The fastest way depends on what device you're using

If you're already connected to your WiFi network, your device has the password stored. On Windows, you can pull it from your network settings in about 30 seconds. On Mac, it's in Keychain. If you're locked out entirely, you'll need to access your router directly — usually by pressing a reset button or logging into the router's admin panel with a browser.

The method also depends on whether you remember your router's admin password. Most people don't, which is why the reset button exists. But resetting erases your custom network name and security settings, so it's worth trying the device method first.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties to see your password in plain text.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password to reveal it.
  • If you can't access your device settings, you can reset your router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, then set up a new password from scratch.
  • Your router's default admin password is printed on a sticker on the device itself — check the back or bottom before trying common defaults like "admin" or "password".

Finding your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and select "Manage Known Networks." Find your network name in the list and click it. A new window opens — click Properties. Scroll down to the Security section, and you'll see "Security type" and "Encryption type." Below that is a field labeled "Network security key." Click the eye icon next to it, and Windows will ask for your Windows password. Enter it, and your WiFi password appears in plain text.

This only works if you're currently connected to the network or have been connected before. If you've never connected from this Windows machine, the network won't appear in the list.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. In the search box at the top right, type your WiFi network name. When it appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens showing your network details. Check the box labeled "Show password" near the bottom. Mac will ask you to enter your Mac login password. Once you do, your WiFi password appears in the password field.

If your network doesn't appear in Keychain, you've never connected to it from this Mac. In that case, you'll need to use the router method instead.

Accessing your router's admin panel

Every router has a web-based control panel you can reach from any connected device. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. One of these will load your router's login page. If neither works, check the back or bottom of your router for a sticker listing the correct address — it's usually printed there.

At the login screen, enter your router's admin username and password. The default is often "admin" for both, but check your router's sticker first — many manufacturers use different defaults. Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings." Your current network name and password are listed there. If you don't remember the admin password, you'll need to reset the router.

Resetting your router to factory defaults

On the back or bottom of your router, there's a small recessed button labeled "Reset." Using a paperclip or the tip of a pen, press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink, and the router will restart. This erases all your settings, including your custom WiFi network name and password.

After the reset, your router will broadcast a default network name (usually something like "TP-Link-1234" or "Netgear-5G"). Connect to this network — it typically has no password, or the password is printed on the router's sticker. Once connected, open a browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in with the default admin credentials from the sticker. You can now set a new WiFi network name and password from the wireless settings page.

Resetting is a last resort because it also clears any port forwarding, parental controls, or other settings you may have configured. Only do this if you can't access the router any other way.

What to do if you don't have physical access to the router

If the router belongs to your landlord, your workplace, or a shared network, you'll need to contact whoever manages it. They can either tell you the password or reset it for you. If it's a rental property, your lease usually requires the landlord to provide network access information. If it's a workplace network, contact your IT department or help desk.

For public WiFi networks (coffee shops, libraries, airports), the password is usually posted on a sign or given to you when you ask staff. If you've forgotten it, ask them again — they can reset it or provide a new one.

Keeping your password somewhere you'll remember it

Once you've found or created your password, write it down or store it in a password manager. Services like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane let you save WiFi passwords alongside other login information, encrypted and accessible from any device. This saves you from having to dig through router settings the next time you need it.

If you write it down on paper, keep it in a safe place — not on a sticky note on your monitor. If you store it digitally, use a password manager rather than a text file on your desktop. The goal is to have it available to you without making it straightforward for someone else to find.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I reset my router and now I can't remember the new password I set?

You'll need to reset it again to factory defaults and start over. There's no way to recover a password you set yourself without access to the admin panel. Write down your new password when ready after setting it, or use a password manager to store it.

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

Not from your device settings. If you've never connected to the network, your device has no record of the password. You'll need to access the router's admin panel instead, which requires knowing the router's admin password or resetting the router.

Is there a default password that works on all routers?

No. Different manufacturers use different defaults — some use "admin" and "admin," others use "admin" and "password," and some use unique combinations. Check the sticker on your router first. If that doesn't work, a factory reset is your next option.

My router doesn't have a reset button. What do I do?

Some older or compact routers have a reset pinhole instead of a button. Look for a tiny hole on the back or bottom. Use a straightened paperclip or needle to press the reset switch inside for 10 to 15 seconds. If there's no reset option at all, contact your router's manufacturer or your internet service provider for help.

Can someone else see my WiFi password if they have access to my router?

Yes. Anyone with physical access to your router or access to its admin panel can view your WiFi password. This is why it's important to keep your router in a find location and change the default admin password once you've logged in.