Forgot Your WiFi Password? Here’s How to Recover It
Many of us take precautions to ensure our WiFi network is secure, but what do you do when you mistakenly change the WiFi password and can’t remember it, preventing you from accessing your network? This guide provides a comprehensive overview of methods to recover your WiFi password if you've forgotten it or are unable to connect. Follow these steps to regain access to your network quickly and efficiently.
Check Connected Devices
One of the simplest ways to recover your WiFi password is by checking the devices that have been connected to your network. These devices may still have the saved WiFi password:
Windows
Go to Network Internet Status Network and Sharing Center. Click on your WiFi network and then go to Wireless Properties. Check the Security Settings section to find the password.Mac
Open System Preferences. Go to Network. Choose WiFi, then click on Advanced. Find your network and double-click it to see the password. You may need to enter your Mac’s admin password.Android/iOS
For Android and iOS devices, the WiFi password may be saved in the settings, but this can vary depending on the device version.
Router Label
Some routers have the default WiFi password printed on a label on the back or bottom of the device. If you haven't changed it, this could be your password.
Access Router Settings
Connecting via Ethernet
Open a web browser and enter the router's IP address, commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in using the admin credentials, often printed on the router or found in the manual. Navigate to the Wireless settings to view or reset the WiFi password.Reset the Router
If you can't access the router settings through a connected device, you may need to reset the router to its default settings:
Locate the reset button on the router, typically located on the bottom or back. Hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. After resetting, you will need to set up the WiFi network again, including creating a new password.Hack the WiFi (Advanced Users)
If the above methods fail and you can’t access the router settings, you can try using tools to crack the WiFi password. However, this approach is not recommended unless you are certain that your password is a common word or phrase.
How to Use Wifite
Wifite is a popular hacking tool that can help you crack WiFi passwords. To use it:
Open a terminal or command prompt. Type the command: Sudo wifite. If you need to, use Ctrl C to stop the process, then choose your WiFi network. Let the cracking process run. This might take a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how common your password is and the wordlist used.Contact Your ISP
If all else fails, and you don't want to use hacking methods, you can contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance. They may be able to help you reset your network settings and provide a new password.
Conclusion: The best way to handle a forgotten WiFi password is by keeping track of it as you change it. Write it down and place it somewhere safe. If you do forget it, there are several methods you can try to recover it, from checking connected devices to accessing the router settings, or even using advanced tools if necessary.