Where your WiFi password lives on your device

Your device stores your WiFi password the moment you connect to a network. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all keep this information in different places, but all of them let you view it without calling your internet provider or resetting your router. The fastest route depends on what device you're using right now.

If you've forgotten the password but your device is still connected to the network, you can pull it directly from your device's settings. If you're trying to connect a new device, you can also look at your router itself — the password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network & Internet, where you can view any network your computer has connected to before.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, which holds every network password your computer remembers.
  • iPhone and iPad users cannot view a saved WiFi password directly, but can share it with another Apple device by holding your phone near theirs.
  • Android phones show saved passwords in Settings under Network & Internet, though the exact path varies by manufacturer.
  • Your router's default password is printed on a physical sticker, so check the back or bottom of the device before looking elsewhere.

Finding your password on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Click Manage known networks and find the network name you're looking for. Select it and click Properties.

Scroll down to the Security section. You'll see a field labeled Security type and below it a checkbox that says Show next to the password field. Check that box and your password appears in plain text. This only works if your computer has connected to that network before — Windows won't show you passwords for networks it doesn't know.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access, which you can find by opening Spotlight (Command + Space) and typing "keychain". In the Keychain Access window, search for your network name in the top right corner.

Double-click the network name when you find it. A window opens showing the network details. Check the box labeled Show password near the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your computer's login password to confirm — this is a security step. Enter it, and your WiFi password appears in the password field.

Finding your password on iPhone or iPad

Apple doesn't let you view a saved WiFi password directly on iPhone or iPad through Settings. Instead, you can share the password with another Apple device. Hold your iPhone or iPad near another Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) that you want to connect to the same network. Your device will show a prompt to share the password — tap Share Password and the other device connects automatically.

If you need to see the actual password written out, use a Mac or Windows computer instead, or check the sticker on your router. Some third-party apps claim to show saved passwords, but Apple's security design prevents them from accessing this information.

Finding your password on Android

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by phone brand). Select WiFi and find the network you're connected to. Tap and hold the network name, or look for a settings icon next to it.

A menu appears with network details. Look for an option labeled Share, QR code, or Show password. If you see a QR code option, tap it — the code contains your password and network name, and another device can scan it to connect. If you see Show password, tap it and your password displays on screen. On some Android phones, you may need to enter your device PIN or use your fingerprint to view it.

Checking the password on your router

Look at the back or bottom of your router for a sticker with network information printed on it. Most routers display the network name (SSID) and default password on this sticker. The password is usually labeled as "Password", "WiFi Password", "Key", or "Passphrase".

If you've changed your password since you set up the router, the sticker will show the original default password, not your current one. In that case, you'll need to use one of the device methods above. If you can't find the sticker or it's worn away, you can reset your router to factory defaults — this erases your current password and returns it to the default one printed in your router's manual.

What to do if you can't find your password anywhere

If your device has never connected to the network and the router sticker is missing or illegible, you can reset your router. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds. This returns the router to its factory settings, including the default password from the manual or the manufacturer's website.

Before you reset, know that this erases any custom settings you've made — your network name might change back to the default, and any devices you've blocked or special configurations will be lost. After reset, you can look up your router model online to find the default password, then log into your router's admin panel to set a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On Windows and Mac, yes — both store passwords from networks you've connected to before, even if you're not currently connected. On iPhone and Android, you can only view passwords for networks you're actively connected to. If you've never connected, you'll need to check your router's sticker or reset the router.

Why does my Mac ask for my login password when I try to view my WiFi password?

This is a security feature. Keychain stores sensitive information like passwords, and macOS requires your computer's login password to confirm you're the person who should access them. It prevents someone else from viewing your passwords if they gain temporary access to your unlocked Mac.

Is there a way to see my WiFi password on iPhone without a Mac?

Not directly through Settings. You can use the QR code share feature if you have another Apple device nearby, or check the sticker on your router. Some third-party apps claim to show passwords, but Apple's security design prevents them from accessing this information reliably.

What's the difference between my network name and my password?

Your network name (SSID) is what appears in the list of available WiFi networks on your device — it's public and visible to everyone nearby. Your password is what you type to connect — it's private and should only be shared with people you trust. Both are usually printed on your router's sticker.

If I reset my router, will I lose my internet connection?

Temporarily, yes. After you reset, your router returns to factory settings and you'll need to reconnect all your devices using the default password. Your internet connection itself comes from your provider and won't be affected — you just need to set up the router again. This usually takes a few minutes.