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 all of them let you see what you typed in — you do not need to reset the network or call your internet provider to find it.

The password you are looking for is the one you entered when you first joined the network. It is not the same as your router's admin password (the one that lets you change WiFi settings), and it is not the same as your internet provider's account password. It is just the network password — usually 8 to 20 characters, often a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view saved networks and see 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 directly, but you can share the network with another Apple device or reset the network and reconnect.
  • Android phones show the WiFi password in Settings under Network and Internet, though the exact path varies by manufacturer.
  • If you cannot find the password on your device, you can reset it on the router itself using the reset button or the router's web interface.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet. Select WiFi, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find the network name you want the password for and click it. Select "Forget," then reconnect to that same network — Windows will ask you to enter the password again, and you will see it as you type.

If you want to see a password you are already connected to without forgetting the network, use Command Prompt instead. Right-click the Start menu, select "Run," type cmd, and press Enter. Type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name. The password appears next to "Key Content" in the results.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type Keychain Access, and press Enter. 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 opens — check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your user password to confirm, then displays the WiFi password in plain text.

If you do not see your network in Keychain Access, make sure you are searching in the "Passwords" category, not "All Items." You can also filter by "Passwords" using the dropdown on the left side of the window.

Finding your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not let you view a saved WiFi password directly on iPhone or iPad the way Windows and Mac do. Instead, you have three options: share the network with another Apple device, reset the network connection, or check your router.

To share the network, have another person with an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) stand near you. Go to Settings > WiFi on your device, tap the network name, and tap "Share Password." Their device will receive a notification asking to join — they tap "Share Password" and your device displays the password briefly. To reset the network, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Your device forgets all saved networks, so you will need to reconnect and enter the password again — write it down when you do.

Finding your password on Android

The steps vary by phone manufacturer, but most Android devices follow this path: open Settings, tap Network and Internet (or Connections), select WiFi, find your network name, and tap it. Look for an option that says "Show password" or a gear icon next to the network name. Tap it and your phone displays the password. Some phones require you to enter your PIN or use biometric authentication first.

If your phone does not show the password in Settings, try opening the WiFi QR code instead. Go to your WiFi settings, find the network, and look for a QR code option. Take a screenshot of the QR code and open it in a QR code reader app — the password often appears in the decoded text. If neither method works, your phone may not store the password in a readable format, and you will need to check your router instead.

Checking your router if you cannot find it on your device

If your device does not show the password, you can find it on the router itself. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually lists the network name and password. If the sticker is worn or missing, you can log into the router's web interface.

Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. A login page appears — the default username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password," though this varies by manufacturer. Once logged in, look for a section called "WiFi," "Wireless," or "Network Settings." The password is usually listed next to "WiFi Password" or "Pre-Shared Key." If you do not know the router login, check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model.

What to do if you cannot remember the password at all

If the password is not on the sticker, not in your device settings, and you cannot log into the router, you can reset the router to factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button on the back — hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router restarts and returns to its default password, which is usually printed on a new sticker or in the manual.

After a factory reset, you will need to set up the router again from scratch. This means reconnecting all your devices and creating a new WiFi password. If you are renting and the router belongs to your landlord or internet provider, contact them before resetting — they may have the password on file or can reset it remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The WiFi password is what you type to join the network. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings to change the WiFi name or password. They are separate, and you only need the WiFi password to connect devices.

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

On Windows and Mac, yes — you can view any password for a network you have connected to before. On iPhone and iPad, no — you can only see the password if you are currently connected or if you share it with another Apple device. On Android, it depends on the manufacturer, but most phones only show passwords for networks you are currently connected to.

What if the password shows as asterisks or dots instead of letters?

That means your device is hiding the password for security. On Windows, use the Command Prompt method described above. On Mac, check the "Show password" box in Keychain Access. On iPhone, you cannot unhide it — use the share method instead. On Android, tap "Show password" if the option appears.

Will viewing my password change it or log me out?

No. Viewing a saved password does not change it, reset it, or disconnect any devices. It only displays what you already have stored.

Can I change my WiFi password from my device?

You cannot change it directly from your phone or computer — you have to log into the router's web interface or use the router's app. Once you change the password on the router, all your devices will disconnect and ask you to enter the new password to reconnect.