Where your computer stores the 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, Mac, and Linux each store this information in different places, but all three let you view the password you originally entered. You do not need special software or administrator access on most systems — just the right menu or command.

The password is stored locally on your device, encrypted. When you retrieve it, you are seeing what your own computer knows, not asking the router or internet provider. This means the process works even if your internet is down.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, then WiFi, select your network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the saved 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 readable text file if you have root access.
  • If you cannot find the password on your device, you can reset it on the router itself using the reset button or the router's web interface.
  • Some routers display the default password on a sticker on the device itself, which is often the password you are currently using if you never changed it.

Finding the password on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open the Settings app and select Network and Internet. On the left sidebar, click WiFi. Under "Manage known networks," you will see a list of every network your computer has connected to. Click the network name you need the password for, then select Manage.

A new window opens. Scroll down to the Security type section and look for a field labeled Security key. Click Show next to it. Windows will ask you to enter your computer login password — this is the password you use to sign into Windows itself, not the WiFi password. Once you enter it, the WiFi password appears in plain text.

If you do not see a "Show" button, your network may be using a type of security that does not display the password this way. In that case, try the command-line method below.

Finding the password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by going to Applications > Utilities, or by pressing Command+Space and typing "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 opens showing the network details. Check the box next to Show password. Your Mac will ask you to enter your Mac login password. Once you do, the WiFi password displays in the password field.

If you have multiple networks with similar names, make sure you are opening the correct one. The password field will be empty until you check the "Show password" box.

Finding the password on Linux

Linux distributions store WiFi passwords in different locations depending on which network manager you use. Most modern Linux systems use NetworkManager, which stores passwords in /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/. You will need root or sudo access to view these files.

Open a terminal and type: sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/[network-name], replacing [network-name] with your network name. The system will ask for your sudo password. The file displays as plain text, and you can find the password in the psk= line.

If that path does not exist on your system, check your distribution's documentation. Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian all use NetworkManager by default, but older systems or custom setups may use different tools. Some distributions also store passwords in ~/.config/NetworkManager/ in your home directory.

Using the command line on Windows

If the Settings method does not work, you can retrieve the password using Command Prompt. Right-click the Start menu and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Type the following command: netsh wlan show profile name="[network-name]" key=clear, replacing [network-name] with your network name in quotes.

The output displays network details. Look for the line labeled Key Content — that is your WiFi password. If you see "Key Content : None," the network is using a type of security that does not display this way, or you may not have saved the password on this computer.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If your computer never saved the password, or if you are using a device that was not connected to the network, you will need to reset the password on the router itself. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom. Holding it for 10 to 15 seconds resets the router to factory defaults, which usually means the password returns to the one printed on a sticker on the device.

Alternatively, you can log into the router's web interface. Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Log in with the default username and password (often "admin" and "admin," or printed on the router). From there, you can view or change the WiFi password without resetting the entire router.

If you do not know the router's default login, check the manufacturer's website or the manual that came with it. The model number is usually on a sticker on the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my computer ask for a password when I try to view the saved password?

Your computer is verifying that you are the person who owns the device. The password it asks for is your computer login password, not the WiFi password. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from viewing your saved passwords if they have temporary access to your device.

Can I see the WiFi password on a phone or tablet the same way?

The process is different on phones. On iPhone, you cannot view a saved WiFi password directly. On Android, go to Settings > Network and Internet > WiFi, long-press your network name, tap "Manage," then "Show password" and enter your device PIN. The steps vary by Android version and manufacturer.

What if the password field shows asterisks or dots instead of the actual password?

You have not completed the "Show password" step. On Mac, make sure you checked the box next to "Show password" and entered your login password. On Windows, click the "Show" button next to the Security key field. If you still see dots, your system may not support displaying this particular type of password.

Is it safe to share the password I find this way?

Yes, it is safe to share a WiFi password with someone you trust. The password only controls access to your network, not to your computer files or personal data. However, anyone with the password can use your internet connection and potentially see other devices on your network, so only share it with people you know.

Will resetting the router delete my files or settings?

Resetting the router only affects the router itself — it erases the router's settings and returns it to factory defaults. It does not touch your computer, phone, or any files. However, you will lose any custom WiFi settings you configured, like a custom network name or password, so only reset if you cannot retrieve the password another way.