You cannot retrieve a saved WiFi password directly from a Chromebook

Chromebooks do not store WiFi passwords in a way you can view or export them. Once you connect to a network, the Chromebook remembers the connection, but the password itself stays encrypted and hidden from you. If you need the password — to connect another device, for example — you will have to get it from the router, the person who set up the network, or the WiFi provider.

This design is intentional: it prevents someone who borrows your Chromebook from seeing passwords to networks you use. The tradeoff is that you cannot recover a forgotten password from the device itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromebooks encrypt saved WiFi passwords and do not let you view them through settings or any built-in tool.
  • To find a password, you need to access the router directly, usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser on any device connected to that network.
  • If you do not know the router's admin password, contact the person who set up the network or your internet service provider.
  • For public networks (coffee shops, libraries, airports), ask staff or check your receipt or confirmation email for the password.
  • You can forget a network on your Chromebook and reconnect to it, but you will need the password to do so.

Access the router to find the password

The WiFi password is stored on your router, not on your Chromebook. To view it, you need to log into the router's admin panel. On most home networks, you can do this by opening any web browser and typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Press Enter.

A login screen will appear. The default username is often admin, and the default password is often admin, password, or 12345 — but this varies by router brand. If the defaults do not work, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router. It usually lists the default login details and the WiFi network name.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Security. The password is often labeled Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or WPA Password. Write it down or take a photo.

Find the password if you changed the router login

If you changed the router's admin password and forgot it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including the WiFi password you created. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed) on the back of the router. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and return to its default settings. You can then log in with the default credentials, find the WiFi password, and set up your network again. This process is the same on most routers, but check your router's manual or manufacturer website for exact steps.

Contact your internet service provider if you cannot access the router

If you cannot log into the router at all — or if the router is not yours — contact your internet service provider or the network owner. They can tell you the password over the phone or reset it for you. Have your account number or the router's serial number (on the sticker) ready when you call.

For business networks, apartment WiFi, or shared networks, ask the IT department, property manager, or network administrator. They manage the router and can provide the password or reset it if needed.

Retrieve the password from public networks

For WiFi at a coffee shop, library, airport, or hotel, ask staff for the password. It is usually printed on a receipt, posted on a sign, or sent to you in a confirmation email when you sign up. Some public networks do not use passwords at all — they use a login page that appears when you first connect.

If you connected to a public network on your Chromebook and need the password for another device, ask the business directly. They control the network and can tell you what to use.

Forget and reconnect to a network on your Chromebook

If you want to remove a saved network from your Chromebook — for example, if you are moving and will not use that WiFi again — you can forget it. Click the time in the bottom right corner, then click the WiFi icon. Find the network name, click the three dots next to it, and select Forget. The network will be removed from your saved list.

To reconnect later, you will need the password again. Click the WiFi icon, select the network name, and enter the password when prompted. Your Chromebook will save it for next time.

What to do if you created the password and forgot it

If this is your own home network and you set the WiFi password but cannot remember it, your only option is to reset the router. This will erase the password you created and return it to the factory default. You can then log in, find the default password, and create a new one that you write down and store somewhere safe.

To avoid this in the future, use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store WiFi passwords. These tools work on Chromebooks and let you retrieve passwords whenever you need them — as long as you remember the master password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a saved WiFi password in Chromebook settings?

No. Chromebooks do not have a settings menu or tool that displays saved WiFi passwords. The passwords are encrypted and hidden for security. Your only option is to access the router directly or contact the network owner.

What if I forgot my router's admin password?

Reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all custom settings, including the admin password. You can then log in with the default credentials and find your WiFi password. You will need to set up the network again from scratch.

Can I find the password if I am not connected to the network?

Not from the Chromebook. You need to access the router directly, which requires being connected to that network or another device on the same network. If you have no way to connect, contact the network owner or your internet service provider.

Is there an app or extension that shows saved WiFi passwords?

No. Chromebook's security design prevents any app or extension from accessing saved WiFi passwords. This is intentional and cannot be bypassed. You must access the router to view the password.

What if the network is at my apartment and I do not know the admin password?

Contact your landlord or property manager. They set up the network and can provide the password or reset it for you. If they are unavailable, your internet service provider can also help if you provide your account information.