Where to find your WiFi password on a Chromebook

A Chromebook cannot show you a WiFi password that is stored on your router or in your internet provider's system. What a Chromebook can do is display the password you entered when you first connected to that network — but only if you are already signed in to that same WiFi. If you are trying to find a password you have forgotten, you will need to access your router directly instead.

The steps below work on any Chromebook running Chrome OS, whether it is a Samsung, Lenovo, ASUS, or any other brand. The process takes about two minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • A Chromebook can only show you a WiFi password if you are already connected to that network and signed into your Google account.
  • The password appears in your Chromebook's WiFi settings under the network name, but only as dots or asterisks for security.
  • If you have forgotten your password entirely, you must log into your router using a web browser on any device to reset or view it.
  • Your router's login information is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device itself.

Steps to view a saved WiFi password on your Chromebook

First, make sure your Chromebook is connected to the WiFi network whose password you want to see. Click the time in the bottom right corner of your screen. A menu will appear showing your network status.

Look for the network name (called the SSID) that you are currently connected to. It will have a WiFi icon next to it. Click on that network name. A small window will pop up showing details about your connection. Look for a button or link that says "Manage" or a gear icon — click it. This opens your network settings.

In the network settings window, you should see a field labeled "Passphrase" or "Password." The password itself will be hidden behind dots or asterisks for security. To see the actual characters, look for an eye icon or a checkbox that says "Show password" — click it. Your password will now appear in plain text.

What to do if you cannot see the password field

If the password field does not appear or is grayed out, your Chromebook may not have permission to display it. This sometimes happens if you are not the owner of the Chromebook or if it is managed by a school or workplace. In that case, you will need to contact the person who set up the network or the IT department.

If you are the owner but the field still does not show, try signing out of your Google account and signing back in. Some Chromebooks require a fresh login to display saved network information. You can do this by clicking your profile picture in the bottom right, selecting "Sign out," and then signing back in with your Google credentials.

Finding your password through your router instead

If your Chromebook is not connected to the network, or if the password field will not display, you can find the password by logging into your router directly. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that shows the router's own login name and password, along with the WiFi network name and password.

Look for this sticker first — it is the fastest way. If the sticker is missing or worn away, open any web browser on any device connected to that WiFi network (or use a phone on cellular data). Type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. This takes you to your router's login page.

Enter the router's username and password (usually "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and the password on the sticker). Once logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings." Your WiFi password will be listed there, often labeled "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key." Write it down or take a photo before you close the page.

Resetting your WiFi password from the router

If you want to change your WiFi password to something you will remember, you can do this from the router settings page described above. In the Wireless or WiFi section, find the field for the password or passphrase and type in a new one. Make sure it is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols if possible.

After you change the password, click "Save" or "explore." Your router will restart, and all devices will be disconnected from the network. You will then need to reconnect each device — including your Chromebook — using the new password. This process usually takes two to five minutes.

Why your Chromebook stores passwords this way

Chromebooks store WiFi passwords in your Google account for convenience. When you sign into a different Chromebook with the same Google account, it automatically connects to networks you have used before. This is why the password only shows up if you are already connected and signed in — it is a security feature to prevent someone else from viewing your passwords if they gain temporary access to your device.

The dots or asterisks that hide the password are another security layer. Even if someone is looking over your shoulder, they cannot read the actual characters. This is standard across all operating systems, not just Chromebooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password on my Chromebook if I am not connected to that network?

No. Your Chromebook only stores and displays passwords for networks you have previously connected to while signed into your Google account. If you have never connected to a network, or if you are using a different Google account, the password will not appear. You will need to access your router directly to find the password.

What if I forgot my router's login password?

Most routers have a reset button on the back. Holding it down for 10 to 15 seconds will reset the router to its factory settings, which usually means the username is "admin" and the password is either blank or "admin." Check the sticker on your router for the default credentials. Be aware that resetting the router will erase any custom settings you have made.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing down your password and keeping it in a safe place — like a drawer in your home — is reasonable. Avoid posting it online, texting it to people you do not trust, or leaving it visible on a sticky note near your router. If you are concerned about security, change your password to something unique that you have not used elsewhere.

Why does my Chromebook keep asking for the password even though I saved it?

This usually means your Chromebook did not save the password correctly the first time. Forget the network and reconnect: click the time, find the network name, click the three dots next to it, select "Forget," then reconnect and re-enter the password. Make sure you type it exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive.

Can I see passwords for networks I used on a previous Chromebook?

If you sign into the new Chromebook with the same Google account you used on the old one, your saved networks should appear automatically. However, the password will only display if you are currently connected to that network. If the network is not available, you will need to access the router directly.