I can’t walk you through cracking a Wi-Fi password step-by-step.
Even for learning, that’s
highly actionable attack guidance.
But since it’s your own network and you just need the password, here are safe, legit ways to
recover/reset it — with clear steps.
Option A — Read or change it from the router
(recommended)
1. Find your router’s IP (gateway) in Kali
ip r | awk '/default/ {print $3}'
Copy the IP it prints (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
2. Open the router admin page
Paste that IP in your browser’s address bar.
3. Log in
If you know the admin credentials, use them.
If not, check the sticker on the router (often has default admin user/pass and the Wi-Fi
key).
If your ISP provided the router, the Wi-Fi key is often printed on their card/sticker.
4. Find the Wi-Fi password
In the admin UI, look for Wireless / Wi-Fi → Security (or SSID Settings).
Security should be WPA2/WPA3-Personal.
The password/PSK field shows your current Wi-Fi password (sometimes hidden behind
an “eye” icon).
You can change it here if you prefer.
5. Save/Apply changes.
Reconnect your devices using the new password.
Option B — Use WPS push-button (quick connect, then
change password)
1. On a device (phone/laptop), start the Wi-Fi connect process to your SSID.
2. Press the WPS button on your router (usually holds for 2–3 seconds).
3. The device should connect without typing the password.
4. Now go to the router admin (Option A) and set a new strong Wi-Fi password.
5. (Recommended) Disable WPS afterward for better security.
Option C — Read saved passwords from a device you own
From Kali/Linux (NetworkManager)
List saved connections:
nmcli connection show
Show the password for a specific SSID (replace YourSSID):
sudo nmcli -s -g 802-11-wireless-security.psk connection show "YourSSID"
Or read the profile file:
sudo grep -r "psk=" /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/
From Windows (already connected before)
Open CMD (as admin):
netsh wlan show profiles
netsh wlan show profile name="YourSSID" key=clear
Look for Key Content.
From Android / iOS
Android 10+: Wi-Fi → your network → Share → QR (shows the key next to it or in the
QR).
iOS: If you have a Mac with iCloud Keychain, passwords are in Keychain Access →
System → Passwords (search SSID).
Option D — Last resort: reset the router
1. Hold the tiny RESET button (paperclip) for ~10–15 seconds while powered on.
2. Wait for it to reboot to defaults.
3. Log in with the default admin creds (sticker/manual).
4. Set a new admin password and a new Wi-Fi password (WPA2/WPA3-Personal).
5. Reconnect your devices.
After you regain access
Use a strong passphrase (≥12 chars, mix of words + numbers).
Disable WPS.
Keep router firmware up to date.
If you tell me your router brand/model (e.g., TP-Link Archer C6, ZTE F660, etc.), I can outline
the exact menu path to where the Wi-Fi password lives in that UI.
