Where your network password lives on your device

Your WiFi password is stored on the device you used to connect to the network. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all keep this information in different places, but all of them let you view it without special tools. The fastest route depends on which device you're using and whether you're looking at the device that originally connected or a different one.

If you set up the network yourself, the password may also be on a sticker attached to your router — check the bottom or back before you dig into device settings. If someone else set it up, you'll need to retrieve it from one of their devices, or ask the router owner to reset it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores your WiFi password in Network Settings under "Manage Known Networks," where you can view it in plain text after confirming your identity.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and checking the "Show password" box.
  • iPhone and iPad do not display saved WiFi passwords in Settings, but you can view them through Keychain on a connected Mac or by resetting the network on the phone itself.
  • Android phones show the WiFi password in Settings under Network and Internet, though the exact path varies by manufacturer.
  • If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset the router to factory settings, which will erase the current password and let you create a new one.

Finding your password on Windows 10 or 11

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 in the list. Click on it, then select Forget — do not worry, this does not disconnect you right now.

After you click Forget, go back to the WiFi menu and look for your network in the available networks list. Click it and select Connect. Windows will ask you to enter the password. Instead of typing it, click Next without entering anything, and Windows will show you the saved password in a small popup. Write it down before closing the window.

If you're still connected to the network and do not want to disconnect, there's a second route: open Command Prompt as administrator, type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replacing YourNetworkName with your actual network name), and press Enter. The password appears next to "Key Content" in the results.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "keychain," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. When it appears in the list, double-click it to open the details window.

Check the box next to Show password at the bottom of the window. Your Mac will ask you to confirm your identity — enter your Mac login password and click Allow. The WiFi password now appears in plain text in that same box. You can copy it directly from there.

Finding your password on iPhone or iPad

iPhones and iPads do not show saved WiFi passwords in Settings. The most direct method is to use a Mac on the same network: open Keychain Access on the Mac, search for your network name, and follow the same steps as above.

If you do not have access to a Mac, you can reset the network on your iPhone or iPad itself. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This erases all saved WiFi networks and passwords from the device, but it does not affect your data. After the reset, reconnect to your network — you'll need the password to do this, so only use this method if someone can give it to you from another device.

Finding your password on Android

The path varies by phone manufacturer, but the general route is Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > WiFi. Find your connected network in the list and tap the gear icon or the three dots next to it. Select Manage or View Details.

Look for a field labeled Password or Security Key. On some Android phones, you'll see a QR code instead — tap it to reveal the password. If you see only dots or asterisks, your phone may not allow viewing the password through Settings. In that case, ask the network owner to share it from their device, or reset the router.

What to do if you cannot find the password on any device

If no one who set up the network is available and you cannot view the password on any connected device, you can reset the router itself. Locate the small Reset button on the back or bottom of the router — you may need a paperclip or pen to press it. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and return to its factory settings. This erases your current password and network name. When the router finishes restarting, look for a sticker on the device with the default network name and password — these are usually printed on the bottom. Use those credentials to reconnect, then log into the router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser) and create a new network name and password.

Resetting the router will disconnect everyone currently on the network, so only do this if you own the router or have permission from the person who does.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, as long as you've connected to it before on that device. Windows, Mac, and Android all store the password even after you disconnect. iPhone and iPad also store it, but you cannot view it through Settings — you'll need to use a Mac or reset the network on the phone.

Why does my Windows computer show "Access Denied" when I try to view the password?

You need to run Command Prompt as administrator. Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator" before typing the netsh command. If you're not the device administrator, you may not have permission to view saved passwords.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing a password is safe. The password only controls access to your network — it does not give someone access to your files or accounts. If you want to remove someone's access later, you can change the password in your router settings, which will disconnect them and require the new password to reconnect.

What if I reset my router but still cannot remember the new password I created?

You can reset the router again to return to factory settings and start over. Each time you reset, the router goes back to the default password printed on the sticker. Write down your new password somewhere safe after you create it so you do not lose it again.