Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: on your router itself (usually a sticker on the back or bottom), in your device's network settings, and in your router's admin panel. The fastest route depends on what you need it for. If you just need to connect a new device, the sticker on your router is usually fastest. If you've lost the sticker and need to see what password you're currently using, your computer or phone can show it to you in seconds.

The password you see in your device settings is the same one you typed in when you first connected — your device remembers it so you don't have to type it every time. Your router also has a separate admin password, which is different and controls the settings page. This guide covers finding your WiFi password, not the admin password.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router first — the WiFi password is usually printed there in small text.
  • On Windows, open Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties to see the password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, and check "Show password".
  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and the password appears under "Password".
  • On Android, the password is not shown in settings — use your router sticker, a computer, or reset the router to factory defaults if you've lost it.

Finding the password on the router itself

The easiest place to look is the router. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the network name (called the SSID) and the password. The sticker usually looks like a small white or gray label with black text. The password may be labeled as "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "Passphrase", or sometimes just "Password".

If you can't find a sticker or the text is worn away, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. This erases your current password and returns the router to the password that came with it — usually printed in the manual or on a label inside the battery compartment. Resetting takes about five minutes and requires holding a small reset button on the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it's powered on. After reset, you'll need to set up your WiFi again from scratch.

Viewing the password on Windows

Windows stores every WiFi password you've ever connected to. To see the password for your current network, open Settings and go to Network and Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it. A new window opens — click Properties. Scroll down to the Security section and look for "Security type" and "Encryption type". The actual password is not shown in this view.

To see the actual password on Windows, you need to use Command Prompt. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Type this command exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear — replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name. Press Enter. Scroll up in the window to find "Key Content" — that's your password. If you see "Key Content : Absent", it means Windows doesn't have the password stored, which can happen if you connected through a guest account.

Viewing the password on Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, a find storage system. Open Finder and go to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type your network name. When it appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens — check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your user password to confirm. Type it in and click Allow. The WiFi password now appears in the password field.

If you don't see your network in Keychain, it means your Mac either never connected to it or the password was deleted. In that case, use the router sticker or reset the router to factory defaults. Keychain keeps passwords even after you disconnect from a network, so if your Mac ever connected before, the password should be there.

Viewing the password on iPhone or iPad

iPhone and iPad running iOS 16 or later can show you the WiFi password without needing a computer. Go to Settings > WiFi and find your network in the list. Tap the info icon (a circle with an "i") next to the network name. The password appears under "Password" — you can tap it to copy it to your clipboard. On older versions of iOS, the password is not shown in settings.

If you're on an older iOS version and need the password, use a Mac or Windows computer to find it, or check the router sticker. You cannot reset the password from the iPhone itself — you need to access the router's admin panel from a computer or use the factory reset method described in the router section above.

What to do on Android

Android does not show saved WiFi passwords in the settings app, even on newer versions. Your best options are to check the router sticker, use a Windows or Mac computer to find the password, or reset the router to factory defaults. Some Android phones allow you to share the WiFi password with another device by scanning a QR code — go to Settings > WiFi, long-press your network, and select "Share" if that option appears. This lets another phone connect without typing the password, but doesn't show you the password itself.

If you need the password written down and have no other devices connected, the router sticker or a factory reset are your only paths forward. Android's design intentionally hides saved passwords for security reasons, so there is no hidden menu or setting that will reveal them.

When you've forgotten the password and lost the sticker

If you don't have the sticker and can't see the password on any of your devices, you can reset the router to factory defaults. Find the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pen to press it. With the router powered on, hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink or the router restarts. This erases your current password and network settings.

After the reset, the router returns to its default network name and password, which are usually printed on a label on the router itself or in the manual. You'll then need to reconnect all your devices and set up a new password if you want one different from the default. This process takes about 10 minutes total and doesn't affect your internet service — your internet provider will still work once the router is back online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WiFi password the same as the admin password?

No. The WiFi password is what you type to connect your devices to the internet. The admin password controls the router's settings page and is usually different. You only need the admin password if you want to change your WiFi name, password, or other router settings.

Can I see the password if I'm not connected to the WiFi?

Not from your phone or tablet. You need a computer that's either connected to the WiFi or connected to the internet another way. Windows and Mac can show passwords for networks you've connected to before, even if you're not currently connected. Android cannot show saved passwords at all.

What if the password on the sticker doesn't work?

The password may have been changed since the sticker was printed. Check a computer or phone that's currently connected to see the current password. If none of your devices are connected, reset the router to factory defaults — this returns it to the password on the sticker.

Will resetting the router affect my internet service?

No. Resetting the router erases only the WiFi settings and passwords you've created. Your internet service from your provider continues to work. After the reset, you'll need to reconnect your devices and set up your WiFi again.

Can I change the WiFi password without accessing the router?

No. You must access the router's admin panel through a web browser or app to change the password. This requires the admin password, which is different from the WiFi password. If you don't know the admin password, you'll need to reset the router to factory defaults.