Forgotten Router Password? Or the Network Key?

‘I’ve forgotten the router password,’ is a common problem. But first, which password do you need? It’s easy to get this confused, and end up with the wrong solution.
Here’s how to check:

1. If you want to login to your router configuration screen - you need the router password.
   
2. If you want to connect (say) a new laptop to your wireless internet connection – you need the network key. This is the encryption key used to secure your wireless signal. Windows asks for this key when you try to connect.
   

The network key may also be known as the passphrase, WPA shared key, WEP key, PSK, pre-shared key, WPA-PSK, authentication key, etc. For this tip, we will call it the network key.
Here’s a rough guide to what to do in each case. (For detailed instructions, check your manual: or go to your router manufacturer’s website and download one.)
1) Retrieving a lost network key

i) Login to your router, using http://192.168.0.1 or whatever is correct for your model. Enter your router username and/or password at the prompt. If you don’t have these, see Step 2, ‘Retrieving a lost router password’.
ii) In the router user interface, go to the section headed Wireless Security, or similar. Every router is different, so you may have to hunt around. Key words to look for are Security, Wireless Settings, Encryption, WPA, (or WEP).

Your network key will be somewhere here. It might be labelled PSK, pre-shared key, WPA or WEP key, WPA-PSK etc – see above – but that’s the one you need.
Tip: Write the network key down on a label or piece of paper, and stick it to your router.
If you plan to make any changes to your router setup, please use a wired connection to the router.
2) Retrieving a lost router username/password

i) First, try the defaults and see if they work. Common default usernames are admin, or blank (ie type nothing, just leave blank). Some common default passwords are password, admin, 1234, sky (for UK Sky users), or blank (no password). Check your manual for this, or try a Google search. It’s important that you find the correct default password for your router.
ii) Defaults don’t work? You will have to resort to a hard reset.
Beware. If you perform a hard reset, your router will be back at factory defaults. Your router login password will then be the default, BUT you will normally lose ALL your router settings, and your internet connection, until you have set up your router again.
If in any doubt, ask the person who set up your router to help you. Otherwise, you can try it yourself. Every router and ISP is different, but here is a very general guide.
iii) Visit your ISP’s website for full details of the router settings you need
iv) Find your original router setup disk. Otherwise, visit your router manufacturer’s website to download any ‘easy install’ software for your router model, along with any manuals, quick setup guides or tips.
v) Print off any online information you need before performing the reset. You will not be able to access the internet after the reset.
vi) Ensure you have a wired (ethernet) connection to your router, and that it is switched on.
vii) Perform the reset. Find the router reset button, which may be an unmarked pinhole, usually on the back of the router. Unravel a paperclip if necessary, to use as a tool. Press and hold down the reset button as long as it takes to reset the router. This is typically 10 seconds or so, but you really need a manual to be sure.
viii) When the router lights change – as advised by your manual – the reset is complete.
ix) You can now use your default password to login to the router, and setup your details afresh.

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All information is offered as is, without warranty. If you choose to use it, it is completely at your own risk. If you are in doubt, consult a local professional. Thanks to all Fixya contributors who helped with this tip.