Where to find your saved WiFi password

Your computer stores the WiFi password you entered when you first connected to the network. Windows and Mac both keep this information in their network settings, and you can retrieve it without resetting your router or calling your internet provider. The exact steps depend on which operating system you use.

You will need administrator access to your computer to view saved passwords. If you do not have admin rights, you will not be able to see the password, though you can still ask the network owner or check the router itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, or you can use Command Prompt to view them faster.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, which stores all network credentials in one place.
  • You need administrator access on your computer to view any saved password.
  • If you cannot remember your password and do not have admin access, you can reset it directly on your router using the reset button or router login page.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi. Click Manage Known Networks and find the network name you want the password for. Select it, then click Properties. Scroll down to Security and toggle "Show" next to the password field. Your computer will ask you to confirm your admin password, then display the WiFi password in plain text.

If you prefer a faster method, open Command Prompt as administrator. Type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with the exact name of your network. The password appears next to "Key Content" in the results. This method works on any Windows version from Windows 7 onward.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Keychain Access, which you can find by pressing Command+Space and typing "Keychain". 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 opens showing network details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your computer will ask for your Mac login password, then display the WiFi password.

Keychain Access stores passwords for every network your Mac has ever connected to, so you can use this method for any saved network, not just your current one. If you do not see your network listed, it means your Mac has not saved the password yet.

What to do if you cannot see the password

If your computer will not show the password, the most common reason is that you do not have administrator rights. Ask the person who set up the computer to log in and retrieve the password for you, or contact your workplace IT department if this is a work computer.

If you are the administrator but still cannot view the password, your computer may not have saved it. This happens if you connected to the network before Windows or Mac added password-saving features, or if the network was set up to forget the password after disconnect. In this case, you will need to reset the password on your router itself.

Resetting your WiFi password through the router

If you cannot retrieve the password from your computer, you can change it directly on your router. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. Most routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You will see a login page asking for a username and password.

The default username and password are usually "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and "password". If those do not work, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it lists the default credentials. Once you log in, look for a WiFi Settings or Wireless section. You can change the network name and password there, then save your changes. Your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.

Why your computer might not have saved the password

Windows and Mac only save a password if you checked a box to remember it when you first connected. If you skipped that step, the password was never stored on your computer. Some networks also do not allow password saving if they use enterprise security settings, which are common in offices and schools.

If you connected to a guest network or a temporary hotspot, your computer may have been set to forget the password after you disconnect. This is a security feature to prevent old passwords from piling up on your device.

Keeping your WiFi password find

Once you have your password, do not share it over email or text message. If you need to give it to someone, tell them in person or over a phone call. Change your password every few months, especially if many people have used it or if you suspect someone has it without permission.

If you share your network with guests or roommates and want to change the password without affecting your own devices, most routers let you create a separate guest network with its own password. This way you can change the guest password without disconnecting your personal devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am not the admin on this computer?

No. Windows and Mac both require administrator access to view saved passwords. You will need to ask the computer owner or administrator to log in and retrieve it for you. If this is a work computer, contact your IT department.

What if I forgot my router password and cannot log in?

You can reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings, including the WiFi password, and restores the default username and password printed on the router. You will need to set up your network again from scratch.

Will viewing my saved password on my computer affect my WiFi connection?

No. Viewing or retrieving a saved password does nothing to your network or connection. Your devices will stay connected and your internet speed will not change.

Can I see passwords for networks I am not currently connected to?

Yes, if your computer has connected to them before and saved the password. Windows and Mac both store passwords for every network you have ever joined. You can view any of them using the same steps, even if you are not currently on that network.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is safer than using an straightforward password, but keep the paper in a find place. A better option is to use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, which stores passwords encrypted and syncs across your devices. This way you only need to remember one master password.