Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored on the device you used to connect to the network — not on the router itself, and not anywhere you can see it by looking at the router. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all keep this information in different places, which is why the steps change depending on what device you're using. The good news is that once you know where to look, retrieving it takes less than a minute.

You'll need to be logged into the device as an administrator or owner. If you're trying to find a password for a network someone else set up, you'll need access to their device or to ask them directly — there's no way around this security feature.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view the password in plain text after clicking "Show".
  • Mac users can find saved WiFi passwords in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and checking the "Show password" box.
  • iPhone and iPad users cannot view saved WiFi passwords directly, but can share the network with another Apple device or reset the network in Settings.
  • Android phones display saved WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, though the exact path varies by manufacturer.
  • If you've forgotten the password and can't retrieve it from any device, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings and create a new password.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find the network name you're looking for in the list and click it, then select Forget — don't worry, this doesn't delete anything yet. Go back to the WiFi menu, find the network again in the available networks list, and click it. When the connection window opens, check the box next to Connect automatically, then click Next.

At this point, Windows will ask you to enter the password. Instead of typing it, look for the option to Show password or the eye icon next to the password field. Click that, and the password will appear in plain text. Write it down before you close the window. If you want to stay connected without re-entering the password each time, complete the connection process normally.

An alternative method: right-click the WiFi icon in your system tray, select Open Network and Internet settings, then go to Advanced network options and View your network properties. Scroll to the bottom and look for Security type and Network band — the password won't show here, but this confirms you're on the right network before you use the first method above.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "keychain", 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 appears in the list, double-click it to open the details window.

In the window that opens, check the box next to Show password. Your Mac will ask you to enter your computer password to confirm you're the owner. Type it in and click Allow. The WiFi password will now appear in plain text in the password field. You can copy it directly from there.

Finding your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not allow you to view a saved WiFi password on iPhone or iPad directly through Settings. However, you have two options that work around this limitation.

The first option is to share the network with another Apple device. If you have a Mac, iPad, or another iPhone nearby, open Settings on that device, go to WiFi, and tap the network name. A menu will appear asking if you want to share the password — tap Share Password, and the password will appear on your screen. You can then screenshot it or write it down.

The second option is to reset the network connection. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This removes all saved WiFi networks from your phone. You'll need to reconnect to your network by entering the password manually — but if you don't remember it, you'll need to retrieve it from another device first using one of the methods above.

Finding your password on Android

The exact steps vary depending on your phone's manufacturer, but the general path is the same. Open Settings and look for Network and Internet or Connections. Tap WiFi, then find your network in the list of saved networks. Long-press the network name until a menu appears, then tap Manage or Edit.

A window will open showing the network details. Look for a field labeled Password or Passphrase. If the password is hidden (shown as dots or asterisks), look for an eye icon or a checkbox labeled Show password. Tap it, and the password will appear in plain text. Some Android phones also display a QR code you can scan to share the network with another device.

If you can't find the password field, try this alternative: go to Settings > Apps (or process Manager) and search for an app called WiFi Manager or Network Manager. Some manufacturers include a dedicated app for this purpose. Open it and look for your saved networks — the password retrieval process is usually the same.

What to do if you can't find the password anywhere

If you've checked every device and can't locate the password, your only option is to reset the router. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed) on the back or bottom of the router. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and return to factory settings, which means all saved passwords and custom settings will be erased.

After the reset, the router will broadcast a default network name (usually printed on a sticker on the router itself). Connect to that network using the default password (also on the sticker), then log into the router's admin panel through a web browser. From there, you can create a new WiFi network name and password. Keep the new password somewhere safe — write it down or store it in a password manager so you don't lose it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not the one who set it up?

Only if you have access to the device that originally connected to the network and you can log in as an administrator or owner. If someone else set up the network and you don't have access to their device, you'll need to ask them for the password directly. There's no way to retrieve it without one of these two things.

Why does my password show as dots or asterisks instead of actual letters?

That's a security feature to prevent someone looking over your shoulder from seeing the password. Look for a "Show password" option, an eye icon, or a checkbox near the password field. Clicking that will reveal the actual characters. On some older devices, this option may not exist, which means you'll need to use a different device to retrieve the password.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

It's safer than forgetting it and having to reset the router. Write it down and store it somewhere find — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager app, or even a note on your phone. Avoid posting it online or texting it to people you don't trust. If you're concerned about security, you can always change the password through your router's admin panel.

What if I reset the router but still can't remember the admin password?

After a factory reset, the router uses a default admin password printed on the sticker attached to the device. If that doesn't work, you may need to contact your internet service provider — they can sometimes reset the router remotely or provide you with the correct credentials. As a last resort, you can perform another factory reset and start over.

Can I retrieve a password from a network I'm not currently connected to?

Yes, as long as your device has connected to that network before and saved the password. The password is stored on your device, not on the network itself, so you can retrieve it even if the network is offline or you're far away from the router. Use the methods above for your specific device type.