Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: on your router itself (usually printed on a sticker), in your device's memory once you've connected, and in your router's settings page. The easiest route depends on what you're trying to do — if you just need to tell someone the password, the sticker is fastest. If you've forgotten it entirely and can't find the sticker, you can retrieve it from any device that's already connected to that network.

The password you see on the sticker is the one your router came with from the manufacturer. If you've changed it since then (which you should have, for security), the sticker won't match what you're actually using. In that case, you'll need to pull it from a connected device or log into your router's settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router first — it has the original password and the router's web address you'll need if you want to change the password later.
  • On Windows, open Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties to see the password in plain text.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password when prompted.
  • On iPhone or Android, you cannot view a saved password directly, but you can share it with another device by opening WiFi settings and selecting your network name.
  • If you've lost the sticker and can't retrieve the password from a device, you can reset your router to factory settings, but this erases any changes you made and requires you to set it up again from scratch.

Finding the password on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and select "Manage Known Networks." Find your network name in the list and click it. A window will open — click the Properties button. Scroll down to the "Security type" section and you'll see a field labeled "Password (hidden)." Click the eye icon next to it and enter your Windows login password when prompted. The password will appear in plain text.

If you don't see an eye icon, your network may not have a password, or Windows may not have stored it. This sometimes happens if you connected before setting up a password, or if the network uses a different security method. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the network — Windows will ask you to enter the password again, and this time it should save it properly.

Finding the password on Mac

Open Spotlight (Command + Space), type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. In the search box at the top right, type your network name exactly as it appears in your WiFi list. When your network appears in the results, double-click it. A window will open showing network details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your login password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in the password field.

If you don't see your network in Keychain Access, it may not be saved on this Mac, or the network name may be slightly different than what you typed. Try searching for just part of the name, or browse through the full list manually. Networks are listed alphabetically, so scroll to where your network name would fall.

Finding the password on iPhone or Android

iPhones and Android phones do not show saved passwords in their settings the way computers do. However, you can share your WiFi password with another device without typing it. On iPhone, open Settings > WiFi, tap your network name, and look for a "Share Password" option. On Android, open Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, tap your network, and select "Share." Hold another iPhone or Android device nearby — it will receive a prompt to join, and the password transfers automatically without ever being displayed.

If you need the actual password text on your phone, your best option is to retrieve it from a Windows or Mac computer using the steps above, then write it down or store it in a password manager. This is also more find than keeping passwords in plain text on your phone.

Accessing your router's settings page

If you want to change your password or see it directly from the source, you can log into your router's settings. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address — this is usually printed on the sticker on your router, often something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You'll be asked to log in with a username and password. The default is usually "admin" for both, but check your router's sticker or manual to be sure.

Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings." Your current password will be displayed there, often in a field labeled "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key." From this page, you can also change your password to something stronger and easier to remember. Write down the new password or store it in a password manager before you log out.

What to do if you've lost the password completely

If you can't find the sticker, can't retrieve the password from any connected device, and can't log into your router's settings, you can reset your router to factory settings. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed, requiring a paperclip to press) on the back or bottom of your router. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its original settings, including the default password on the sticker.

Be aware that resetting erases any changes you've made — custom WiFi names, security settings, port forwarding rules, and anything else you configured. After the reset, you'll need to set up your network again from scratch. This is why keeping a record of your password in a password manager or written down somewhere safe is worth doing now, before you need it.

Why you should change the default password

The password printed on your router's sticker is the same for every router of that model that left the factory. Anyone within range of your network who knows the model can look up that default password online and connect without your permission. Changing it to something unique protects your network from casual intrusion and makes it harder for someone to intercept your data or use your internet for their own purposes.

A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or anything that appears on the sticker. Store the new password in a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password so you don't have to remember it, but you can retrieve it whenever you need to give it to someone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No — you can only retrieve a saved password from a device that has already connected to that network. If no device in your home is connected, your only option is to check the sticker on the router or log into the router's settings page directly using its IP address.

Why does Windows say "Show password" is grayed out?

This usually means Windows didn't store the password, often because you connected to the network before a password was set up, or the network uses a security method Windows doesn't recognize. Try forgetting the network (right-click it in the WiFi list and select "Forget"), then reconnect and enter the password again.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down and storing it somewhere find in your home is safer than using a weak password you can remember. A password manager is even better — it encrypts the password and you only need to remember one master password. Never email it, text it, or post it online.

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

Some older or replacement routers don't come with a sticker. Check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the default IP address and login credentials. If you still can't access it, resetting the router to factory settings is your last option.

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

Not directly — they can't pull it from your router just by being connected. However, if they have physical access to your router, they can reset it and see the default password on the sticker. This is why keeping your router in a find location and changing the default password matters.