Router Administrator

How to recover your WiFi username and password

Losing your WiFi network password can be frustrating, but don’t worry, here’s how to recover it. If you haven’t changed your password previously, you can use the default login credentials that come printed on a label on the back of your router. You can also refer to a list of default usernames and passwords.

Next, we show you how to recover your WiFi password on Windows, macOS and via the router administration panel:

Recover password from the router administration panel

If you are already connected to the WiFi network but forgot the password, you can use the following method to find it through the router administration panel.

  1. Open a browser and log into the web interface of your router using the default IP address.
  2. The default IP address is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (check the list of default router IP addresses and passwords).
  3. Once logged in, go to Wireless > Wireless Settings.
  4. You will see your WiFi password next to the Password phrase or Security key field.

How to recover WiFi password in Windows

If you have previously connected to the WiFi network through the same Windows PC, recovering the password is easy, as it is saved on your device. Follow these steps:

  1. In the search box or Start menu, search for “View network connections” and press Enter.
  2. A new window will open with all the networks. Select your WiFi network, right-click on it and select “Status”.
  3. A new pop-up window will appear. Click on “Wireless Properties”.
  4. Go to the “Security” tab.
  5. Under “Network Security Key”, check the “Show characters” box.
  6. Once this is done, the selected Wireless connection password will be visible.

How to recover WiFi password in macOS

If you are using a macOS device and have previously connected to the WiFi network, you can recover the password by following these steps:

  1. Open Finder and go to Applications > Utilities.
  2. Find “Keychain Access” and click on it.
  3. Make sure that the “System” and “Passwords” options are selected in the left column.
  4. Here, select your WiFi network from the list and double-click it.
  5. Check the “Show password” box to make the password visible (you will need to enter the administrator password for the password to be visible).

Note: Your admin username is the name of your Apple ID profile and the password is the same as the one you use to log in to your device.

Factory reset the router

If none of the above methods work, you may have no choice but to perform a factory reset on your router. This will revert all changes made to the default settings, including any modified WiFi password.

How to factory reset your router

  1. Find a sharp, pointed object, such as a needle or toothpick.
  2. Locate a small button hidden on the back of the router labeled RESET.
  3. Press and hold that button with the stylus for 10-15 seconds.
  4. Then release the button and the router will restart automatically.
  5. Everything will now have been reset to the default values, including any modified username and password, and you will be able to log in using the default credentials.

Final tips

Recovering the password of your WiFi network is a simple process if you follow the correct steps. Whether through the router administration panel, in Windows, macOS or by performing a factory reset, you have several options to regain access to your network. Always keep your credentials in a safe place and consider changing your WiFi password periodically to maintain the security of your network.