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 you can retrieve it without resetting your router or calling your internet provider. The method depends on which device you're using and your operating system version.

The password is encrypted and protected — you won't see it displayed anywhere obvious. But if you've already connected to the network before, your device has saved it, and you can view it through settings or system tools.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Credential Manager or through Command Prompt, and you can view them without administrator permission if you set up the connection yourself.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords 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 share the password directly to another Apple device or reset it through your router's admin panel.
  • Android phones show WiFi passwords in Settings on Android 10 and newer, but older versions require a file manager or router access.
  • If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset it through your router's admin panel using the router's default login credentials.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi. Select "Manage known networks" and click the network name you want to find the password for. Click "Properties" and scroll down to "Security type and security details." Check the box next to "Show" under the password field.

If that method doesn't work, use Command Prompt instead. Right-click the Start menu, select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)," and type this command: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name). The password appears next to "Key Content" in the results.

If you see an error saying the network is not found, you may have typed the name incorrectly or the device has never connected to that network. First, type netsh wlan show profile to see a list of all networks your computer has connected to, then use the exact name in the command above.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

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

A window opens showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your user password to confirm. Enter it, and the WiFi password appears in plain text.

If you don't see your network in Keychain Access, your Mac has never connected to it before, or the password was deleted. In that case, you'll need to access your router's admin panel or reset the network.

Finding your WiFi password on iPhone and iPad

iPhones and iPads running iOS 16 and newer do not show saved WiFi passwords in Settings. Instead, you can share the password directly to another Apple device. If someone with an iPhone or Mac that's already connected to the network is nearby, they can share it with you when ready through AirDrop or by scanning a QR code.

To share the password from another Apple device: have that person go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and tap "Share Password." Hold your iPhone or iPad nearby, and the password transfers automatically. If you don't have another Apple device nearby, you'll need to reset the password through your router's admin panel.

Older iOS versions (15 and earlier) also don't display passwords in Settings. Your only options are to ask someone else to share it, reset it through the router, or contact your internet provider if you don't have access to the router.

Finding your WiFi password on Android

Android 10 and newer: Go to Settings > System > Advanced > Reset options > Reset WiFi, mobile & Bluetooth (or similar wording depending on your phone brand). This doesn't reset your password — it just opens the WiFi settings. Tap your network name, then tap "Share" or the QR code icon. The password appears as a QR code or in text form.

Some Android phones also let you view passwords directly in Settings > WiFi > Saved Networks. Tap your network, and the password may appear in a "Password" field. This varies by manufacturer — Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus handle it differently.

On Android 9 and older, saved passwords are not visible in Settings. You'll need to use a file manager to access the WiFi configuration files (stored in /data/misc/wifi/), but this requires a computer and USB connection, or you can reset the password through your router instead.

Accessing your router's admin panel to view or reset the password

If you can't find the password on any device, you can view or reset it through 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'll be asked to log in.

Use the default username and password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router. Common defaults are "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and the router's serial number. If you've changed these credentials and forgotten them, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Once logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings." Your current password is displayed there. You can also change it to a new password if you prefer. Write down the new password somewhere safe before you log out.

What to do if you still can't find the password

If none of these methods work, your options are limited to resetting the router or contacting your internet provider. Resetting the router erases all your settings and returns it to factory defaults, so you'll need to set up your network again from scratch.

Before you reset, check whether anyone else in your household might have the password written down, saved in a password manager, or stored in an email. You can also contact your internet provider — they have a record of your account and can help you reset the password or provide it if you set it up through them.

If the network belongs to a business, school, or public place, ask the person who manages it. They may not give you the password directly for security reasons, but they can reconnect your device or provide a guest network password instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your device only stores passwords for networks it has connected to before. If you've never connected to a network, your device has no record of its password. You'll need to access the router's admin panel or ask someone who is connected to the network.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password is safe as long as you trust the person. They can only access your internet connection, not your files or other devices. If you want to disconnect them later, change your password through the router's admin panel, and they'll be disconnected automatically.

What if I changed my password and forgot the new one?

Reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases your current password and returns the router to its default settings. You'll then need to set up your network again and create a new password. Check your router's manual for the exact reset procedure, as it varies by model.

Can I recover my password if I reset my router?

No. Resetting the router erases all settings, including your password. Once reset, the password is gone permanently. You'll need to create a new one through the router's admin panel. This is why it's helpful to write down your password or store it in a password manager.

Why doesn't my iPhone show saved WiFi passwords like Android does?

Apple restricts password visibility for security reasons. iPhones and iPads prioritize privacy by not displaying passwords in Settings. You can share passwords between Apple devices when ready, but you cannot view them as text. If you need the password on a non-Apple device, you'll need to access your router or ask someone to share it with you.