Where to find your WiFi password on each device

Your WiFi password is stored on the device you used to connect to the network. You cannot see it from a device that is not connected to that WiFi. The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android, but all of them keep the password in a settings menu rather than displaying it on screen by default.

If you have forgotten the password and cannot find it on any device, your router itself has a reset button that will restore the network to its factory settings — but this erases your current password and creates a new temporary one. That route is slower than finding it on a device you already own.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password is stored on whichever device connected to the network, not on the router or in the air.
  • Windows stores the password in Network Settings under "Manage Known Networks"; Mac stores it in Keychain Access under "passwords".
  • iPhone and Android do not display the password in settings, but both can generate a QR code that other devices can scan to join without typing it.
  • If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this creates a new temporary password you will need to write down when ready.

Finding your password on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Click Manage Known Networks and find your network name in the list. Click on it, then click Properties.

Scroll down to the Security section. You will see a field labeled Security Type and below it a field labeled Network Security Key. The network security key is your password, but it will show as dots or asterisks for privacy. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual characters.

If you do not see an eye icon, your account does not have permission to view the password. You will need to log in as an administrator or ask whoever set up the network.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access. You can find it by clicking the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass) in the top right corner, typing "keychain", and pressing Enter. Once Keychain Access opens, make sure you are in the Passwords category on the left side.

Search for your network name in the search box at the top right. When you find it, double-click on it. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to Show Password at the bottom of the window. Your Mac will ask for your user password to confirm. Type it in and click Allow. The WiFi password will now be visible.

Finding your password on iPhone

iPhone does not display WiFi passwords in its settings menu, even if you are the network owner. Instead, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name you are connected to, and look for the option to Share Password or Share This Network.

If you tap this option, your iPhone will generate a QR code. Another person can point their phone's camera at the code and tap the notification that appears to join the network without typing the password. This is the intended way to share access on iPhone. If you need the actual password characters, you will need to check a different device — Windows, Mac, or Android — that is connected to the same network.

Finding your password on Android

Android also does not show the password in settings, but the process is similar to iPhone. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi (the exact path varies by manufacturer). Tap the network you are connected to and look for Share or QR Code. Tap it to generate a QR code that another device can scan.

Like iPhone, Android prioritizes the QR code over displaying the password itself. To see the actual password characters, you will need to check a Windows or Mac device connected to the same network, or access the router's admin panel directly.

Accessing the password through your router

If you cannot find the password on any device, you can log into the router itself. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. A login page will appear asking for a username and password.

The default username is often admin and the default password is often admin, password, or 12345 — but this depends on your router model. Check the sticker on the back or bottom of the router for the default credentials. Once you log in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Network Settings. The password will be listed there, often labeled Pre-Shared Key or Passphrase.

If you have changed the router's admin password and forgotten it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings and creates a new temporary WiFi network with a default password printed on the router label.

What to do if you still cannot find it

If none of these steps work, the most reliable option is to reset the router. Locate the 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 the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart.

Once it restarts, look at the sticker on the router. It will show a default network name and password. Connect to that network using the password on the sticker. Once you are connected, log into the router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1) and change the network name and password to something you will remember. Write down the new password somewhere safe before you close the settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The password is stored only on devices that have successfully connected to the network before. If you are trying to find a password for a network you have never joined, you will need to reset the router or ask the network owner for the password.

Why does my Windows computer show an eye icon but it does not work?

Your user account may not have administrator permissions. Try right-clicking on Settings and selecting "Run as administrator", then navigate back to Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. If that does not work, ask whoever set up the computer to show you the password.

Is there a way to see the password on iPhone without using a QR code?

Not through iPhone's settings. iPhone intentionally hides the password. If you need the actual characters, connect a Mac, Windows computer, or Android device to the same network and check the password there instead.

What happens if I reset the router but do not write down the new password?

The new temporary password is printed on the sticker attached to the router. You can always look at the sticker to reconnect. Once you are connected, log into the router and change it to a password you prefer, then write that one down in a safe place.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?

Yes. Log into the router's admin panel at 192.168.1.1, find the WiFi or Wireless settings section, and look for the field labeled "Password", "Passphrase", or "Pre-Shared Key". Change it to a new password and save. All your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.