Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your wireless password is stored in three places: inside your router itself, in your computer's memory, and possibly in your phone or tablet. The easiest route depends on what device you have in front of you right now. If you have physical access to the router, you can reset it to factory defaults and see the password printed on a sticker. If you remember logging in from a computer, that computer has saved the password and can show it to you. If you have neither, you will need to contact your internet provider or the person who set up your network.

The password you are looking for is called the WiFi password, network password, or sometimes the wireless security key. It is different from your router's admin password (the one you use to log into the router's settings page). Different devices store and display it in different ways, so the steps vary by operating system.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties to see the password in plain text.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click the entry, check "Show password", and enter your computer password when prompted.
  • On your router itself, look for a sticker on the bottom or back that shows the default network name and password, usually printed at the factory.
  • If you cannot find it anywhere, you can reset the router to factory settings using the reset button, which will restore the password printed on the sticker.

Checking your password on a Windows computer

Windows stores every WiFi password you have ever connected to, and you can view any of them without special tools. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select Settings from the menu. Navigate to Network & Internet, then WiFi on the left side. Scroll down and click "Manage Known Networks".

Find your network name in the list and click it. A new window will open showing network details. Click the "Properties" button. Scroll down to the "Security" section and look for "Network security key". The password will be hidden by default, but click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text. You will see your WiFi password displayed on screen.

Checking your password on a Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, which is the system's password manager. Open Keychain Access by pressing Command+Space to open Spotlight, typing "keychain", and pressing Enter. In the Keychain window, search for your network name in the search box at the top right.

When you find your network name in the list, double-click it. A details window will open. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to enter your computer password (the one you use to log in to your Mac). Type it and click "Allow". Your WiFi password will now appear in plain text in the password field.

Finding the password on your router

Every router has a default WiFi password printed on a physical sticker, usually on the bottom or back of the device. Look for a label that shows "SSID" (the network name) and "Password", "Key", or "Passphrase". The password is typically a random string of letters and numbers. Write it down or take a photo of it.

If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can reset the router to its factory default password. 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 press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to factory settings. Once it boots back up, the default password from the sticker will work again.

Be aware that resetting the router will erase any custom settings you have made, including the network name if you changed it from the default. All devices will need to reconnect using the factory default password.

What to do if you cannot find it anywhere

If the sticker is gone, the computer does not have the password saved, and you do not have access to another device that has connected before, contact your internet service provider. They have a record of the router model and can tell you the default password, or they can reset the router remotely. Have your account number ready when you call.

If you set up the router yourself and changed the password from the default, your only option is to reset the router using the reset button method described above. This will erase your custom password and restore the factory default, which is printed on the sticker.

Why your router has a default password at all

Routers ship with a default password so they work out of the box without setup. The manufacturer prints this password on the sticker so you can connect to the network when ready. Many people never change this password, which is why it is often the easiest way to recover a forgotten one.

If you have changed your password from the default and forgotten the new one, there is no way to recover it without resetting the router. This is intentional — it prevents someone who gains physical access to your router from guessing the password. The trade-off is that you lose access too if you forget it.

Keeping your password safe once you find it

Once you have located your password, store it somewhere find. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass will keep it encrypted and accessible only to you. Writing it down and storing the paper in a drawer is also reasonable if you live alone or trust everyone in your household.

Avoid texting the password to yourself, emailing it, or posting it in a shared document. If you need to give it to a guest, tell them verbally rather than writing it down. Change your password every few months if other people use your network, especially if you have had guests or contractors in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am not connected to the network right now?

Yes, on Windows and Mac you can view any password you have connected to before, even if you are not currently connected. The password is stored on your device, not on the network. On your router, the password is always there on the sticker or in the factory defaults.

What if I reset my router and now nothing will connect?

After a reset, all your devices have forgotten the old password. You will need to reconnect each one using the factory default password from the sticker on the router. Once all devices are reconnected, you can change the password to a new one if you want, and all devices will need to reconnect again with the new password.

Is the password on the sticker the same as the admin password?

No. The sticker password is for connecting to the WiFi network. The admin password is for logging into the router's settings page (usually at 192.168.1.1 in your browser). They are separate. You may have never set an admin password, in which case the router uses a default one printed in the manual or on the sticker separately.

Can someone see my WiFi password if they are connected to my network?

Not easily. They would need to log into your router's admin panel, which requires the admin password, not the WiFi password. If they have physical access to the router, they can reset it and see the factory default password on the sticker. This is why physical security of your router matters if you live with people you do not fully trust.