Where your WiFi password lives on each device

Your WiFi password is stored on the device you used to connect to the network. Windows keeps it in a settings menu, Mac stores it in Keychain, and phones save it in their network settings. The password itself never appears on your router — only the device that joined the network remembers it.

The fastest route depends on what you have in front of you right now. If you have the computer or phone that originally connected to your WiFi, you can retrieve the password in under a minute. If you don't have that device, you'll need to reset the password through your router instead.

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 find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name, then double-clicking the entry and checking "Show password".
  • iPhone and Android phones display saved passwords in their WiFi settings, though the exact menu location differs between the two systems.
  • If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset it by logging into your router's admin panel with the router's default username and password.
  • Your router's default login credentials are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device itself.

Finding your password on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi from the left sidebar. Click "Manage known networks" and find your network name in the list. Click on it, then select "Forget" — this does not delete the password, it just opens the next screen.

After you click Forget, your network will disappear from the list. Go back to your WiFi list, find your network again, and click "Connect". A window will appear asking for the password. Below the password field, check the box next to "Show" — the password will appear in plain text. Write it down before you close the window.

If this method doesn't work on your version of Windows, try the Command Prompt route instead. Right-click the Start button, select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)", and type this exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replace 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 your network name. When it appears in the list, double-click it.

A window will open showing details about your network. At the bottom, check the box next to "Show password". Your Mac will ask for your user password — enter it and click "Allow". Your WiFi password will now appear in the password field. You can copy it directly from there.

Finding your password on iPhone

Go to Settings, tap WiFi, and find your network name in the list. Tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i" inside) next to your network name. Your password appears under "Password" — tap it to copy it to your clipboard.

This works only on iPhone running iOS 16 or later. If you have an older iPhone, you cannot view the password through Settings. Instead, you'll need to reset the password on your router.

Finding your password on Android

The process varies by phone manufacturer and Android version. On most recent Android phones, go to Settings, tap Network and Internet, then WiFi. Long-press your network name and tap "Manage". Look for a "Share" or "QR code" option — tap it and you may see the password displayed.

On some Android phones, the password does not display in Settings at all. If you don't see it after following these steps, you'll need to reset the password through your router instead. The QR code option, if available, can be scanned by another device to connect without typing the password.

Resetting your password through the router

If you cannot find the password on any device, you can create a new one by logging into your router. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it will show the router's model number and the default username and password (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and "password").

Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check the sticker if those don't work. Log in with the username and password from the sticker. Look for a section called "WiFi", "Wireless", or "Network Settings" — the exact name depends on your router brand.

Find the field labeled "Password", "WiFi Password", or "Pre-Shared Key" and enter a new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Save the changes. Your router will restart and all devices will disconnect — you'll need to reconnect using the new password.

What to do if you've forgotten your router password

If you don't remember the default password from the sticker and you've changed it since, you can reset the router to factory settings. On the back of the router, there is usually a small reset button inside a hole. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default settings, including the default username and password on the sticker.

Resetting the router will erase any custom settings you've made, including port forwarding or parental controls. You'll need to set up your WiFi network again from scratch. This is a last resort — only do it if you truly cannot access the router any other way.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your device only stores the password after you've connected to the network at least once. If you've never connected from that device, it won't have the password saved. You'll need to use a device that has connected before, or reset the password through your router.

Why does my password not show up in Windows Settings?

Some networks, particularly enterprise or corporate WiFi, don't allow password viewing through Settings for security reasons. Try the Command Prompt method instead. If that also fails, you likely don't have permission to view the password and will need to contact your network administrator.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes, as long as you keep the written copy in a find location like a locked drawer or password manager. Anyone with access to the password can connect to your network, so don't leave it on a sticky note on your monitor or share it in unencrypted emails.

What if my router doesn't have a reset button?

Some routers use a recessed reset button that requires a special tool. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions. Alternatively, you can unplug the router for 30 seconds and plug it back in — this sometimes resets it to factory settings, though not always.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the whole router?

Yes. Log into your router using the default credentials, find the WiFi or Wireless settings section, and change only the password field. Save the changes and the router will restart. All your other settings remain the same — only the WiFi password changes.