FRITZ!Box password forgotten: how to get back in

What the message looks like

Die Anmeldeseite von fritz.box verlangt ein Kennwort, und das Kennwort ist nicht mehr bekannt.

Common causes

• The password was changed at some point and never written down.
• The settings password is confused with the Wi-Fi password.
• The browser saved an old password and fills it in wrongly.
• Someone else (family member, technician) set up the box.

Check

1. Is the box reachable on your network?
   ping fritz.boxCopy
2. Show the box address (Windows, line Default Gateway)
   ipconfig /allCopy
3. Test the standard address directly
   ping 192.168.178.1Copy
4. Show the box address (macOS/Linux)
   ip route show defaultCopy

Fix

• Look at the label on the underside of the FRITZ!Box: it lists the default password and the Wi-Fi key if you never changed them.
• Try the login in a private browser window so saved old data does not interfere.
• The login page usually offers a "forgot password" option; it normally asks you to press a button on the box to confirm you have physical access. Wording varies with the firmware version.
• If nothing helps, the last resort is a factory reset. It erases all settings (see the factory reset article).

FAQ

Is the box password the same as the Wi-Fi password?

Not necessarily. The Wi-Fi password is the network key for devices; the box password protects the settings. They can differ from the factory.

Can I display the password?

No, passwords are not shown in clear text. You can only use the default one from the label or set a new one.