In today's digital environment, wireless network access is critical for work and entertainment. Users often forget their router password or want to connect a guest but can't remember the password. PIN code (or WPS password) is a special key that allows devices to connect to a network without entering a long alphanumeric password, simply by pressing a button or entering 8 digits.
There are several ways to recover or find this code, depending on whether you have physical access to the device and administrator rights. Some methods require a cable connection, while others work through the operating system settings. It's important to understand the difference between a Wi-Fi password and WPS PIN code, although in everyday life these concepts are often confused.
This guide covers all relevant methods for 2026, including working with new security protocols and router interfaces. We'll cover options for Windows, Android, iOS, and the router's web interface. Please remember that if you do not own the network, accessing it without the owner's permission is illegal.
Find the code on the router body and in the documentation
The easiest and most reliable way to find out the standard PIN code is to look at the sticker located on the bottom or back panel of the device. Manufacturers TP-Link, Asus, Zyxel and others usually specify factory settings there. Look for a field labeled "PIN," "WPS PIN," or "Default PIN."
If the sticker is worn or damaged, refer to the paper instructions that came with the equipment. They often contain a table with unique codes for each series of devices. Sometimes the code is also duplicated on the warranty card or a separate "Quick Start" card.
⚠️ Attention: If you've previously changed your router settings, the factory PIN on the sticker may no longer work. In this case, the current code must be set by the user or generated by the system.
Default values often vary by device model. Below is a table of typical factory values for popular brands:
| Router brand | Location | Typical format |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Sticker on the bottom | 8 digits |
| Asus | Sticker on the back | 8 digits |
| D-Link | Sticker or card | 8 digits |
| Keenetic | Under the battery (rarely) | 4-8 digits |
How to find out your PIN via your router's web interface
If the physical sticker is illegible, the information can be found in the router's settings. To do this, connect to it via Wi-Fi or a LAN cable and log in to the control panel. In the browser's address bar, enter the device's IP address, usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
After logging in (your login and password are often listed in the same place as the PIN on the sticker), go to the wireless network section. Interfaces vary by manufacturer, but the logic remains the same. You'll need to find the "WPS," "Wireless Network," or "Wi-Fi" tab.
What should you do if you forgot your router password?
If you haven't changed the administrator password, try the default admin/admin. If you've changed it and forgotten, the only solution is to perform a full reset by pressing the Reset button for 10-15 seconds.
The WPS menu often displays the current PIN code. If the field is hidden by asterisks, try pressing the "Show" button or changing the value to your own. Some modern firmware versions allow you to generate a new random code using the "Generate New PIN" button.
- 📡 Go to the section
WirelessorWi-Fi. - 🔑 Find a subsection
WPS Settings. - 👀 Copy the numbers from the field
Current PIN.
Viewing saved passwords on Windows 10 and 11
Windows operating systems store information about previously connected networks. If your computer has previously connected to Wi-Fi, you can find the password (which is often the same as the PIN when using WPS or is the master encryption key) through the graphical interface.
Open "Settings" and go to "Network & Internet." Select "Advanced network settings" or directly search for "Network and Sharing Center." Click your network name, then select "Wireless network properties."
☑️ Checking access in Windows
In the window that opens, go to the "Security" tab. There you'll see the "Network Security Key" field, hidden by dots. Check the "Show characters as you type" box to see the password. This requires administrator privileges.
For more advanced users, there is a command line. Open CMD as administrator and enter the command:
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearIn the command output, find the line "Key Content." The password you're looking for will be there. This method works even if the GUI freezes.
Using an Android smartphone to view the key
Owners of smartphones running Android 10 and later can view the saved Wi-Fi password directly in the system settings. This is possible if the phone has previously connected to this network. Open "Settings," then "Wi-Fi" or "Connections."
Tap the desired network name or the gear icon next to it. Select "QR code" or "Share." A QR code for connecting another device will appear on the screen. The password is often written in plain text below the code.
For older versions of Android (before 9-10), standard tools are not available to view the password without root access. In such cases, you can try using file managers with access to system files, but this requires advanced skills and carries security risks.
- 📱 Go to Wi-Fi settings.
- 🔗 Click on the active network.
- 📷 Select "Share" or QR code.
Features of viewing passwords on iOS (iPhone/iPad)
Apple added the ability to view saved Wi-Fi passwords only in iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. If you have an older version of the operating system, you won't be able to find the code using standard methods.
On current versions of iOS, go to "Settings" → "Wi-Fi." Find the network you need to find the password for and tap the information icon (the blue "i" in a circle). Tap the "Password" field.
The system will request confirmation via Face ID, Touch ID, or your screen unlock passcode. Upon successful authentication, the hidden characters will turn into readable text that can be copied.
⚠️ Attention: On iOS devices, your Wi-Fi password is synced via iCloud Keychain. If you see the password on your Mac, it will automatically appear on your iPhone when you sign in to the same Apple ID.
Resetting settings and generating a new PIN code
If none of these methods work, or you don't know the administrator password to access the router settings, there's a radical but effective solution: a hard reset. This will restore the device to factory settings.
On the back of the router, locate the recessed hole labeled "Reset" or "RST." Press it with a paperclip or needle and hold for about 10-15 seconds until the LEDs blink simultaneously. The router will reboot.
After the reset, all settings, including the network name and password, will be reset to factory defaults. You can connect using the information on the sticker on the device. We recommend reconfiguring your internet connection and setting a strong password to protect yourself from neighbors.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi PIN remotely?
No, there are no legal ways to find out someone else's network PIN without accessing the router or an already connected device. Hacking programs often contain viruses.
What is the difference between a PIN and a Wi-Fi password?
PIN (WPS) is an 8-digit code for quick connection, Wi-Fi password is an encryption key (WPA2/WPA3), which can contain letters and symbols of any length.
Is it safe to use WPS to connect?
The WPS protocol is considered vulnerable. Hackers can brute-force the 8-digit PIN. It is recommended to disable the WPS function in the router settings after initial setup.
What should I do if the PIN code sticker comes off?
Try logging into the router's web interface. If this fails, perform a reset using the Reset button and use the default login details, which can be found online for your router model.