Where your computer stores the WiFi password

Your computer remembers WiFi passwords so you don't have to type them every time you connect. Windows, Mac, and Linux each store this information in a different location, but all three let you view the password you've already entered. You don't need special software or administrator permission beyond what you already have on your own device.

The password is stored locally on your machine, not sent to the manufacturer or the internet. This means you can only recover a password from a device that has already connected to that network before.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, select your network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password.
  • On Linux, the password location depends on your distribution, but Ubuntu stores it in /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/ as a text file you can open with a text editor.
  • If you've never connected to the network before, your computer has no password to show you — you'll need to ask the network owner or check the router itself.

Finding the password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the app. Go to Network & Internet on the left side, then click WiFi. Scroll down and select "Manage known networks". Find the network name you're looking for and click it.

Click "Manage" at the top of the window. Scroll down to the "Security type" section and look for a field labeled "Security key". The password will be hidden by default. Check the box next to "Show" to reveal it in plain text. You may be asked to enter your Windows login password to confirm.

Finding the password on Mac

Open Finder and go to Applications. Open the Utilities folder and double-click Keychain Access. 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. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to enter your login password. Type it and click Allow. The WiFi password will now appear in the password field.

Finding the password on Linux

Linux distributions store WiFi passwords in different places depending on which one you use. Ubuntu and most distributions using NetworkManager keep them in a system folder. Open a file manager and navigate to /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/. You may need to enter your password to access this folder.

Look for a file with your network name. Open it with a text editor like gedit or nano. Search for the line that says "psk=" — the text after that equals sign is your WiFi password. If you see "psk-flags=1" instead, the password is hidden and you'll need to use the terminal command sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/[network-name] to view it.

What to do if the password doesn't appear

If you've never connected to the network before, your computer has no stored password to show. You'll need to ask whoever set up the network or check the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default network name and password.

If you've connected before but the password field is blank or missing, the network may have been set up without a password, or it may use a login page instead (common in coffee shops and hotels). Try connecting to the network again — if it connects without asking for a password, then none is set.

Viewing the password from your router instead

If your computer won't show the password, you can find it on the router itself. Most home routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the network name and password. The password is usually labeled "WiFi Password", "Network Key", or "Security Key".

If the sticker is missing or worn away, you can log into the router's settings page. Open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in with the username and password on the router (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number). Look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security to find the password.

Sharing the password safely with others

Once you have the password, you can share it with guests or family members. Type or speak the password carefully — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters are different. If someone is having trouble connecting, have them type it slowly while you watch, or write it down.

If you want to share the password without saying it out loud, most modern devices let you create a QR code. On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and tap "Share Password". On Android, long-press the network name in WiFi settings and select "Share". Other devices can scan the code to connect without typing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I'm not the network owner?

Yes, if you're logged into a device that has already connected to that network. Your computer stores the password locally, so you can view it using the steps above. However, you cannot see passwords for networks your device has never connected to.

What if I forgot my Windows or Mac login password?

You won't be able to view the WiFi password without entering your device login password first. Windows and Mac require this as a security measure. You'll need to reset your device login password through your account settings or contact your IT support if this is a work computer.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is safer than using a weak password or sharing it verbally in public. Keep the written password in a find place like a drawer or safe, not on a sticky note on your monitor. If you're concerned about security, you can change your WiFi password anytime through your router settings.

Why does my computer show a different password than what I set?

This usually means someone changed the password after you connected. Your computer still has the old password stored. You'll need to "forget" the network in your WiFi settings and reconnect using the new password. Then your computer will store the updated one.

Can I view passwords for networks I'm not currently connected to?

Yes. Your computer stores passwords for all networks it has ever connected to, even if you're not connected right now. Use the same steps above to view any stored network password on your device.