How to find the Wi-Fi password on a MikroTik router: all the methods, from simple to complex

Forgotten Wi-Fi password MikroTik — a problem that every fifth user of this equipment faces. Unlike household routers like TP-Link or ASUS, devices from MikroTik They don't have a WPS button for quick connection, and standard password recovery methods (such as using a sticker on the case) often don't work. The reason is simple: MikroTik It is aimed at professionals, and its default settings do not provide any "backup loopholes" for beginners.

In this article we will look at all possible methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi password MikroTik - from elementary (if you have access to Winbox) to radical ones (complete configuration reset). Important: some methods require physical access to the router, others require knowledge of basic commands. RouterOSIf you have never worked with MikroTik earlier, start with the first sections and gradually move on to more complex solutions.

1. Check the password via Winbox (if you have access to the router)

If you can connect to the router via cable or are already logged in Winbox, you can find out your Wi-Fi password in 2 minutes. This method works on all models. MikroTik — from hAP lite to RB4011.

Instructions:

• 🔌 Connect to the router via Ethernet cable (recommended) or via an existing Wi-Fi connection if it is still active.
• 💻 Run the utility Winbox (you can download it from official website). In the field Connect To Enter the IP address of the router (usually 192.168.88.1) and press Connect.
• 🔍 In the left menu, go to Wireless → open the tab Security ProfilesAll Wi-Fi security profiles are displayed here.
• 🔑 Find your profile (usually default or with the name of your network) and double-click on it. In the field Password the current password will be displayed in in open form.

If the field Password empty or filled with asterisks (), then the password is stored in encrypted form. In this case, proceed to the next method.

2. Viewing the password via the web interface (WebFig)

Alternative Winbox - web interface WebFig, which is accessible via the same router IP address. This method is convenient if you don't have access to Winbox or you are working with macOS/Linux.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open your browser and type in the address bar http://192.168.88.1 (or another IP if you changed it).
2. Log in using the administrator username and password (default - admin without a password or with the password you set earlier).
3. Go to the section Wireless → Security Profiles.
4. Click on the name of your security profile. The password will be displayed in the field. Password.

If your password is displayed as dots, try changing it to a new one (remember or save the new password!) or use console commands, described in the next section.

3. Displaying the password via the command line (Terminal)

If the graphical interfaces do not show the password, it can be extracted via console RouterOSThis method requires basic command line knowledge, but is 100% effective if you have access to the router.

Instructions for Terminal V Winbox or SSH:

1. Open Terminal V Winbox (button New Terminal) or connect via SSH (for example, through PuTTY).
2. Enter the command to view all Wi-Fi security profiles:

   /interface wireless security-profiles print

   In the list, find your profile name (for example, default).

3. Display detailed profile information by replacing [profile_name] to yours:

   /interface wireless security-profiles get [profile_name] password

   For example:

   /interface wireless security-profiles get default password

If the command returns an empty string or an error, the password is stored in encrypted form. In this case, the only options are: reset password (section 5) or restore it from backup copy (section 4).

What should I do if the command returns a "no such item" error?

This means that a security profile with the specified name does not exist. Check the name with the command /interface wireless security-profiles print or try other names, for example profile1 or the name of your Wi-Fi network.

4. Recovering a password from a configuration backup

If you have ever done backup settings MikroTik, the password can be extracted from the backup file (.backup). This method works even if the current router settings are reset or damaged.

How to do it:

• 📁 Locate the backup file (usually has the extension .backup and the name seems to be mikrotik_20260515.backup).
• 💾 Open the file in any text editor (for example, Notepad++ or VS Code).
• 🔍 Find the line with wireless-security or password=The password will be displayed in clear text next to this tag.
• 📋 Copy the password and use it to connect to Wi-Fi.

If the backup is encrypted (you set a password when creating it), restore the data without this password impossibleIn this case, the only option left is to reset the router to factory settings.

The file has the extension .backup

The file size is greater than 10 KB (empty backups weigh several bytes)

Do you remember the backup password (if you set one)?

The file creation date corresponds to the period when the password was valid-->

5. Resetting the router to factory settings (last resort)

If none of the previous methods worked, the only thing left is full reset MikroTik to factory settings. This method erases all settings, including Wi-Fi passwords, firewall rules, PPPoE connections, etc. Use it only if:

• ✅ You don't have access to the router through Winbox/WebFig.
• ✅ You don't remember your administrator password.
• ✅ There are no backup copies of settings.

How to reset MikroTik:

1. 🔌 Turn off the router's power.
2. 🖱️ Press and hold the button Reset (usually located near the Ethernet ports) and while holding it, connect the power.
3. ⏳ Hold the button 10-15 secondsuntil the indicator starts flashing USER (or another LED, depending on the model).
4. 🔄 Release the button - the router will reset and reboot.

After reset:

• 📡 Connect to the router via cable (default IP address is 192.168.88.1).
• 🔑 Login and password: admin (password is empty).
• 🔧 Reset Wi-Fi in the section Wireless.

6. Alternative methods (if the router is not yours)

If MikroTik If it doesn't belong to you (for example, it's installed in an office or rented apartment), try the following options:

• 📞 Contact your network administrator or router owner—this is the fastest and most legal way.
• 📋 Check the documentation or contract for internet installation—sometimes passwords are included in the work acceptance certificates.
• 🔍 Use password guessing programs (for example, Aircrack-ng), but keep in mind that this is breaks the law and may result in your device's MAC address being blocked.

If the router belongs to the provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline provide MikroTik (for rent), contact technical support - they can reset the password remotely or send a new specialist to reconfigure it.

Comparison of password recovery methods

Choose the method based on your situation. If you have access to the router, start with Winbox or WebFigIf not, try restoring your password from a backup or resetting it.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about MikroTik Passwords

Is it possible to find out the MikroTik Wi-Fi password without resetting the settings?

Yes, if you have access to the router through Winbox, WebFig or SSHUse the commands in Section 3 or check the security profiles in the graphical interface. If access is denied, the only option is a reset.

Why is the password in Winbox displayed as asterisks (*) and not in clear text?

This means that the password is stored in encrypted format. In new versions RouterOS (Starting with 6.43), passwords are encrypted by default. In this case, the original password can only be retrieved from a backup (if it's not encrypted) or by resetting the router.

I reset my MikroTik, but now I can't set up my internet. What should I do?

After the reset, you need to reconfigure the WAN connection. If you have PPPoE, go to PPP → Add a new connection with your ISP login and password. For a static IP, configure it in IP → AddressesIf you are unsure of the parameters, please contact your provider's support team.

Is it possible to hack a MikroTik Wi-Fi password from a phone?

Technically, you can use apps like Wifi WPS WPA Tester, but they only work with vulnerable routers (usually older models of home devices). MikroTik uses strong encryption, and cracking the password would take years. Furthermore, this violates Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information").

How to protect your MikroTik from password hacking?

Use complex passwords (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters), disable unnecessary services (Telnet, FTP), update RouterOS to the latest version and configure the firewall (/ip firewall filter). It is also recommended to disable access to Winbox from the external network.

⚠️ Attention: If your MikroTik If your device is connected to a corporate network, resetting the settings or changing the configuration may disrupt the entire infrastructure. Before taking any action, consult with your IT department.

⚠️ Attention: Versions RouterOS and interfaces Winbox/WebFig may vary depending on the router model and year of manufacture. For exact instructions, please refer to the documentation for your model. official MikroTik wiki.