How to Find Your WiFi Password on Windows, Mac, or Your Router

Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: on the router itself (usually a sticker on the back or bottom), in your device's saved networks list, or in your router's settings page. The easiest route depends on whether you remember your router's admin password and whether you need the password right now or can wait a few minutes to find it.

If you have physical access to the router and can flip it over, the password is almost always printed there — look for a sticker labeled "Network Key", "WiFi Password", "PSK", or sometimes just "Password". This is the fastest option and requires no login.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can retrieve the password from any device that is already connected to that WiFi network. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all store this information, though the steps differ by device.

Key Takeaways

Check the physical sticker on the back or bottom of your router first — the password is printed there in most cases.
On Windows, open Settings, go to Network, then WiFi, select your 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 "Show password".
On iPhone or Android, you can share the password to another device without seeing it yourself, or reset the router to factory settings if you have no other option.
If you changed the password and forgot it, you will need the router's admin password to log in and change it again.

Finding the password on a Windows computer

Open Settings and navigate to Network and Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks". Find your network name in the list and click it, then click "Forget". This removes it from your saved networks.

Now go back to the WiFi list, find your network again, and click "Connect". When prompted, enter the password. After you connect successfully, go back to "Manage known networks", click your network name again, and this time click "Properties". Scroll down to find "Security type and encryption details" — the password will not appear here, but you can use a different method instead.

For a faster approach on Windows 10 or 11, open Command Prompt as administrator. Type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name). The password appears next to "Key Content" in the output.

Finding the password on a Mac

Open Spotlight search by pressing Command + Space, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. In the Keychain Access window, search for your network name in the top right corner. When you find it, double-click the entry.

A window opens showing details about that network. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your user password — enter it, and the WiFi password appears in plain text. Write it down or copy it before closing the window.

Finding the password on iPhone or Android

iPhones do not display saved WiFi passwords in Settings, but you can share the password to another Apple device without seeing it yourself. On the device that needs the password, go to Settings > WiFi, tap your network name, and tap "Password". If another iPhone or iPad with the same iCloud account is nearby, a prompt appears asking if you want to share the password — tap "Share Password" and the connection completes automatically.

On Android, the process varies by manufacturer. On most devices, go to Settings > WiFi, long-press your network name, and tap "Manage". Some phones show the password directly; others require you to tap "Show password" after entering your device PIN. Samsung phones store this in Settings > Connections > WiFi > Manage saved networks.

Logging into your router to change or reset the password

If you need to change the password itself, open a web browser and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You will be prompted for a username and password. The default is often "admin" for both, but check your router's manual or the sticker on the device.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled "WiFi", "Wireless", or "Network Settings". Find the field labeled "Password", "Passphrase", or "Pre-Shared Key" and enter a new password. Make sure it is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols if your router allows it. Save the changes — your router will restart and all devices will disconnect temporarily.

If you do not remember the router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button (usually a small recessed button on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all settings including the WiFi password, so you will need to set everything up again from scratch.

What to do if the password sticker is damaged or missing

If the sticker is worn away or scratched, try shining a light at an angle across it — sometimes the text becomes readable. If that does not work, use the Windows Command Prompt method or Mac Keychain method described above, since those work on any device already connected to the network.

If no device is currently connected to your network, your only option is to log into the router itself using the default admin credentials (usually printed elsewhere on the device or in the manual). If you do not have the manual, search online for your router model number plus "default password".

Preventing password loss in the future

Write down your WiFi password and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or even a photo on your phone. Many routers let you change the default admin password to something you will remember, which makes it easier to log back in if you need to adjust settings later.

If you set a strong WiFi password (12+ characters with mixed case, numbers, and symbols), consider storing it only in a password manager rather than writing it down. This keeps it find while still making it retrievable when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not without the router's admin password. If no device on your network can retrieve it, you will need to log into the router itself at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 using the default admin credentials. If you do not have those, resetting the router is your only option.

What if I forgot my router's admin password?

Hold the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory settings. This erases your WiFi password and all other custom settings, so you will need to set up the network again from scratch using the router's setup wizard.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?

Yes. Sharing the password does not give guests access to your files or other devices on the network — they can only use the internet connection. If you want to revoke access later, change the WiFi password in your router settings and reconnect your own devices.

Why does my password not work when I try to reconnect?

Passwords are case-sensitive, so check that uppercase and lowercase letters match exactly. If you copied the password from the router sticker, make sure there are no extra spaces before or after it. Try forgetting the network and reconnecting from scratch, entering the password slowly to avoid typos.

Can someone see my WiFi password if they are connected to my network?

Not unless they log into your router using the admin password. Being connected to the WiFi does not give access to the password itself — they would need to physically access the router or know the admin credentials.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.