Where to find your WiFi password depends on what device you're using

Your WiFi password is stored in different places depending on whether you're on 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've changed the password since then, you'll need to check the device that's currently connected to the network, because that's where your system stores it.

You don't need special software or a technician. Every operating system lets you view the password you're already using, though the steps vary. The process takes two to five minutes on any device.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the physical sticker on your router first — it usually has the original password printed on it.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the saved 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 through Settings, but you can use the Passwords app if you saved it there.
  • On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but Settings > Network > WiFi usually shows a QR code you can scan to share the password.

Finding the password on the router itself

The easiest place to look first is the router — the device that broadcasts your WiFi signal. Most routers have a sticker on the back, bottom, or side that lists the network name (called the SSID) and the password. The label usually says "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or "Passphrase." Write down exactly what you see, including capital letters and numbers, because WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.

If you've changed your password since you set up the router, the sticker will show the original default password, not your current one. In that case, you'll need to check a device that's currently connected to the network. If you can't find a sticker or it's worn away, you can reset the router to its factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this will restore the password on the sticker, but it will also erase any custom settings you've made.

Viewing a saved password on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and go to Network & Internet. On the left side, click WiFi, then scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find your network name in the list and click it. A window will open with a button that says Forget — ignore that. Instead, click Properties at the top of the window.

In the Properties window, scroll down to the section labeled Security type. You'll see a field called Security key with dots or asterisks hiding the password. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual password in plain text. You can now copy it or write it down.

If you don't see a Properties button or Security key field, your network may be set to "Open" (no password), or you may not have permission to view it on that user account. Try logging in with an administrator account instead.

Viewing a saved password on Mac

On Mac, open Keychain Access. You'll find it by clicking the Spotlight search icon (magnifying glass in the top right), typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. Once it opens, you'll see a list of saved passwords and accounts.

In the search box at the top right, type your WiFi network name exactly as it appears on your device. When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will pop up. At the bottom, check the box that says Show password. Your Mac will ask you to confirm your login password — type it in and click Allow. The WiFi password will now appear in plain text.

Finding the password on iPhone and iPad

iPhone and iPad do not have a built-in Settings option to view a saved WiFi password. However, if you saved the password in the Passwords app when you first connected, you can retrieve it there. Open the Passwords app, search for your network name, and tap it to view the password.

If the password isn't in the Passwords app, your only option is to ask someone else who is connected to the network to share it with you. On another iPhone or iPad that's connected, they can go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and tap Share Password. Your device will receive a notification asking you to accept the shared password, and you'll be connected without seeing the actual characters.

If you need to see the actual password characters, you'll need to check it on a Windows computer, Mac, or Android device instead.

Finding the password on Android

Android devices vary by manufacturer, but most let you view the password through Settings. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name depends on your phone). Tap WiFi, then find your network name in the list and tap it. You should see a QR Code option — tap it to display a QR code that contains your password.

You can use this QR code to share your password with someone else — they can scan it with their phone's camera app and it will prompt them to join the network. If you need to see the password as text instead of a QR code, take a screenshot of the QR code and use a QR code reader app to decode it, or check the password on a Windows or Mac computer instead.

Some Android phones, particularly Samsung devices, may show the password directly in the WiFi settings. If you see a "Password" or "Show password" field, tap it to reveal the text.

What to do if you can't find the password anywhere

If the router sticker is missing and you can't view the password on any connected device, you have two options. The first is to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This will restore the default password shown on the sticker, but you'll lose any custom WiFi settings you've configured — your network name may change back to the manufacturer's default, and any devices not currently connected will need to reconnect using the new password.

The second option is to contact your internet service provider. They can tell you the default password for your specific router model, or they can reset it remotely. Have your account number and the router model (usually printed on the sticker or the back of the device) ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view a WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?

No. You can only view a password that your device has already saved. If you've never connected to the network before, you'll need to get the password from someone else, from the router's sticker, or by resetting the router to factory settings.

Is the password the same as the network name?

No. The network name (SSID) is what you see when you search for available WiFi networks. The password is what you type in to connect. They are two separate things, and the router sticker shows both.

What if the password on the router sticker doesn't work?

Someone has changed the password since the router was set up. Check a device that's currently connected to the network using the steps above, or reset the router to restore the default password on the sticker.

Can I change my WiFi password if I forgot it?

Yes. Reset the router to factory settings, which will restore the default password. Then log into the router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 in your browser) and create a new password. You'll need the default username and password from the sticker to log in.

Why does my Mac ask for my login password when I try to view the WiFi password?

Keychain Access stores sensitive information, so macOS requires your login password to confirm you're authorized to view it. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from accessing your passwords if they use your computer.