How to find the Wi-Fi password on a TP-Link router: 5 proven methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but your guests urgently need access? Or bought a used router? TP-Link, but the previous owner didn't leave the connection details? Situations vary, but there's always a solution. In this article, we'll look at all working methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi password on a router TP-Link — from standard methods via the web interface to little-known life hacks using mobile apps and physical buttons.

Important: The procedure varies depending on the router model. TP-Link Archer C6 the path to the settings will be one, and TL-WR840N — another. We've covered instructions for the most popular lines, including Deco, TL-WR, Archer And TD-WIf your model isn't on the list, don't worry: the logic is the same, and the only differences are in the layout of the menu items.

Before you begin, make sure you have physical access to the router and at least one device (PC, laptop, smartphone) that already connected to this Wi-Fi network Or it can be connected via cable. Without this, most methods won't work.

The most reliable and universal method is to access the router's control panel through a browser. You don't need to be an IT specialist to do this; just follow the step-by-step instructions.

First, check if your device is connected to the router. TP-Link via cable (LAN) or Wi-Fi. If not, connect. Then open any browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) and enter one of the IP addresses in the address bar:

  • 🔹 192.168.0.1 — standard address for most models TP-Link
  • 🔹 192.168.1.1 - an alternative option (more often used in older routers)
  • 🔹 tplinkwifi.net — domain name for new devices (works without entering IP)

If the page doesn't open, try a different address or check your router connection. After successfully logging in, you'll be greeted with a login window. Here, enter:

  • 🔐 Login: admin (default for all TP-Link)
  • 🔐 Password: admin (if you haven't changed it) or your current control panel password
⚠️ Attention: If you or the previous owner changed the login details for the web interface and you don’t remember them, you will have to reset the router to factory settings (see Section 5). This will delete all current settings, including the Wi-Fi password.

After logging in, go to the wireless network settings section. The path depends on the model:

Router model Wi-Fi password path Menu item name
Archer C6/C7/C9, TL-WR841N Wireless → Wireless Security Wireless → Wireless Security
TL-WR740N/840N, TD-W8961N Wireless → Security Wireless → Security
Deco M4/M5/M9 Advanced → Wireless → Security "Advanced → Wireless Network → Security"
TL-MR3420, TL-WR940N Interface Setup → Wireless Interface Settings → Wireless Network

In the field Password, Wireless Password or PSK Password You'll see your current Wi-Fi password. It may be hidden behind dots—click the eye icon (👁️) or check the box. Show Passwordto display the symbols.

Check your cable or Wi-Fi connection to your router|Try a different browser (e.g. Firefox)|Disable your VPN or proxy|Reboot your router using the Power button|Make sure you're entering the correct IP address (without http://)

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2. View your password using the Tether mobile app

If you prefer to control your router from your smartphone, use the official app. TP-Link TetherIt is free, supports Russian language and works on Android And iOSThe main requirement is that your smartphone must be connected to the router's Wi-Fi network. TP-Link (or to it via cable through an adapter).

Download the app from the official store:

After installation:

  1. Open Tether and allow access to location (needed to find the router).
  2. The app will automatically find yours. TP-Link - tap on its name.
  3. Enter your login and password to log in (default admin/admin).
  4. Go to the section Wi-Fi or Wireless network.
  5. Click on your network name (SSID) - the password will be displayed in the field Password.

In some models (eg, Deco) The password may be hidden. To see it, click the eye icon or select the option Show password.

3. Using the WPS button to connect without a password

If you need to connect a new device to Wi-Fi, but you don’t know the password, you can use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). It allows you to connect to a network without entering a password, with the press of a single button. This method works if:

  • 🔘 There is a physical button on the router WPS (usually on the back panel).
  • 🔘 The WPS function is enabled in the router settings (it is enabled by default on most TP-Link).
  • 🔘 The connected device supports WPS (most modern smartphones and laptops).

Instructions:

  1. On the device you're connecting to (e.g. your smartphone), open Wi-Fi settings.
  2. Select your router's network TP-Link and press Connect via WPS (on Android) or WPS Push Button (on iOS in some firmware).
  3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router (usually it is signed or marked with the 🔄 icon).
  4. Wait for the connection to complete – the device will automatically gain access to the network.

⚠️ ImportantThis method doesn't show the password itself, it only connects the device. If you need the password, use the methods from Section 1 or Section 2.

What to do if WPS doesn't work?

If the WPS button does not respond, check:

1. Is the function enabled in the router's web interface (Advanced → WPS).

2. Were the settings lost after the firmware update?

3. Is there any physical damage to the button?

In some models (eg, Deco M5) WPS is disabled by default for security reasons.

4. View the password on a connected device (Windows, Android, macOS)

If your laptop, PC or smartphone is already connected to a Wi-Fi network TP-Link, you can extract the password directly from the device settings. This will work even if you don't remember the router's login information.

🖥️ On Windows 10/11

  1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
  2. Right-click on your wireless connection → StateWireless network properties.
  3. Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters.
  4. In the field Network security key The password will be displayed.

📱 On Android (root required)

Without root access, it's impossible to see the saved password. If you have root access:

  1. Install a file manager with access to system files (for example, Root Explorer).
  2. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/.
  3. Open the file WifiConfigStore.xml and find the line <string name="PreSharedKey">... — there will be a password.

🍎 On macOS

  1. Open Programs → Utilities → Keychain.
  2. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search.
  3. Double-click on the found network and check the box. Show password and enter your account password Mac.
⚠️ Attention: On Android without root rights and on iOS (iPhone) View saved Wi-Fi password impossible This is an operating system limitation. Use the other methods in this article.

Via the router's web interface|Tether mobile app|WPS button|View on a connected device|I don't know, haven't tried it yet-->

5. Reset the router to factory settings (if nothing helps)

If you don't remember the password for your router's web interface and the previous methods didn't work, there's one last option: factory resetThis will return the router to its original state, including:

  • 🔄 Login and password to enter the control panel (admin/admin).
  • 🔄 Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password (indicated on the router sticker).
  • 🔄 All user settings (port forwarding, parental controls, etc.).

⚠️ Warning: After the reset, all devices will be disconnected from Wi-Fi, and you will have to set up the router again (including connecting to the Internet provider).

To reset settings:

  1. Find the small hole marked on the back of your router. Reset or WPS/Reset.
  2. Take a paperclip or toothpick and press and hold the button inside the hole. 10-15 seconds.
  3. The indicators on the router will flash and go out, indicating that the reset was successful.
  4. Wait 1-2 minutes for the router to reboot.

After reset:

  • Connect to the Wi-Fi network named TP-Link_XXXX (the password is indicated on the router sticker).
  • Go to the web interface at 192.168.0.1 with login/password admin/admin.
  • Set up your internet connection (information from your provider is usually specified in your contract).

6. Alternative methods: if the router is not yours

Situations can vary: for example, you rent a place and the landlord hasn't given you the Wi-Fi password, or you're connected to a public network TP-Link in a cafe. In such cases, there are no legal ways to find out the password without accessing the router. does not existHowever, there are several legal workarounds:

  • 📋 Ask the network owner for the password (the easiest and most honest way).
  • 🔄 Use the button WPS, if available (see Section 3).
  • 📱 Connect via QR code (some models TP-Link, For example Deco, support QR generation for guest access).

Illegal methods (hacking, brute-force attacks, exploitation of vulnerabilities) are prohibited by law and may result in liability under Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information"). We strongly advise against their use.

If you are a network administrator (for example, in an office or hotel) and have forgotten the password, but have access to the router, use the methods from Section 1 or Section 5.

7. How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking after password recovery

Once you finally know your Wi-Fi password, don't be lazy and check your router's security settings. By default, many models TP-Link They use weak parameters that are easy to hack. Here's what to do:

  1. Change the default password from the web interface (admin/admin) to complex (for example, X7#pL9!kQ2).
  2. Update the firmware router to the latest version (in the web interface: System Tools → Firmware Upgrade).
  3. Enable WPA3 (if supported) or WPA2-AES (in settings Wireless Security).
  4. Disable WPS, if you do not use (in Advanced → WPS).
  5. Change the network name (SSID) to unique (don't leave the standard one) TP-Link_1234).

Critical vulnerability: TP-Link Archer C5, C7, and C9 routers prior to firmware version 3.16.0 contained a vulnerability that allowed remote password resets via an exploit. Update your firmware, even if your router is functioning properly!

Vulnerability Affected models How to protect yourself
Remote password reset Archer C5/C7/C9 (firmware < 3.16.0) Update firmware manually
Weak encryption algorithm All models with WEP or WPA-TKIP Switch to WPA2-AES or WPA3
Data leakage via WPS Models with WPS enabled by default Disable WPS in settings

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it possible to find out the TP-Link Wi-Fi password without accessing the router?

No, unless you have physical access to the router or a device already connected to the network. All legal methods require either logging into the web interface or pressing a button. WPS, or viewing the saved password on the connected gadget.

❓ Why won't the 192.168.0.1 page open?

Possible reasons:

  • The router is using a different IP (try 192.168.1.1 or tplinkwifi.net).
  • The device is not connected to the router (check the cable or Wi-Fi).
  • The browser is caching the old page (try incognito mode).
  • The router's IP address has been changed manually (you can find it out via the command line: ipconfig on Windows or ifconfig on macOS/Linux).
How do I find the Wi-Fi password on my TP-Link Deco?

For mesh systems TP-Link Deco use the mobile app Deco:

  1. Open the app and select your network.
  2. Go to More → Wireless Network → Wi-Fi Settings.
  3. The password will be displayed in the field. Password (click on the eye icon to see the symbols).

Alternatively, you can access it through the web interface at decowifi.tp-link.com.

❓ What should I do if my router doesn't connect to the internet after resetting it?

After the reset, you need to reconfigure your connection to your provider:

  1. Go to the web interface (192.168.0.1).
  2. Go to Network → WAN (or Internet).
  3. Select connection type (PPPoE, Dynamic IP etc.) and enter the data from the provider (login/password, if necessary).
  4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Connection details are usually specified in your contract with your provider. If you don't know your connection type, please contact support.

❓ Is it possible to find out my neighbor's Wi-Fi password?

No, it's illegal. According to Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, unauthorized access to computer information (including someone else's Wi-Fi networks) is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or correctional labor. If you urgently need internet, it's better to buy mobile data or arrange a legal connection with a neighbor.