In this article, we'll show you how to find (or reset) a forgotten wireless password on a Windows or Mac OS X computer. This can be done through computer settings or router configuration. If you cannot find the password, you can reset the router settings and return to the password set by the manufacturer. Remember: a forgotten wireless password cannot be found on a mobile device.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: How to use the manufacturer's password
Step 1. Find out what password you used
If you used a password that was set by the router manufacturer, you can find it on the router case or in the instructions.
If you changed the password set by the manufacturer, use a different method
Step 2. Look for the password on the router case
Typically, the password is located on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router.
- Look for the password next to the letters "SSID".
- In most cases, a password is a set of letters (uppercase and lowercase) and numbers.
Step 3. Look for the password in the instructions for the router or on its packaging
If you have any packaging and / or manuals left, the password can be listed inside the packaging, in the manual (or on its cover), or on a separate card that came with the router. Do this if there is no password on the router case.
In this case, the online instruction will not work because the password is unique for each router
Step 4. Connect to your wireless network using a workaround method
On some routers, you can press the WPS button (on the back) and select a network on your computer, mobile device, or console. If you select a network within 30 seconds (or so), you will connect to it without a password.
- Not all routers have this button, so check your router's manual (paper or online) to see if it supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).
- This will not learn the network password, but connect to the Internet and then find the password using the method presented in one of the following sections of this article.
Method 2 of 5: How to Find Your Password in Windows
Step 1. Click on the wireless icon
It's on the right side of the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. A menu will open.
- This method can only be used if the computer is connected to a wireless network for which you do not remember the password.
- If you see a cable monitor icon, your computer and router are connected using an Ethernet cable. This connection cannot be used to find out the password for the wireless network.
Step 2. Click Network and Internet Settings
You will find this link at the bottom of the menu.
Step 3. Click the Wireless tab
You will find it on the left in the Options window.
Step 4. Click Change adapter settings
You will find this option under the "Related Options" section in the upper right corner of the window. A new page will open.
Step 5. Click on the wireless network you are connected to
It is marked with an icon that looks like a monitor with green stripes.
Step 6. Click View Connection Status
You will find this menu under the address bar at the top of the Network Connections window.
Step 7. Click on Properties
You will find this option in the center of the window.
Step 8. Go to the Security tab
It is at the top of the window. A page will open with the line "Network Security Key" (in the center) - this line contains the password for the wireless network.
Step 9. Check the box next to "Show input characters"
You will find this option under the "Network Security Key" line. The specified line will display (instead of black dots) the password for the wireless network.
Method 3 of 5: How to Find Your Password in Mac OS X
Step 1. Open a Finder window
Click the blue face icon in your dock.
Your Mac does not need to be connected to a wireless network to get the password
Step 2. Open the Go menu
You will find it in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Step 3. Click Utilities
You will find this option in the Go menu.
Step 4. Double click on Keychain Access
It's a key-shaped icon.
Step 5. Find the name of your wireless network and double click on it
This name is displayed when you connect to a wireless network.
The Keychain Access list can be sorted alphabetically - click Name at the top of the Keychain Access window
Step 6. Check the box next to "Show password"
You will find this option at the bottom of the window.
Step 7. Enter the administrative password
This is the login password. The password for the wireless network will be displayed in the "Password" line.
Method 4 of 5: How to Use the Router Configuration Page
Step 1. Connect your computer and router with an Ethernet cable
Do this if your computer is not connected to a wireless network for which you forgot the password.
- For a Mac, you will most likely need to purchase an Ethernet to USB / C (or Thunderbolt 3) adapter in order to connect an Ethernet cable.
- If you cannot use an Ethernet cable, we recommend that you reset the router settings (go to the next section).
Step 2. Find out the IP address of the router
You will need it to open the router's configuration page:
- in Windows, open the Start menu, click on Settings> Network & Internet> View Network Settings and find the IP address in the Default Gateway line;
- on Mac OS X, open the Apple menu, click System Preferences> Network> Advanced> TCP / IP, and look for the IP address in the Router row.
- Common router IPs are 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.2.1, and 10.0.0.1 for Apple routers.
- On some routers, the IP address is on a sticker on the router.
Step 3. Go to the router's configuration page
Open a web browser and enter the IP address of the router in the address bar.
Almost any browser can be used
Step 4. Log in to the configuration page
Enter your username and password if prompted. Remember that these credentials are most likely different from those with which you connect to the wireless network.
- Typically, the default username is admin and the default password is admin, password, or nothing at all. Most users change their credentials when they set up their router, so if you can't remember your credentials, we recommend that you reset your router (go to the next section).
- If you have not changed the username and password set by the manufacturer, look for them in the instructions or on the case of the router.
Step 5. Click on the “Wi-Fi” or “Wireless” tab on the configuration page
To do this, click on it at the top of the page or in the navigation menu.
- The interface of the configuration page depends on the router model, therefore the specified section may be located in one of the menus.
- In some cases, the password is displayed at the top of the main configuration page.
Step 6. Find the password
The Wireless tab displays the network name (SSID) and encryption type (for example, WEP, WPA, WPA2, or WPA / WPA2). Next to the encryption type, there is a line "Passphrase" or "Password" - in it you will find the password for the wireless network.
Method 5 of 5: How to Reset Your Router
Step 1. Know when to use this method
If using the methods described in the previous sections, you were unable to find the password for the wireless network, reset the router to factory settings.
- After resetting the settings, you will not know the password, but you will be able to connect to the network using the password set by the manufacturer; this password is located on the bottom or back of the router.
- Once you reset the settings, all devices using the router are disconnected from the network. Therefore, reset the settings as a last resort.
Step 2. Locate the "Reset" button
It is usually located on the back of the router. You will need a paper clip or needle to press this button.
Step 3. Press and hold the Reset button
Hold this button for at least 30 seconds to reset the settings.
When the settings are reset, the router's LEDs will blink or turn off briefly
Step 4. Find the credentials set by the router manufacturer
They are usually found on the bottom of the router:
- "Network name" or "SSID": the network name that is set by the manufacturer and will appear in the list of wireless networks;
- Password (Password) or Key (Key): The network password set by the manufacturer.
Step 5. Connect to a wireless network
Enter the password you found on the bottom of the router.
Change the password if you wish before connecting to the network
Advice
If you reset your password, create a strong password consisting of letters, numbers, and symbols. Remember, the password must not include personal information
Warnings
- Do not try to find out the password for a network that you should not use.
- A forgotten wireless password cannot be found on a mobile device.