You cannot see your WiFi password directly on the phone that is connected to it

Your phone stores the WiFi password in encrypted form — it does not display it back to you in plain text, even if you connected to that network months ago. This is a security feature. If you need the password to connect a new device, you have three real options: reset the router to factory settings (which disconnects everything), log into your router's admin panel from a browser, or check where you originally wrote it down.

The method you choose depends on whether you have access to the router itself and whether you remember the admin password — which is different from the WiFi password.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone does not store the WiFi password in a readable form, so you cannot retrieve it from the phone's settings no matter what operating system you use.
  • The fastest method is to log into your router's admin panel using a web browser on any device, using the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) and the admin username and password printed on the router label.
  • If you do not know the admin password, you can factory reset the router, but this disconnects all devices and returns the WiFi name and password to their defaults printed on the router label.
  • If you have physical access to the router, the default WiFi password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device.

Log into your router through a web browser

This is the fastest method if you know the admin password. Open any web browser on a computer, tablet, or phone connected to the same WiFi network. Type the router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check the label on the back of your router to be sure.

You will see a login page. Enter the admin username and password, which are also printed on the router label (often something like "admin" and "admin" or a default combination specific to your router brand). Once logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "Security Settings." The WiFi password will be listed there, usually labeled as "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key" (PSK). Write it down or take a screenshot.

If you have changed the admin password from the default and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router (see below).

Check the router label for the default password

Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the default WiFi name and password. If you have never changed these settings, the password on that sticker is your current WiFi password. This is the easiest method if you have physical access to the router and have not customized the network.

The label typically shows "SSID" (the network name) and "Password" or "Key." If the sticker is worn or missing, you can usually find this information in the router's manual or on the manufacturer's website by searching for your router model number.

Reset the router to factory defaults

If you do not know the admin password and cannot access the router's settings panel, you can reset the router to its factory state. This will restore the WiFi name and password to what is printed on the router label, but it will disconnect all devices currently using that network.

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router (it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident). Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it finishes booting, the WiFi password will be the one printed on the label. You will need to reconnect all your devices using this default password, and you can then change it to something new through the admin panel if you wish.

Why your phone will not show you the password

When you connect to a WiFi network, your phone encrypts and stores the password so it can reconnect automatically without asking you each time. The operating system does not give you access to read that encrypted password back out — Android does not, iOS does not, and neither do other mobile systems. This protects you if someone borrows your phone; they cannot easily extract passwords for networks you use.

Some Android phones running version 10 or later can show you the WiFi password if you have a screenshot of the QR code for that network, but this only works if the original network owner generated and shared that QR code with you. It does not help you recover a password you have forgotten.

What to do if you do not have access to the router

If the router is in someone else's home or office, ask them directly for the WiFi password. If you are renting and the router belongs to your landlord or internet provider, contact them. If the router is in a public space like a coffee shop or library, ask the staff.

If the router is yours but you have no way to physically reach it (for example, it is mounted in a locked cabinet), contact your internet service provider. They can sometimes reset it remotely or provide you with the admin credentials. Have your account number and a form of identification ready.

Changing your WiFi password after you find it

Once you have logged into the router's admin panel, you can change the WiFi password to something you will remember. Look for "Wireless Security," "WiFi Password," or "Passphrase" in the settings. Choose a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it much harder to guess. Write the new password down and store it somewhere safe, separate from where you keep other passwords.

After you change the password, all your devices will disconnect from the network. You will need to reconnect each one using the new password. The router will not forget the new password if you restart it, so you only have to do this once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password in my phone's settings?

No. Android and iOS both store WiFi passwords in encrypted form and do not display them in settings, even for networks you have been connected to for years. You must access the router itself through a web browser to see the password in plain text.

What is the difference between the WiFi password and the admin password?

The WiFi password is what you type to connect your phone or laptop to the network. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings panel to change the WiFi password or other network settings. They are separate and often different. Both are usually printed on the router label.

Will resetting the router delete my files or internet history?

No. Resetting the router only affects the network settings — it does not touch files on your phone, computer, or any other device. It will disconnect all devices from WiFi temporarily, but once you reconnect with the default password, everything will work as before.

What if I forgot my admin password but still remember my WiFi password?

The WiFi password alone will not let you into the admin panel. You will need to reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button, which will also reset the WiFi password to the default. After that, you can log in with the default admin credentials and change both passwords to new ones you choose.