How to view the Wi-Fi password on a MikroTik router

The need to find the current wireless network security key is a common occurrence for administrators and regular users. This could be due to connecting a new device, handing over access to guests, or simply losing stored data. Unlike simple home routers, the equipment MikroTik offers advanced functionality, which, however, requires an understanding of the operating system's operating principles RouterOS.

Recovering a forgotten password on this device doesn't require a factory reset if you have access to the device's management. There are several effective methods for viewing saved encryption keys directly in the configuration. Below, we'll detail the steps to perform via the graphical interface. WinBox and a web browser, and we'll also touch on the features of different firmware versions.

Preparation for work and necessary tools

Before changing settings or viewing sensitive data, make sure your device is connected to the MikroTik network. This can be done either via cable LAN, or via an existing Wi-Fi connection. You'll need a computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux. The primary administration tool is the utility WinBox, which is recommended to be downloaded from the manufacturer's official website.

An alternative method is to use any modern web browser. However, the web interface may be slower and may not display all hidden settings as easily as a dedicated client. Make sure you have the login and password for your router's management system. The default login for new devices is often admin with an empty password, if you have not changed this data before.

It's important to understand the difference between the router password and the wireless network password. We'll be looking for the latter. Wireless Pre-Shared Key, which is used by clients to log in to the network. If you've lost the password for the administrator account, RouterOS, the recovery procedure will be more complicated and may require physical access to the device.

Viewing the password using the WinBox utility

The most reliable and fastest way to set up a wireless network is to use the program WinBoxThis method works stably on all versions. RouterOS, including the latest v7 and older v6. After launching the program, find your router in the neighbors list or enter its IP address manually in the field Connect ToEnter your credentials and click the button. Connect.

After successful authorization, the main program window will open. Find the section in the left menu WirelessThe window that opens will display a list of all wireless interfaces. This is usually called wlan1 or has a custom name, such as home_wifiDouble-click on the interface name to open its properties editing window.

In the window that opens, go to the tab WirelessThe main parameters of the radio module are located here. Find the field with the name Security ProfileThis is where the link to the security profile is stored, which contains the password you are looking for. By default, the profile is often called default or profile1.

To see the key itself, click on the button with three dots [...] next to the security profile name. A new window will open. Wireless Security ProfilesAt the bottom of this window there is a field WPA Pre-Shared Key or WPA2 Pre-Shared KeyThe text in this field will be hidden by asterisks or periods. To display the actual character, press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+P or button Reveal (if available in your interface version). You can then copy or write down the password.

Using the web interface (WebFig)

If installing additional software isn't possible, you can use the built-in web interface. Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar, for example, 192.168.88.1After entering your login and password, you will be taken to the main page. WebFigThe interface may look different depending on the installed theme, but the menu logic remains the same.

Find the menu on the left side of the screen Wireless. Open it and select the item InterfacesYou'll see a list of network interfaces. Find your wireless interface (often indicated by an antenna icon) and click it to open the settings. The next steps are similar to those in WinBox: go to the tab Wireless and look at the field Security Profile.

Click on the security profile name. In the window that opens, find the password entry field. The web interface often doesn't have a "Show Password" button directly in the entry field for browser security reasons. However, if you right-click the entry field and select "Inspect," you can find the tag. input and change its attribute type="password" on type="text"This will display hidden characters.

⚠️ Attention: The WebFig interface can be updated along with the firmware. The button layout and tab names in new versions RouterOS v7 This manual may differ slightly from the previous instructions. If you can't find the item you need, use the search menu (magnifying glass in the upper left).

Features of RouterOS v6 and v7

MikroTik regularly updates its operating system, and between the sixth and seventh major versions, significant changes occurred in the architecture of packages and the interface. In version RouterOS v7 The wireless communications package has been rewritten, resulting in changes to the structure of some menus and parameter names. It's important for users to be aware of these differences when searching for settings.

In version v7 menu Wireless The interface has become more logical, but some functions have been moved. For example, managing access lists and security profiles has become more flexible. The new version also improves support for multi-core processors, which can impact interface responsiveness when viewing large logs or complex configurations.

Below is a comparison table of the main parameters that may be encountered when searching for a password in different versions:

If you're using very old hardware that doesn't support the v7 upgrade, the interface will strictly adhere to the v6 logic. In this case, the menu structure is flatter and less detailed, but the key fields for viewing the password remain in the same place.

Should I upgrade to RouterOS v7?

Upgrading to version 7 makes sense if you need support for new Wi-Fi 6 hardware, improved routing, and modern security protocols. However, if your router is running stable on version 6 and doesn't require the new features, there's no need to rush the update, as the process can take time and require reconfiguring some services.

Checking via terminal (CLI)

For experienced users and system administrators, the fastest way to obtain information is the command line. Access to the terminal is available in WinBox (the button New Terminal), as well as via SSH. This method is universal and is not susceptible to graphical interface bugs.

To list security profiles and see passwords, use the command /interface wireless security-profiles printHowever, passwords will be hidden by default. To display them in plain text, you need to add a flag. show-secretsThe command will look like this:

/interface wireless security-profiles print show-secrets

In the command output, find the line wpa2-pre-shared-keyThe value next to it is your password. If you have multiple profiles configured, the command will list all profiles and their settings. Be careful when copying: spaces at the beginning or end of the line may cause a connection error.

You can also view the settings for a specific interface to find out which profile is associated with it. Use the command /interface wireless printto see a list of interfaces and their associated security profiles. This is useful if you have multiple SSIDs configured on a single device.

Common errors and access problems

A common issue is when a user logs in but can't change or view the password field. This can be due to insufficient access rights. Make sure you are logged in as a user with the appropriate group. full or writeUsers with rights only to read will not be able to see secrets or change the configuration.

Another common mistake is confusion between virtual interfaces. On MikroTik, you can create multiple virtual access points (APs) based on a single physical radio. Each can have its own SSID and your security profile. Make sure you're viewing the settings for the interface that's distributing the network name you need.

⚠️ Attention: Never enter commands or settings you're unsure of on live production equipment. A wireless interface configuration error can instantly disconnect all clients.

If the password field is empty but the network is working, an external authentication server may be in use (RADIUS). In this case, the password is verified not on the router, but on a remote server. In this case, viewing the password itself through the router interface is impossible, as it's not available there in plain text; there's only a link to the RADIUS server.

Security measures for access control

Once you've learned or changed your password, it's recommended to audit your wireless network security. Using an encryption standard WPA2-PSK or WPA3 is a mandatory minimum. Old protocols WEP And WPA (TKIP) are considered obsolete and easily hacked, and their use is unacceptable in modern conditions.

Passwords should be complex: at least 12 characters long, include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using dictionary words, birthdays, or simple sequences like "12345678." It's a good practice to change your password regularly, especially if temporary users have access to the network.

It's also worth limiting the devices allowed to connect. Use the MAC address filter (Access List) in the Wireless settings. While it's possible to spoof a MAC address, this will create an additional barrier to unauthorized neighbors. This can be configured in the MikroTik interface under Wireless -> Access List, where you can explicitly allow or deny specific devices.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

Is it possible to find out the password if I don’t remember the login and password for the router itself?

No, you can't view security settings without logging into the management system (WinBox or Web). The only way to do this is to perform a reset (Reset Configuration) using the button on the device. This will restore the router to its factory settings, but you will lose all current provider and network settings.

Where is the physical reset button on the MikroTik?

Button Reset It's usually located on the front or back panel of the device, often combined with the power button or hidden in a recess. To reset, press and hold the button while turning on the device (until the ACT indicator lights up), then release. For precise instructions for your model, refer to the manual on the manufacturer's website.

Why doesn't the password field in WinBox become active?

The field may be inactive (grayed out) if you're not in edit mode. Make sure you've opened the interface or profile properties, not just viewing the general list. Also, make sure your account has write access (write).

Is it safe to store a password in a text file on my computer?

Storing passwords in clear text on your computer, especially in a file .txt On your desktop, it's bad practice. It's better to use specialized password managers (such as KeePass or Bitwarden) that encrypt the database with a master password.

Does changing your Wi-Fi password affect your internet speed?

Changing your password itself doesn't affect speed. However, if you simultaneously change the encryption type (for example, from WPA2 to WPA3) or channel width, this may impact the compatibility of older devices and, consequently, the perceived network speed.