You cannot see a saved WiFi password directly on a Chromebook

Chromebooks do not store or display WiFi passwords the way Windows or Mac computers do. Once you connect to a network, the password is encrypted and locked away — Chrome OS does not give you a way to view it through settings or a menu. If you need the password, you will have to get it from the router itself, from whoever set up the network, or by resetting the router.

This design is intentional. It makes your Chromebook more find because even if someone gains access to your account, they cannot easily pull passwords out of your device. The trade-off is that you cannot recover a forgotten password from the Chromebook alone.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromebooks encrypt saved WiFi passwords and do not display them in settings, even if you are the account owner.
  • The fastest way to recover a password is to check your router's label, which usually has the default password printed on the back or bottom.
  • If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • You can also contact your internet provider or the person who manages the network to request the password.
  • On a work or school network, ask your IT department or network administrator instead of trying to reset the router.

Check the router for the default password

Most routers come with a default WiFi password printed on a sticker attached to the device itself. Look on the back, bottom, or inside the battery compartment. The sticker usually shows the network name (SSID) and a password labeled "WiFi Password", "Network Key", or "Passphrase".

If the router is in your home and you have never changed the password, this default password is likely still active. Write it down or take a photo of the sticker so you have it handy. If you changed the password at some point, this sticker will not help — you will need to reset the router or contact whoever made the change.

Reset the router if you changed the password

If you set up the network yourself and changed the password but cannot remember it, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This will erase all your custom settings and return the router to the default password printed on the sticker.

Locate the reset button on the router — it is usually a small, recessed button on the back or bottom. Use a paperclip, pen, or similar tool to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash or turn off, and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, the WiFi password will be the default one on the sticker.

Be aware that resetting the router will disconnect all devices currently using that network, and you will lose any custom settings you configured (like a custom network name or security settings). Everyone on the network will need to reconnect using the default password.

Ask your internet provider or network administrator

If the router belongs to your internet provider (sometimes called a modem-router combo), contact their customer support line. They can tell you the default password or help you reset it remotely without you having to physically access the device.

If you are on a work, school, or apartment network, contact the IT department, network administrator, or property management. They manage the password and can provide it to you or reset access for your device. Do not attempt to reset a router that you do not own — it will disrupt service for everyone on that network.

Reconnect your Chromebook after getting the password

Once you have the password, open the WiFi menu on your Chromebook by clicking the network icon in the bottom right corner of the screen (it looks like a WiFi symbol). Select the network name from the list, enter the password in the box that appears, and click "Connect".

If the password is correct, your Chromebook will connect and remember it. You will not need to enter it again unless you forget it or reset the router. If the connection fails, double-check that you typed the password exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive and spaces matter.

Prevent this problem in the future

Write down your WiFi password and store it somewhere safe — a notebook, a password manager, or a note on your phone. Many people use password managers like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in Google Password Manager to store WiFi passwords alongside other important information.

If you set up your own router, consider using a password that is straightforward for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Avoid using the default password long-term, as it is printed on the router and could be found by anyone with physical access to the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the WiFi password on my Chromebook if I am the owner?

No. Chromebooks do not display saved WiFi passwords in any settings menu, even if you own the device and the network. This is a security feature built into Chrome OS. Your only option is to retrieve the password from the router itself or from whoever manages the network.

What if I reset the router but still cannot connect?

Make sure you are using the exact password from the sticker — check for spaces, capital letters, and special characters. If the sticker password does not work, the router may not have reset properly. Try holding the reset button for a full 30 seconds, then wait two minutes for the router to fully restart before attempting to connect again.

Can I see the WiFi password on a school or work Chromebook?

No, and you should not try to reset the router. Contact your school's IT department or your workplace's network administrator instead. They manage the network and can provide the password or troubleshoot connection problems for you.

Is there a Chrome extension that shows saved WiFi passwords?

No. Chrome extensions cannot access encrypted WiFi passwords stored by Chrome OS. Any extension claiming to do this is not legitimate. Stick to the methods above: checking the router, resetting it, or contacting the network administrator.