It's common to need to connect a new smartphone, tablet, or guest laptop to your home network, but the password has long been forgotten. We often write down a complex password on a piece of paper that gets lost, or rely on the autofill feature on our phone, which suddenly stops sharing this secret with other devices. Restoring access to local network — this is not magic, but a standard technical procedure available to every user.
There are many ways to find a forgotten password combination, and the method you choose depends directly on the device you currently have and whether you have physical access to the router itself. In this article, we'll cover all the current options, from reviewing settings in Windows to resetting the router to factory settings, to ensure you regain control of your internet connection.
Before you take action, it is important to understand the difference between Wi-Fi password And administrator password router. The first is used to connect devices to the wireless network, the second is used to access the device's settings (usually through a browser). We'll cover methods for both cases, as they are often interconnected.
Finding a password in Windows settings
If you already have a Windows computer or laptop connected to your Wi-Fi network, the operating system already knows the necessary code and stores it within its core. In Windows 10 and 11, this process has become even more intuitive, although in older versions, such as Windows 7, it required a couple of extra clicks. First, you need to open the Network Control Panel.
Right-click the connection icon in the system tray (near the clock) and select "Network & Internet settings." Next, go to "Network and Sharing Center" or simply click the name of your active network. In the status window that opens, click the button. Wireless network propertiesThis action will open a dialog box where the required information is hidden.
In the new window, switch to the tab SecurityYou'll see the "Network Security Key" field, where the characters are hidden behind asterisks. To see them, simply check the "Show entered characters" box. The system will then display the current password, which you can copy or rewrite.
Sometimes Windows may "forget" a network or return an error when trying to view its properties. In this case, you can use the command prompt, which often bypasses graphical interface bugs. Open the command prompt (CMD) as administrator and enter the command to display saved profiles.
netsh wlan show profilesOnce all networks are listed, find the name of yours and use the following command, substituting the network name:
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearIn the command output, find the line "Key Content"—it will contain the code you're looking for. This method works even if the GUI freezes.
Restoring access on Android and iOS
Smartphone owners often encounter the problem of needing to connect to a tablet, but the phone, which is already online, remains silent. Modern versions of Android (starting with version 10) and iOS (16 and later) now offer the ability to view and share passwords via QR codes or direct text display.
On Android, go to Settings → Wi-FiClick the gear next to your network name or select the "Share" button. A QR code will appear on the screen for another device to scan. This code is often (but not always, depending on the model) Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel) The password itself is written in small print. If there is no text, this QR code can be scanned with any scanner app or a second phone, and it will display a text string containing the key.
On iPhone, the situation is similar, but it requires biometric authentication. Open Settings → Wi-Fi, click on the blue icon Info (blue "i" in a circle) next to your active network. Tap the hidden "Password" field. The system will ask you to confirm the action using Face ID or Touch ID, after which the characters will become visible and can be copied.
⚠️ Note: On older versions of Android (below 10) and iOS (below 16), you can't view the password using system tools. You'll need root access (for Android) or a saved iCloud Keychain on macOS to retrieve the data.
If you don't have another device to scan a QR code, you can use third-party scanner apps from the Play Market that can decode QR code contents into text. Simply take a screenshot of the QR code and open it in the app.
☑️ Check access on mobile
Login to the router control panel
The most reliable and universal way to find the password is to look it up in the router's settings. This method always works, regardless of the operating system of your devices. To do this, you'll need a browser and access to a local network (either via cable or Wi-Fi, if it's still working).
First, you need to find out the gateway's IP address. On a computer, you can do this via the command line with the command ipconfigFind the line "Default Gateway". Most often, these are addresses 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter this address into the address bar of your browser.
Next, the system will ask for your username and password to access the admin panel. If you haven't changed them, they're located on a sticker on the bottom of the router. The standard combinations are: admin/admin, admin/password or a blank password. If the default passwords don't work and you don't remember them, you'll have to reset them (more on that below).
After successful login, the interface may look different depending on the manufacturer (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link, Keenetic). You need to find the section related to the wireless network. It's usually called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN."
| Router brand | Menu path (approximate) | Field name |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless → Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
| ASUS | Additional settings → Wireless network | Authentication Method / WPA Pre-Shared Key |
| D-Link | Wi-Fi → Security Settings | PSK encryption key |
| Keenetic | My Networks and Wi-Fi → Home Network | Password |
| Tenda | Wireless Settings → Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
In this section, you'll not only see your current password but also be able to change it to a new, more complex one. Be sure to click "Save" or "Apply" after making changes, otherwise the settings will not take effect.
What if the interface is in English?
Use Google Translate's built-in translation tool in the Chrome browser. Right-click on an empty space on the page and select "Translate to Russian." This will help you navigate the menu even in an unfamiliar language.
Using special programs
There is software that automates the process of retrieving saved passwords. Such utilities are especially useful when you need to retrieve keys for dozens of networks to which your computer has previously connected. However, they should be used with caution and only verified versions.
One of the most famous programs is WirelessKeyView from NirSoft. This portable utility requires no installation. It scans the Windows registry and retrieves all saved Wi-Fi profiles, displaying them in a table with network names (SSIDs) and keys in cleartext (ASCII and Hex).
Another popular tool is WiFi Password DecoderIt works on a similar principle, but has a more modern interface. The program allows you to export the password list to a text file or CSV, which is convenient for backing up settings before reinstalling the system.
⚠️ Warning: Antivirus programs often flag programs like "HackTools" or "RiskWare." These aren't always viruses, but they are potentially unwanted software (PUP) because they access sensitive data. Download utilities only from the developers' official websites.
It is important to understand that these programs only work with those networks to which your computer is connected. previously connected and saved the profile. If the network is new or the profile has been deleted, the program won't show anything. They also can't hack other networks, working only with your OS's local database.
WPS method and physical button
If you have physical access to the router, but you don’t remember the Wi-Fi password or the admin panel, technology can come to the rescue WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). It allows you to connect devices without entering a key, simply by pressing a button on the router.
Find the button with the caption on your router WPS or the two arrows icon. Press it (sometimes you need to hold it for 2-3 seconds until the indicator light flashes). Then, on your computer or Android smartphone, select your network. The system will detect an active connection and let you in automatically, without asking for a password.
This method won't show you the password in plain text, but it will allow you to connect to the internet. Once connected, you can use the methods described in the first section (via network properties in Windows or a QR code on Android) to finally see the password.
It's worth noting that on Apple devices (iPhone, iPad) and some newer versions of Android, the WPS connection feature is software-locked or removed from the interface for security reasons. In such cases, this method will only work on Windows PCs or older smartphones.
Resetting the router to factory settings
This is a "nuclear" option that should only be used as a last resort when none of the above methods have worked, or if you don't know the router's admin panel password and the default password isn't working. A reset will return the device to its "as-is" state.
On the back or bottom of the router, look for a small hole labeled Reset or DefaultTake a paperclip, toothpick, or needle. Press the button inside the hole and hold it for 10-15 seconds while the router is turned on. The lights should blink or go out, signaling the reboot.
Once turned on, the router will have a default network name (SSID) and password, located on a sticker on the bottom of the device. Most often, the password on the sticker is the key for connecting to Wi-Fi, not for accessing settings (although they are often the same). Once connected, you can access settings and customize your settings.
⚠️ Note: A hard reset will erase all your personal settings: network name, Wi-Fi password, PPPoE settings (username/password from your ISP) if they weren't automatically assigned, and IPTV settings. Be prepared to reconfigure your router or have your ISP contract handy.
Interfaces and setup methods may change with the release of new firmware versions. If the default paths don't match what you see on the screen, please refer to the manufacturer's instructions or their official support website.
What should I do if my router doesn't connect to the internet after resetting it?
Most likely, the connection type settings (PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP) that require your internet service provider's login and password have been reset. This information is included in your contract with your provider. Without it, the router will work, but there will be no internet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the password for my neighbors' Wi-Fi?
No, it's impossible to find out someone else's secure network password using legal methods. All the methods described in this article only work for networks to which your device has previously connected or require physical access to the router. Hacking someone else's Wi-Fi is prohibited by law.
Where can I find the password if the sticker on my router has worn off?
If the sticker has worn off and you haven't changed the factory settings, try the standard combinations: login admin and password admin (or 1234, password). You can also search for your router model online and find its default settings. If the standards don't match, a reset will help, but then the password will be the one specified in the model's manual (usually admin/admin).
Why does Windows say "Unable to save network settings"?
This is a common error when you try to change your password, but the system blocks the change due to a profile conflict. Solution: In the list of Wi-Fi networks, right-click your network and select "Forget." Then reconnect and enter the correct password.
Are password recovery programs safe to use?
Using trusted utilities (like WirelessKeyView) is safe if downloaded from the official website. However, they provide access to encryption keys, so antivirus software may block their execution. Always scan files with VirusTotal before using them.
Can my ISP tell me my Wi-Fi password?
No, your ISP provides internet access and configures your equipment, but the password for your local Wi-Fi network is created by you (or generated by the router when you first turn it on) and is stored only in the router's memory and connected devices. Your ISP doesn't have remote access to this data.