Where your WiFi password lives on your device

Your device stores your WiFi password the moment you connect to a network. You do not need to contact your internet provider or dig through a router manual — the password is already saved in your system settings, and you can view it in a few clicks. The exact steps depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android, but all four paths take less than a minute.

The fastest route is usually your phone or computer that is currently connected to the network. If you have forgotten the password and cannot connect, you can also reset it directly on your router, though that requires physical access to the device.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores your WiFi password in Network Settings under "Manage Known Networks," where you can view it in plain text after clicking "Manage."
  • Mac users can open Keychain Access, search for the network name, and check "Show password" after entering their computer password.
  • iPhone and Android both hide the password from view in settings, but you can share the network with another device to see it encoded as a QR code.
  • If you cannot remember the password and have no connected device, you can reset it by pressing the reset button on your router for 10 to 15 seconds.

Finding your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Click Manage Known Networks and find the network name you are looking for in the list. Click on it, then select Manage.

A new window will open. Scroll down to the Security type section and look for a checkbox that says Show next to the password field. Check that box, and your password will appear in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot before closing the window.

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

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + 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 appears in the list, double-click it to open its details. A small window will pop up. Check the box labeled Show password near the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to enter your computer password — type it in and click Allow. Your WiFi password will now be visible in the password field.

Finding your password on iPhone

iPhone does not display saved WiFi passwords in Settings, but you can view it as a QR code by going to Settings > WiFi, tapping the network name you are connected to, and tapping Share Password. A QR code will appear on your screen that another device can scan to connect to the network.

If you need the password in text form, you have two options. The first is to use another iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is signed into the same iCloud account — when you tap "Share Password," the password will appear on that device. The second is to reset your router and create a new password, which is described below.

Finding your password on Android

Android also does not show saved passwords in the WiFi settings menu. To view your password, go to Settings > WiFi, tap and hold the network name, and select Share. A QR code will appear that you can scan with another device to connect.

Like iPhone, Android does not display the password as text in the settings. If you need the text version, you can take a screenshot of the QR code and use an online QR code reader to decode it, or reset your router to create a new password.

Resetting your password directly on the router

If you cannot find the password on any connected device, you can reset it on the router itself. Look for a small button labeled Reset on the back or bottom of your router. Using a paperclip or pen, press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink, and the router will restart.

After the restart, your router will return to its factory default settings. This means the network name and password will revert to what they were when you first bought the router — usually printed on a sticker on the device itself. Log in with those credentials, then create a new network name and password in the router's admin panel.

Resetting the router will disconnect all devices currently using it, so do this only when necessary. Everyone on your network will need to reconnect using the new password.

What to do if you cannot find the password anywhere

If you have tried all the steps above and still cannot locate the password, contact your internet provider. They can tell you the default password for your specific router model, or they can reset it remotely in some cases. Have your account number ready when you call.

You can also check the router's documentation or the manufacturer's website. Search for your router model number (usually on the sticker on the device) plus "default password" to find what the factory settings were. If someone changed the password after setup and you have no way to recover it, a factory reset is your only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, not through your device settings. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all require you to have connected to the network at least once before. If you have never connected, you will need to reset the router or contact your internet provider for the default password.

Will resetting my router delete my internet connection?

A factory reset will temporarily disconnect all devices and erase any custom settings you made, including your network name and password. Your internet connection itself will still work once the router restarts — you will just need to set up the network again and reconnect your devices.

What if I reset my router but still cannot connect?

After a reset, your router should broadcast a network name (usually the manufacturer's name plus numbers). If you cannot see it, check that the router is powered on and wait a full minute for it to finish restarting. If it still does not appear, restart your device and try again.

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

Yes, if they have access to your computer and know your Windows or Mac password, they can follow the same steps to view your WiFi password. Keep your computer password find if you want to keep your WiFi password private.

Does my internet provider need to know if I change my WiFi password?

No. Your WiFi password is separate from your internet service. You can change it as often as you want without contacting your provider. The only time you need to contact them is if you cannot connect to the internet at all, or if you need the default password for your router.