How to Find Your WiFi Password on Windows, Mac, and Phone

Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: on the router itself (usually on a sticker), in your device's network settings, and sometimes in your router's admin panel. The fastest way depends on what you need it for. If you just forgot it and need to reconnect a device, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router first — most manufacturers print it there. If that sticker is gone or unreadable, you can retrieve the password from any device that is already connected to the network.

The password you see in your device settings is the actual one your router is using right now. Retrieving it from Windows, Mac, or a phone takes two to five minutes and requires no special tools. You do not need to reset the router or call your internet provider unless you want to change the password itself.

Key Takeaways

Check the physical sticker on your router first — the password is usually printed on the back or bottom and is the fastest way to find it.
On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to see the saved password.
On Mac, open System Settings, click WiFi, select your network, and choose "Copy Password" from the menu — you will need to enter your Mac password to confirm.
On iPhone or Android, you can see the password in your phone's WiFi settings, though the exact steps differ slightly between devices and iOS versions.
If the sticker is missing and no device is connected, you can log into your router's admin panel using the default username and password printed elsewhere on the device.

Finding the password on Windows

On Windows 10 and 11, the password is stored in your network settings and can be retrieved in under a minute. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select it. Navigate to Network & Internet on the left side, then click WiFi.

Under the WiFi section, you will see a list of networks you have connected to. Find your network name in the list and click Manage known networks. Click on your network name again, then select Forget — this does not disconnect you, it just opens the network details. A window will appear showing the network name and security type. Look for the option that says Security type or Password and click the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual password in plain text.

If you do not see an eye icon, try right-clicking on the network name and selecting Properties. In some Windows versions, the password appears under a "Security" tab. Write down the password exactly as it appears, including capital letters and numbers, because WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.

Finding the password on Mac

On Mac, the password is stored in Keychain, which is the system's password manager. Open System Settings and click WiFi on the left side. Find your network name in the list of available networks, then click the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to it.

A window will open showing network details. Look for a button or option that says Copy Password or Show Password. Click it, and your Mac will ask you to enter your Mac login password to confirm — this is a security measure to prevent other users on the same computer from seeing your WiFi password. Once you enter your Mac password, the WiFi password will appear or be copied to your clipboard.

If you do not see a copy or show option, try opening Keychain Access instead. Press Command + Space, type "Keychain Access," and open it. Search for your network name in the list, double-click it, and check the box that says Show password. Again, you will need to enter your Mac password to reveal it.

Finding the password on iPhone

On iPhone running iOS 16 or later, open Settings and tap WiFi. Find your network name in the list and tap the information icon next to it. A menu will appear with network details. Look for Password in the menu — tap it, and the password will appear on your screen. You may need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before it displays.

On older versions of iOS, the password does not appear in Settings at all. Instead, you can share the network with another Apple device: open Settings, tap WiFi, tap your network name, and select Share This Network. This generates a QR code that another iPhone or Mac can scan to connect, but it does not show you the actual password text.

If you need the password as text on an older iPhone, the only reliable method is to retrieve it from a Mac or Windows computer that is already connected to the network, then type it manually on your iPhone.

Finding the password on Android

On Android 10 and later, open Settings and tap Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Tap WiFi, then find your network name and tap it. A menu will appear showing the network details and a QR code. Tap Share or Show Password — again, the exact wording depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version.

You will be asked to authenticate with your fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN. Once you do, the password will appear below the QR code in plain text. Write it down carefully, as Android passwords are case-sensitive and include numbers and special characters.

On older Android phones (version 9 and earlier), the password is not visible in Settings. You will need to retrieve it from a Windows or Mac computer instead, or reset the router and set a new password that you can write down when ready.

If no device is connected and the sticker is gone

If you cannot find the sticker and no device is currently connected to the network, you can log into your router's admin panel directly. Look for another label on the router that shows the default username and password — these are different from your WiFi password and are used to access the router's settings.

Open a web browser on any device connected to the internet (using mobile data or a different WiFi network). Type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label to be sure. You will see a login page. Enter the default username and password from the label, and you will be taken to the router's settings page.

Look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, or Network Settings. The current WiFi password will be displayed there, usually under a field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Write it down exactly as shown. If you want to change it to something easier to remember, you can do that here too — just make sure to click Save or explore when you are done.

What to do if you cannot find it anywhere

If the sticker is missing, no device is connected, and you cannot access the router's admin panel, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your current settings, including the WiFi password, and restores the default password printed on the router's label.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, you can log in using the default username and password from the label, then set a new WiFi password of your choice.

Resetting the router will disconnect all devices currently using it, so plan to do this when nobody else is online. After the reset, you will need to reconnect each device to the network using the new password you create.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am not connected to the network?

Not from your phone or computer settings — you need an active connection to retrieve it from device settings. Your only option is to log into the router's admin panel using a different internet connection, or check the physical sticker on the router itself.

Is the password on the router sticker the same as my current password?

Usually yes, but not always. If you changed the WiFi password after setting up the router, the sticker will show the original default password, not your current one. Check your device settings or router admin panel to see what password is actually in use right now.

What if I see a QR code instead of the actual password?

The QR code lets another device connect without typing the password, but it does not show you the text. To see the actual password, look for a "Show Password" option in the same menu, or retrieve it from a Windows or Mac computer that is already connected.

Do I need to reset my router to change the WiFi password?

No. You can change it anytime by logging into the router's admin panel and editing the WiFi settings. Resetting the router should only be done if you cannot access the admin panel or have forgotten the default login credentials.

Will retrieving my password from settings change anything on my network?

No. Looking at the password in your device settings or router admin panel does not change anything — it only displays what is already there. You can view it as many times as you want without affecting your network.

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.