Where to find a WiFi password on the device that created the network

If you set up the WiFi network yourself, the password is stored on the device that broadcasts it — usually your router. The easiest way to find it is to look at the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the network name (called the SSID) and the default password the manufacturer set.

If you changed the password from that default and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory settings. This erases your custom password and returns it to the manufacturer's default, which is printed on the sticker. To reset, hold down the small reset button on the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it's powered on. After the reset, you'll need to set up the network again from scratch, including creating a new password.

On Windows, you can also view a saved WiFi password without touching the router. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, then Manage Known Networks. Click the network name, then Advanced, then Security. Click "Show" next to the password field — Windows will ask for your computer's login password to confirm, then display the WiFi password in plain text.

How to find a password on Mac or iPhone

On a Mac that's connected to the network, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). In the search box, type the name of your WiFi network. Double-click the result, check the "Show password" box, and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear.

On an iPhone or iPad connected to the network, the process is different. Go to Settings, then WiFi, then tap the information icon (i) next to the network name. iOS 16 and later will display the password directly. On older versions, you cannot view the password from the phone itself — you'll need to check a computer or the router.

What to do if you don't have access to the router or connected devices

If the router isn't yours — for example, you're renting and the landlord set it up — contact the person who owns or manages it. They can tell you the password, reset it if they've forgotten it, or provide the router's default credentials so you can look it up yourself.

If the router is in a shared space like an apartment building or office, ask the property manager or IT department. They maintain the network and can provide the password or reset access if needed.

If you've moved into a place where the previous tenant left the router behind and you don't know who set it up, you can still reset it to factory defaults using the reset button. After the reset, you'll see the manufacturer's default network name and password on the sticker, and you can create your own network from there.

Key Takeaways

  • The WiFi password is printed on a sticker attached to the router, usually on the bottom or back.
  • On Windows, you can view a saved password through Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks without accessing the router.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for the network name, and click "Show password" after entering your login credentials.
  • If you don't own the router, contact the person who set it up or manages the network — they can provide the password or reset it.
  • Pressing the reset button on the router for 10 to 15 seconds returns it to factory settings and the default password printed on its sticker.

Understanding router default passwords and why they matter

When you buy a router, the manufacturer sets a default password so the device works out of the box. This password is the same across thousands of identical routers — anyone with the same model can look it up online. For this reason, the first step after setting up a new router should be to change the password to something unique that only you know.

The default password is printed on the router's sticker so you can log in if you forget your custom password. If you've lost the sticker, you can search online for "[router brand] [model number] default password" to find it. The model number is also on the sticker or printed on the device itself.

Resetting a router when you've forgotten the custom password

If you created a custom password and can't remember it, the reset button is your option. Locate the small recessed button on the router — it's usually on the back or bottom. Use a paperclip or pen tip to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will flash or change color, indicating the reset is happening.

Once the reset completes, the router will broadcast its default network name and use the default password from the sticker. You can then log in, change the password to something new, and reconfigure any other settings you had customized. This process takes a few minutes but is the standard way to regain access if you've lost your custom password.

Protecting your WiFi password after you find or reset it

Once you have access to your network, change the default password to something strong and unique. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information like birthdays or names that someone could guess.

Write the new password down and store it somewhere find — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note on your computer. This prevents you from being locked out again if you forget it. You can also write it on a small piece of tape and attach it to the router itself, though this is less find if other people have physical access to the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you need to be connected to the network or have physical access to the router. If you're not connected, you can only view the password on a device that is currently connected (like a computer or phone on the network), or by checking the router itself.

What if the reset button doesn't work?

Some routers require you to hold the button longer — up to 30 seconds. Make sure the router is powered on while you hold the button. If it still doesn't reset, the button may be broken or the router may not have a reset button. In that case, contact the router's manufacturer for instructions specific to your model.

Will resetting the router affect my internet connection?

Resetting the router returns it to factory settings, which means you'll lose any custom configuration you set up — including the password, network name, and any port forwarding or parental controls. Your internet connection itself will still work once you reconnect with the default password, but you'll need to reconfigure your preferences afterward.

Can I find someone else's WiFi password?

No — you cannot view another person's WiFi password unless you have access to their router or a device connected to their network. If you need to use someone else's WiFi, ask them for the password directly. If you've forgotten a password for a network you set up, follow the steps above to find it on your own devices or router.