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 (Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android), and possibly in your router's settings page if you log in as the admin. The fastest route depends on what you've lost — the password itself, or just access to the device that remembers it.

If you still have a device connected to your network, that device knows the password and can show it to you. If all your devices are disconnected, you'll need to either find the sticker on your router or reset the router to its factory password and log back in. Neither requires calling your internet provider.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router first — most routers ship with the WiFi password printed there.
  • 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 to reveal it.
  • On iPhone or iPad, you cannot view the password directly, but you can share it with another Apple device by holding the new device near your connected phone.
  • If you've forgotten the router admin password too, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, then log in with the default password on the sticker.

Finding the password on the router itself

Most routers have a sticker on the bottom, back, or inside the battery compartment that lists the WiFi network name (SSID) and the password. Look for labels like "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "PSK", or "Passphrase". The password is usually a string of letters, numbers, and symbols — often 8 to 20 characters long.

If the sticker is worn or missing, you can log into the router's settings page to see the password. Open a web browser, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and press Enter. You'll be asked for a username and password — these are the router admin credentials, usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password on the sticker. Once logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings", "Wireless", or "Network" to find the password displayed in plain text.

Retrieving the password on Windows

If you're already connected to your WiFi on a Windows computer, the easiest way to see the password is through Settings. Click the Start button, type "WiFi", and select "Manage WiFi connections". Find your network name in the list, click it, then click "Properties". Scroll down to the "Security" section and check the box next to "Show". Your password will appear in plain text in the field labeled "Network security key".

If that method doesn't work on your version of Windows, you can use Command Prompt instead. Right-click the Start button, select "Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)", then type this command and press Enter:

netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear

Replace "YourNetworkName" with the exact name of your WiFi network. The password will appear next to "Key Content" in the output.

Retrieving the password on Mac

On a Mac, passwords are stored in Keychain, which is the system's password manager. Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. When it appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to enter your Mac login password — type it and click "Allow". The WiFi password will now be visible in the password field.

If you don't remember your Mac login password, you cannot retrieve the WiFi password this way. You'll need to use the router method instead.

Retrieving the password on iPhone or iPad

iPhones and iPads do not have a built-in way to display your WiFi password in text form. However, if you have another Apple device (another iPhone, iPad, or a Mac) that is already connected to the same WiFi network, you can use AirDrop to share the password without typing it.

On the new device, go to Settings > WiFi, tap your network name, and tap "Connect". On the device that's already connected, a prompt will appear asking if you want to share the WiFi password. Tap "Share Password", and the new device will connect automatically. This works between any two Apple devices running recent versions of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS.

If you don't have another Apple device nearby, your only option is to check the router sticker or log into the router's settings page from a computer or Android phone.

Retrieving the password on Android

Android phones do not display saved WiFi passwords in the Settings app the way Windows does. However, if your phone is rooted (modified to allow admin-level access), you can view the password by opening a file manager, navigating to /data/misc/wifi, and opening the file called wpa_supplicant.conf. The passwords are stored in plain text in this file, but accessing it requires root access, which most people do not have.

If your phone is not rooted, the simplest approach is to check the router sticker or use a computer to log into the router's settings page. You can also reset the router to factory settings and use the default password on the sticker.

What to do if you've also forgotten the router admin password

If you cannot remember the password to log into the router's settings page, you can reset the router to its factory default settings. On the back or bottom of the router, there is a small button labeled "Reset" or "Restore". Using a paperclip or the tip of a pen, press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default settings.

Once it restarts, the WiFi network name and password will be the ones printed on the sticker on the router. You can then log into the router's settings page using the default admin username and password (usually "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and the WiFi password from the sticker). After you log in, you can change the WiFi password to something new and set a new admin password so this doesn't happen again.

Resetting the router will disconnect all devices from the network, so you'll need to reconnect them using the default password after the reset is complete.

Keeping your password safe once you find it

Once you've retrieved your password, write it down or store it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass. Do not email it to yourself or text it — those create copies that can be intercepted. A password manager keeps it encrypted and accessible only to you.

If you think someone else has your WiFi password and you want to prevent them from connecting, change the password in the router settings. Log into the router's settings page, find the WiFi settings section, and change the password to something new. All devices will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not from your phone or computer directly. You'll need to either check the sticker on the router, log into the router's settings page from a device that has internet access (like a phone on mobile data), or reset the router to factory settings and use the default password on the sticker.

What if the password on the sticker doesn't work?

Someone may have changed the WiFi password after the router was set up. Log into the router's settings page using the default admin credentials (usually "admin" and "admin"), and you can see or change the WiFi password from there. If you don't know the admin password, reset the router to factory settings.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down on paper and keeping it in a safe place (like a drawer at home) is safer than storing it in an email or text message. If you prefer digital storage, use a password manager that encrypts the password. Never share your password over email or messaging apps.

Will resetting the router delete my files?

No. Resetting the router only erases the router's settings — it does not affect any files on your computer, phone, or any other device. It will disconnect all devices from the network, and you'll need to reconnect them with the default password.

Can I change my WiFi password without knowing the current one?

Yes. Log into the router's settings page, find the WiFi settings section, and enter a new password. You don't need to know the old password to set a new one. All connected devices will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using the new password.