Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: your router's settings page, your device's saved network list, and sometimes written on a sticker on the router itself. The easiest route depends on what you have access to right now. If you can see the router, check the sticker first — many manufacturers print the default password there. If that does not work, you can retrieve the password from any device that has already connected to that network, or log into the router itself to see or reset it.

The password you need is the one that lets you connect to the network, not the router's admin password (which is different and controls the settings page). Most people need the network password, which is what we cover here.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router first — the default password is often printed there.
  • On Windows, open Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties to see the saved password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac password when prompted.
  • On iPhone or Android, you can see the password only if you have already connected to that network and use the share feature to display it.
  • If you cannot find it anywhere, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, then use the default password on the sticker.

Finding the password on Windows

Windows stores every network password you have ever connected to. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. You will see a list of every network your computer has connected to. Click the network name you need, then click Properties.

Scroll down to the Security type section. You will see a field labeled Security key with dots or asterisks hiding the password. Click Show next to it. Windows will ask you to confirm your user password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text.

If the network is not in your list, it means this computer has never connected to it before. In that case, move to the router method or try another device.

Finding the password on Mac

Mac stores passwords in Keychain Access, a built-in password manager. Open Spotlight (press Command + Space), type "keychain", and press Enter. In the Keychain window, use the search box in the top right to search for your network name.

When you find it, double-click the entry. A details window will open. Check the box next to Show password. Mac will ask for your user password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear. You can now copy it or write it down.

If your network does not appear in Keychain, this Mac has never connected to it. Try another device or access the router directly.

Finding the password on iPhone or Android

iPhones and Android phones do not show saved passwords in a list the way computers do. However, if your phone is already connected to the network, you can see the password through the share feature.

On iPhone: Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, then tap the info icon (the small "i" in a circle). Tap Password — your phone will ask for Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Once you authenticate, the password appears.

On Android: The process varies by manufacturer. On most phones, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, long-press the network name, and tap Share or View Password. You may need to authenticate with your fingerprint or PIN. Some Android phones do not offer this feature — if yours does not, try another device.

Accessing the password through your router

If no device has the password saved, you can log into the router itself. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will be asked for a username and password — these are the router's admin credentials, usually printed on the sticker on the router (often "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and a blank password).

Once logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. The password field is usually labeled WiFi Password, Pre-Shared Key, or Passphrase. You can see it there, or change it to something new if you want.

If you do not know the router's admin password and it is not on the sticker, you will need to reset the router (see below).

Resetting the router if you cannot find the password anywhere

If you have tried all the above and still cannot find the password, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. Locate the small Reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart.

After the reset, the router will use the default password printed on the sticker. Log in with that password, then change it to something new in the router's settings page. Write down the new password or store it somewhere safe.

Warning: resetting the router will erase any custom settings you made, such as a custom network name or port forwarding rules. Only do this if you are certain you want to start over.

What to do if you see multiple networks with the same name

Some routers broadcast both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network, often with the same name or similar names (like "MyNetwork" and "MyNetwork-5G"). They usually share the same password, but check your router's settings page to be sure. If they have different passwords, the router's settings page will show both.

If you see networks with the same name from different routers (for example, in an apartment building), make sure you are looking at the right one. The sticker on your router will tell you the exact network name to look for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I have never connected to it before?

No, not from a device. Your computer or phone only stores passwords for networks it has already joined. Your only option is to log into the router itself using the admin password, which is usually on the sticker on the router.

What if the password on the sticker does not work?

The sticker shows the default password, but someone may have changed it. Try logging into the router with the default admin password instead — this is different from the WiFi password. If that does not work, reset the router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Is the WiFi password the same as the router admin password?

No. The WiFi password is what you use to connect to the network. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page. They are separate, and you only need the WiFi password to connect devices to your network.

My router does not have a sticker with the password. What do I do?

Check any device that is already connected to the network — use the Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android steps above. If no device has it saved, log into the router using the default admin credentials (often "admin" and "admin") and look in the WiFi settings section.

Can I change my WiFi password?

Yes. Log into the router's settings page, find the WiFi or Wireless settings section, and change the password field to something new. Save the changes and reconnect your devices using the new password. Write down the new password or store it somewhere you can find it later.