Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf you’re authorized to use a Wi-Fi network, the quickest place to find its password is often a device that has already connected. Otherwise, check the router or setup materials if you manage the network, or ask the owner or venue staff. Don’t try to bypass a network’s access controls.
Start with the situation you’re in
| Situation | Where to look | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Your device has connected before | View the saved password in that device’s Wi-Fi settings. | Access to the device; menu labels vary by software version. |
| You administer the home network | Check the router’s app or admin page, its label, or setup paperwork. | Permission to manage the router. The router admin password may differ from the Wi-Fi password. |
| You’re at a shared venue | Ask staff or the network owner, or look for posted instructions. | Use the venue’s confirmed network name and any required sign-in page. |
Recover a password saved on your device
Windows
On a Windows device that has joined the network, open the network’s properties in Settings and select Show beside the Wi-Fi network password. Microsoft also documents retrieving it from Manage known networks for a saved network. Labels and paths can differ by Windows version; see Microsoft’s Windows Wi-Fi instructions for current steps.
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Apple devices
Apple provides steps for checking saved Wi-Fi passwords on Apple devices. Follow the instructions for your device and software version in Apple Support’s Wi-Fi password guide.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
If you manage the home router
Check the router manufacturer’s app or admin webpage; depending on the model, you may be able to view or change the Wi-Fi password there. You can also check the router label, documentation, or setup sheet from the installer or internet provider. A printed default password may no longer work if someone changed it. If you cannot recover the current password, consult the router or internet provider’s model-specific instructions to set a new one.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Keep the two router credentials straight: the Wi-Fi password lets devices join the network, while the router admin password opens settings that may include the Wi-Fi password. Changing the Wi-Fi password can mean reconnecting the devices that use it. For router security, the FTC recommends WPA3 Personal or WPA2 Personal encryption and keeping router software updated; it says WPA and WEP are outdated and insecure. If an older router still cannot support WPA2 or WPA3 after an update, the FTC suggests considering replacement. See the FTC home Wi-Fi security guidance. Microsoft recommends WPA3 when both the router and PC support it, and explains guest networks in its wireless network setup guide.
For hotel, café, library, or other shared Wi-Fi
Ask a staff member or the network owner for the network name and password, or look for signs and information sheets. Some public hotspots require a login after your device connects. Confirm the correct network name and sign-in method with staff rather than guessing: similarly named hotspots can mislead people. CISA recommends avoiding sensitive activity on public Wi-Fi, keeping device software current, and using a personal mobile hotspot when available; it describes a personal hotspot as generally more secure than public Wi-Fi. See CISA’s public Wi-Fi best practices.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
Public Wi-Fi is not automatically unsafe. The FTC says that, because website encryption is widespread, connecting through public Wi-Fi is usually safe. Check for HTTPS or a lock symbol, but remember that encryption does not prove a website is legitimate. Read the FTC’s public Wi-Fi guidance for more detail.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Achieve optimized performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- 𝟔-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟔.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐭𝐡 - Achieve full speeds of up to 5764 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with 6 streams. Enjoy seamless 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and incredibly fast downloads/uploads.
- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Get up to 2,400 sq. ft. max coverage for up to 90 devices at a time. 6x high performance antennas and Beamforming technology, ensures reliable connections for remote workers, gamers, students, and more.
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN port and 3x 1 Gbps LAN ports offer high-speed data transmissions.³ Integrate with a multi-gig modem for gigplus internet.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
If none of these options works
- If it is your home network, contact the person who set up the router or your internet provider. If you administer it, use the router or provider’s instructions to change the password.
- If it belongs to a business or public venue, ask its staff or network owner. They control access and can tell you whether a separate sign-in is required.
- If you do not own or administer the network, do not try to defeat its password or access controls. Request authorized access instead.
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