Where your WiFi password lives on your devices
Your WiFi password is stored on the device that connected to the network — not on the router itself, though the router knows it too. Windows, macOS, iPhone, and Android all keep a record of networks you've joined, along with the password you used. The method to retrieve it depends on which device you're using and whether you're trying to find a password you set yourself or one someone else created.
If you're the person who set up the network, the easiest route is often the router's admin panel or the sticker on the back of the device. If you're trying to reconnect to a network you joined months ago and forgot the password, your device can show it to you — but the steps are different for each operating system.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, select your network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the password.
- On macOS, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password.
- On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and iOS 16 and later will display the password directly.
- On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but Samsung devices show passwords in Settings > Connections > WiFi > select network > Share, while other brands may not display saved passwords at all.
- If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset the router to factory settings, which will restore the default password printed on the device label.
Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11
Windows stores WiFi passwords in a system file that you can access through the Settings app. Open Settings, then select Network & Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find the network name you're looking for and click it. Select "Forget," then reconnect to the network — when you do, Windows will ask you to enter the password again. Write it down this time, or use the next method to view it without forgetting the network.
The more direct route is to view the password without erasing the saved network. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (right-click the Start menu and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)"). Type this command exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your network. The password will appear next to "Key Content" in the output. If you see "Security" listed as "Open," the network has no password.
Finding your password on macOS
macOS stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, a find storage system built into the operating system. Open Finder, go to Applications, then Utilities, and double-click Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. When it appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to enter your login password — type it in, and the WiFi password will appear in the password field.
If you don't see your network in Keychain Access, make sure you're searching in the "Local Items" keychain, not "iCloud." You can also filter by selecting "Passwords" from the category list on the left side of the window.
Finding your password on iPhone and iPad
iOS 16 and later (released in 2022) made this much simpler. Go to Settings, tap WiFi, find your network in the list, and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i") next to it. The password will display on the next screen. You can tap it to copy it to your clipboard.
If you're on iOS 15 or earlier, the password won't display in Settings. Your only option is to reset the network by tapping "Forget This Network," then reconnect and enter the password again — but this time, before you tap Join, take a screenshot of the password field or write it down as you type it.
Finding your password on Android
Android's approach varies widely depending on your phone's manufacturer. On Samsung devices, go to Settings, tap Connections, select WiFi, find your network, and tap it. Select "Share" — this will generate a QR code that another device can scan to join the network. The QR code doesn't display the password in text form, but it proves you have access to the network.
On other Android phones, the password is often not accessible through Settings at all. If your device doesn't show the password, you can use a third-party app like WiFi Password Recovery (available on Google Play), but these apps require you to grant them access to your device's system files. Before installing any app that requests broad permissions, consider whether resetting the router is a simpler option.
Viewing the password directly on your router
Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that displays the default WiFi network name and password. If you've never changed the password from the default, this sticker will show you what it is. The label usually says "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Passphrase."
If you changed the password after setting up the router, you can log into the router's admin panel to view or reset it. 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 admin username and password — often "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and the default password from the sticker. Once you're in, look for a WiFi settings or Wireless section. The password field may show dots instead of the actual password, but you can change it to something new that you'll remember.
What to do if you cannot find the password anywhere
If you've checked every device and the router sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to its factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. This erases all your custom settings and restores the default password printed on the sticker. After the reset, you'll need to set up the network again from scratch, including creating a new password.
Before you reset, contact your internet service provider or the person who set up the network — they may have a record of the password or the router's admin login. If the router belongs to your landlord, employer, or a shared space, ask them directly rather than resetting it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the password if I'm not the network owner?
Only if you're logged into a device that has already connected to the network. If you've never joined the network before, you'll need the password from the person who set it up. If you're trying to reconnect on a device that was previously connected, the methods above will work.
Why does my Windows Command Prompt show "Key Content: Not present"?
This means the network is open and has no password. You can connect without entering anything. If you expected a password, the network may have been set up without security, which is not recommended.
Is it safe to use an app to show my WiFi password?
Apps that display saved passwords require access to your device's system files, which is a broad permission. Before installing one, try the built-in methods for your device first. If you do use an app, read it only from your device's official app store (Google Play or Apple App Store) and check the reviews for complaints about privacy or security.
What if my router doesn't have a reset button?
Some routers use a reset hole instead — a small opening where you insert a paperclip. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. If there's no button or hole, check the manufacturer's website for your specific model, or contact your internet service provider for instructions.
Can I change my WiFi password without knowing the current one?
Yes, by logging into the router's admin panel. You don't need the WiFi password to access the admin settings — you need the admin username and password, which are usually "admin" and "admin" or printed on the router sticker. Once you're logged in, you can set a new WiFi password.