Where your WiFi password is stored on your device

Your device remembers your WiFi password once you connect to a network, but the password itself is hidden from view for security. To find it, you need to look in your network settings rather than search your files or emails. The location depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or a router.

Most people find their password fastest by checking the router itself — the physical box that broadcasts WiFi. If you set up the network recently, the password may also be in your email or on a sticker attached to the router. If you cannot access the router or remember setting it up, your device's network settings will show the stored password.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password is stored in your device's network settings, not in a separate file or folder you can search.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and choose "Manage known networks" to view the password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, select WiFi, click Details next to your network, and the password appears in Keychain Access.
  • On iPhone and Android, you cannot view a saved password directly, but you can share it with another device or reset the router to factory settings.
  • The easiest method is checking the router itself — the password is often printed on a sticker or in the setup paperwork.

Finding your password on Windows

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the app. Go to Network & Internet on the left side, then click WiFi. Scroll down and select Manage known networks.

Find your network name in the list and click it. Select Forget, then go back and reconnect to the network — you will be prompted to enter the password again, and this time you can see it as you type if you click the eye icon. This method works if you remember the password but need to see it written out.

If you want to view the password without reconnecting, use the Command Prompt instead. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and paste this command: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name). The password appears next to "Key Content" in the results.

Finding your password on Mac

Open System Settings and click WiFi on the left. Find your network in the list, click the information icon (i) next to it, then select Details. The password field shows dots instead of the actual password.

To see the password itself, open Keychain Access — press Command + Space, type "Keychain Access," and open the app. Search for your network name in the search box. Double-click the network name in the results, check the box next to Show password, and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The WiFi password now appears in plain text.

Finding your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not allow you to view a saved WiFi password directly on iPhone or iPad through Settings. Instead, you can share the password with another Apple device nearby. Ask someone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to connect to your network — a prompt will appear on their device asking if they want to join, and they can tap Share Password. Their device will then connect without needing to type anything.

If you need to see the password in text form, you have two options. First, check your router or the setup paperwork that came with it. Second, reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, then set up the network again and create a new password you will remember.

Finding your password on Android

Android does not display saved WiFi passwords in Settings the way Windows does. To view your password, you need a file manager app that can access system files. read ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer from the Google Play Store, then navigate to data > misc > wifi. Open the file named WifiConfigStore.xml with a text editor — the passwords appear in plain text in this file, labeled with your network name.

This method requires your phone to be rooted (modified to allow access to system files), which most people do not do. A simpler approach is to check your router directly or ask someone with an iPhone to share the password with you if you have an Apple device nearby.

Checking your router for the password

Your router has a sticker on the bottom or back that usually shows the network name and password. Look for a label that says WiFi Name, SSID, Network Name, or Password. The password may also be called Key or Passphrase. If the sticker is worn or missing, you can log into the router itself to find the password.

Open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (the exact address is usually on the sticker). Log in with the default username and password — often admin and admin, or admin and the serial number on the router. Once logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security. The password is displayed there in plain text.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If the router sticker is missing and you cannot access the router settings, reset the router to factory defaults. Hold the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and return to its original settings, and you can then log in with the default username and password to set up a new network and password.

If you rent your router from your internet provider, contact them — they can tell you the password or reset it remotely. If you own the router but set it up years ago, check your email for a setup confirmation message from the manufacturer, which often includes the default password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot it but I am still connected?

Yes. On Windows, use the Command Prompt method described above. On Mac, use Keychain Access. On iPhone and Android, you cannot view it directly, but you can reset the router or check the sticker on the back. On Android, you can also use a file manager app if your phone is rooted.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password is safe. The person can only access your internet connection, not your files or devices. If you want to remove their access later, change your WiFi password in the router settings, and they will need the new password to reconnect.

What if I changed my password and cannot remember the new one?

Log into your router using the method described above and look in WiFi Settings or Wireless Security. You can see the current password there and change it to something you will remember. If you cannot log into the router, reset it to factory defaults and set up a new password.

Why does my device show the password as dots or asterisks?

Devices hide passwords this way for security — so someone looking over your shoulder cannot see it. To view the actual password, use the methods described for your device type, which require you to prove you own the device or have access to its settings.