How to Find Your WiFi Password on Windows, Mac, and Mobile Devices

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 if you log in. The easiest route depends on what you've lost — the password itself, or just access to it.

If you still have the router in front of you, check the physical sticker first. Most routers ship with a default network name and password printed there. If someone changed the password after setup, you'll need to retrieve it from a device that's already connected, or log into the router's settings page directly.

Key Takeaways

The default WiFi password is usually printed on a sticker attached to your router — check the back or bottom before trying anything else.
On Windows, you can see a saved password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then select your network and choose "Manage Password."
On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, and double-click it to reveal the password in plain text.
On iPhone or Android, you can share the WiFi password with another device without ever seeing it yourself, which is often faster than retrieving it.
If you've forgotten the password and can't retrieve it from a connected device, you can reset the router to factory defaults, but this erases all custom settings.

Retrieving your password on Windows

Windows stores WiFi passwords in a way you can view if you're logged in as an administrator. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi. Click "Manage Known Networks" and find your network name in the list. Select it and choose "Manage Password."

Windows will ask you to confirm your identity — usually by entering your Windows password or using Windows Hello (fingerprint or face recognition). Once confirmed, the WiFi password appears in plain text in a box labeled "Network Security Key." You can copy it from there.

If your network doesn't appear in the "Manage Known Networks" list, your device has never connected to it before, and you'll need to try a different method — either check the router sticker or log into the router's admin panel.

Retrieving your password on Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, a find storage system for passwords and sensitive information. Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight), then search for your network name in the search box at the top right.

When you find your network, double-click it. A window opens showing network details. Check the box labeled "Show password" — Mac will ask you to confirm your identity using your Mac login password or Touch ID. Once confirmed, the WiFi password appears in plain text in the password field.

If your network doesn't appear in Keychain, your Mac has never connected to it. In that case, you'll need the password from another source — the router sticker, another connected device, or the router's admin panel.

Retrieving your password on iPhone or iPad

iOS doesn't let you view a saved WiFi password directly, but you can share it with another Apple device without ever seeing it. If you have a second iPhone, iPad, or Mac nearby, open WiFi settings on that device and select your network. Your primary device will show a prompt asking if you want to share the password — tap "Share," and the second device connects automatically.

If you don't have another Apple device, your best option is to check the router sticker or use a Mac or Windows computer that's already connected to retrieve the password that way.

Retrieving your password on Android

Android doesn't have a built-in way to view saved WiFi passwords through the settings menu. However, if your phone is rooted (a technical modification that gives you deeper access to the system), you can navigate to the file system and find the password in the WiFi configuration files. This is not a standard process and requires technical knowledge.

For most Android users, the practical approach is to check the router sticker, use a Windows or Mac computer that's connected to retrieve the password, or reset the router if you can't access it any other way.

Logging into your router's admin panel

If you can't retrieve the password from a connected device, you can log into the router itself through a web browser. Open a browser and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, though this varies by manufacturer. Check your router's manual or the sticker on the device if neither of those works.

The router will ask for a username and password. These are different from your WiFi password — they're the credentials to manage the router itself. The default is often "admin" for both username and password, but check your router's documentation. Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings" to find your network name and password.

If you've changed the router admin password and forgotten it, you'll need to reset the router to factory defaults. This erases all custom settings, including your WiFi password, and restores the defaults printed on the sticker.

Resetting your router to factory defaults

If you can't retrieve your password any other way, you can reset the router. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom — you'll need a paperclip or similar tool to press it. Hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink, and the router will restart with factory settings.

After the reset, your network name and password return to the defaults printed on the sticker. You can then log into the router's admin panel and change them to something new. Keep in mind that resetting erases any custom settings you've made — port forwarding, parental controls, or custom DNS settings will all be gone.

Reset should be your last option, used only when you can't retrieve the password from a connected device or the router's admin panel.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No — you can only view a saved password on a device that has already connected to that network before. If your device has never connected, you'll need to check the router sticker, log into the router's admin panel, or retrieve the password from a different device that is connected.

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my router admin password?

Your WiFi password is what you type to connect to the network. Your router admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change the WiFi password, network name, or other settings. They're separate and can be different.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Sharing your WiFi password means they can connect to your network and use your internet. They could also potentially access other devices on your network depending on your router's security settings. Only share with people you trust, and consider changing the password if someone moves out or you want to revoke access.

What if I reset my router but still can't connect?

After a reset, try connecting with the default network name and password from the sticker. If that doesn't work, make sure the router is fully powered on and the WiFi is enabled — some routers have a physical WiFi button. If you still can't connect, the router may have a hardware problem and may need replacement.

Can I change my WiFi password without logging into the router?

No — you must log into the router's admin panel to change the WiFi password. You'll need the router's IP address and the admin username and password. If you've forgotten the admin password, your only option is to reset the router to factory defaults.

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.