Where Your WiFi Password Lives

Your WiFi password is stored on the device you used to set up the network — usually your router, your computer, or your phone. You do not need to call your internet provider or reset anything. The password is already saved somewhere on your home network, and you can retrieve it in a few minutes using the device itself.

The fastest route depends on what device you have in front of you right now. If you have a Windows computer connected to the network, that is usually the quickest path. If you have a Mac, iPhone, or Android phone, the steps are different but just as straightforward. If you have none of those, you can look at the router itself — many routers print the default password on a sticker on the back.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows computers store your WiFi password in Settings under Network and can show it to you in plain text in about 30 seconds.
  • Mac computers require you to open Keychain Access and search for your network name, then check a box to reveal the password.
  • iPhones and iPads can share the password directly to another Apple device without showing you the actual characters.
  • Android phones do not display saved passwords through the settings menu, but you can reset the router to its default password if you have physical access to it.
  • Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default WiFi name and password printed on it.

Finding Your Password on a Windows Computer

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click Network and Internet on the left side, then scroll down and click WiFi. You will see a list of networks. Find your network name in the list and click on it, then click Manage known networks.

Click on your network name again from the list that appears. A window will open with network details. Scroll down until you see Security type and Security key. Next to Security key, click the eye icon to reveal your password in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the window.

If you do not see an eye icon, your network may be using a security type that does not display the password this way. In that case, try the router method described later in this article.

Finding Your Password on a Mac

Open Spotlight by pressing Command and Space together, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. In the window that opens, make sure you are on the Passwords tab at the top. In the search box at the top right, type your WiFi network name exactly as it appears on your device.

Your network will appear in the list below. Double-click it to open a details window. At the bottom of that window, check the box next to Show password. Your Mac will ask you to enter your computer password — type it in and click Allow. Your WiFi password will now appear in plain text in the password field.

Sharing Your Password From an iPhone or iPad

If you set up the WiFi network on an iPhone or iPad, you can share the password directly to another Apple device without ever seeing the actual characters yourself. Have the other person go to Settings, tap WiFi, find your network name, and tap it. Their device will show a popup asking to join the network.

On your iPhone or iPad, a notification will appear asking if you want to share the WiFi password. Tap Share Password, and their device will automatically fill in the correct password. This works between iPhones, iPads, and Macs that are signed into the same iCloud account.

If you need to see the actual password characters on your iPhone or iPad, you cannot do it through the Settings app. Your best option is to use a Windows computer or Mac, or to reset the router to its default password.

What to Do on Android Phones

Android does not have a built-in way to view saved WiFi passwords through the settings menu. If you need the password, your options are to use a Windows computer or Mac (following the steps above), or to reset your router to its default password.

Some Android phones running very recent versions of Android 10 or later may show the password as a QR code in Settings under Network and Internet, WiFi, and then your network name — but this varies by phone manufacturer and is not available on all devices. If you see a QR code option, you can scan it with another phone to join the network without typing the password.

Finding the Default Password on Your Router

If you cannot find the password on any of your devices, look at the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the default WiFi name and password. The password may be labeled as Key, Passphrase, Default Password, or WiFi Password.

Write down the password from the sticker. If you changed the password since you set up the network, this default password will not work — you will need to use one of the device methods above. If you have never changed it, this password should connect you to the network.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to its factory default settings. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed into the router body) and hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default password, which you can then find on the sticker or in the router's manual.

When You Cannot Remember Your Router Password

If you changed your WiFi password and cannot remember it, and you do not have access to a Windows computer or Mac, you will need to reset the router. This erases all your custom settings and returns the router to the password printed on the sticker.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the router (check the back, bottom, or sides). Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router has power. The lights on the router will blink as it restarts. Once it finishes, the WiFi network name and password will be the defaults printed on the sticker.

After you reset the router, you can set a new custom password by opening a web browser, typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and logging in with the default username and password from the sticker. Look for WiFi settings or Wireless settings to create a new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. On Windows and Mac, you must be connected to the network to retrieve the password from your device's memory. If you are not connected, you will need to use the router's default password (from the sticker) or reset the router.

What if the password on the router sticker does not work?

You probably changed the password after setting up the network. Use a Windows computer or Mac connected to the network to find the current password, or reset the router to restore the default password from the sticker.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes. Writing it down and keeping it in a safe place (like a drawer in your home) is fine. The password only works on your home network, and anyone who has physical access to your home can reset the router anyway.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?

Yes. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), log in with the default username and password from the sticker, and look for WiFi settings or Wireless settings. You can create a new password there without losing any other settings.

Why does my iPhone show a different WiFi password than my Mac?

Your iPhone and Mac are not showing different passwords — they are both connected to the same network. The difference is that your iPhone cannot display the password as text, while your Mac can. The actual password is the same on both devices.