How to Get Wifi Password With Ethernet Cable

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Did you ever forget your WiFi password, and feel like you’re stuck and don’t know what to do? No worries, you’re not alone. This is a common situation that has happened to most of us. However, there is a solution! You can retrieve a lost WiFi password by using an Ethernet cable. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining your WiFi password by using an Ethernet cable.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we start, make sure you have the following things:

  1. A computer or laptop with an Ethernet port
  2. An Ethernet cable
  3. Access to the modem or router

What Requires Your Focus?

To get your WiFi password with an Ethernet cable, it is important to pay attention to the following:

  • Identify the IP address of your router/modem
  • Make sure your computer/laptop has an Ethernet port
  • Ensure that the Ethernet cable is properly plugged into both the computer and router/modem
  • Follow the correct steps carefully, as any mistake may cause complications

Different Methods to Get Wifi Password with Ethernet Cable

Method 1: Via Command Prompt (Windows)

Getting your WiFi password using Command Prompt is a reliable and straightforward method for those on a Windows computer. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Connect your computer to your router/modem using an Ethernet cable.
  2. Open the Command Prompt program by searching for it in the Start Menu under "Windows System", or press the Windows + R keys at the same time and type "cmd" in the Run box.
  3. Type "ipconfig" into the Command Prompt and press Enter.
  4. Look for "Default Gateway" under the Ethernet adapter connection and take note of the address displayed next to it. (Example: 192.168.1.1)
  5. Open a web browser and type the IP address of your router/modem into the address bar. Hit Enter.
  6. Enter your router/modem’s login credentials. If you haven’t changed the default login information, it may be found printed on the router/modem.
  7. After logging in, look for a tab that says "Wireless Settings" or "Security". The password should be displayed somewhere on that page.

Pros:

  • Quick and easy to accomplish
  • No additional software required
  • Secured retrieval since it only uses Windows built-in tool

Cons:

  • Not as visually-friendly and may be daunting for non-technical users
  • IP addresses can sometimes vary
  • Cannot retrieve passwords of networks where your computer has not connected to

Method 2: Via Terminal (Mac)

For Mac users, Terminal is the command-line interface program that we’ll use to obtain WiFi passwords. Here are the steps:

  1. Plug in the Ethernet cable from your router/modem to your Mac computer.
  2. Open Terminal by going to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
  3. Type "ifconfig en0 | grep inet | awk ‘$1==\"inet\" {print $2}'".
  4. Take note of the IP address that you are provided, which should look like this "192.168.1.1".
  5. Type "telnet " followed by the IP address of your router/modem using no space in between. Press the return key and type your router’s username and password once prompted with them.
  6. After logging in, enter the command "cat /tmp/system.cfg | grep -i psk".
  7. The password associated with the network should be displayed next to "wpa_psk_key".

Pros:

  • Efficient and faster for Mac users
  • It requires zero apps or additional downloads
  • Numerous options for preferred customization

Cons:

  • Commands can be confusing for those who are new to Terminal
  • Networking terms may be difficult to understand
  • Security risk if commands are incorrectly typed and executed

Method 3: Using Router Admin Page

If you want a simpler way to do this, this method is perfect for you. It only requires logging in to the router’s admin page, which most people can easily do. Here’s how:

  1. Connect your Ethernet cable to your computer and router/modem.
  2. Open a web browser and type in the IP address of your router/modem. You can find it in the manual or printed on the router/modem.
  3. Log in using your router/modem’s username and password.
  4. Look for the "Wireless" section and search for the security settings. Your password should be displayed right beside the password field.

Pros:

  • Easy to accomplish as it only requires logging in to the router admin page
  • Does not require any additional software or tools
  • Beginner-friendly for anyone who can access their router

Cons:

  • Will fail if the router is configured that the password cannot be displayed
  • Weak network security, because someone close to the physical router can easily access the admin page
  • Not feasible if you don’t know the router’s admin information

Why Can’t I Retrieve My Wifi Password While Using Ethernet Cable?

There could be different reasons why you can’t get your WiFi password using Ethernet cable. Here are the most common and how to fix them:

  1. You might have entered the wrong IP address. Make sure to get the correct IP address of your modem/router.
  2. Your Ethernet cable might be defective or damaged. Try using a new Ethernet cable to troubleshoot.
  3. Your router might not be compatible with the method you’re using. Make sure to follow the correct method that’s appropriate to your router/modem manufacturer.

Implications and Recommendations

We all know that retrieving a forgotten WiFi password can be daunting, but using Ethernet cable greatly simplifies the process. Above all, make sure to secure your WiFi network with proper password credentials to prevent unauthorized access. Here are some takeaways to consider:

  • Always keep your router/modem login information in a safe and secure location
  • Use a complex password for your WiFi network
  • Run periodic checks on your WiFi network to check for any unauthorized access
  • Make sure to keep up-to-date with the latest router/modem firmware releases to prevent security weaknesses and risks

5 FAQs about Getting Wifi Password with Ethernet Cable

Q1. Can I retrieve WIFI passwords of other computers on the same network?

A1. Unfortunately, no. You can only retrieve the WiFi password of the device you’re using.

Q2. Can I get my WiFi password without a router?

A2. No. The WiFi password is stored inside the router and therefore the router is needed to retrieve it.

Q3. What do I do if I cannot access my router’s admin page?

A3. Make certain that you are using the right IP address. Look for the IP address written on the router physically. If it still doesn’t work, this could be the cause of your internet’s security firewall, and you should contact your ISP provider.

Q4. What if there are new firmware releases that my modem/router manufacturer releases?

A4. Firmware updates are crucial to resolving many security flaws and ensuring seamless connectivity. Make sure to back up your router’s settings before updating your firmware.

Q5. Can any Ethernet cable be used for this task?

A5. Any Ethernet cable should work just fine, but use a reliable and high-quality cable for best results.

In Conclusion

Obtaining your forgotten WiFi password using Ethernet cable is a simple and efficient solution whenever you lose or forget it. Hopefully, in this article, we’ve helped you regain access to your WiFi network. Just remember to secure your WiFi network with a complex password to prevent unauthorized access and leaks.