Where Your Network Password Lives

Your WiFi password is stored on the device you used to set up the network — usually your router, but also on any computer or phone that has connected before. Windows keeps it in Settings, Mac stores it in Keychain, and phones hide it in their network settings. The fastest route depends on which device you have in front of you right now.

If you have forgotten the password entirely and cannot find it on any device, you can reset the router itself, which wipes all settings and returns it to the factory default password printed on a sticker on the device. This disconnects every device on your network temporarily, so it is a last resort.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores your WiFi password in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view it in plain text without restarting anything.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name, then checking the "Show password" box after entering their Mac login.
  • iPhones and Android phones do not display the password in their settings, but you can share it directly to another device without seeing it yourself.
  • If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset the router to factory defaults using the small reset button on the back, which requires reconnecting all devices.
  • The router's default password is printed on a sticker attached to the device itself, usually on the bottom or back.

Finding the Password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the app that appears. Go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi from the left sidebar. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks", then find your network name in the list and click it.

Click "Properties" at the top of the window. Scroll down to the "Security" section and look for "Security type" and "Encryption type" — these show how the network is protected. Below that, find the line that says "Network security key". Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text. You can now copy it or write it down.

Finding the Password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command and Space, typing "Keychain Access", and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears on your device.

When the network name appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens showing the network details. Check the box labeled "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to enter your Mac login password — this is the password you use to unlock your computer, not your WiFi password. After you enter it, the WiFi password appears in plain text in the same box.

Finding the Password on iPhone and iPad

iPhones do not display WiFi passwords in their settings the way Windows and Mac do. Instead, you can share the password directly to another Apple device without ever seeing it yourself. Open Settings, go to WiFi, tap the network name you are connected to, and look for a "Share Password" button. If another Apple device is nearby, you can tap that button and the password transfers automatically.

If you need to see the password on your iPhone, the only way is to reset the router and use the default password printed on it. This is not ideal because it disconnects all devices, but it is the only method available on iOS.

Finding the Password on Android

Android phones also do not show saved WiFi passwords in Settings. However, if you have a QR code for your network — sometimes printed on the router or in your router's app — you can scan it with another device to connect without typing the password.

If you need the actual password text, you can use the router's admin panel instead. Open a web browser on any device connected to the network, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and log in with the admin username and password (usually "admin" and "admin", or printed on the router). Once inside, look for a section called "Wireless" or "WiFi Settings" where the password is displayed. The exact location varies by router brand.

Resetting the Router to Find the Default Password

If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset the router to its factory settings. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and all its settings will return to factory defaults. The default password is printed on a sticker attached to the router, usually on the bottom. Log in with that password, then set up a new network name and password in the router's settings. Be aware that every device on your network will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using the new password.

Using the Router's Admin Panel

If you have access to the router itself, you can log into its settings directly. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will see a login screen asking for a username and password — these are the router's admin credentials, not your WiFi password, and they are usually "admin" and "admin" by default, or printed on the router's sticker.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "Security". The exact name and location depend on your router brand and model. Inside that section, you will see your network name and the password you set. You can view it, change it, or write it down from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On Windows and Mac, yes — the password is stored locally on the device even if the network is offline. On phones, no — you can only view passwords for networks you have connected to before, and only through workarounds like the router's admin panel.

What if I do not know my router's admin password?

Reset the router using the recessed button on the back. This returns it to factory defaults, and the default admin password is printed on the sticker. After you log in, you can set a new admin password if you want.

Will resetting the router affect my internet connection?

Yes. Resetting the router disconnects all devices temporarily and erases all custom settings. Every device will need to reconnect using the new network name and password you set up after the reset.

Can I see my WiFi password on a guest device that is not mine?

No. The password is stored only on devices that have connected to the network before. A guest device that has never connected cannot display it without access to the router's admin panel or the original setup device.

What if the password sticker on my router is worn off or missing?

Reset the router using the button on the back. The factory default password is usually "admin" and "admin", or you can look up your router model online to find the default credentials. After reset, you can set a new password you will remember.