Where your WiFi password is stored on your device

Your device already knows your WiFi password — it has to, or it couldn't reconnect automatically. The password is stored in your operating system's network settings, encrypted and hidden from plain view. You do not need to contact your internet provider or reset anything. You just need to look in the right place on the device you used to join the network originally.

The location changes depending on whether you are using Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. Each system keeps passwords in a different settings menu, and the steps are straightforward once you know where to look. If you cannot find the password on any of your devices, your router itself has a backup password printed on a sticker — we will cover that too.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, accessible through the "Manage known networks" option.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access, a built-in app that stores all saved passwords on the computer.
  • iPhone and iPad do not display saved WiFi passwords in settings, but you can share the password directly to another Apple device without seeing it.
  • Android phones show the WiFi password in Settings under Network and Internet, but only if you set up the network on that specific phone.
  • If you cannot find the password anywhere, the default password is printed on a sticker attached to your router itself.

Finding your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet. On the left side, select "WiFi", then scroll down and click "Manage known networks". You will see a list of every network your computer has ever connected to. Find your network name in that list and click it.

A window will open showing network details. Look for a button or link that says "Show" next to the password field. Click it, and your password will appear in plain text. Windows may ask you to confirm your computer password before showing it — this is normal security. Type your Windows password and the WiFi password will display.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Spotlight search by pressing Command + Space, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. This opens the app where Mac stores all passwords. In the search box at the top right, type your network name (the WiFi name you see when you look for available networks).

Your network will appear in the list. Double-click it to open a details window. At the bottom, check the box next to "Show password". Mac will ask for your computer password — enter it, and your WiFi password will appear in the password field. You can now copy it or write it down.

Finding your password on iPhone or iPad

Apple does not let you view a saved WiFi password directly in Settings. Instead, you can share the password to another Apple device without ever seeing it yourself. If you have a Mac, iPad, or another iPhone nearby, open WiFi settings on that device, select your network, and tap "Share Password". The device with the saved password will show a prompt — tap "Share" and the password transfers automatically.

If you do not have another Apple device, your only option is to look at the router itself. The default password is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router. You can also reset the router to factory settings, which will restore the default password, though this will disconnect all devices temporarily.

Finding your password on Android

Go to Settings and select Network and Internet (or WiFi, depending on your phone model). Tap "WiFi" to see your saved networks. Find your network name and tap it — a details screen will appear. Look for a password field or an eye icon. Tap the eye icon to reveal the password in plain text.

This method only works if you originally set up the network on this specific Android phone. If someone else connected the phone to the network, or if you switched phones, the password will not appear — you will need to check a device that originally joined the network, or look at the router sticker.

Reading the password from your router

Every router has a sticker on the back, bottom, or side that displays the default WiFi network name and password. Look for a sticker labeled "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Key". The password is usually a string of letters and numbers. This is the password your router came with from the manufacturer.

If you changed your WiFi password after setting up the router, the sticker will show the old default password, not your current one. In that case, you will need to check one of your devices using the steps above. If you changed the password and cannot find it anywhere, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this will restore the default password shown on the sticker, but all your devices will need to reconnect.

What to do if you still cannot find the password

If none of your devices show the password and you cannot read the router sticker, you have two options. First, check whether anyone else in your household has a device that originally connected to the network — their phone or computer will have the password stored. Second, contact your internet provider with proof that you are the account holder. They can reset your WiFi password remotely, and you will receive a new one by email or text.

Resetting through your provider usually takes a few minutes. You will need to provide your account number or the phone number associated with the account. After the reset, all your devices will show "incorrect password" when they try to reconnect — you will need to "forget" the network and rejoin it using the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if someone else set up the network?

Only if you use a device that was present when the network was set up. If you were not there and did not connect your device at that time, your device does not have the password stored. Ask the person who set it up, or check the router sticker for the default password.

What if the sticker on my router is worn or unreadable?

Contact your internet provider with proof of account ownership. They can tell you the default password or reset it for you. You can also try taking a photo of the sticker under different lighting — sometimes the text becomes visible in certain angles or with a flash.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes. Writing it down and storing it somewhere find (like a notebook in your home) is safer than using a weak password you can remember. Anyone with physical access to your home can read it, but they already have access to your router, so the risk is low.

Will resetting my router delete my internet history?

No. Resetting the router only erases its network settings — it does not touch your browsing history, files, or anything on your devices. Your internet provider may have records of your activity, but that is separate from the router.

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 (check your router manual for the exact address). Log in with the admin password (usually printed on the sticker), find the WiFi settings, and change the password there. All your devices will need to reconnect using the new password.