How to reset your Wi-Fi password?
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You need to hook up a new device or smart appliance to your home Wi-Fi but can’t seem to recall the password. You swore you wrote it down somewhere, but little sticky-notes are so easy to misplace. You shouldn’t feel ashamed for forgetting old passwords or usernames. There are so many accounts to keep track of in the hustle and bustle of modern life – it’s a wonder how people can memorize so many things without a password manager. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will help you find and reset your Wi-Fi password.
Forgot your Wi-Fi password? Find it again
It’s relatively similar on both Windows and Mac. The only hangup is that you will need Admin privileges on both to view the otherwise-hidden password.
for Windows
Open up the list of wireless networks in the Control Panel.
Right-click on a saved Wi-Fi network and select Status.
Click on the Wireless Properties button.
Now select the Security tab and click on the Show characters option.
For Macs
Press Command + Space together to pull up the search bar (This button shortcut will help you find any of your apps). Type in “Keychain Access”.
Select the Passwords category along the bottom left of the new window.
Press Command + F to find the name of your Wi-Fi network.
Right-click on the name and choose Get Info.
Press the Show password box.
How to change your Wi-Fi password directly through your router?
You’re going to need your router’s username and password on hand. All routers will have those details on the device. However, if you’ve already changed the username and password and can’t remember what they are – hold down the reset button for 30 seconds. This will restore your router’s default settings. If you can’t connect wirelessly, then attach an ethernet cable between your computer/laptop and the router.
The most important thing first: your IP address. You’re going to need it to log in to your router via your browser.
How to find your IP address for Windows?
From the start menu, type “command prompt” into the search bar.
Right-click on Command Prompt and choose to run the program as administrator.
The Command Prompt window will now appear on your screen. Next to the coding that says “C:\WINDOWS\system32,” type in “ipconfig.” Press Enter.
You’ll now see a small list of scripts and coding. The specific part you’ll need to be searching for are the numbers next to IPv4Adress.
How to find your IP address for Mac?
Open up your Network Preferences from the settings menu on your Mac.
Select your Wi-Fi network along the left of the new box that’s opened up. If you’re currently connected, it should have a green dot next to it.
Once your Wi-Fi network is selected, click on Advanced settings.
Now click on the second tab that says TCP/IP.
You can now see your IP address from the shortlist of information provided.
What if I still can’t find my IP address?
Luckily, a lot of routers use similar IP addresses. Try to copy and paste any of these codes into your browser address bar and use a process of elimination to figure out which one is yours.
192.168.1.1
192.168.0.1
192.168.2.1
10.0.1.1
10.0.0.1
I have my IP address, what now?
Copy the IP address and paste it into the address bar of your browser of choice. This works on all browsers — press enter.
You’ll now be prompted to enter your username and password. Do this.
What you come across next will be different for everyone, depending on your brand of router. Find the tab that alludes to “Wireless.” This could be labeled as “Wireless,” “Wireless Network,” or “Wireless Settings,” for example. Click on it.
From here, find another tab or option that indicates the security options (anything from “security” or “wireless security.” Press it.
You should now see a textbox indicated with the words “password,” “passphrase,” or “shared key.” Clicking on the textbox will allow you to change that password. Exploring the other options will let you change the name of the network too.
Fortunately, some network providers have their own app or a website to navigate that makes changing Wi-Fi passwords incredibly convenient. For receivers of Comcast’s Xfinity or AT&T’s network, you can reset your Wi-Fi password and names with just a few button presses on the app. All it requires is the Xfinity app (or you can log in to your Xfinity account on a browser) or the AT&T Smart Home Manager.
It’s a simple matter of finding the Wi-Fi settings, easy enough with the intuitive UI, and editing the username and passwords. Obviously, it will take a few minutes to reconfigure, and you’ll need to reconnect all your devices again. Nonetheless, a lot easier to change that doesn’t involve directly interfacing with your home router.
Resetting your passwords is always a nuisance. That’s why services like NordPass were created – it automatically generates strong passwords, stores them, and auto-fills in the correct boxes.
You won’t have to remember any more complicated passwords with NordPass. Try today for free unlimited password storage.