Where your WiFi password is stored on your device

Your device remembers your WiFi password once you connect to a network, so you do not need to find the original password you typed in — you can retrieve it from your device's settings instead. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all store this information, though the steps differ by device type.

The password is encrypted and kept separate from your other files, so you will not find it in a folder or document. Instead, you access it through your device's network settings, where the operating system displays passwords you have already saved.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in network settings under "Manage Known Networks," where you can view any password you have previously connected to.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, a built-in tool that holds all network credentials stored on the computer.
  • 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.
  • Android phones show WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, though the exact path varies by manufacturer and Android version.
  • If you cannot find your password on your 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 and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi. Click "Manage Known Networks" and choose the network whose password you need. Select "Properties" and toggle the switch next to "Show" under the password field — the password will appear in plain text.

If you do not see the network listed, it means your computer has not connected to it before. In that case, you will need to reset the password through your router instead.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. Search for your network name in the search box. Double-click the network name, check the box next to "Show password," and enter your Mac login password when prompted — the WiFi password will then display.

Keychain Access stores passwords for every network your Mac has connected to, so you can retrieve any saved password this way. If the network does not appear in Keychain, your Mac has not connected to it before.

Finding your WiFi password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not allow you to view saved WiFi passwords directly in Settings on iPhone or iPad. Instead, you can share your WiFi password with another Apple device by having that device join the same network — a prompt will appear asking if you want to share the password, and you can accept it on your device.

If you need to see the actual password, you will have to reset it through your router. You can also ask anyone else who is connected to the network to share it with you using the same method.

Finding your WiFi password on Android

Go to Settings, select Network and Internet, then WiFi. Tap the network you are connected to and look for a QR code or password option — on most Android phones, you can tap "Share" to display the password. On some Samsung devices, go to Settings, select Connections, then WiFi, tap the network, and select "View Password."

The exact steps vary depending on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. If you do not see a password option, your phone may not store it in an accessible location, and you will need to reset it through your router.

Resetting your WiFi password through your router

If you cannot find your password on any device, you can reset it by logging into your router's admin panel. 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. Log in using the default username and password, which are often printed on a sticker on the router itself or in the manual.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. You can change your password there and save the changes. All your devices will disconnect, and you will need to reconnect using the new password.

If you do not know the default login credentials for your router, you can perform a factory reset by holding the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all settings, including your WiFi password, and returns the router to its original state — you will then need to set up the network again from scratch.

What to do if you forgot your router login password

If you cannot log into your router because you forgot the admin password, the only option is a factory reset. Hold the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink, then release. The router will restart with all settings erased, including the admin password.

After the reset, you can log in using the default credentials printed on the router or in its manual. You will then need to set up your WiFi network again, including choosing a new password and admin login.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No — your device only stores passwords for networks it has previously connected to. If you have never connected to a network, your device has no record of its password. You will need to reset the password through the router or ask someone who is currently connected to share it with you.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Sharing your password allows that person to use your internet connection. They can see your network name and connect to it, but they cannot see your other passwords or files unless you give them additional access. If you want to remove someone's access later, you can change your WiFi password through the router.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some routers use a recessed reset button that requires a paperclip or pin to press. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact location. If there is no physical reset button, you may be able to reset the router through its admin panel instead.

Will resetting my router delete my internet service?

No — resetting the router only erases the settings you have configured, like your WiFi password and network name. Your internet service from your provider will remain active. You will need to reconnect your devices to the WiFi network after the reset, but your internet connection itself is not affected.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the entire router?

Yes — log into your router's admin panel using the default credentials, find the WiFi or Wireless Settings section, and change the password there. Save the changes, and your new password will take effect when ready. All connected devices will disconnect and will need to reconnect using the new password.