Where to find your WiFi password depends on what device you're using

The fastest way to find your WiFi password is usually to check the router itself — most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default network name and password printed on it. If that sticker is gone or the password has been changed, your next step depends on whether you're using Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or a different device. Each one stores and displays passwords in a different place, and some make it easier than others.

You'll need to be connected to the network to retrieve the password on most devices. If you're locked out entirely, you may need to reset the router to its factory settings, which erases all custom settings and returns it to the default password on that sticker.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the physical router first — the password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, and check "Show password."
  • On iPhone and Android, you cannot view a saved password directly, but you can share it with another device or reset the router to see the default password.
  • If you've forgotten the password and can't retrieve it, resetting the router to factory settings will restore the default password on the sticker.

Finding your password on Windows

On Windows 10 and Windows 11, the easiest route is through Settings. Click the Start button, type "Settings," and open it. Go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Find your network name in the list and click it, then click Manage known networks.

Look for your network name again in the list that appears. Click it, then scroll down and click Manage. A new window opens. Scroll to the bottom and look for Security type and Security key. Click the eye icon next to "Security key" to reveal the password in plain text.

If you don't see the eye icon or the password field, you may not have permission to view it on that user account. Try logging in as the administrator account instead, or use the Command Prompt method: open Command Prompt as administrator, type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replacing "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name), and press Enter. The password appears next to "Key Content."

Finding your password on Mac

On Mac, passwords are stored in Keychain, which is the system's password manager. Open Finder, go to Applications, then Utilities, and double-click Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type your WiFi network name.

Your network should appear in the list. Double-click it to open a details window. Check the box next to Show password near the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your user password — enter it, and the WiFi password appears in plain text in that same field.

Finding your password on iPhone

iPhone does not let you view a saved WiFi password directly through Settings. Instead, you have two options: share the password with another Apple device, or reset the router.

To share the password with another iPhone, iPad, or Mac: have the other device try to connect to your WiFi network. When it asks for the password, a notification appears on your iPhone asking if you want to share it. Tap Share Password, and the other device connects without you typing anything. This works only if both devices are signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID.

If you need to see the password itself, the only built-in option is to reset the router to factory settings, which restores the default password printed on the sticker.

Finding your password on Android

Android also does not display saved WiFi passwords in Settings. However, some Android phones let you view the password through the WiFi QR code. Go to Settings, tap Network & Internet or Connections, select WiFi, find your network, and look for a QR code option. If your phone supports it, a QR code appears — you can screenshot it or share it with another device to connect without typing the password.

If your phone doesn't show a QR code, you'll need to reset the router to see the default password, or use a computer running Windows or Mac to retrieve it instead.

Resetting the router to find the default password

If you've changed the password and can't retrieve it from any device, you can reset the router to factory settings. This erases all custom settings and returns the network to the default password printed on the sticker.

Locate the small reset button on the router — it's usually recessed so you can't press it by accident. 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 blink, and it will restart. Once it's back online, the network name and password return to the defaults on the sticker.

Warning: resetting the router also erases any custom settings you've made, such as a custom network name or password, port forwarding rules, or parental controls. Write down any custom settings before you reset if you want to restore them afterward.

What to do if the sticker is missing or unreadable

If the sticker on your router is worn away or missing, you can usually find the default password online. Look up your router's model number — it's printed on the device itself — and search for "[model number] default password" in a search engine. Most manufacturers publish default credentials for each model.

Common default usernames and passwords for routers include "admin" and "admin," "admin" and "password," or "admin" and a blank password. If none of these work, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's support website. Once you log into the router's admin panel with the default credentials, you can see the current network password in the WiFi settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No — on iPhone and Android, you must be connected to retrieve the password. On Windows and Mac, you can view passwords for networks you've connected to before, even if you're not currently connected. If you're completely locked out, resetting the router is your only option.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing a password is safe. The person can only access your internet connection, not your files or other devices. If you later want to remove their access, you can change the WiFi password in the router's settings, and they'll be disconnected.

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

After a reset, the router uses the default network name and password from the sticker. Make sure you're typing the password exactly as printed — it's case-sensitive. If the sticker is missing, look up the default credentials for your router model online, or contact your internet provider for help.

Can I change my WiFi password myself?

Yes. Log into your router's admin panel by opening a web browser and typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Log in with the admin username and password, find the WiFi settings, and change the password there. The new password takes effect when ready.

Why does my phone say "incorrect password" when I know it's right?

The password is case-sensitive, so check that Caps Lock is off. Also try "forgetting" the network in your phone's WiFi settings and reconnecting from scratch — sometimes cached settings cause connection problems. If that doesn't work, restart both your phone and router.