How to Find Your WiFi Password When You've Forgotten It

Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in two places: on your router (the device that broadcasts the signal) and on each device that has connected to it. If you have forgotten the password, the easiest route is to check one of your devices that is already connected — it will have the password saved. If no device is connected, you can reset the router to its factory settings and create a new password, or log into the router's admin panel if you remember that password instead.

The method you use depends on what you remember and what devices you have nearby. Most people find the password on a connected device in under five minutes.

Key Takeaways

Any device currently connected to your WiFi has the password stored and can show it to you — phone, laptop, or tablet.
On Windows, you can view the saved password through Settings without any special tools or restart.
On Mac, the password is in Keychain; on iPhone and Android, the process differs but takes the same amount of time.
If no device is connected, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button, then create a new password from scratch.
Your router's default admin password (different from WiFi password) is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device.

Finding the password on a Windows computer

If your Windows laptop or desktop is connected to the WiFi, the password is stored in your system settings. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet, then WiFi. Select Manage Known Networks, then click the network name you want the password for. Click Security, then check the box next to "Show characters" — your password will appear in the password field.

This works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. You do not need administrator access, and the password displays in plain text once you check that box. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the window.

Finding the password on a Mac

On a Mac connected to the WiFi, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. Double-click the network name in the results. A window will open; check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your login password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear.

Keychain stores passwords for everything on your Mac, so searching by network name keeps the results clean. The WiFi password is the one labeled "password" in the Kind column.

Finding the password on iPhone or iPad

iPhones and iPads running iOS 16 or later can show you the WiFi password without leaving the Settings app. Go to Settings, then WiFi, then tap the network name you are connected to. Tap the password field — your device will ask you to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Once you do, the password appears in plain text.

If your device is running an older version of iOS, the password field will not display the actual characters. In that case, you can still view the password through Keychain on a Mac, or use a connected Windows computer or Android device instead.

Finding the password on Android

Android devices do not display saved WiFi passwords in the same way as iPhones or Windows computers. However, if you have a Google account linked to your phone, you can view your saved networks through Google Account settings. Go to myaccount.google.com, select Security on the left, scroll to "Your devices," and look for saved WiFi networks. This shows network names but not always passwords.

The most reliable method on Android is to check a Windows computer or Mac that is connected to the same network. If neither is available, you will need to reset the router and create a new password.

Resetting the router if no device is connected

If no device in your home is currently connected to the WiFi, you cannot retrieve the old password from a device. Instead, you can reset the router to its factory settings. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink, and it will restart.

After the reset, the router will broadcast a default network name (often printed on a sticker on the device) and use a default password, also printed on that sticker. Log in with those credentials, then create a new WiFi password through the router's settings page. You will access this by opening a web browser and typing the router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar.

Resetting the router erases all your saved settings, so you will need to reconnect all your devices and reconfigure any custom settings you had before. This is the nuclear option and should only be used if you truly cannot access the password any other way.

Logging into the router's admin panel directly

If you remember the password to your router's admin panel (different from the WiFi password), you can log in and view or change the WiFi password without resetting anything. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — 192.168.1.1 is the most common, but check your router's manual or the sticker on the back if that does not work. You will be prompted for a username and password; these are usually admin and admin, or admin and the default password printed on the router.

Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, or Network Settings. The current WiFi password will be displayed there, usually in a field labeled "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key." You can view it or change it to something new. If you change it, all your devices will lose connection and you will need to reconnect them with the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my internet provider tell me my WiFi password?

Your internet provider does not store your WiFi password — only your router does. However, if your router is provided by your ISP, they may be able to reset it remotely or walk you through the reset process. Call your provider's support line and explain that you have forgotten your WiFi password; they can often help you regain access.

What if I see the password but it looks like dots or asterisks?

That means the "show password" option is not checked or not available on your device. On Windows and Mac, look for a checkbox or eye icon next to the password field. On older iPhones, the password field will not display characters at all — use a Windows computer or Mac instead. On Android, try accessing your Google Account settings as described above.

Will resetting the router delete my internet connection?

Resetting the router will not delete your internet connection to your ISP — that is a separate service. However, it will erase all your WiFi settings, so you will need to reconnect to the internet through the router's setup process. Your ISP connection itself will remain active; you just need to reconfigure the WiFi side of things.

Is there a way to recover the password if I reset the router?

No. Once you reset the router, the old password is gone permanently. You will need to create a new one. Write down or save your new password somewhere safe — a password manager, a note on your phone, or a physical notebook — so you do not lose it again.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some older or simpler routers do not have a physical reset button. In that case, you can usually reset through the admin panel: log in at 192.168.1.1, find a Restore or Factory Reset option in the settings, and confirm. If you cannot access the admin panel and there is no reset button, your only option is to contact your ISP or the router manufacturer for guidance.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.