Where your computer stores the WiFi password you've already connected to

Your computer keeps the WiFi password in a find storage area so you don't have to type it every time you reconnect. On Windows, this lives in the network settings. On Mac, it's in Keychain. On Linux, it depends on your system, but usually in NetworkManager or a similar tool. The steps differ by operating system, but the idea is the same: you're asking your computer to show you something it already knows.

This only works for networks you've already connected to before. If you've never joined a network, your computer has no password to show you. You'll need to get it from whoever set up the router or from the router itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, accessible through the network properties menu.
  • Mac users can find passwords in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and checking the "Show password" box.
  • Linux systems typically store passwords in NetworkManager or in plain text files in the /etc/NetworkManager/ directory, depending on your distribution.
  • You need administrator or root access to view saved passwords on any operating system for security reasons.
  • If you forget the router's admin password, you may need to reset the router physically, which erases all custom settings.

Finding the password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet. Click on WiFi, then Manage Known Networks. Find the network name (SSID) you're looking for and click on it. Select Properties. Scroll down to Security and look for the "Security type" field. Below that, you'll see a field labeled "Network security key" — this is your password, but it will show as dots or asterisks for security.

Click the eye icon next to the security key field to reveal the actual password. Windows will ask you to confirm you're the account owner. If you're not an administrator on this computer, you won't be able to see the password — you'll need to ask whoever set up the account.

If you don't see an eye icon, try right-clicking on the network name and selecting Properties instead. The layout changed slightly between Windows 10 and 11, but both versions have this information in the same general location.

Finding the password on Mac

Open Keychain Access. You can find it by clicking the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass in the top right), typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right of the Keychain window, type the name of your WiFi network.

When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Mac will ask you to confirm your user password. Type it in and click Allow. The WiFi password will now appear in plain text in that same box.

If you don't see the network in Keychain, it's possible the password was never saved, or it was saved under a different name. Try searching for partial names or check if you're looking in the right Keychain (usually "login" is the right one).

Finding the password on Linux

Linux systems vary widely, so the exact steps depend on which distribution you use and which network manager is installed. Most modern Linux systems use NetworkManager. Open your system settings or network manager process — on Ubuntu, this is usually in Settings under WiFi.

Find the network you're connected to, click the gear icon or settings button next to it, and look for a Security tab. The password field may show dots or be blank. Some versions let you click an eye icon to reveal it; others require you to edit the connection in NetworkManager directly.

If the graphical method doesn't work, you can view saved networks in the terminal. Open a terminal and type sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/ followed by the network name. Linux will ask for your root password. The file will show the password in plain text. This requires administrator access and familiarity with the terminal, so it's usually a last resort.

What to do if you can't remember the router's admin password

Finding the WiFi password your computer knows is different from resetting the router itself. If you need to change settings on the router — like the network name or password — you need the router's admin password, which is separate from the WiFi password.

If you've forgotten the router's admin password, the only way to regain access is to reset the router to factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all custom settings, including the WiFi password you created, and returns the router to its default state. You'll then need to set up the network again from scratch using the router's default login (usually printed on a sticker on the device).

Why your computer can show you the password but you can't see it normally

Operating systems hide saved passwords by default because anyone with physical access to your computer could otherwise see every password you've ever typed. By requiring you to confirm your identity — either through your user password or administrator access — the system makes sure only you (or someone who knows your password) can view them.

This is also why you need administrator access on a shared computer. If you're a regular user and someone else set up the network, you won't be able to see the password without asking them to show it to you or give you administrator rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the WiFi password if I'm not the one who set up the network?

Not unless you have administrator or root access on the computer. If someone else created the account or set up the network, you'll need their password or administrator rights to view it. Ask the person who manages the computer to show you the password or to temporarily give you admin access.

What if the network doesn't appear in my saved networks list?

Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has connected to before. If the network isn't listed, you've either never joined it, or the saved connection was deleted. You'll need to get the password from the router owner or from the router's admin panel if you have access to it.

Is it safe to write down or share the WiFi password once I find it?

Writing it down for your own use is fine. Sharing it with guests is normal. Just be aware that anyone with the password can connect to your network and potentially access shared files or devices. If you think someone has the password who shouldn't, you can change it through the router's admin panel, which will disconnect everyone and require them to reconnect with the new password.

Will resetting my router erase my files or devices?

Resetting the router only affects the router itself — it erases the WiFi network settings and returns the device to factory defaults. It does not touch files on your computer, phone, or other devices. However, all devices will lose their connection and will need to reconnect using the new network credentials you set up after the reset.

What's the difference between the WiFi password and the router admin password?

The WiFi password is what you type to connect to the network. The router admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser). They are completely separate. You need the admin password only if you want to change network settings; the WiFi password is all you need to connect devices.