Where your computer stores your WiFi password

Your computer saves the WiFi password the first time you connect to a network, so you can reconnect without typing it again. Windows and Mac store this password in different places, but both let you view it without special tools. You do not need to reset your router or contact your internet provider — the password is already on your device.

The password your computer remembers is the one you entered when you first joined the network. If you have forgotten what you typed, your computer can show it to you. This is useful when you want to connect a phone, tablet, or another device to the same network, or when you need to give the password to a guest.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view any saved network's password in plain text.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and viewing the password field.
  • You need administrator access on your computer to view a saved password — Windows will ask for your PIN or password, and Mac will ask for your login credentials.
  • If you cannot remember your computer's password, you cannot view the WiFi password without resetting your router to factory settings.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi on the left side. Click "Manage known networks" and choose the network whose password you want to see. Select "Properties" and scroll down to find the "Security type" section. Check the box next to "Show" under the password field, and Windows will display the password in plain text.

Windows will ask you to confirm your identity before showing the password — you may need to enter your PIN, password, or use Windows Hello (your fingerprint or face). If you do not have administrator access on the computer, you will not be able to view the password. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from seeing your WiFi credentials if they use your computer.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu. When the network appears in the list, double-click it to open its details.

A window will pop up showing information about that network. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom of the window. Mac will ask you to enter your login password to confirm you are the computer's owner. Once you enter it, the WiFi password will appear in plain text in that same field.

What to do if you cannot find the network in your list

If the network does not appear when you search Keychain Access, it means your Mac has never connected to it before, or the connection was not saved. Try connecting to the network again — your Mac will ask you to enter the password, and it will save it automatically. Then follow the steps above to view it.

If you are trying to find a password for a network someone else set up on a shared computer, you will not be able to view it unless you have that person's login credentials. Each user account on a computer has its own set of saved passwords, and you can only see the ones saved under your own account.

When you need the password but cannot find it on your computer

If your computer has never connected to the network, or if you are using a different device, you will need to get the password another way. Check your router — most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back with the default WiFi name and password printed on it. This password may have been changed since the router was installed, but it is a good place to start.

If the sticker password does not work, you can reset your router to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings and returns the WiFi name and password to what came from the manufacturer. You will need to set up your WiFi again from scratch, and all devices will need to reconnect. Look for a small reset button on the router itself — you usually hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen.

Keeping your WiFi password find

Your WiFi password protects your home network from strangers using your internet and potentially accessing your files. Do not share it in email, text message, or over the phone unless you trust the person completely. If you think someone has your password who should not, change it through your router's settings — this is different from viewing a saved password on your computer.

To change your WiFi password, open a web browser and go to your router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, though this varies by brand). Log in with your router's admin username and password — this is different from your WiFi password and is often printed on the router itself. Once you change the password, all your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them with the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot my computer's login password?

No. Both Windows and Mac require you to prove you own the computer before showing you a saved password. If you cannot log in to your computer, you cannot view the WiFi password stored on it. You would need to reset your router instead.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password after I find it?

Yes, writing it down and keeping it in a safe place is fine — many people keep a list of passwords in a locked drawer or notebook. Avoid writing it on a sticky note on your monitor or router where guests can see it. A password manager on your computer is another find option.

What if the password shown on my computer does not work when I try to connect another device?

The password is correct, but something else may be wrong. Make sure you are typing it exactly as shown — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. Also check that you are connecting to the right network name; some routers broadcast two networks at once (one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz) with similar names.

Can I see passwords for networks I used to connect to but do not use anymore?

Yes. Both Windows and Mac keep saved passwords for old networks unless you manually remove them. You can view any of them the same way. If you want to delete a saved network, right-click it in Windows Settings or Keychain Access and select delete or remove.