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

Your WiFi password lives in different places depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. The fastest route is usually your router itself — most routers have the password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. If that sticker is gone or unreadable, you can pull the password from any device that's already connected to the network. Each operating system stores it in a different spot, but the process takes less than a minute once you know where to look.

You'll need admin access on the device you're checking, and on some systems you'll need to enter your password to confirm you're allowed to see it. If you've forgotten the password to your computer or phone itself, you won't be able to retrieve the WiFi password that way — you'll have to reset your router instead.

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 see saved passwords.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, and double-click to reveal the password.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and tap "Show Password" (iOS 16 and later).
  • On Android, open Settings, go to Saved Networks or WiFi, long-press your network name, and select "Share" to see the password as a QR code.

Finding the password on your router

The easiest place to find your WiFi password is on the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the network name (called the SSID) and the password. The sticker might say "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "Pre-Shared Key", or just "Password". Write it down or take a photo before you move the router, because the sticker can wear off or become unreadable over time.

If the sticker is missing or the text has faded, you can reset the router to its factory settings and set up a new password. This erases your current network settings, so only do this if you're ready to reconnect all your devices. Press and hold the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. The router will restart with the default password printed on a new sticker or in the manual.

Retrieving the password on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, you can see any WiFi password your computer has connected to before. Right-click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and select "Open Network and Internet settings". Click "WiFi" in the left menu, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks". Find your network name in the list and click it, then click "Forget". This removes it from your saved networks — don't worry, you can reconnect later.

To see the password without forgetting the network, use the Command Prompt instead. Press the Windows key and type "cmd", then right-click "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator". Type this command exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name. The password appears next to "Key Content" in the results. If your network name has spaces, put it in quotes like this: netsh wlan show profile name="My Home WiFi" key=clear

Retrieving the password on Mac

On Mac, WiFi passwords are stored in Keychain, which is the system's password manager. Open Finder, click "Applications" in the sidebar, then open the "Utilities" folder. Double-click "Keychain Access". In the search box at the top right, type your WiFi network name. When it appears in the list, double-click it to open the details window.

Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom of the window. Your Mac will ask you to confirm your user password — type it in and click "Allow". The WiFi password now appears in plain text in the password field. You can copy it from there and paste it wherever you need it.

Retrieving the password on iPhone

On iPhone with iOS 16 or later, you can see your WiFi password directly in Settings. Go to Settings > WiFi, find your network name in the list, and tap the info icon (the small circle with an "i") next to it. Tap "Show Password" at the top of the screen. Your phone will ask you to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Once you confirm, the password appears in plain text.

If you're on an older version of iOS, you won't see a "Show Password" option. Instead, you can share the password with another Apple device. On the device that's connected to the WiFi, have the other person bring their iPhone or Mac close by. A prompt will appear on both devices asking to share the password — tap "Share Password" and the other device connects automatically without ever showing the actual password text.

Retrieving the password on Android

Android doesn't display WiFi passwords in the same way as other devices, but you can see it as a QR code that another device can scan. Go to Settings > WiFi (or Network & Internet > WiFi on some phones). Long-press your network name in the list of saved networks. A menu will appear — tap "Share" or "Modify". A QR code will appear on your screen that contains your network name and password. Another phone can scan this code to connect without you typing the password.

If you need to see the password as text instead of a QR code, you'll need to access your router's admin panel. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Log in with the admin username and password (usually "admin" and "admin", or check your router's manual). Look for a section called "WiFi Settings", "Wireless", or "Network" — the password is listed there. Different router brands put this in different places, so check your router's manual if you can't find it.

What to do if you can't find the password anywhere

If the router sticker is gone and you can't retrieve the password from any connected device, your only option is to reset the router. This erases all your current settings and returns the router to the password it came with from the factory. Find the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router (it's usually recessed so you can't press it by accident). Use a paperclip or the end of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights on the front start blinking. The router will restart.

Once it's back on, look for a sticker on the router or in the manual for the default network name and password. Connect to that network, then log into the router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1) and create a new password. Write down or photograph the new password before you move on — this is your chance to create one you'll actually remember.

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 connected to that network before. If you've never connected, you'll need to check the router itself or reset it to factory settings.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password is safe. The password only controls who can connect to your network — it doesn't give anyone access to your files or accounts. If you want to disconnect someone later, you can change the password in your router's settings, and they'll be automatically disconnected.

What if I see multiple networks with similar names?

Most modern routers broadcast two networks at once: one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz. They usually have the same name with "-5G" or "-2.4G" added to the end. Both use the same password. Connect to whichever one gives you the better signal in your location.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?

Yes. Open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, then log in with your admin username and password. Look for WiFi Settings or Wireless Settings and change the password there. Your router will restart, and all your devices will disconnect — you'll need to reconnect them with the new password.