How to crack a Wi-Fi network: 7 proven methods (without breaking the law)

• TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Security
• ASUS: Wireless Network → Settings
• Keenetic: Wi-Fi → Hotspot

In the field PSK password (or Wireless Password, Network Key) you will see the current security key. If it is displayed as asterisks, click the button Show password (or Show Password).

Reset the router using the Reset button (hold for 10-15 seconds)|

Try another browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)|

Disable VPN/proxy in the system|

Check that the computer's IP address is in the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.0.X)-->

3. Using saved passwords on devices

If your smartphone, laptop, or tablet has previously connected to this network, you can retrieve the password from the system settings. Let's look at methods for different platforms:

📱 Android (no root)

On most modern smartphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi) the password can be viewed like this:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on your network name.
3. Tap the button Share (or Share).
4. The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, fingerprint or pattern.
5. After confirmation, a QR code and text password will be displayed.

💻 Windows 10/11

To view your saved password on your PC:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click Managing known networks.
3. Select your network and click Properties.
4. Scroll down to the item Network password - it will be hidden. Click Show symbols.

🍎 macOS

On MacBook or iMac:

1. Open Programs → Utilities → Keychain.
2. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search.
3. Double-click on the found entry.
4. Check the box Show password and enter your Mac account password.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with iOS (iPhone/iPad) It's impossible to view your Wi-Fi password without jailbreaking. However, you can share the network with another Apple device using the Share Wi-Fi feature. AirDrop - for this, both gadgets must be in your Apple ID.

4. Reset the router to factory settings

If none of the previous methods worked, the only thing left is atomic variant — Reset the router. This will return all settings to factory defaults, including the network name and password. Keep in mind that after the reset, you'll have to set up the router again: enter your provider information, configure IPTV, Parent Control and other functions.

Reset instructions:

1. Find the button on the back of the router. Reset (sometimes it is recessed into the body and signed WPS/Reset).
2. Take a paperclip or toothpick and press the button while holding it down 10-15 seconds.
3. The indicators on the router should blink or go out - this is a signal of a successful reset.
4. Wait 1-2 minutes for the router to reboot.

After reset:

• Network Name (SSID) and the password will become standard (indicated on the sticker).
• The IP address for entering the settings will return to the factory one (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• The login and password for entering the web interface will also be reset (usually admin/admin).
What to do if the Reset button does not work?

If the reset button does not respond, try:

1. Disconnect the router from power for 30 seconds, then repeat holding Reset.

2. Use another sharp object (needle, pin) - sometimes the button "sticks".

3. On some models (for example, MikroTik) the reset is performed through a command in the terminal:

/system reset-configuration no-defaults=yes

If nothing helps, the router may be faulty - contact the service center.

5. Alternative connection methods (without password)

In some cases, you can connect to the network without entering a password using additional router features:

🔄 WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

Technology WPS Allows you to connect devices using a button or PIN code. To use it:

1. Make sure the indicator light on the router is on. WPS (or the button is signed WPS/QSS).
2. On your device (smartphone, laptop), select the network and press Connect via WPS.
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router.

⚠️ Limitation: WPS does not work on all devices (for example, iPhone does not support this feature). In addition, WPS is vulnerable to hacking — after connecting, it is better to disable this function in the router settings.

📱 QR code

Many modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U, TP-Link Archer C6) generate a QR code for connection. It can be scanned with a smartphone camera:

1. Find the QR code on the router sticker or in the web interface (section Wi-Fi → QR code).
2. Open the camera on your smartphone and point at the code.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect.

🔌 Connection via cable

If you need internet access but not Wi-Fi, connect your device to a router. via Ethernet cableThis will allow:

• Use the Internet without a password.
• Go to the router settings and change/view the Wi-Fi password.
• Update the router firmware if the problem is a failure.

6. If the router is from a provider: recovery features

Routers provided by Internet providers (Rostelecom, MGTS, Third Transport Ring), often have unique settings. Here's what you need to know:

Provider	Standard IP address	Default login/password	Peculiarities
Rostelecom	192.168.1.1	admin/admin or indicated on the sticker	Access to Wi-Fi settings is often blocked—a call to support is required.
Beeline	192.168.0.1	admin/password or beeline/beeline	The Wi-Fi password may be the same as the contract number.
MTS	192.168.1.1	admin/mts or indicated on the sticker	You can reset your Wi-Fi password remotely in your personal account.
Dom.ru	192.168.0.1	Indicated on the sticker (usually domru/password)	Wi-Fi passwords are often generated using a template. DOMRU-XXXX.

If you rent a router from a provider, do not perform a factory reset — this may disrupt your internet connection. Instead:

1. Call your provider's support team (the number is usually listed on the router sticker).
2. Please provide details from your contract or personal account.
3. Ask to reset your Wi-Fi password or send it via SMS/email.

⚠️ Attention: Some providers (eg. Akado) The router settings are linked to your personal account. In this case, you can only change the Wi-Fi password through the operator's website.

7. How to protect your network after access is restored

Once you have restored your Wi-Fi access, Be sure to change your security settingsTo avoid recurring problems, follow these guidelines:

• 🔒 Change the default password complex (at least 12 characters, with numbers, letters, and special characters). Example: 7h#kL9!pQ2$vR.
• 📛 Change the network name (SSID) - do not use personal information (eg. Ivanov_kv5).
• 🛡️ Disable WPS - This function is vulnerable to attacks.
• 🔄 Update your router firmware to the latest version (in the section System → Software Update).
• 👤 Change your login/password to access your router settings. (by default this is often admin/admin).
• 📡 Set up a guest network For friends, this isolates their devices from your local network.

For maximum security, select the encryption type WPA3-Personal (or WPA2-PSK, If WPA3 (not supported). Avoid outdated standards. WEP And WPA - they can be hacked in a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it possible to guess someone else's Wi-Fi password?
No, it is illegallyAccording to Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, unauthorized access to computer information (including Wi-Fi networks) is punishable by a fine of up to 500,000 rubles or imprisonment for up to 4 yearsEven if you "just want to check," it still qualifies as hacking.
If you really need the internet, it's better to:
• Ask the network owner for the password.
• Use mobile Internet (4G/5G).
• Connect to a public Wi-Fi network (in a cafe, library).
❓ What should I do if I forgot my router password (not my Wi-Fi password)?

If you have forgotten your login/password to log in router web interface (and not from Wi-Fi), there are two options:

1. Reset settings button Reset (as described in section 4). After this, the data will be reset to factory settings.
2. Recovery through the 30/30/30 method (works on some models):
   1. Hold Reset 30 seconds (router is on).
   2. Without releasing the button, turn off the power for 30 seconds.
   3. Turn the power back on and hold Reset another 30 seconds.

   This will reset your device to factory settings even if a standard reset doesn't work.

If you have a router from your ISP, contact support—they can reset your password remotely.

❓ Why doesn't the Reset button reset the router?
The reasons may be as follows:
• 🔌 The button is faulty - try pressing it more sharply or use another object.
• ⚡ Nutritional problems — connect the router to a different power source.
• 🔧 Hardware lock - some providers disable the reset function (for example, Dom.ru).
• 🛠️ Router failure - If the indicators do not light, the power supply may have burned out.
If resetting doesn't help, try:
1. Disconnect the router from power for 5 minutes, then repeat the reset.
2. Use 30/30/30 method (described above).
3. Contact a service center - a firmware reflash may be required.
❓ How do I find the Wi-Fi password on my TV or set-top box?

On Smart TV (Samsung, LG, Sony) or prefixes (Xiaomi Mi Box, Apple TV) view the saved Wi-Fi password it is forbidden — These devices do not provide this feature. However, you can:

• 🔍 View the password on another device (laptop, smartphone), as described in Section 3.
• 📡 Connect to the router via cable and change the password in the settings.
• 🔄 Reset the router to factory settings (the password will be on the sticker).

On TVs with Android TV (For example, Sony Bravia) you can try using applications like WiFi Password Viewer, but they require root rights, which are almost impossible to get on TV.

❓ Is it possible to recover a Wi-Fi password through a mobile operator?

Yes, if the router was issued by yours Internet provider (and not purchased separately). Most operators offer the following options:

• Rostelecom: in the personal account section My Services → Wi-Fi.
• MTS: Device Management → Wi-Fi Settings.
• Beeline: call support at the number 0611 (from Beeline mobile).

If the router is yours (not rented), your operator won't be able to help. Please refer to the instructions in this article.