Where your WiFi password lives on your device

Your device stores your WiFi password the moment you connect to a network. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all keep this information in different places, but the password itself is the same across all your devices — it is whatever you or your router set it to be.

The fastest way to recover a forgotten password depends on what device you are using right now. If you have a computer or phone already connected to that WiFi network, you can pull the password from the device's settings without touching the router. If nothing is connected, you will need to reset the router itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, where you can view the password in plain text.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and checking the "Show password" box.
  • iPhone and iPad do not display saved passwords in Settings, but you can share the network to another Apple device or check your router directly.
  • Android devices show the QR code for your network in Settings > Network > WiFi, which you can scan with another phone to see the password.
  • If no device is connected, restart your router and look for a sticker on the back or bottom with the default password printed on it.

Retrieving your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and select Manage Known Networks. Find the network name you are looking for and click it. A new window opens showing network details — click the Security tab, then check the box next to "Show" under the password field. Your password appears in plain text.

If you do not see the network listed, it means your computer has never connected to it. In that case, you will need to check a device that is currently connected, or access the router directly.

Retrieving your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. When the network appears in the results, double-click it. A window opens showing network details. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom — you may be asked to enter your Mac login password to confirm. Your WiFi password then appears in the password field.

Keychain Access stores passwords for every network your Mac has ever connected to, so if you have switched networks before, you may see multiple entries. Make sure you are looking at the correct network name.

Retrieving your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not provide a direct way to view a saved WiFi password in Settings on iPhone or iPad. However, you can share your network with another Apple device without revealing the password itself. Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and tap "Share Password" — the other device receives a prompt to join without typing anything.

If you need to see the actual password, the most reliable method is to check your router. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of the router that shows the default network name and password. If you have changed the password since setup, you will need to reset the router to factory settings or access it through a web browser on a connected device.

Retrieving your password on Android

Go to Settings and find Network or WiFi (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Tap the network you are connected to. Look for a QR code displayed on the screen — this code contains your network name and password. Open the camera app on another phone and point it at the QR code, then tap the notification that appears. The second phone will show an option to join the network, revealing the password in the process.

Some Android phones also allow you to view the password directly in the network details screen. If you see a "Show password" option, tap it and confirm with your fingerprint or PIN. Not all Android versions include this feature, so the QR code method is more reliable across different phones.

Checking your router when no device is connected

If nothing in your home is connected to the WiFi network, look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router. Most routers ship with a default network name and password printed on this sticker. The password is usually a string of numbers and letters. Write down both the network name and password exactly as shown.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to factory settings. Hold down the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. The router restarts with its default password. You will then need to set up the network again from scratch using the setup app or web interface that came with the router.

What to do if you cannot find the password anywhere

If the router sticker is gone and no device in your home is connected, contact your internet service provider. They have a record of the account and can tell you the default password or send a technician to help. Have your account number ready when you call.

You can also log into your router's web interface if you remember the admin password (different from the WiFi password). Open a browser, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and log in. The WiFi password is usually listed under Wireless Settings or Network Settings. If you do not remember the admin password either, a factory reset is your only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, not from the device itself. You need either a device that is currently connected to the network, or physical access to the router. If you have neither, contact your internet service provider with your account information and they can help you recover it.

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

No, they are two separate passwords. The WiFi password is what guests use to join your network. The admin password controls access to the router's settings. You can change either one independently without affecting the other.

What if I changed my WiFi password and forgot the new one?

Use the same steps above on any device currently connected to the network — it will show the current password, not the old one. If no device is connected, you will need to reset the router and set a new password from scratch.

Why does my password look like a QR code on Android?

Android displays the network information as a QR code for convenience. You can scan it with another phone to join the network, or take a screenshot and use a QR code reader app to see the text version of the password.