You can find wifi password with Ethernet by connecting a computer directly to your router and accessing its administration page. The Ethernet cable itself does not reveal the password, but it gives you access to the router's settings where the stored password can be viewed or copied.
What you need to find wifi password with Ethernet
This method requires two things: a computer with an Ethernet port and an Ethernet cable. The cable provides a physical link to the router, allowing you to log into its management interface. Once inside, you can locate the saved Wi-Fi password rather than having the cable read it out directly.
Step 1: Connect your computer to the router
- Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into any LAN port on the router. These ports are usually numbered and located on the back or side.
- Plug the other end into your computer's Ethernet port.
No active internet connection is required for this process. The computer only needs to communicate with the router itself over the wired link.
Step 2: Find your router's IP address
The router's IP address, also known as the Default Gateway, is needed to access its administration page.
On Windows
- Open the Command Prompt by searching for "cmd" in the Start menu.
- Type
ipconfigand press Enter. - Look for the "Default Gateway" entry under your active Ethernet adapter.
On macOS
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences) > Network.
- Select your active Ethernet connection, then click "Details" (or "Advanced").
- Navigate to the "TCP/IP" tab. The router's IP address will be listed next to "Router" or "Default Gateway".
Step 3: Log into the router's admin page
- Open any web browser and type the router's IP address into the address bar, then press Enter.
- You will be taken to the router's login page. Enter the administrative username and password.
These credentials are often printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router. They are separate from the Wi-Fi network password. If you have changed them previously, use the modified login details.
Step 4: Locate and view the Wi-Fi password
- After logging in, navigate to the wireless or Wi-Fi settings section. The exact menu path varies by router model, common labels include "Wireless > Wireless Settings", "Basic > Wireless", or "Wi-Fi Settings".
- Look for a "Security" or "Wireless Security" option within that section.
- Find the field labeled "Password" or "Passphrase". The Wi-Fi password will be displayed here. Some routers offer a checkbox to reveal the password if it is masked.
Step 5: Connect to your Wi-Fi network
- Unplug the Ethernet cable from both your computer and the router.
- Open the Wi-Fi settings on your device.
- Select your network's name (SSID) from the list of available networks.
- Enter the password you retrieved from the router's admin page.
- Click Connect or Join to establish the wireless connection.
What if you can't log into the router?
If you have forgotten the router's administrative password, a factory reset is typically the only way to regain access. This will erase all custom settings, including the Wi-Fi password you are trying to find, reverting them to factory defaults. That is why this Ethernet method is essential to try first, it lets you retrieve the password while the router's settings remain intact.
