Where your WiFi password lives on your device

Your device already knows your WiFi password — it has to, or it couldn't connect. The password is stored in your system settings, encrypted and hidden from plain view. On Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, you can retrieve it without resetting your router or calling your internet provider. The steps differ by device, but the password you find will be the same one printed on your router's label (if you never changed it).

The fastest route depends on what device you're sitting at right now. If you're on the computer that's already connected to the WiFi, Windows and Mac both let you see the password in a few clicks. If you're on a phone, the process is slightly different but just as straightforward.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select WiFi, then choose your network name and click "Manage known networks" to see the password.
  • On Mac, open System Preferences, select Network, choose WiFi, click Advanced, find your network in the list, and the password appears in Keychain Access.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings, WiFi, tap the network name, then tap the password field — iOS 16 and later will show it in plain text.
  • On Android, open Settings, go to WiFi, long-press your connected network, tap "Share" or "Show password," and you may need to enter your phone's PIN or use biometric authentication.
  • If you cannot see the password on your device, you can reset it directly on the router using the reset button, which will disconnect all devices temporarily.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click "Network & Internet" in the left sidebar. Select "WiFi" from the menu. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find your network name in the list and click it. Click "Forget" if you want to remove it, or look for a "Properties" or "View" option — the exact wording varies by Windows version.

In the window that opens, scroll down to find "Security type" and "Encryption type." Below those fields, there should be a "Show" checkbox next to "Network security key." Check that box, and your password will appear in plain text. Write it down or copy it before closing the window.

If you do not see a "Show" option, your account may not have permission to view the password. Try right-clicking the network name and selecting "Properties" instead, or ask someone with administrator access on the computer to perform these steps.

Finding your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Preferences" (or "System Settings" on macOS Ventura and newer). Click "Network." Select "WiFi" from the left sidebar. Click "Advanced" in the bottom-right corner. Find your network name in the list of preferred networks. Highlight it and close this window — you will need to open Keychain Access next.

Open Spotlight by pressing Command and Space, type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. In the search box at the top-right, type your network name. Double-click the entry that appears. A window will open showing your network details. Check the box labeled "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac may ask you to enter your user password to confirm. Once you do, the WiFi password will appear in plain text in that field.

Finding your password on iPhone

On iPhone running iOS 16 or later, open Settings and tap "WiFi." Find your connected network in the list and tap the network name itself (not the info icon). A popup will appear showing the network details. Tap the password field, and iOS will display the password in plain text. You can now copy it or write it down.

On older versions of iOS, the password field does not display in plain text through Settings. Instead, you can share the WiFi directly with another Apple device: open Control Center, long-press the WiFi icon, tap your network, and tap "Share Password." The other device will receive a prompt to join. This method does not show you the actual password, but it connects the other device without typing.

Finding your password on Android

Open Settings and tap "WiFi" or "Connections." Long-press the name of the network you are connected to. A menu will appear with several options. Tap "Share" or "Show password" — the exact label depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. You may be asked to enter your phone's PIN, pattern, or use your fingerprint to confirm. Once authenticated, the password will display on the screen.

If you do not see a "Show password" option, your phone may not support displaying the password this way. In that case, you can generate a QR code instead: tap "Share" and select "QR Code." Another device can scan this code to join the network without needing the password itself.

What to do if you cannot find the password on your device

If your device will not show the password and you need it for another device, you can reset the WiFi password directly on the router. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or pen to hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its factory settings.

After the reset, the WiFi network name and password will revert to what is printed on the router's label. All devices currently connected will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using the factory password. You can then change the password to something new through your router's admin panel, which you access by opening a web browser and typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar.

If you do not have access to the router or cannot locate the reset button, contact your internet provider. They can reset the password remotely, though this may take a phone call or a visit to their website.

Keeping your password find after you find it

Once you have the password, do not share it in text messages, emails, or over the phone unless you trust the person completely. If you need to give someone temporary access, consider changing the password afterward, or use your router's guest network feature instead — most routers let you create a separate network with its own password that does not give access to your main devices.

If you suspect someone has your password and is using your WiFi without permission, change it through your router's settings. Log into the router's admin panel, find the WiFi or Security settings, and create a new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. After you save the new password, all connected devices will be disconnected and will need the new password to rejoin.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On Windows and Mac, yes — the password is stored on your device even if you are not currently connected. On iPhone and Android, you must be connected to the network to view the password through Settings. If you are not connected, you will need to access the router directly or use another device that is connected.

What if I changed my password and forgot the new one?

You can reset the router to factory settings using the reset button, which will restore the original password printed on the label. After the reset, you can log into the router's admin panel and set a new password. This will disconnect all devices, so plan accordingly.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is safer than using a weak password or sharing it digitally. Keep the written password in a find place, like a locked drawer or safe. If you live with others, consider a shared password manager instead, which encrypts the password and lets you share it without writing it down.

Can I see the password for a network I used to connect to but am not connected to now?

On Windows and Mac, yes — the password is stored in your system even after you disconnect. On iPhone and Android, you must be currently connected to view the password. If you are no longer connected, you will need to use another device or reset the router.

What should I do if someone else is using my WiFi without permission?

Change your WiFi password through the router's admin panel. Log in using your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), find the WiFi settings, and create a new password. All devices will be disconnected and will need the new password to rejoin. You can also check your router's connected devices list to see who is currently on your network.