Recovering forgotten Wi-Fi password

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Recovering forgotten Wi-Fi password. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Quick Methods

Method 1: Find on Your PC (If Previously Connected)

Windows saves your Wi‑Fi passwords. You will need to run the command prompt as an administrator.

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, right‑click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
2. Enter the following command, replacing YOUR_NETWORK_NAME with the SSID you want:

   netsh wlan show profile name="YOUR_NETWORK_NAME" key=clear

3. In the output, locate the line labelled Key Content – this is the Wi‑Fi password.

To view all saved network names, run:

netsh wlan show profiles

Method 2: Check Your Router

Many routers have the default Wi‑Fi password printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the device.

1. Locate the sticker.
2. Look for fields labelled “Wi‑Fi Password”, “Wireless Key”, or “WPA/WPA2 Key”.
3. If the router is still using its factory settings, this will be the current password.

Method 3: Log in to the Router Admin Panel

Access the router’s web interface to view or change the Wi‑Fi password.

1. Find the router’s IP address – commonly 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. You can also check your PC’s network details.
2. Open a web browser and enter the IP address.
3. Log in using the administrator credentials (often printed on the router sticker; default is usually admin/admin or admin/password).
4. Navigate to the Wireless or Wi‑Fi settings page.
5. Locate the field for the password or security key. You may need to reveal it.

Method 4: Ask Someone Who Has Connected

• Family members
• Roommates
• Friends who have previously used the network

Method 5: Use a Phone (Android)

If you have an Android device that is already connected to the Wi‑Fi network, you may be able to view the password.

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi‑Fi.
2. Tap the name of your network.
3. Select Share (or “Show password”). You may be prompted for the device PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication.

If You Changed the Password and Forgot It

Your options:

• Log in to the router admin panel and view the current password (see Method 3).
• Reset the router to its factory defaults.
• If the router is supplied and managed by your ISP, contact them for assistance.

Resetting the Router to Factory Defaults

1. Locate the small reset button on the back of the router.
2. With the router powered on, press and hold the button for 10–30 seconds.
3. Release the button; the router will reboot with factory settings.
4. Use the default Wi‑Fi password from the router sticker, then re‑configure your network.

Prevent Forgetting Again

• Write the password down and store it in a safe place.
• Save it in a reputable password manager.
• Take a photo of the router sticker and keep it securely.
• Consider using the How to connect to Wi‑Fi guide to re‑connect devices without manually typing the password each time.

Still Having Issues?