Where your WiFi password lives on each device

Your WiFi password is stored on the device you used to connect to the network. If you set up the router yourself, you probably remember it — but if someone else set it up, or if you connected months ago, the password is still there, just hidden behind a few clicks. The exact steps depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android.

The fastest route is usually your router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default password printed on it. If you changed the password since then, you'll need to check the device that's currently connected to the network.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's default password is often printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device itself.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to see the password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, and double-click to reveal the password.
  • On iPhone and iPad, you cannot view a saved WiFi password directly, but you can share it with another Apple device or reset the network settings and reconnect.
  • If you've forgotten the password entirely and it's not on the router sticker, you may need to reset the router to factory settings, which will erase your custom password.

Finding the password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. On the left side, click WiFi, then scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find the network name (SSID) you're looking for and click it.

Click Forget, then go back to the WiFi list and reconnect to that network. When you reconnect, Windows will ask you to enter the password again — type it in, and Windows will save it. Once you've done that, go back to Manage known networks, click the network name again, and this time click Properties. Scroll down to Security type and Encryption type, then toggle on Show next to the password field. The password will appear in plain text.

If that method doesn't work, you can also use Command Prompt. Right-click the Start button, select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin), and type this command exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear — replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name. The password will appear next to Key Content.

Finding the password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by going to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type your WiFi network name (the SSID).

When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A 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 on screen.

Finding the password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not allow you to view a saved WiFi password directly on iPhone or iPad. However, you can share the password with another Apple device. If you have a Mac or another iPhone nearby, open WiFi settings on that device, tap your network name, and your connected device will show a prompt to share the password — tap Share Password and it will transfer automatically.

If you don't have another Apple device, you can reset your network settings and reconnect. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase all saved WiFi networks and passwords on your phone. After the reset, reconnect to your network and enter the password again — this time you'll know what it is because you're typing it in fresh.

Finding the password on Android

Android's method depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version, but the general path is Settings > System > Developer Options. If you don't see Developer Options, go to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number seven times. Once Developer Options is visible, go back to Settings and open it.

In Developer Options, look for WiFi verbose logging or WiFi debugging and turn it on. Then open your file manager and navigate to Android > data > com.android.settings > files > log. Look for a file with "wpa" in the name — open it with a text editor and search for your network name. The password will be listed next to it.

This method is technical and varies by phone. A simpler option: if you set up the network on Android and still have access to the device, go to Settings > WiFi, long-press your network name, and select Modify or Edit. The password field may show dots, but some Android versions will let you tap an eye icon to reveal it.

Checking the router sticker first

Before you dig into device settings, flip your router over or look at the back. Most routers have a white or silver sticker with the network name and password printed on it. The password is usually labeled WiFi Password, Network Key, or Passphrase. If the sticker is still there and you haven't changed the password since setup, this is your answer.

If the sticker is missing or faded, or if you changed the password after setup, you'll need to check a connected device using the steps above.

What to do if you've completely forgotten the password

If the password is not on the router sticker, not in your device settings, and you can't remember it, you can reset the router to factory settings. Look for a small Reset button on the back of the router, usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default password — the one printed on the sticker.

Resetting the router will erase any custom settings you've made, including your custom password, your network name, port forwarding rules, and any other changes. All devices will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using the default credentials. After you reconnect, you can set a new custom password in the router's admin panel (usually accessed by typing the router's IP address into a web browser — check the sticker for that address too).

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your device only stores the password for networks it has connected to before. If you've never connected to a network, or if you've reset your device, the password won't be stored anywhere. You'll need to check the router sticker or reset the router to factory settings.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes, as long as you keep the paper in a find place — the same place you'd keep other important passwords. Writing it down is safer than using a weak password you can remember easily. If you're worried about someone finding it, consider storing it in a password manager instead.

What if my router doesn't have a sticker with the default password?

Search online for your router model number (printed on the sticker or the device itself) plus "default password." Most manufacturers publish the defaults on their support websites. If you still can't find it, resetting the router to factory settings is your only option.

Will checking my password on my device affect my WiFi connection?

No. Viewing a saved password in settings, Keychain, or Command Prompt does not disconnect you or change anything. You're only reading information that's already stored.

Can someone else see my WiFi password if they use my computer?

Yes, if they have access to your user account and know your password. On Windows, they can follow the same steps you would. On Mac, they would need your user password to reveal it in Keychain. If you're concerned about security, consider changing your WiFi password and making sure your user account password is strong.