Where to find your WiFi password depends on your device

Your WiFi password is stored in your device's network settings, not written down anywhere else by default. The exact steps change depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. If you have forgotten the password, you can retrieve it from any device that is currently connected to that network — you do not need to reset the router or call your internet provider.

The fastest option is usually the device you use most often. Windows and Mac both store passwords in their network settings menu. iPhones and Android phones can show the password if you have the right settings turned on. If none of your devices work, your router itself has a reset button that will restore the factory password, though that erases your custom settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network, where you can view any network you have connected to before.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access, a built-in app that holds all saved passwords on the computer.
  • iPhones running iOS 16 or later can display the password directly in WiFi settings if you have the right permissions.
  • Android phones cannot display the password through settings, but you can reset the router to its factory password as an alternative.
  • Your router's label on the back or bottom usually shows the factory password if you have never changed it.

Finding your password on Windows

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the app. Go to Network and Internet, then WiFi. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks," then select the network name you forgot the password for. Click "Properties" at the top of the window.

Under the Security section, you will see "Security type" and "Encryption type," but the actual password is hidden by default. Look for a checkbox that says "Show" next to the password field — click it to reveal the password in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the window, because Windows will hide it again the next time you open this screen.

If you do not see the network in your "Manage known networks" list, it means your computer has never connected to it before. In that case, you will need to use a different device or reset the router.

Finding your password on Mac

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

A window will open showing details about that network. At the bottom, there is a checkbox labeled "Show password." Click it, and your Mac will ask you to enter your computer password to confirm. Type your Mac login password and press Enter. The WiFi password will now appear in plain text in that same window.

Keychain Access only works if your Mac has connected to that network before. If the network does not appear in the search results, your computer has no record of it, and you will need to check a different device or the router itself.

Finding your password on iPhone

iPhones running iOS 16 or later can display your WiFi password directly in Settings. Go to Settings, then WiFi, and tap the network name you want the password for. A popup will appear with network details. Look for a field labeled "Password" — if you see it, tap "Show" next to it to reveal the password in plain text.

This feature only works if you are the owner of the iPhone or if someone with admin access shared the network with you. If you do not see a password field at all, your iPhone does not have permission to display it, or you are running an older version of iOS. You can check your iOS version in Settings under General, then About.

If you are running iOS 15 or earlier, there is no built-in way to view the password through Settings. Your only option is to use a Mac or Windows computer, or to reset the router.

Finding your password on Android

Android phones do not have a built-in setting to display saved WiFi passwords. Unlike iPhones and computers, Android keeps this information locked away even from the phone's owner. If you need the password and do not have access to a Windows or Mac computer, your only option is to reset the router to its factory settings.

Some Android phones allow you to share the WiFi password with another device by opening Settings, going to WiFi, long-pressing the network name, and selecting "Share." This generates a QR code that another phone can scan to connect, but it does not display the actual password as text.

Resetting the router to find the factory password

If you cannot retrieve the password from any device, you can reset the router to its original factory settings. Look at the back or bottom of the router for a small label with the model number and default password printed on it. Many routers ship with a standard password like "admin" or a code printed on the label itself.

If the label is missing or faded, you can press and hold the reset button on the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. This erases all your custom settings and returns the router to factory defaults. You will then be able to connect using the password on the label, or the default password for that router model (which you can find by searching the model number online).

Resetting the router means you will lose any custom network name changes, parental controls, or other settings you configured. You will need to set these up again after the reset. This should only be your last option if no connected device can show you the password.

What to do if you still cannot find it

If you have tried all the steps above and still cannot retrieve the password, contact your internet provider. They can tell you the account password associated with your account, though this may be different from your WiFi password if you changed it. Some providers can also reset your router remotely and send you a new password by email or text.

Keep in mind that your internet provider cannot see your WiFi password if you changed it from the factory default — they can only reset the router entirely. If you want to keep your current network name and other settings, resetting is not the right choice. In that case, you may need to hire a technician or ask someone who was present when the network was set up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am not the owner of the network?

No. Only the device owner or someone with admin access can view the password through settings. If you are a guest on someone else's network, you cannot retrieve the password yourself. You would need to ask the network owner to tell you or to share it through their phone's share feature.

Is the password the same as my internet provider account password?

No. Your WiFi password is separate from your internet account password. The WiFi password is what you type to connect devices to your network. Your account password is what you use to log into your provider's website or app. They are stored in different places and can be changed independently.

What happens if I reset the router?

Resetting the router erases all custom settings, including your WiFi network name, password, parental controls, and port forwarding rules. After reset, the router returns to factory defaults and you will need to set everything up again from scratch. This should only be done if you cannot retrieve the password any other way.

Why can't Android phones show the WiFi password?

Android treats WiFi passwords as sensitive security information and does not allow apps or settings to display them, even to the phone's owner. This is a design choice by Google for security reasons. If you need the password on Android, you must use a Windows computer, Mac, or iPhone instead.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?

Yes. You can log into your router's admin panel by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser. You will need the admin password, which is often the factory default or something you set up when you first installed the router. From there you can change the WiFi password without affecting any other settings.