The fastest way depends on what device you're using right now

If you're already connected to your WiFi network, your device has stored the password — you just need to know where to look. The steps differ by operating system. On Windows, you open Settings and navigate to your network status. On Mac, you check Keychain. On iPhone and Android, the process is different again because phones don't display passwords the same way. If you've forgotten the password entirely and can't find it on any device, your router itself holds the answer — you can reset it to factory defaults or log into the router's admin panel directly.

The method you choose depends on whether you want to recover the password you already set, or whether you need to change it to something new. Most people find the password faster than they expect once they know which menu to open.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, 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, double-click it, and check the "Show password" box.
  • On iPhone and Android, you cannot view a saved WiFi password through the settings menu — you must use your router's admin panel or a computer instead.
  • If you don't remember setting a password, check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router, which often displays the default password.
  • Resetting your router to factory settings will erase your current password and return it to the default, which you can then change to something new.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app and select Network & Internet. On the left sidebar, click WiFi. Scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find your network name in the list and click it. A window will open showing network details. Click Security to expand that section. You'll see a field labeled Security type and below it a field for the password — but the password appears as dots. Check the box next to Show to reveal the actual characters.

If your network doesn't appear in the "Manage known networks" list, it means your computer has never connected to it before. In that case, you'll need to use a different device or access your router directly.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Finder and navigate to Applications > Utilities. Double-click Keychain Access. 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 name appears in the results, double-click it. A window will open. Check the box labeled Show password near the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your user password — enter it. The WiFi password will now display in plain text.

Keychain Access stores passwords for anything your Mac has connected to, so if you've ever joined this network from your Mac, the password will be there. If the network doesn't appear in the search results, your Mac has no record of it.

Why iPhone and Android don't show saved passwords

Apple and Google deliberately prevent phones from displaying saved WiFi passwords through the settings menu. This is a security choice — if someone borrows your phone, they can't easily extract passwords for networks you've connected to. On iPhone, you can see the network name and security type in Settings > WiFi, but not the password itself. Android works the same way.

If you need the password on your phone, you have two options: retrieve it from a computer (Windows or Mac) and type it manually, or access your router's admin panel from any web browser on any device.

Checking the sticker on your router

Most routers come with a default password printed on a sticker attached to the bottom or back of the device. Look for a label that says WiFi Password, Network Key, PSK, or sometimes just Password. The sticker usually also shows the network name (SSID). If you've never changed the password since you set up the router, this default password is what you're looking for.

If the sticker is worn away or missing, or if you changed the password and forgot it, you'll need to access the router's admin panel or reset the router to factory defaults.

Logging into your router to view or change the password

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi network. Type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. (Some routers use different addresses — check your router's manual if neither of these works.) A login page will appear asking for a username and password. The default is often admin for both username and password, though this varies by manufacturer.

Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. You should see your network name and the password field. From here you can view the current password or change it to something new. Write down the new password before you log out, because you'll need it to reconnect devices.

If the default username and password don't work, check the sticker on your router or your router's manual. If you've changed the admin password and forgotten it, resetting the router to factory defaults is your next step.

Resetting your router to factory defaults

If you can't access the admin panel and don't remember the password, you can reset the router. Locate the small Reset button, usually recessed into the back or bottom of the device. You'll need a paperclip or similar tool to press it. Hold the reset button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, it will return to its factory default settings, including the default password printed on the sticker.

Be aware that resetting erases any custom settings you've made — your network name, password, port forwarding rules, and anything else you've configured. You'll need to set these up again from scratch. This is why it's worth trying the admin panel first if you can remember any part of the password.

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 already joined. If you've never connected to a network, your device has no record of its password. You'll need to access the router directly or use a device that is currently connected.

What if I see my network in the list but can't click on it?

On Windows, make sure you're in the "Manage known networks" section, not just viewing available networks. On Mac, make sure you're searching in Keychain Access, not in System Preferences. If the network still won't open, try restarting your computer and trying again.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down and storing it somewhere find in your home is safer than using a weak password you can remember. Keep the written password in a drawer or safe, not on a sticky note on your monitor. If you're concerned about security, you can always change the password to something new after you've written it down.

What if my router doesn't have a reset button?

Some routers use a reset option in the admin panel instead of a physical button. Log in if you can, look for a "Restore Factory Settings" or "Reset" option, and follow the prompts. If you can't access the admin panel, contact your internet service provider — they may be able to reset it remotely or send you a replacement.

Do I need to change my password after I find it?

Not unless you want to. If you've had the same password for years and many devices know it, changing it means updating the password on every device. Change it if you suspect someone unauthorized has access, or if you want to strengthen security by using a longer, more complex password.