How to connect a laptop to Wi-Fi without a password: all working methods in 2026

Forgot your Wi-Fi password and need to connect urgently? Or are you staying with friends, but the hosts don't want to share the access code? Situations vary, but there is a solution. Connect to Wi-Fi without a password There are several possible methods, ranging from official router functions to technical tricks. It's important to understand that most methods require either physical access to the router or preliminary network configuration.

In this article we will analyze 5 working methods, which will help you connect your laptop to Wi-Fi without entering a password. Some of them are universal and work on any device (Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux), others depend on the router model (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic etc.). We'll also explain why some methods may not work and how to fix it.

⚠️ Attention: Unauthorized connection to other people's networks without the owner's permission may violate the law (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code - "Unauthorized access to computer information"). All the described methods are intended for legal use—for example, if you forgot your network password or have permission to connect.

1. Connecting via WPS/QSS is the fastest way

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) or QSS (Quick Secure Setup) allows you to connect to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This method works on most modern routers and is supported Windows, macOS And Linux.

How does this work:

1. Click the button WPS/QSS on the router body (usually it is signed or marked with an icon) ). The button can be physical or touch-sensitive.
2. For 2 minutes On your laptop, select the desired Wi-Fi network from the list of available ones.
3. The system will connect automatically without asking for a password.

✅ Pros: You don't need to know the password, the process takes less than a minute.

❌ Cons: Not all routers support WPS (especially older models), the function can be disabled in the settings.

There is a WPS/QSS button on the router|

The WPS function is enabled in the router's web interface|

The laptop supports WPS (check in the adapter properties)|

The network is not hidden (SSID is broadcast)-->

If there is no WPS button on your router, try enabling it through the web interface:

1. Connect to the router via cable or another device that already has Wi-Fi access.
2. Open your browser and enter the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the exact address is indicated on the router sticker).
3. Log in (the default login and password are often admin/admin).
4. Find the section WPS or Quick Setup and activate the function.

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (ASUS RT-AX88U, Keenetic UltraWPS is disabled by default due to security vulnerabilities. It is recommended to enable it only temporarily.

2. Using saved networks on other devices

If you have another gadget (smartphone, tablet, second laptop) that is already connected to this Wi-Fi network, you can extract the password and use it on the main device. This method 100% legal, if the network is yours or you have permission to access it.

Instructions for different devices:

• 📱 Android:
  1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap on the name of the current network.
  3. Select Share password (fingerprint or PIN confirmation will be required).
  4. Copy the password and enter it on your laptop.

netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear

🔹 Alternative: If you have MacBook, network passwords are stored in Keychain (Programs → Utilities → Keychain). Find the network name, open its properties and check the box. Show password.

⚠️ Attention: On some versions Windows 11 team netsh may not show the password if the network was connected via Windows Subsystem for Android or third-party Wi-Fi managers. In this case, use Android smartphone to extract the password.

3. Connection via the button on the router (One-Touch Setup)

Some routers (Xiaomi Mi Router, Tenda, Mercusys) support the function one-time connection at the push of a button on the case. This is similar to WPS, but it works even if WPS is disabled in the settings.

How to do it:

1. Make sure the power light on your router (usually blue or green) is on.
2. Find the button that says Wi-Fi, Reset/WPS or icon On . Xiaomi this could be a separate button Mi-WiFi.
3. Press it on 3-5 seconds, until the indicator starts flashing.
4. On your laptop, select a Wi-Fi network from the list—the connection will occur automatically.

📌 Important: On routers TP-Link Archer And ASUS RT This function can be called Wi-Fi Clone or Easy ConnectBefore using, check if it is enabled in the web interface (Advanced settings → Wireless mode).

4. Programs for connecting without a password (only for your own networks!)

There are utilities that can automatically connect devices to Wi-Fi, if you have administrator rights on the router or the network was previously saved on another device. We'll take a look legal instruments, which do not violate the law.

🔧 Method 1: WirelessKeyView (Windows)

• 🖥️ Download the program from the official website NirSoft (check with antivirus!).
• Launch WirelessKeyView.exe - it will show all saved network passwords.
• Find the desired network and copy the password from the column Key (Ascii).

🐧 Method 2: Terminal (macOS/Linux)

security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

On Linux (Ubuntu, Mint) use:

sudo grep psk= /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/*

⚠️ Warning: Programs like Aircrack-ng or Wifite technically they can pick passwords, but they can't be used to hack other people's networks is a criminal offense (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). We strongly advise against their use.

5. Connecting via a guest network (if configured)

Many routers allow you to create guest network with a separate password (or without one at all). If the network owners have enabled this feature, you can connect to it without access to the main Wi-Fi.

How to check:

1. Look at the list of available networks on your laptop - the guest network usually has a name like this NETWORK_NAME_Guest or NETWORK_NAME-5G-Guest.
2. If the network is open (no lock 🔓), connect to it.
3. If a password is required, ask the router owner for it - often the guest password is simpler than the main one (for example, 12345678).

🔹 How to set up a guest network (if the router is yours):

• 🌐 Log in to your router's web interface (192.168.0.1).
• Find the section Guest network or Guest Network.
• Enable guest access, enter your network name (SSID), and set a simple password if necessary.
• Save the settings and reboot the router.

⚠️ Attention: Guest networks typically have limitations—for example, no access to local devices (printers, NAS) and reduced speed. This is done to ensure the security of the main network.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If none of the methods worked, try these options:

• 📡 Connection via cable: Ask the network owner for temporary access via Ethernet-cable, then extract the Wi-Fi password through the router's web interface.
• 📱 USB tethering: Share the Internet from your phone (if you have a mobile network) and use your laptop in hotspot mode.
• 🔄 Resetting the router: Extreme method! If the router is yours, but you forgot the password, reset it to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds). After the reset, connect by default (login/password is usually admin/admin).

💡 Advice for router owners: To avoid problems with forgotten passwords, keep them in a safe place (for example, in Google Keep or 1PasswordPutting a password sticker on your router isn't a good idea if someone else has access to the device.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting without a password

sudo wpa_cli wps_pbc
sudo dhclient wlan0