Forgot Your Wi-Fi Password? Here’s What to Do

Forgetting your Wi-Fi password is a common issue, but thankfully, there are several simple ways to recover it. Depending on the device you have at hand, you can try a few different methods. Let’s go over the possible solutions.

1. Find the Wi-Fi Password on Your Computer

If you have a Windows or Mac computer already connected to the network, you can retrieve the saved password directly from it:

On Windows:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Locate your Wi-Fi network, click on its name, and select Wireless Properties.
  3. In the Security tab, check the Show characters box to reveal the password.

On MacOS:

  1. Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space and typing “Keychain.”
  2. In the search field, type the name of your Wi-Fi network.
  3. Double-click the network, then select Show Password (you’ll need to enter your admin password).

2. Check the Password in Your Router Settings

You can also retrieve the Wi-Fi password by logging into your router’s settings from any device connected to the network:

  1. Enter the router’s IP address in your browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  2. Log in with your router’s username and password (by default, often admin/admin).
  3. Look for a Wireless or Wi-Fi section, where you should see the Network Key or Password field with your password.

3. Using a Mobile Device

If you have an Android phone with root access or an iPhone with iOS 16 or later, you may be able to view the password this way:

On Android:

  1. Go to Wi-Fi settings and select the network you’re connected to.
  2. Some devices allow you to generate a QR code for the network. You can scan this on another device to see the password.

On iPhone (iOS 16+):

  1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap on the connected network.
  2. Select Show Password (you’ll need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID).

4. Reset Your Router to Factory Settings

If none of the methods above work, you can reset your router:

  1. Locate the reset button on your router, press and hold it for 10-15 seconds (a paperclip is often needed for this).
  2. After resetting, the default password should be printed on a label on the router or available in the manual.

Tips to Avoid Losing Your Password Again

To prevent this issue in the future, store your password securely—consider using a password manager or jotting it down in a secure place.

Now you know what to do if you forget your Wi-Fi password! We hope one of these methods helps you reconnect.