How to view a router's Wi-Fi password: all methods for different models

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password but need to connect a new device urgently? Don't rush to reset your router to factory settings—the password can easily be found in the device's menu or on the router itself. In this article, we'll cover all the proven methods for finding your network security key, even if you don't have internet access.

We tested the instructions on popular router models: TP-Link Archer C6, ASUS RT-AX55, Keenetic Giga, Xiaomi Mi Router 4A And D-Link DIR-815Most of the methods are universal and will work for devices of other brands, including Zyxel, Tenda And MercusysIf your router was manufactured after 2018, your chances of success are close to 100%—modern firmware stores passwords in cleartext.

Important: If you rent a router from a provider (for example, Rostelecom, MTS or Beeline), the password may be written in the contract or on a sticker on the device. In this case, it's easier to call support than to try to hack someone else's settings.

1. Where to find the password on the router case

The fastest way is to look at the factory password on the router label. It's usually located:

  • 📦 On the bottom cover (turn the router over)
  • 🔍 Under the battery compartment (for models with backup power)
  • 🖼️ On the side sticker (rare, but found on Huawei)

Look for fields that say: Wi-Fi Password, Key, Pin or Security keyThe password typically consists of 8-12 characters (numbers and uppercase and lowercase Latin letters). If the sticker is worn off or missing, proceed to the next methods.

⚠️ Please note: The factory password only works if you haven't changed it manually. After changing the key for the first time via the web interface, the information on the sticker becomes invalid.
📊 What kind of router do you have?
TP-Link
ASUS
Keenetic
Xiaomi
D-Link
Another brand

2. How to access router settings via a computer or phone

To view your current Wi-Fi password, you need to log into your router's control panel. To do this:

  1. Connect to the router via cable (via port) LAN) or via Wi-Fi (if you are already connected with at least one device).
  2. Open your browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari) and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Standard options:
    • 192.168.0.1 (more often than not D-Link, Tenda)
    • 192.168.1.1 (at TP-Link, ASUS, Mercusys)
    • 192.168.8.1 (for some Xiaomi)
    • my.keenetic.net (only for Keenetic)
  • Enter your login and password to enter. By default, this is often:
    • Login: admin, password: admin
    • Login: admin, password: 1234 (at Zyxel)
    • Login: empty field, password: password (for some Netgear)

      • If the default data doesn't work, try finding it on the router sticker or in the manual. If you've changed the password before and forgot it, you'll have to reset the router settings.

      Connected to a router (cable or Wi-Fi)|Correct IP address in the browser|Disabled VPN/proxy|Attempt to log in in a private browser window-->

      3. Where exactly in the router settings can I find the Wi-Fi password?

      Router interfaces vary across brands, but the logic is the same: the password is hidden in the wireless network section. Here are the paths for popular models:

      Router brand Wi-Fi password path Where to find the password field
      TP-Link Basic → Wireless Field Wireless Password or PSK Password
      ASUS Wireless → General Field WPA Pre-Shared Key
      Keenetic Wi-Fi → Hotspot Field Network key (you need to click "Show")
      Xiaomi Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Settings Field Password (hidden under the dot)
      D-Link Wi-Fi → Security Field Network Key or PSK

      Most routers hide the default password behind dots or asterisks. To view it, click the eye icon (👁️) or check the box next to it. "Show Password".

      4. How to find out the Wi-Fi password via a computer (Windows 10/11)

      If your PC or laptop is already connected to Wi-Fi, you can retrieve the password from the system settings without accessing the router. To do this:

      1. Open Control Panel (click Win + R, enter control and press Enter).
      2. Go to Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
      3. Click on the name of your Wi-Fi network (link to the right of Connections).
      4. In the window that opens, select Wireless Network Properties → tab "Safety".
      5. Check the box "Show input characters" — the password will appear in the field Network Security Key.

      Alternative way through command line (works on all versions of Windows):

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

      In the execution results, look for the line Key Content - this is your password.

      ⚠️ Note: If you're connected to a guest network or public Wi-Fi, this method won't work—system settings don't save passwords for temporary networks.

      5. How to view the Wi-Fi password on your phone (Android/iOS)

      On Android starting with version 10 and on iPhone With iOS 16, you can now view saved Wi-Fi passwords. The instructions differ:

      For Android:

      1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
      2. Click on the name of your network → Share (or "Share").
      3. Confirm screen unlock (PIN, fingerprint or pattern).
      4. The password will be displayed under the QR code.

      For iPhone (iOS 16+):

      1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
      2. Click the ⓘ icon next to your network name.
      3. Tap the field "Password" — confirmation via Face ID or passcode will be required.

      This method doesn't work on older versions of Android (before 9.0) and iOS (before 16). In this case, use enter router settings or special applications like WiFi Password Viewer (requires root access on Android).

      What should I do if my phone doesn't have the "Share" password option?

      On some firmware versions (for example, MIUI on Xiaomi or EMUI on Huawei), this feature may be hidden. Try this:

      1. Install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).

      2. Use a file manager with access to system files (root required) and find the password in /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml.

      3. Connect to the router via a browser as described in Section 2.

      6. How to reset your password if nothing helps

      If you can't access your router settings and don't remember your password, there's only one option left - factory resetThis will erase all your settings, including the network name (SSID) and password, but will restore access to the device.

      To reset your router:

      1. Find the button on the back panel Reset (usually it is recessed into the body).
      2. Take a paperclip or toothpick and press the button while holding it down 10-15 seconds.
      3. Wait until the indicators on the router blink and it reboots (usually 1–2 minutes).

    After reset:

    • 🔄 The network name (SSID) and password will be reset to factory settings (see the sticker).
    • 🔧 All personal settings (port forwarding, parental controls) will be lost.
    • 📡 You may need to reconfigure your connection to your provider (especially if Rostelecom And Dom.ru).
    ⚠️ Note: If you rent a router from a provider, resetting it may block internet access. In this case, call support—they'll re-link the device.

    7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    When trying to find out a password, users often encounter typical problems:

    • 🚫 The router login page won't open.
      Check:
      • Connecting to the router (the cable must be in the port) LAN, Not WAN).
      • Disable VPN/proxy in your browser.
      • Try a different browser or clear your cache (Ctrl + Shift + Del).
    • 🔒 The login/password for the router does not work.
      Possible reasons:
      • You have previously changed your login information (try to remember it or reset your router).
      • The provider has blocked access (applicable to rented routers).
      • You have entered data with an error (case sensitive! Admin ≠ admin).
    • 📵 The password in the settings is hidden and not displayed.
      Solutions:
      • Update your router firmware (section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade).
      • Try a different browser (Firefox or Opera sometimes they show the interface better).
      • Connect to the router from another device (sometimes the bug is related to the cache of a specific gadget).

      • If your router displays an "Invalid Security Key" error when connecting new devices, even after a reset, the issue may be with the encryption type. Go to your Wi-Fi settings and change it. WPA2-PSK on WPA2/WPA3-Personal (or vice versa).

      FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

      Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password?

      Technically, yes, but it's illegal. Hacking into other people's networks is prosecuted under Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information"). If you urgently need internet, it's best to ask the owner for the password or buy mobile data.

      Why doesn't the internet work after resetting the router?

      Resetting deletes your ISP connection settings. If you have Rostelecom, MTS or another operator with MAC address binding, you need to:

      1. Call support and tell them that your router has been reset.
      2. Dictate the new MAC address (you will find it in the router settings, section Status or Network).
      3. Reboot the router after updating the data on the provider's side.
      How to view Wi-Fi password on MacBook?

      On macOS open Programs → Utilities → KeychainEnter the name of your network in the search, double-click on the result and check the box. Show passwordYou will be asked to enter your Mac account password.

      Is it possible to recover the password without resetting the router?

      Yes, if you have access to at least one device connected to this network. Use the methods from Section 4 (for Windows) or Section 5 (for phone) If no device is connected, a reset is inevitable.

      Where is the Wi-Fi password physically stored in the router?

      The password is stored in the router's non-volatile memory (NVRAM or flash memory). When resetting, this area is cleared, returning the device to factory settings. The password can only be physically retrieved through JTAG-port or flash memory chip, but this requires soldering and specialized software.

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