Where to find your saved WiFi password

Your computer stores the password for every WiFi network you have ever connected to. On Windows, this information lives in your network settings. On Mac, it is stored in the Keychain — Apple's password vault. Both systems let you view the password in plain text once you confirm your identity, though the steps differ between the two.

The password you find is the one you entered when you first joined the network. If someone changed the network password after you connected, your computer will still show the old one. You will need to forget the network and reconnect with the new password to update what your computer stores.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, accessible through the network's Advanced Options menu.
  • Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain Access, which you open from Applications > Utilities, then search for your network name.
  • Both systems require you to enter your computer password to view a saved WiFi password — this is a security feature.
  • The password your computer shows is the one you originally entered; if the network password changed, you must forget and rejoin the network.
  • If you cannot remember your computer password, you cannot retrieve the WiFi password through these methods.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Select Network and Internet from the left menu. Click WiFi, then scroll down and click Manage known networks. You will see a list of every network your computer has connected to.

Find the network name you need the password for and click it. Select Forget — do not worry, you are not deleting anything permanent. Your computer will ask you to confirm. After you confirm, go back to the WiFi list, find that network again, and click Connect. A box will appear asking for the password. Before you enter it, look for a small eye icon or checkbox labeled "Show password" — check that box, and the password you type will appear in plain text as you enter it. This is the moment to write it down or take a screenshot.

If you do not remember the password, you cannot proceed this way. Your alternative is to reset the router itself, which will erase all passwords and settings — contact your internet provider or the person who set up the network for help with that step.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Finder and navigate to Applications > Utilities. Double-click Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears on your computer. Keychain will show you a result with that network name.

Double-click the result. A window will open showing details about that network. At the bottom, you will see a checkbox labeled Show password. Click it. Your Mac will ask you to enter your computer password — this is the password you use to log into your Mac account, not the WiFi password. Type it and click Allow. The WiFi password will now appear in plain text in that same window.

If Keychain Access does not find your network, it means your Mac has not stored that password — either you have never connected to it, or you connected using a guest account that does not save passwords. In that case, you will need to contact the network owner or check any documentation they gave you when they set it up.

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

If you have connected to the network before but cannot find it in your saved networks, the network name may have changed. Networks can be renamed by whoever controls the router, so the name you see now might not match what you connected to months ago. Look for any networks in your list that you do not recognize — one of them might be the same physical network under a different name.

Another possibility is that you connected using a different user account on your computer. Windows and Mac both store passwords per user account, so if you logged in as a guest or a different person connected the network, that password will not appear in your account. Ask whoever else uses the computer to check their own account, or contact the network owner for the password.

Resetting your router if you cannot retrieve the password

If the network is no longer in your saved list and you cannot contact the owner, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all passwords and custom settings, so the network will reappear with a default name and password — usually printed on a sticker on the router itself.

To reset a router, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a 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 comes back online, look for the default network name and password on the sticker, connect to it, and then change the password to something you choose. This process is the same whether the router belongs to you or someone else, but you should only do it if you own the router or have permission from the owner.

Why your computer stores WiFi passwords

Your computer saves the password so you do not have to type it every time you connect to that network. When your computer sees the network name, it automatically sends the stored password in the background — this is why you can walk into a coffee shop and connect to their WiFi without entering anything.

This convenience comes with a security trade-off. Anyone with access to your computer can potentially retrieve these passwords, which is why both Windows and Mac require you to enter your computer password first. If you share your computer with others and want to prevent them from seeing your WiFi passwords, you can set up separate user accounts — each account stores its own passwords separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password for a network I am currently connected to?

Yes. On Windows, go to Settings > Network and Internet > WiFi > Manage known networks, find the network, and click it. On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for the network name, double-click the result, and check "Show password". Both require your computer password to display it.

What if I see the password but it does not work when I try to connect from another device?

The password your computer shows is the one it originally stored. If someone changed the WiFi password after your computer connected, your computer still has the old one. You will need to ask the network owner for the current password, or forget the network on your computer and reconnect with the new password.

Can I retrieve a WiFi password if I forgot my computer password?

No. Both Windows and Mac require your computer password as a security check before showing any stored WiFi passwords. If you cannot log into your computer, you cannot retrieve the passwords. You will need to reset your computer password through your account recovery options or contact your IT support.

Is it safe to write down or screenshot my WiFi password?

Yes, as long as you keep that written password or screenshot in a find place. Anyone who sees it can connect to your network. If you are worried about security, you can change the WiFi password through your router settings — this will disconnect all devices and require them to reconnect with the new password.

Why does my Mac ask for my computer password when I try to view a WiFi password?

This is a security feature. Your WiFi password is stored in Keychain, which is Apple's encrypted password vault. Requiring your computer password confirms that you are the account owner before revealing any stored passwords. This prevents someone who briefly accesses your Mac from stealing your network credentials.