If you need help with your Wi‑Fi password

Learn how to tell that a Wi-Fi network requires a password, and what to do if you don't know or don't remember the password.

How to see that a network requires a password

If a Wi-Fi network has a lock next to its name, it's a password-protected network.

If you don't know the Wi-Fi password

If your cable or internet provider set up your Wi‑Fi router:

  • Look for a label on the side or bottom of the router. It might show the default network name and password.

    Network Name (SSID): XXXXXXXXXX
    Network Key (Password): XXXXXXXX

  • If your provider gave you a setup sheet, it might show your default network name and password.
  • Contact your cable or internet provider for help recovering or resetting your Wi‑Fi password.

If you own your Wi‑Fi router:

  • If someone else set up your network, ask that person for help.
  • If you never created a personal password, check the brand of your Wi‑Fi router and go to their website to find the default password.
  • To reset the password, call the router manufacturer, check their website, or check the router's manual.

If you're using a public Wi‑Fi network at a library, hotel, business, or other shared space:

  • Look for signs or information sheets that give the Wi‑Fi network name and password.
  • Some public Wi‑Fi networks might ask you to log in after joining the network.
  • Ask a staff member for help.

If you know the Wi-Fi password, but it doesn't work

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

  1. Go to Settings > Wi‑Fi.
  2. Tap next to the network that you're trying to join.
  3. Tap Forget This Network, then confirm by tapping Forget.
    If you see Join This Network instead of Forget This Network, skip to the next section.
  4. Try to join the network again.

On your Mac:

  1. Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Network.
  2. Select Wi-Fi in the sidebar.
  3. Click the Advanced button.
  4. From the list of preferred networks, select the Wi‑Fi network that you're trying to join, then click the remove (–) button and confirm the action when prompted.
    If you don't see your network, skip to the next section.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Click Apply.
  7. Try to join the network again.

If the network still doesn't accept your password

  • Make sure that you're trying to join your network and not a nearby, similarly named network.
  • Be careful to enter the password correctly. Wi‑Fi passwords are case-sensitive.
  • If someone else set up your network, follow steps to confirm that you're using the correct password.

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