How do I recover my forgotten router admin password?

First try the default password from the label on your router's bottom or back. If that does not work and someone changed it, the only recovery option is a factory reset — hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds. This returns all passwords to factory defaults and erases your settings.

How do I find my WiFi password without logging into the router?

On Windows: go to Network & Internet settings, click your WiFi network, then Network Properties, then Show. On Mac: open Keychain Access, search for your WiFi name, double-click it, check Show Password. On iPhone: Settings > WiFi > tap (i) next to your network > Password. Android: Settings > WiFi > tap network > Share/QR code.

Does a factory reset erase my internet settings?

Yes, a factory reset erases everything: WiFi name and password, admin password, port forwarding rules, DNS settings, and all customizations. For ISP-provided gateways, your internet connection usually reconnects automatically. For DSL/fiber connections that use PPPoE, you may need to re-enter your PPPoE username and password.

Forgot Router Password — Recovery Guide

There are two different router passwords that people forget: the admin password (used to log into the router's settings panel) and the WiFi password (used to connect devices to the network). The recovery steps are different for each.

WiFi Password — Try These First (No Reset Needed)

Before doing anything drastic, check these sources — your WiFi password may be recoverable without touching the router:

Router label: Most routers have the default WiFi password printed on a label on the bottom or back. If no one changed it from the factory default, this is your password.

Windows — view saved password:

Click the WiFi icon in the taskbar → right-click your connected network → Properties (or Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → your network → Properties)
Scroll to Network Security Key and click Show
Or open Command Prompt as Administrator: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear — look for "Key Content"

Mac — Keychain Access:

Open Keychain Access (search in Spotlight)
In the search box, type your WiFi network name
Double-click the entry → check Show password
Enter your Mac login password when prompted

iPhone (iOS 16+): Settings → Wi-Fi → tap the (i) next to your network → Password → authenticate with Face ID/Touch ID.

Android (varies by version): Settings → Wi-Fi → tap your connected network → Share → a QR code appears that encodes the password. Or look for a "Show password" option.

Admin Password — Try Defaults First

If you cannot log into the router's admin panel at its IP address, try the default credentials first. Many people never changed them:

Brand	Default Username	Default Password
NETGEAR	admin	password
TP-Link	admin	admin
ASUS	admin	admin
Linksys	admin	admin
D-Link	Admin	(blank)
Belkin	(blank)	(blank)
Motorola	admin	motorola
Most ISP gateways	admin	On device label (unique per unit)

See the complete default router passwords list for all brands.

Factory Reset — Last Resort

If defaults do not work and you cannot recover the password another way, a factory reset is the only option. This erases all settings but returns the router to its original state.

How to factory reset any router:

Make sure the router is powered on
Find the reset button — usually a pinhole on the back or bottom labeled "RESET" or "RST"
Insert a straightened paperclip or toothpick into the pinhole
Press and hold for 10–15 seconds — the lights will flash or the router will briefly power off and restart
Release and wait 2 minutes for the router to fully restart
The admin password and WiFi password are now the factory defaults (on the label)

What Gets Erased in a Factory Reset

Setting	After Reset
Admin password	Back to factory default (on label or printed manual)
WiFi name (SSID)	Back to factory default (on label)
WiFi password	Back to factory default (on label)
Port forwarding rules	Erased
Custom DNS settings	Erased (reverts to ISP DNS)
DHCP reservations	Erased
Internet connection (cable/fiber DHCP)	Reconnects automatically
DSL/PPPoE credentials	Erased — must re-enter
Parental controls	Erased
Firmware version	Unchanged (not rolled back)

After the Reset — Reconfiguring

Connect to the default WiFi network (name and password on the router label)
Open a browser and go to your router's admin IP
Log in with the default credentials (on the label or in the default passwords list)
Immediately change the admin password — leave defaults means anyone on your WiFi can access your router settings
Set your desired WiFi name and password
Re-enter any port forwarding rules, DNS settings, or DHCP reservations you had

ISP Gateways — Special Cases

Xfinity: Reset via the xFi app or the reset button. The gateway reconnects to Comcast's network automatically — no technician needed. WiFi credentials are on the label.

AT&T: Reset button on the back. Reconnects automatically. The "Device Access Code" (a unique admin password on the label) is restored.

Eero (Amazon): App-only management. If you forget the admin account (Amazon) password, reset via amazon.com. If you are fully locked out, factory reset eero in the app (Settings → Reset) or hold the reset button.

Google / Nest WiFi: Factory reset in the Google Home app (Wi-Fi → Settings → Factory Reset) or press the reset button for 10 seconds on the unit. The unit must then be re-adopted into the Google Home app.