Where your WiFi password is stored on your device

Your device remembers your WiFi password once you connect to a network, so you do not need to type it in again. That password lives in your system settings, not in a file you can see in a folder. The steps to find it depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android — each one stores and displays the password differently.

You will need administrator access on your computer or the unlock code on your phone to see a saved password. This is a security feature: if someone borrows your laptop, they cannot straightforward open a menu and read all your passwords.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, select your network, and click Manage Known Networks to see the password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac password.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and look for the password field if your phone is unlocked.
  • On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but Settings > WiFi usually shows a QR code you can scan instead of typing the password.
  • If you cannot find your password, you can reset it through your router's admin panel or contact your internet provider.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the app. Go to Network & Internet on the left side, then select WiFi. Under "Manage known networks", click the network name you want to find the password for. Click "Manage" next to it.

Scroll down to "Password" and click "Show". Windows will ask you to enter your computer password or PIN. Once you do, the WiFi password appears in plain text. Write it down or copy it before you close the window.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Finder and go to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu. When the network appears in the list, double-click it.

A window opens showing details about that network. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your user password. Enter it, and the WiFi password displays in the password field. You can now copy it or write it down.

Finding your password on iPhone

Go to Settings > WiFi. Find the network you are connected to and tap the information icon (a circle with an "i" inside) next to its name. On newer iPhones running iOS 16 or later, the password field appears directly on this screen if your phone is unlocked.

On older iPhones, the password may not display in Settings. Instead, you can share the WiFi password with another Apple device by having that device try to connect — your iPhone will show a prompt to share the password, and you can tap "Share Password" to send it wirelessly.

Finding your password on Android

Go to Settings > WiFi and long-press the network name you are connected to. Tap "Manage" or "View details". Most Android phones show a QR code instead of the actual password. You can use this QR code to connect another device without typing the password.

If you need the actual text password, the steps vary by phone manufacturer. Samsung phones sometimes show the password in Settings > WiFi > Manage Saved Networks, but other brands may not display it at all. If your phone does not show it, you will need to reset the password through your router instead.

Resetting your password through your router

If you cannot find your password on any device, you can change it by logging into your router. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar. You will be asked to log in with a username and password, typically "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password printed on the router itself.

Once logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security. You can create a new password here. Write down the new password before you save, because you will need it to reconnect all your devices. The router will restart, and your old password will no longer work.

What to do if you forgot your router password

If you cannot log into your router because you forgot the admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. This erases all your settings, including your WiFi password, and returns the router to its default username and password.

After a factory reset, you will need to set up your WiFi network again from scratch. Your internet provider may have sent you the default login information when you first got the router — check any paperwork or contact them for help. Some providers also offer support through their website or app to help you log back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On Windows and Mac, yes — the password is stored in your system even if you are not currently connected. On iPhone and Android, you can only see the password for networks you are actively connected to or have connected to before. If you have never connected, the password will not appear in your phone settings.

Why does my phone show a QR code instead of the password?

Many newer Android phones and some iPhones use QR codes as a faster way to share WiFi. You can scan the code with another device to connect without typing. If you need the actual password text, check your router's admin panel or look for a "Show password" option in your phone's WiFi settings.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your WiFi password is safe. The password only lets someone connect to your network — it does not give them access to your files or personal data unless you have shared folders turned on. If you want to remove someone's access later, you can change the password through your router.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some routers use a reset option in their admin panel instead of a physical button. Log in to your router if you can, look for a "Reset" or "Restore Factory Settings" option, and follow the prompts. If you cannot log in and there is no button, contact your internet provider — they can often reset it remotely or send a technician.