Reset button. This will erase all your settings, including the provider password and network name.
Using WPS to connect without a password
Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect devices to the network without entering a password, simply by pressing a button on the router. This is convenient if you need to quickly connect a guest or a device that requires text input (such as a printer or TV set-top box).
On the router body, find the button with the inscription WPS or the two arrows icon. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the Wi-Fi indicator flashes. Within 2 minutes, start a network scan on the connecting device and select your network. The system will automatically transfer the security key.
However, caution is advised: keeping WPS enabled all the time is considered a security vulnerability. Hackers can exploit this protocol to brute-force the PIN code and compromise the network. Therefore, it is recommended to disable WPS in the router settings after connecting new devices.
- 🔘 Physical button: Located on the body, often combined with the Wi-Fi button.
- ⏱️ Waiting time: Usually takes about 2 minutes after pressing.
- 📺 Application: Ideal for Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
- 🚫 Risk: It is recommended to disable WPS in the router settings after use.
Some routers allow you to activate WPS programmatically through the web interface if the physical button is missing or inconveniently located.
Resetting the router to factory settings
This is a last resort measure, which should be used if none of the other methods have helped, or if you can't access the router settings. A reset will return all device settings to their out-of-the-box state, including the factory Wi-Fi password found on the sticker.
On the back of the router, locate the recessed hole marked Reset or RestoreTo activate, you'll need a thin object (like a paperclip or toothpick). Press the button inside the hole and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until all the lights flash simultaneously.
After rebooting, the router will broadcast the network with the factory name (SSID) and password. You will need to reconfigure your connection to the provider (enter the login and password from your contract) if automatic configuration fails.
Please note that after the reset, all personal settings, including child restrictions, static IP addresses, and port forwarding, will be deleted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the password for my neighbors' Wi-Fi?
No, there is no legal way to find out someone else's network password without accessing their devices or router. Attempting to hack someone else's Wi-Fi network is a violation of computer information laws. We only consider restoring access to your own networks.
What to do if there is no WPS button on the router?
Many modern router models, especially budget ones or those with newer firmware versions, lack a physical WPS button or have it disabled by default. In this case, use the QR code connection method on Android/iOS or obtain the password from a connected computer.
Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored on Mac (macOS)?
On Apple computers, passwords are stored in Keychain Access. Find Keychain Access in Spotlight, enter your network name in the search bar, double-click it, and check the "Show password" box. The system will prompt you for your Mac account password.
Is it safe to store passwords in your browser?
Browsers may offer to save your Wi-Fi password, but this isn't recommended for security reasons. It's better to use password managers or write down complex passwords in a safe place. If your device falls into the hands of an attacker, they could gain access to the network.
Why doesn't the router accept the new password?
When changing your password, make sure you're using the correct encryption type (WPA2-PSK or WPA3 are recommended). Older devices may not support newer standards. Also, check that your password doesn't contain restricted characters or spaces, which some devices may not process correctly.