Where your WiFi password lives on your device

Your device stores your WiFi password the moment you connect to a network. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all keep this information in different places, but you can retrieve it without calling your internet provider or resetting your router. The steps depend on what device you're using and whether you're looking for a password you've already connected to or trying to find the original password your router came with.

If you've never connected to the network before, you'll need the password printed on your router or in your router's settings page. If you've already connected, your device has saved it and you can pull it back up using the methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view the password in plain text after confirming your identity.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and viewing the password field.
  • iPhone and iPad do not display saved WiFi passwords directly, but you can share the password to another Apple device or reset it through your router settings.
  • Android devices show WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, though the exact path varies by manufacturer.
  • Your router's original password is printed on a sticker on the device itself or in the setup documentation that came with it.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi. Click on Manage Known Networks and find the network name you're looking for. Select it and choose Properties. Scroll down to Security and click Show to reveal the password in plain text.

If you don't see the network listed, it means your computer has never connected to it. In that case, you'll need the password from your router or from whoever set up the network. You can also right-click the network name in your WiFi list, select Properties, and follow the same path to Security.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. Search for the network name in the top-right search box. Double-click the network name when it appears. A window opens showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to confirm your identity using your Mac login password, then display the WiFi password.

If the network doesn't appear in Keychain Access, your Mac has never connected to it. You'll need to get the password from your router or the network owner.

Finding your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not allow you to view a saved WiFi password directly on iPhone or iPad. However, you can share the password to another Apple device. If someone else is trying to connect, hold your iPhone near their device while they select the network. A prompt appears on your phone asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share, and their device connects automatically without displaying the password.

If you need to see the actual password or connect a non-Apple device, you'll need to access your router's settings page through a web browser on any device. Go to your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and log in with your router's admin credentials to view or change the password.

Finding your password on Android

The steps vary by manufacturer, but most Android phones store this in Settings under Network and Internet or Connections. Look for WiFi, then select Manage Networks or Saved Networks. Find your network name and tap it. Some phones show the password directly; others require you to tap Show Password or a similar option. You may need to confirm your identity using your fingerprint or PIN.

If your Android phone doesn't show the password this way, open a web browser and navigate to your router's settings page. The address is usually printed on the router itself. Log in with your router's admin username and password to view the WiFi password.

Finding the password on your router itself

Every router has a sticker on the back or bottom that shows the default WiFi network name and password. Look for a label that says "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Key." This is the password your router came with from the manufacturer. If you've changed the password since then, this sticker will show the old one, not your current password.

If you can't find the sticker or it's worn away, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your custom settings and returns the password to what's printed on the sticker. After a reset, you'll need to set up your network again from scratch.

Accessing your router's settings page to view or change the password

Open any web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1. Your router's manual or the sticker on the device will tell you which one. Press Enter and you'll see a login page.

Log in using the admin username and password. These are often "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and the password on the sticker, but they vary by manufacturer. Once logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, or Network Settings. You'll see your current network name and password listed there. You can view the password or change it to something new. Save your changes and reconnect your devices using the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I've forgotten my router's admin password?

You'll need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This returns the admin password to the default (usually "admin" or blank) and resets the WiFi password to what's printed on the sticker. After reset, you can log back in and create a new password.

Can I see a WiFi password on my iPhone if I'm not the one who connected it?

No. iPhone doesn't display saved passwords. If you need the password, ask the person who set up the network, or access the router settings page through a web browser on any device using the router's admin credentials.

Why does my device say the password is wrong when I know I'm typing it correctly?

WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Also check that Caps Lock is off. If you're still having trouble, try viewing the password again on the device where it's saved to make sure you're reading it correctly, or reset the password through your router's settings page.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password is safe. The password only controls access to your network, not to your personal files or accounts. Anyone with the password can use your internet, but they cannot see your files unless you've specifically shared them on your network.

What if my router doesn't have a sticker with the default password?

Search online for your router model number plus "default password." Most manufacturers publish this information. If you still can't find it, reset the router to factory settings and the default password will be restored.