Where to find your WiFi password depends on your device and operating system

If you are already connected to a WiFi network, you can retrieve the password from your device's settings without needing to contact your router or internet provider. The steps differ between Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, but all of them store the password locally once you have connected. You do not need special software or technical knowledge — the password is in a menu you already have access to.

The fastest route is usually your computer, since Windows and Mac both display the password in plain text once you confirm your identity. Phone methods work too, but they often show only a confirmation that you are connected rather than the actual characters. If you need the exact password to share with someone else or to reconnect a device, a computer is your best option.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the saved password.
  • On Mac, open System Preferences, select Network, choose your WiFi network, and click "Advanced" to see the password in the Keychain.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings, tap WiFi, select your network, and look for the password field — you may need to tap "Show Password" if the option appears.
  • On Android, the method varies by manufacturer, but Settings > WiFi > Saved Networks usually shows connected networks; some phones require you to tap the network name to reveal the password.
  • If you cannot find the password on your device, you can reset it through your router's admin panel, which usually requires logging in at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser.

Finding your password on Windows

Open the Settings app and navigate to Network and Internet. On the left sidebar, select WiFi, then scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find the network name (SSID) you are looking for and click it.

Click Forget if you want to remove it from your saved networks, or click the network name itself to open its details. Select Security and toggle the switch next to Show password. Windows will ask you to confirm your user account password. Once you do, the WiFi password appears in plain text in the "Password" field.

If you do not see a "Show password" option, try right-clicking the network name and selecting Properties instead. Some Windows versions display the password under a Security tab in a separate window.

Finding your password on Mac

Open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs) and click Network. Select your WiFi network from the list on the left, then click Advanced. A new window opens showing your network details.

Look for the WiFi tab at the top of this window. The password is not displayed by default, but you can view it by opening Keychain Access. Press Command + Space to open Spotlight, type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. Search for your network name in the Keychain window. Double-click the network entry, check the box next to Show password, and enter your Mac user password when prompted.

Finding your password on iPhone

Go to Settings and tap WiFi. Find the network you are connected to (it will have a checkmark next to it) and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to the network name. A details screen appears showing the network name and signal strength.

On some iPhone models, the password field appears directly on this screen. Tap the password field and select Show Password if that option is available. You may need to use Face ID or enter your passcode to reveal it. On older iPhone versions, the password may not display at all — in that case, you will need to check another device or access your router settings.

Finding your password on Android

Open Settings and go to WiFi or Network and Internet (the exact name varies by phone manufacturer). Tap Saved Networks or Manage Networks. Find your network in the list and tap it. Some Android phones show a QR code instead of the password text — if so, you can take a screenshot of the QR code and share it with others, who can scan it to connect.

If your phone displays a password field, tap it to reveal the characters. You may need to confirm with your fingerprint or PIN. On Samsung phones, go to Settings > Connections > WiFi > Manage Saved Networks, tap your network, and look for a password or QR code option. On Google Pixel phones, the process is similar but the menu names may differ slightly.

Resetting your password through the router if you cannot find it on any device

If you cannot locate the password on any of your devices, you can change it by logging into your router 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.

The default username and password are usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router. Common defaults are "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and the router's serial number. Once you log in, look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security. You can change the password from there and save the new settings. All devices will need to reconnect using the new password.

If you do not know the default login credentials and cannot find them on the router, you can perform a factory reset by holding down a small reset button on the router for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all custom settings and returns the router to its defaults, so you will need to set up your WiFi again from scratch.

Why your device might not show the password

Some devices, especially older iPhones and some Android phones, do not display saved WiFi passwords in their settings for security reasons. This is intentional — the operating system stores the password but does not show it to you. In these cases, your only option is to check the password on a computer or through your router settings.

If you have forgotten the password entirely and cannot access it on any device, resetting the router is your next step. Keep in mind that resetting the router will disconnect all devices from your WiFi, and you will need to reconnect them once the new password is set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the WiFi password if I am not the one who set it up?

Yes, if you are already connected to the network, you can view the password using the same steps above on any device you own. The password is stored on your device once you connect, regardless of who created the network. However, you cannot view passwords for networks you are not connected to.

What if I see a QR code instead of a password on my phone?

A QR code is another way to share your WiFi connection. You can take a screenshot of it and send it to someone else, and they can scan it with their phone to connect automatically without typing the password. The QR code contains the same information as the password, just in a different format.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password after I find it?

Yes, sharing your password with people you trust is safe. However, if you share it with someone you later want to disconnect, you will need to change the password through your router settings. Changing the password will disconnect everyone currently on your network, and they will need the new password to reconnect.

Why does my router login page not open when I type 192.168.1.1?

Your router may use a different IP address. Try 192.168.0.1 instead. If neither works, check the sticker on your router for the correct address, or open Command Prompt on Windows and type "ipconfig," then look for the "Default Gateway" — that is your router's address. On Mac, open Terminal and type "netstat -nr | grep default" to find it.

Can I recover a password if I factory reset my router?

No, a factory reset erases all saved passwords and settings. Once you reset the router, the old password is gone permanently. You will need to create a new password and reconnect all your devices. If you need to keep your old password, do not reset the router — instead, try the other methods to find it on your devices.