Many write the WiFi password on a piece of paper. But what if this is lost? TECHBOOK shows how to get it back.
As a rule, you don’t remember the long passwords because your own devices connect to the network automatically. So, if you forgot your Wi-Fi password and don’t have it written down anywhere, you can try the following methods to find it.
6 Ways to Recover a Forgotten WiFi Password
1. Via the router
Unless you’ve never changed the WiFi password, it’s the preconfigured key, which you can usually find on the sticker on the bottom of the router. In addition to the SSID, the name of your WLAN network, the password is also specified there. However, if you have customized your WiFi password and then forgotten it, this option is no longer available.
In addition to the data on the router, providers such as Telekom also supply an additional card with the password, which also contains a code for scanning with the app – in this case the password is not required at all.
2. Via the router software
If you have a Fritzbox or a comparable router, you can call up its user menu via your Internet browser. This works even if you are not connected to the internet. The command you have to enter in the address bar of your browser varies from router to router. Just read about it in the user manual. For the popular Fritzbox and Speedport routers, the commands are as follows:
Fritz box: fritz.box
speedport: speedport.ip
You will also find the access data on the back of many other routers. If not, many models with standard IP addresses such as “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.2.1” can be selected.
Once connected, in addition to many WiFi settings, you can also access the Security option, under which you can then find your WiFi password in case you forgot it.
Also interesting: What is the difference between WLAN and WiFi?
4. About Windows
If your computer is still connected to the WiFi, the password is also still stored in the system. Enter the term “network connections” in the search bar. In the overview, right-click on the active WiFi connection so that the context menu appears. There you will find the “Status” option. In the new window, click on “Wireless Properties” and then select the “Security” tab. Here you will find your encrypted password. If you now activate the “Show characters” field with a tick, the system will output the WLAN password in plain text.
5. About Android
The trick also works with the Android smartphone if it still has access to the WLAN. With Android you only need to go to the Internet settings and select the active connection there. Now press on the “Share” option and confirm with your unlock method. A QR code will now appear, under which the WiFi password can be found in plain text.
6. About iOS
It’s even easier on the iPhone. Go to the settings under “WLAN”. Select the WiFi you forgot the password for. Now simply press the “Password” entry and confirm with your unlock method. The password now appears in plain text.
Even easier: Use WPS instead of a password
This method eliminates the need for a password. The abbreviation WPS stands for the term “Wi-Fi Protected Setup”, which describes a process with which the router and the devices can exchange data at the push of a button. This includes not only the WLAN name, but also the password. If your router has this function and your devices support the process, activate WPS in the WLAN settings as a precaution. After that, connect your devices using the WPS button on the router.
Older devices would need a WPS-capable WLAN adapter. Make sure that the “push button” function is selected on your router, which closes access again after two minutes so that there are no security gaps for hackers.
Store WiFi password in password manager
Although there are relatively simple ways to get a forgotten Wi-Fi password using the options mentioned above, it is still worth storing the password in the key ring at Apple, for example. This means you can access it at any time, even when you’re on the go. Another option is password managers such as LastPass. As a rule, all you have to do is remember a master password that is as complicated as possible in order to access all secure accesses.