How To Recover WiFi Username and Password?

Losing the password to your WiFi network can be frustrating, but there are methods to recover it, especially if you’ve never altered it from the default settings. You can find the default WiFi login on a label attached to the back of your router or consult a list of default usernames and passwords provided by your router’s manufacturer. We’ll guide you through the recovery process on Windows, macOS, and through your router’s admin panel.

Router Admin Panel:

1. Open a web browser and access your router’s web interface by entering the default router IP address.
2. The default IP address is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (refer to the list of default router IDs and passwords).
3. Once logged in, go to “Wireless” and select “Wireless Settings.”
4. You will find your WiFi password listed next to the “Passphrase” or “Security Key” field.

Windows: Recovering a forgotten WiFi password is straightforward on Windows if you’ve previously connected to the network using the same Windows PC. Follow these steps:

1. Search for “View network connections” in the Run Box or Start Menu and press Enter.
2. A window with all available networks will open. Select your WiFi network, right-click on it, and choose “Status.”
3. A new popup will appear. Click on “Wireless Properties.”
4. Navigate to the “Security” tab.
5. Under “Network security key,” check the “Show characters” tick box.
6. The password for the selected wireless connection will be revealed.

macOS: Just like Windows, you can recover a forgotten WiFi password on macOS if you’ve previously connected to the network using your macOS device. Here’s how:

1. Open Finder and go to “Applications” > “Utilities.”
2. Search for “Keychain Access” and click on it.
3. Ensure that both “System” and “Passwords” are selected from the left column.
4. Select your WiFi network from the list and double-click on it.
5. Check the “Show Password” tick box to reveal the password (you may need to enter the administrator password).

Factory Reset:

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 settings, including any changed WiFi password, to their default values. Here’s how to factory reset your router:

1. Use a sharp, pointed object like a needle or toothpick.
2. Look for a small, hidden button on the back of the router labeled “RESET.”
3. Press and hold the button with the needle for 10-15 seconds.
4. Release the button, and the router will reboot itself.
5. All settings will be reset to defaults, including any changed username and password. You can then log in using the default credentials.

Conclusion:

Losing your WiFi password can be a minor inconvenience, but with these methods, you can easily recover it. Whether you access it through your router’s admin panel or retrieve it from your computer’s saved networks, regaining access to your WiFi network is a straightforward process. If all else fails, a factory reset is the last resort to reset your router to its default settings.