Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: inside your router itself, in your computer's network settings, and possibly written down somewhere you forgot. The fastest route depends on what you have access to right now. If you're sitting at home and can reach your router, you can reset it to factory defaults and set a new password in minutes. If you're away from home or the router is in a closet, you can pull the password from any device that's already connected to that network.

The password you need is called the WiFi network key or pre-shared key (PSK). It's different from your router's admin password, which you use to log into the router's settings page. Most people never need the admin password unless they're changing WiFi settings.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and choose "Manage Password" to see your WiFi password in plain text.
  • On Mac, open System Settings > WiFi, click "Details" next to your network name, then check the "Show password" box in Keychain Access.
  • If you can't find it on your devices, log into your router directly by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser, then look for "Wireless" or "WiFi Settings" in the admin panel.
  • The default login for most routers is admin/admin or admin/password, printed on a sticker on the back of the device.
  • If you've forgotten everything, you can press and hold the reset button on the back of your router for 10 seconds to restore factory settings, then set a new password.

Finding your password on a Windows computer

If your Windows computer is already connected to the WiFi network, the easiest path is through Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi. Scroll down and click "Manage Known Networks," then find your network name in the list and click it.

Click "Manage Password" and Windows will show you the password in plain text. You may need to confirm your Windows login first. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the window — Windows doesn't keep this screen open for long.

If "Manage Password" doesn't appear, your network may be set to a type Windows doesn't support, or you may not have permission to view it on that user account. Try logging in as the account that originally connected to the network.

Finding your password on a Mac

On a Mac connected to the network, open System Settings and click WiFi. Find your network name in the list, then click "Details" next to it. A window will open showing network information.

Look for a "Security" or "Password" field. If the password is hidden, click the lock icon in the bottom left corner of the window, enter your Mac login password, then check the box next to "Show password." The WiFi password will appear in plain text.

If you don't see a password field at all, the network may be open (no password required) or your Mac may not have permission to display it. Try the same steps from the user account that originally connected to the network.

Logging into your router to find or reset the password

Every router has a web interface where you can see and change your WiFi password. To reach it, 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.

The default username is usually admin and the default password is usually admin, password, or 12345. Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — most manufacturers print the default login there. If you've changed the admin password and forgotten it, you'll need to reset the router.

Once logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "Security." The exact name varies by manufacturer. Inside that section, you'll see your network name (SSID) and the password or key. Write down the password exactly as it appears — capitalization and special characters matter.

What to do if you can't log into the router

If the default login doesn't work, the router's admin password has been changed. You have two options: reset the router to factory defaults, or contact the person who set it up.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router. It's usually recessed so you can't press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, the default login will work again.

Be aware that resetting erases all custom settings, including the WiFi password. You'll need to set up the network again from scratch. If other people or devices depend on this network, tell them before you reset.

Finding the password on your phone or tablet

Android and iOS handle stored passwords differently, and neither makes it as straightforward as Windows or Mac.

On Android, the process varies by manufacturer and Android version. Some phones let you go to Settings > WiFi, long-press your network name, and select "Share" to see the password as a QR code. Others require you to open a file manager and navigate to /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml, which requires technical knowledge. The simplest approach is usually to use a computer instead.

On iPhone or iPad, there's no built-in way to view a saved WiFi password through Settings. Your best option is to use a Mac (if you have one) or a Windows computer to retrieve it. If you absolutely need it from your iPhone, you can ask Siri "What's my WiFi password?" on some newer iOS versions, but this only works if you originally connected using iCloud Keychain.

Setting a new password if you've reset the router

After you reset your router, you'll need to set up the network again. Open your router's login page at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 using the default credentials. Look for "Wireless Settings" or "WiFi Setup."

You'll see fields for the network name (SSID) and password. The network name can be anything you want — it's what shows up in your list of available networks. The password should be at least 8 characters long and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols if possible. Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it.

Make sure the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3, not the older WEP standard. Save your changes and the router will restart. All your devices will lose connection temporarily, then you can reconnect using the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not from your devices — you need to be connected to a device that's already on the network, or you need access to the router itself. If you're locked out of your home network, your best option is to log into the router directly using a computer with an ethernet cable, or reset the router and set a new password.

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my router admin password?

The WiFi password is what you type to connect your phone or laptop to the network. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change WiFi settings or other network options. They're completely separate, and you only need the admin password if you're making changes to the router itself.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

It's safer than using a password you'll forget and then reset repeatedly. Write it down on a piece of paper and keep it somewhere find in your home, or store it in a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password. Avoid texting it or emailing it, since those messages can be intercepted.

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

Some routers use a pinhole reset instead. Look for a tiny hole on the back labeled "Reset." Use a straightened paperclip to press inside for 10 to 15 seconds. If there's no reset button or hole, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the specific reset method for your model.

Can I change my WiFi password without losing internet?

Yes. When you change the password in the router settings, only new connections will require the new password. Devices already connected will stay connected until they disconnect or restart. Once they disconnect, they'll need the new password to reconnect, so have it written down before you make the change.