Forgot your home Wi-Fi password but are connected to your router via Ethernet? This situation is familiar to many: you set up the network a long time ago, wrote the password down on a piece of paper that's long since been lost, and now you need to connect a new device. Fortunately, you can restore access to your wireless network even without physically accessing the sticker on the router—directly from a computer connected via cable.
In this article we will analyze 5 working methodsHow to find out a Wi-Fi password via a wired connection: using built-in tools Windows to router settings and online services. All methods have been tested on current OS versions and firmware of popular routers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik etc.). Important: None of these methods require resetting the router or reconnecting devices—you'll retain your current network and all its settings.
Before you begin, please check: your computer already connected to the router with a cable and have access to its web interface? If so, you're on the right track. If not, first check the physical connection and network settings (we'll cover this in the last section).
1. View the password through the Windows Network and Sharing Center
The easiest way is if your computer previously connected to this Wi-Fi network (even if a cable is currently used). Windows Stores all wireless network passwords in encrypted form, and they can be retrieved through system settings.
Instructions for Windows 10/11:
- Open
Control Panel(clickWin + R, entercontroland pressEnter). - Go to the section
Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center. - Select on the left
Managing wireless networks(V Windows 11 the path may differ:Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks). - Find your network in the list, right-click on it and select
Properties. - In the window that opens, go to the tab
Securityand check the boxShow entered characters— the password will become visible in the fieldNetwork security key.
⚠️ Attention: If your network isn't listed as "known," your computer has never connected to it via Wi-Fi. In this case, proceed to the next method.
The network has definitely connected to this PC via Wi-Fi before.
You have administrator rights on the computer.
Antivirus software does not block access to system files (disable it temporarily)
The router was not reset after the last Wi-Fi connection-->
This method also works on macOS, but the path is different: open Terminal and enter the command:
security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"Replace NETWORK_NAME Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network (case-sensitive). The system will prompt you for an administrator password—after entering it, the security key will be displayed.
2. Extracting the password via the command line (CMD)
If the graphical interface Windows does not show saved networks (for example, due to a failure), the password can be obtained through command lineThis method is universal and works even on damaged systems.
Open CMD as administrator (click Win + X → Terminal (Administrator)) and perform one by one:
netsh wlan show profilesThis command will list all saved Wi-Fi networks. Find the name of your network (for example, TP-Link_1234) and enter:
netsh wlan show profile name="TP-Link_1234" key=clearIn the block Security parameters find the line Key content - this is your password.
Get-NetConnectionProfile | Where-Object {$_.InterfaceAlias -like "Wi-Fi"} | Select-Object -ExpandProperty Name
Then use the network name in the command:
(Get-NetConnectionProfile -Name "TP-Link_1234").GetNetworkConnectivity() | Select-Object -ExpandProperty NetworkSecurityKey-->
Important: This method will only show the password if your computer has connected to the Wi-Fi network at least once. If not, proceed to your router settings.
3. Logging into the router's web interface: a universal method
If the previous methods did not work, there remains the most reliable option — Access your router settings via a browser. You don't need a Wi-Fi connection for this: a cable and the device's default IP address are sufficient.
Algorithm of actions:
- Find out your router's IP address:
- IN Windows: open
CMDand enteripconfig. Look for the lineMain gateway(usually192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - IN macOS/Linux: do it
netstat -rn | grep default.
- IN Windows: open
http://192.168.0.1).- TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link:
admin/admin. - Keenetic: login is empty, password
1234. - Zyxel:
admin/1234. - MikroTik:
admin(password is empty). - Go to the Wi-Fi settings section (usually
Wireless,Wireless networkorWLAN). - Find the field
Password,KeyorPSK password- this is the key to your network.
What should I do if the default router password doesn't work?
If you've changed your administrator password but don't remember it, your only option is to reset your router to factory settings. To do this:
1. Find the button on the case Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. Press it with a paper clip or toothpick and hold for 10-15 seconds.
3. The router will reboot, and you will be able to log in using the standard login/password.
⚠️ Warning: After resetting, all settings (including the Wi-Fi password) will return to factory settings!
⚠️ Attention: If you rent a router from a provider (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS), the default administrator password may have been changed during setup. In this case, contact your provider's support or look for the login information on a sticker on the router itself.
4. Using specialized programs
If manual methods seem complicated, you can use Wi-Fi password recovery programsThey automate the process of extracting data from system files. Windows or connect to a router.
Top 3 proven utilities:
- 🔹 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - free, portable (no installation required), shows all saved Wi-Fi passwords. Download from the official website.
- 🔹 WiFi Password Revealer — simple interface, export passwords to a file. Supports Windows 7–11.
- 🔹 RouterPassView — extracts passwords from router settings (requires a cable connection). Works with TP-Link, D-Link, ASUS and others.
⚠️ Attention: Download programs only from official developer websites! Many "Wi-Fi hackers" listed in search engines contain viruses or spyware. NirSoft — a reliable source, but even its utilities can be blocked by antivirus software (add them to the exceptions).
Example of working with WirelessKeyView:
- Download and unzip the archive with the program.
- Launch
WirelessKeyView.exe(as administrator). - Find your network in the table - the password will be in the column
Key (Ascii). - Export data to if necessary.
TXTorHTMLthrough the menuFile → Save All Items.
5. Online services: myth or reality?
On the Internet, you often come across offers like “find out a Wi-Fi password online by MAC address” or “hack a network through a website.” 99% of such services are scams.They either ask for payment for "decryption," collect your data, or distribute viruses.
The only legal way to get the password online - through provider's personal account, if the router was leased to them. For example:
- 🌐 Rostelecom: log in personal account, go to "Services → Internet." There may be a "Show Wi-Fi password" button.
- 🌐 Beeline: The "My Devices" section sometimes displays data from a rented router.
- 🌐 MTS: The Home Internet service settings may contain network information.
⚠️ Attention: Even in your provider's personal account, the Wi-Fi password isn't always displayed. If it's not there, use the previous methods (router web interface or software).
6. If nothing works: alternative solutions
In rare cases, none of the methods work. For example:
- 🔌 The computer has never connected to this network's Wi-Fi.
- 🔒 The router administrator password has been changed and is unknown.
- 🛡️ Router settings are blocked by the provider.
In such situations, there are several options left:
| Problem | Solution | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| The router administrator password is unknown. | Resetting the router using the button Reset (10–15 sec) |
All settings will be reset to factory defaults (including the Wi-Fi password) |
| The router is rented from the provider. | Contact support to reset your Wi-Fi password. | They may require you to visit the office or pay for the technician to travel. |
| No access to the router (for example, in the office) | Contact your network administrator | It is impossible to extract the password without the administrator's consent. |
| The router is blocked by the provider | Try to log in through Telnet or SSH (for advanced users) |
Risk of violating the terms of the contract with the provider |
⚠️ Attention: If you rent a router from a provider, resetting the settings (Reset) may result in your device becoming locked. In this case, please contact technical support and request a remote reset or a new password.
For advanced users: If your router supports Telnet or SSH, you can try connecting to it via the command line and extracting the password directly from the configuration file. For example, for MikroTik:
telnet 192.168.88.1
/interface wireless security-profiles print
However, this method requires knowledge of network protocols and may disrupt the router's operation if incorrect commands are used.
7. How to avoid losing your password in the future
To avoid searching for password recovery methods every time you need to connect a new device, follow these simple rules:
- 📝 Save your password in a safe place:
- In the password manager (KeePass, 1Password, Bitwarden).
- In an encrypted file on a cloud drive (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).
- On paper in a safe (if you are afraid of digital leaks).
- 🔄 Use the QR code to connect: many modern routers (ASUS, Keenetic) allow you to generate a QR code with network data. This can be printed and pasted onto the router.
- 🔧 Set up a guest network: Create a separate Wi-Fi network for guests with a simple password (e.g.
guest1234), and leave the main network with a secure key. - 📱 Sync passwords via account: V Windows 10/11 And Android You can sync Wi-Fi data via your account Microsoft or Google.
⚠️ Attention: Never use simple passwords like 12345678 or qwertyThis simplifies connecting devices, but makes the network vulnerable to hacking. The optimal password is: 12+ characters, with letters of different cases, numbers and special characters (for example, WiFi@Home_2026!).
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the computer is only connected via cable and has never been on that network wirelessly?
Yes, but only through router web interface (section 3 of the article) or programs like RouterPassView (Section 4) Other methods require the computer to connect to the Wi-Fi network at least once.
I reset my router and now I don't know my Wi-Fi password. How can I recover it?
After resetting, the Wi-Fi password returns to factory. It is indicated on the sticker on the bottom panel of the router (field Wi-Fi Password, Key or PIN). If there is no sticker, try the standard combinations for your model (for example, admin or 12345678).
My ISP has blocked access to my router settings. What should I do?
Please contact your provider's support team with the following request:
- Provide login details for the router (administrator login/password).
- Reset Wi-Fi password remotely.
- Send a technician to reconfigure the equipment.
Self-reset (Reset) may result in your device being blocked!
Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password if I'm connected to it via cable?
Technically Yes, if you have access to the router (for example, you are connected to it at your office or at a friend's place). Use the methods from Section 3 (web interface) or Section 4 (programs). However:
⚠️ Attention: Unauthorized access to someone else's network may be illegal (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, "Unauthorized Access to Computer Information"). Always obtain the owner's permission!
Why isn't my Wi-Fi network listed in Network and Sharing Center?
This means that your computer never connected to this network via a wireless connection. In this case:
- Use router web interface (section 3).
- Try connecting to Wi-Fi from your phone and then retrieve the password through an app like WiFi Password Viewer (For Android).