Where your WiFi password lives on each device

Your WiFi password is stored on the device you used to connect to the network. Windows keeps it in the network settings, Mac stores it in Keychain, iPhones and iPads save it in iCloud Keychain, and Android devices keep it in their network settings. The steps differ by device, but the password itself is the same across all of them — it is whatever you typed in when you first joined the network.

You do not need special software or a password manager to find it. Every operating system has a built-in way to view what you entered. The fastest route depends on which device you are using right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows shows your WiFi password in Settings under Network & Internet, then WiFi, then Manage Known Networks.
  • Mac displays it in Keychain Access by searching for your network name and checking the "Show password" box.
  • iPhone and iPad users can share the password directly to another Apple device without ever seeing it typed out.
  • Android devices display the password in Settings under Network & Internet, then WiFi, then your network name.
  • If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset it through your router's admin panel or contact your internet provider.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and select Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it. A window will open showing network details — click Properties. Scroll down to the Security section and you will see a field labeled "Network security key" with dots or asterisks hiding the password. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual characters.

If you do not see an eye icon, your account may not have permission to view passwords. Try right-clicking Settings and selecting "Run as administrator," then repeat the steps above. If the network no longer appears in your Known Networks list, you have never connected to it from this computer, and you will need to check a different device.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type Keychain Access, and press Enter. In the search box at the top right, type your network name. When it appears in the list, double-click it. A window will pop up — check the box that says "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your login password to confirm. Enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text.

If your network does not appear in Keychain, you have not connected to it from this Mac. You can also look in System Preferences under Network, select WiFi, then click Advanced, but Keychain is the most direct route. Make sure you are searching for the network name exactly as it appears on your device.

Finding your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not show WiFi passwords in plain text on iPhones or iPads — the operating system is designed to keep them hidden. Instead, you can share the password directly to another Apple device. If someone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac wants to join your network, bring your device close to theirs. When they try to connect, a prompt will appear on your screen asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share, and it transfers automatically without either of you typing anything.

If you need to see the actual password characters, you have two options: check a Mac that is connected to the same network using the Keychain method above, or log into your router's admin panel directly. The router method works from any device and is described in the section below.

Finding your password on Android

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by phone maker). Tap WiFi and find your network name in the list of connected networks. Tap it, then look for an option that says "Show password" or "View password." Tap that option — some phones will ask you to confirm with your fingerprint or PIN. The password will appear in plain text in a field on the screen.

If you see a QR code instead of the password, you can scan it with another device to join the network without typing the password manually. If the network is not in your list, you have never connected to it from this phone, and you will need to check another device or use the router method.

Viewing the password through your router

If you cannot find the password on any device, you can view it on the router itself. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar — one of these is usually the router's admin page. You will be asked to log in. The default username is often admin and the password is often admin or password, but check the sticker on the back of your router for the correct credentials.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Security. The password field is usually labeled "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key." It may be hidden behind dots — look for an eye icon or a checkbox to reveal it. Different router brands arrange these menus differently, so you may need to explore a bit. If you cannot log in with the default credentials, contact your internet provider — they can tell you the admin password or reset the router for you.

What to do if you forgot the password and cannot find it

If the password is not stored on any of your devices and you cannot access the router's admin panel, you can reset the network password. On the router itself, there is usually a small reset button on the back or bottom. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to factory settings, which means you will need to set up the network again from scratch — including creating a new password.

Before you reset, try contacting your internet provider. They may be able to reset the router remotely or provide you with the admin login so you can change the password yourself. Resetting the router is the last option because it erases all your custom settings, not just the WiFi password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On Windows and Android, yes — the password is stored even after you disconnect. On Mac, you can view it in Keychain as long as you have ever connected to that network. On iPhone and iPad, you cannot view it in plain text, but you can share it to another Apple device.

Why does my phone show a QR code instead of the password?

Some Android phones and newer iPhones display a QR code as an alternative to typing the password. You can scan this code with another device to join the network without entering characters manually. If you need the actual password text, check a Windows computer or Android phone connected to the same network.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password is safe in the sense that it does not expose your personal files or accounts. However, anyone with the password can use your internet connection and potentially see other devices on your network. Only share it with people you trust, and consider changing it if someone no longer needs access.

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

Check the device you used to change it — the new password should be stored there. If you changed it on the router admin page and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings and set up the network again, or contact your internet provider for help.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

You can change it by logging into the router's admin panel through a web browser on your phone, using the same 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 address. You cannot change it through the WiFi settings menu itself — that menu only shows the password, not an option to edit it.