Where your WiFi password actually lives
Your WiFi password is stored in three places: on your router itself (usually printed on a sticker), in your device's memory after you connect once, and in your router's settings page. The easiest route depends on whether you remember connecting to the network before, whether you still have the router, and what device you're using now.
If you've never written down the password and need it for a new device, the router sticker is your fastest option — most routers ship with the default password printed on the back or bottom. If that sticker is gone or the password was changed, you'll need to log into the router's settings or pull it from a device that's already connected.
Key Takeaways
- Most routers have the default WiFi password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device.
- Windows computers store saved WiFi passwords in Settings and can display them in plain text if you have admin access.
- Mac computers require you to open Keychain Access and search for your network name to see the password.
- iPhones and Android phones do not display saved WiFi passwords directly, but you can share the network with another device instead of typing the password.
- If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory defaults, which restores the printed password — but this disconnects all devices.
Finding the password on the router itself
Look for a sticker on the back, bottom, or inside the battery compartment of your router. The sticker usually shows "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "Passphrase", or "PSK" followed by a string of letters and numbers. This is the default password the router shipped with — if you never changed it, this is your current password.
The sticker may also show the network name (SSID) and the router's admin password, which is different from the WiFi password. Write down only the WiFi password; the admin password is for logging into the router's settings, not for connecting devices.
If the sticker is missing or unreadable, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website. Search for your router model number (usually on the sticker or the device itself) plus "default password". Common defaults are "admin", "password", or a blank field, but this varies by brand.
Retrieving a saved password on Windows
If your Windows computer is already connected to the WiFi network, you can see the password through Settings. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it, then click Properties.
Scroll down to the Security type section and look for a field labeled Security key. The password will be hidden by default. Click the eye icon next to the field to show the password in plain text. You must be logged in as an administrator on the computer to see this information.
If you don't see an eye icon or the field is grayed out, your account doesn't have admin rights. Ask whoever set up the computer to show you the password, or use a different method like checking the router sticker or logging into the router's settings page.
Retrieving a saved password on Mac
Mac computers store WiFi passwords in Keychain, a built-in password manager. Open Keychain Access by pressing Command+Space, typing "Keychain Access", and pressing Enter. In the window that opens, make sure you're on the Passwords tab (not Certificates or Keys).
In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu. When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A new window will open. Check the box next to Show password. Your Mac will ask for your user password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text.
If you don't see your network in Keychain, it may not be saved on this Mac, or the network name may be slightly different than what you typed. Try searching for just part of the name, or check a different Mac that has connected to the same network.
Why phones don't show saved passwords
iPhones and Android phones do not have a built-in way to display a saved WiFi password. This is intentional — it's a security feature to prevent someone who borrows your phone from seeing passwords to networks you use.
Instead of looking for the password, use the phone's built-in sharing feature. On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, then tap Share Password. Hold another iPhone or iPad nearby, and the password will transfer automatically without being displayed. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, tap the network name, tap the share icon, and scan the QR code with another device.
If you need the actual password for a non-Apple or non-Android device, retrieve it from a Windows or Mac computer instead, or check the router sticker.
Logging into the router's settings page
If you can't find the password any other way, you can log into the router itself and change the password to something you know. Open a web browser on any device connected to the WiFi network and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (the exact address varies by router brand). You may also try the router's model name as a web address — for example, myrouter.local.
When the login page appears, enter the router's admin username and password. These are different from the WiFi password and are usually printed on the router sticker as well — common defaults are "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and "password". If the default doesn't work, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's support page.
Once you're logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. You'll see a field for the WiFi password (sometimes called "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key"). Change it to a new password you'll remember, save the settings, and reconnect your devices using the new password.
Resetting the router if you're locked out
If you can't log into the router and don't have the password, you can reset it to factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings and restores the password printed on the sticker, but it also disconnects every device from the network.
Locate the small reset button on 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 the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink, and the router will restart. Once it's back online, use the default password from the sticker to reconnect.
After you reset the router, you'll need to reconnect all your devices (phones, computers, smart speakers, printers, and anything else on WiFi) using the default password. You can then log back into the router's settings and change the password to something custom if you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?
Not from the device itself — you need either the router sticker, access to another device that's already connected, or the ability to log into the router's settings page. If none of those are available, resetting the router to factory defaults is your only option.
What if I changed the password and now I can't remember it?
Check any device that's still connected to the network and retrieve the password from there using the Windows, Mac, or router settings method. If no devices are connected, reset the router to factory defaults to restore the printed password.
Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?
Writing it down and storing it somewhere find (like a notebook in a drawer) is safer than using a weak password you can remember. The main risk is if someone with physical access to your home finds the written password. A strong password stored securely is better than a weak one that's straightforward to remember.
Why does my router have two passwords on the sticker?
One is the WiFi password (for connecting devices), and the other is the admin password (for logging into the router's settings). You only need the WiFi password to connect your phone, computer, or other devices. The admin password is only used if you want to change router settings.
Can someone see my WiFi password if they're connected to my network?
Not unless they log into the router's settings page with the admin password. A person connected to your WiFi can see what other devices are on the network and how much data they're using, but they can't see the WiFi password itself without admin access.