It can happen to anyone… and today it happened to you. You forgot your WiFi password! Maybe you want to share it with someone else, or configure a new device… but the mind betrays us when we least expect it, and the “password” turned into a salad of letters, numbers, words, and dates. Today we'll review the main methods to reset your WiFi password, change it completely, or recover it from the operating system.
I forgot my WiFi password, what do I do?
First of all: Don't panic, it's just the WiFi password. Internet works fine, your devices too, you don't need to spend money or rush out. In fact, it's possible that while reading these lines you might remember the password. But if that doesn't happen, it's not the end of the world. In general, you have three options: reset the WiFi password completely, recover the WiFi password if it's saved on Android or Windows 10, and change the WiFi password at the router level.
How to reset your WiFi password: Two methods
Call your provider
That's right: Many internet providers have the ability to access your modem/router remotely and modify things like the WiFi password. It's very likely you'll need to verify your identity (name, client number, etc.), but it only takes a few minutes, and for many users, this solution is ideal. After all, you have to talk to another person, and there's no need to dive into the device settings.
The nuclear option: Full reset on the router
If you don't remember the WiFi password, don't have saved copies on other devices, the provider can't do anything (or it's irrelevant), and you don't have the router password to explore its settings… then you need to set up a date with the Reset button, usually hidden on the bottom or near one of its ports.
On some routers, the reset is instant, while on others you must hold the button for 30 seconds or more. I insist: This option is only viable if you've exhausted all alternatives. The router will return to factory state, and you'll have to rebuild its configuration. Not for beginners.
How to recover your WiFi password
On Windows 10
Before blowing everything up, we definitely recommend some extraction process for your WiFi password, and that's when operating systems come to the rescue. For example, you can recover your WiFi network password in Windows 10 if you know its exact location: The password is saved in the Security tab within the Wireless Properties of the WiFi network. If you have any doubts, check out our dedicated article.
On Android 10 or higher
Mountain View finally recognized the need to share and/or recover passwords for networks registered on Android more easily. Starting with version 10, the process reduces to going into device settings, entering Network & Internet -> WiFi, selecting the network in question, then tapping the Share button, and noting the password that appears below the QR code.
What about Android 9 or lower? Well… you need root, and the exact location of passwords may vary. Assuming your device is already rooted, start by visiting the path /data/misc/wifi, and open the file wpa_supplicant.conf.
How to change your WiFi password on your router
Anyone can lose their WiFi password. However, if you still remember your modem/router password, why not go to the source? Each device has a different menu, but you'll generally find all the details in the Security section under “WLAN”, “WLAN Settings”, or “Wireless Settings”. Take note of the password or write a replacement that's easier to remember, and restart the router. Our special article on changing your WiFi password has more details.
(Editor's note: Some providers like Movistar-Telefónica change the router password remotely. If you don't remember it, try calling their support section to have them tell you.)
Good luck!
