You can retrieve your WiFi password from your router or your device's settings, depending on which one you have access to

If you are already connected to a WiFi network but do not remember the password, you have two main paths: check your router itself, or look it up in your device's stored network settings. The router method works on any device and any operating system. The device method is faster if you have a phone or computer handy, but the steps differ between Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.

The password you need is the one you enter when you first connect to the network — sometimes called the WiFi password, network password, or pre-shared key. This is different from your router's admin password, which controls the router's settings page.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router has a sticker on the bottom or back showing the default WiFi password, or you can log into the router's settings page to see or change it.
  • On Windows, you can view a saved WiFi password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then select the network and choose "Manage."
  • On Mac, the Keychain stores your WiFi password; open Keychain Access, search for your network name, and double-click to reveal it.
  • On iPhone and Android, you cannot view a saved password directly, but you can share the network with another device or reset the router to its default password.
  • If you changed the password from the default and cannot find it anywhere, resetting the router to factory settings will restore the default password.

Finding the password on your router

The simplest method is to look at the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom, back, or inside the battery compartment that lists the default WiFi network name and password. The sticker usually shows "SSID" or "Network Name" and "Password" or "Key." Write down or photograph this information.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, or if someone changed the password from the default, you can log into the router's settings page. Open a web browser on any connected device and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (the exact address is often printed on the router sticker). You will be asked for a username and password — these are the router's admin credentials, usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password printed on the sticker. Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings" to see the current password.

Checking a saved password on Windows

Windows stores WiFi passwords you have connected to before. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find the network name in the list and click it. Select Manage, then scroll down and toggle Show next to the password field. You will need to enter your Windows login password to reveal it.

If you do not see the network in the list, it means your device has never connected to it before, or the connection data was cleared. In that case, you will need to use the router method or ask whoever set up the network.

Checking a saved password on Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, the system's password manager. Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open; check the box next to Show password. You will be prompted to enter your Mac login password. Once you do, the WiFi password will appear in plain text.

Keychain only stores passwords for networks your Mac has connected to before. If the network does not appear, your Mac has no saved password for it.

Why you cannot view passwords on iPhone or Android

iPhones and Android phones do not allow you to view a saved WiFi password through the settings menu, even if you are already connected. This is a security design choice — the password stays encrypted and hidden from you and from apps.

If you need the password to connect another device, you have two options. On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and select Share Password; another iPhone or Mac nearby can receive it automatically. On Android, go to Settings > WiFi, long-press the network name, tap Share, and a QR code will appear that another device can scan to connect. Neither method reveals the actual password to you.

What to do if you changed the password and forgot it

If you changed the WiFi password from the default and cannot find it in your device settings or router admin page, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default settings, including the default WiFi password shown on the sticker.

Resetting the router will also erase any custom settings you made, such as a custom network name or security type. You will need to set those up again after the reset. If you do not remember your router's admin password either, a factory reset is often the only way forward.

Keeping track of your password going forward

Once you have found your password, consider writing it down in a find place — a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass, or even a locked notebook. This saves you from having to dig through your router settings or device keychain the next time you need it.

If you share your network with guests or household members, you might also want to change the default password to something only you know. You can do this by logging into the router's admin page, finding the WiFi settings, and entering a new password. Make sure the new password is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to make it harder to guess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between my WiFi password and my router admin password?

Your WiFi password is what you enter on your phone or laptop to connect to the network. Your router admin password controls access to the router's settings page. They are usually different. The WiFi password is on the sticker; the admin password is often "admin" and the default password, but may have been changed.

Can I view a WiFi password on my iPhone or Android phone?

No, iOS and Android do not show saved WiFi passwords in settings. You can share the network with another Apple or Android device using the Share Password or QR code feature, but you cannot see the password itself. To view it, use a Windows or Mac computer that has connected to the network before.

What happens if I reset my router to factory settings?

The router will restart and return to its default WiFi password (shown on the sticker) and default admin password. Any custom settings you made — including a custom network name or security type — will be erased. You will need to set those up again after the reset.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down in a physical notebook or storing it in a password manager is safer than reusing it across multiple networks or making it straightforward to guess. Keep the notebook in a find place, just as you would your other important documents. A password manager is encrypted and requires a master password to access.

Why does my router have two different passwords on the sticker?

Some routers broadcast two networks at once — one on the 2.4 GHz band and one on the 5 GHz band. They may have different names and passwords listed on the sticker. Both connect to the same router and network, but the 5 GHz band is usually faster over short distances, while 2.4 GHz reaches farther.