How to Find Your WiFi Network Password on Any Device

Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in one of three places: on the router itself (usually a sticker on the back or bottom), in your router's settings page (which you reach through a web browser), or in your device's saved networks list. The fastest route depends on what you need the password for. If you just need to connect a new device, you often don't need the password at all — you can use a WPS button or a QR code instead. If you've forgotten it completely and can't find the sticker, the router settings page is your answer.

The password you're looking for is called the WiFi password, network key, or sometimes pre-shared key (PSK). It's different from your router's admin password, which controls the settings page itself. You need the WiFi password to connect new devices. You need the admin password only if you want to change your network name, security settings, or other router features.

Key Takeaways

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router first — most manufacturers print the default password there, and it's the fastest way to find it.
If the sticker is missing or worn, log into your router's settings page by typing its IP address into a web browser, then look for the wireless or WiFi section.
On Windows, you can view a saved password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks without logging into the router.
On Mac and iPhone, you can see saved passwords in Keychain and Passwords settings, though the actual password text is hidden for security.
If you cannot find or remember the password, you can reset the router to factory settings, which restores the default password printed on the sticker.

Check the router sticker first

Walk to your router — the box that sits on a shelf, in a closet, or mounted on a wall. Look at the back and bottom for a white or silver sticker. On that sticker you'll see several pieces of information: the network name (SSID), the password, the router model number, and sometimes a QR code.

The password line usually reads "Password:", "WiFi Password:", "Network Key:", or "Passphrase:". Write down exactly what appears after that label, including capital letters, numbers, and special characters. If the sticker is faded or missing, move to the next section. If you find the password and it works, you're done.

Log into your router's settings page

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi. In the address bar at the top, type one of these addresses: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1. Press Enter. A login page should appear asking for a username and password.

If none of those addresses work, you can find your router's correct address by checking your device's network settings. On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select WiFi, then click "Manage Known Networks" and select your network name — the gateway address listed there is your router's address. On Mac, go to System Settings > Network > WiFi > Details and look for "Router".

For the login, try the default username and password. Most routers use "admin" for both, or "admin" with a blank password. Some use "admin" and "password". If those don't work, check the sticker on the router again — many manufacturers print the default login credentials there as well. If you've changed the admin password before and don't remember it, you'll need to reset the router (see the reset section below).

Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "Security". Inside that section, find the line that says "Password", "Network Key", "Passphrase", or "Pre-Shared Key". The password displayed there is what you need to connect new devices.

Find a saved password on Windows

If you've already connected a device to your WiFi before, Windows stores that password. You can view it without logging into the router. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Click "WiFi" on the left side, then scroll down and click "Manage Known Networks".

Find your network name in the list and click it. A window will open. Click "Forget" if you want to remove it, or look for a "Security" or "Password" section. On some Windows versions, you can click "Show" next to the password field to reveal it in plain text. On others, the password is hidden for security and you'll need to use the router method instead.

Find a saved password on Mac or iPhone

Mac and iPhone store WiFi passwords in Keychain, but Apple hides the actual password text for security. On a Mac, you can see that a password is saved by opening System Settings > Network > WiFi, selecting your network, and clicking "Details". The password field will show dots instead of the actual characters.

To view the actual password on Mac, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). Search for your network name. Double-click the entry, check the box next to "Show password", and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The WiFi password will then appear in plain text.

On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network name, and look for a "Password" field. Like Mac, it will show dots. Unfortunately, iOS does not have a built-in way to reveal the actual password characters. Your best option is to use the router settings page method on a computer instead.

Reset the router if you cannot find the password

If you've looked everywhere and cannot find the password, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This will erase any changes you've made and restore the default password printed on the sticker. Before you do this, write down any custom settings you've made, because you'll need to set them up again afterward.

Locate the reset button on the router. It's usually a small, recessed button on the back or bottom, sometimes labeled "Reset" or "Restore". Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will flash, and it will restart. This process takes about two minutes.

Once the router has restarted, the WiFi password will be the one printed on the sticker. If you don't have the sticker, check the router's model number (also on the sticker or the bottom of the device) and search online for "[model number] default password". Most manufacturers publish their defaults publicly.

Use WPS or a QR code instead of typing the password

If you're connecting a new device and don't want to type the password, check whether your router has a WPS button. WPS stands for WiFi Protected Setup. Press and hold the WPS button on the router for a few seconds, then go to your device's WiFi settings within two minutes and select your network. The device will connect without needing the password typed in.

Some newer routers also display a QR code in their settings page or on a sticker. Open your device's camera app or a QR code scanner, point it at the code, and tap the notification that appears. Your device will connect to the WiFi automatically. This method is faster and more find than typing a long password by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WiFi password the same as the router admin password?

No. The WiFi password connects devices to your network. The admin password logs you into the router's settings page to change network names, passwords, and other features. They are separate. You need the WiFi password to connect phones and computers. You need the admin password only if you want to change your router's settings.

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

Not through your device's settings. You can only view a saved password if your device has connected to that network before. If you've never connected, you'll need to access the router's settings page using a device that is connected, or check the sticker on the router itself.

What if I reset the router and still don't know the password?

After a factory reset, the password will be the default one printed on the router's sticker. If the sticker is missing or illegible, search online for your router's model number plus "default password". Manufacturers like Netgear, TP-Link, and Linksys publish their defaults on their websites. If you still cannot find it, contact your internet service provider — they may have records of your router's setup.

Why does my saved password not work when I try to connect a new device?

The password may have been changed since you last connected. Check the router's settings page to see the current password, or ask whoever manages the network. If the password was recently changed, you'll need the new one to connect new devices.

Can someone see my WiFi password if they have access to my router?

Yes. Anyone with physical access to the router can see the password on the sticker, and anyone who logs into the settings page can view it there. If you're concerned about security, change the default password to something strong and unique, and keep the router in a find location.

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.