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 view what you typed in — you do not need to reset the network or call your internet provider to see it.

The fastest route depends on what device you are using right now. If you are on the computer that originally connected to the network, you can pull the password from your system settings in under a minute. If you are on a phone or a different computer, the process takes a few more steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, then Status, then WiFi, then Manage Known Networks.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name, then double-clicking and checking "Show password".
  • iPhone and Android do not display saved passwords in their settings, but you can share the network directly to another device instead of typing the password manually.
  • If you cannot find the password on your device, you can reset it through your router's admin panel or your internet provider's website.

Finding your password on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet. Click Status on the left sidebar, then scroll down and click "WiFi" to expand that section. You will see a list of networks you have connected to — find the one you want and click "Manage Known Networks."

Click the network name, then click "Forget." This sounds like it deletes the password, but it does not — it just opens the next screen. Go back to the same Settings path and click "WiFi" again. Your network will still appear in the list of available networks. Click it, click "Connect," and when it asks for the password, click "Can't connect?" at the bottom. A link will appear that says "I forgot the password" — click that, and Windows will show you the saved password in plain text.

If that method does not work, you can also use Command Prompt. Right-click the Start button, select "Windows Terminal (Admin)," and type this command: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replace YourNetworkName with your actual network name). The password will appear next to "Key Content."

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 it appears in the list, double-click it.

A window will open showing details about that network. At the bottom, check the box next to "Show password." Your Mac will ask for your user password — type it in, and your WiFi password will appear on screen.

Finding your password on iPhone

iPhone does not show saved passwords in Settings the way Windows and Mac do. Instead, you can share your network directly to another iPhone, iPad, or Mac without typing the password at all. Have the other person try to connect to your WiFi network. When they do, a notification will pop up on your phone asking if you want to share the password — tap "Share Password," and their device will connect automatically.

If you need the actual password text, the only way to see it on iPhone is to reset the network through your router. This is the same process described in the router section below.

Finding your password on Android

Android also does not display saved passwords in Settings. Like iPhone, the easiest route is to share the network directly. Go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then WiFi. Tap the network you are connected to, then tap "Share." A QR code will appear — the other person can scan it with their phone to connect without typing anything.

If you need the password itself, you will need to reset it through your router or contact your internet provider.

Resetting the password through your router

If you cannot find the password on any of your devices, you can change it through your router's admin panel. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Your router's login page will appear.

Log in using the username and password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — these are different from your WiFi password. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings." Find the field labeled "Password," "Pre-Shared Key," or "Passphrase," and type in a new password. Make sure it is at least 8 characters long. Save the changes, and your router will restart. All your devices will disconnect, and you will need to reconnect using the new password.

Getting the password from your internet provider

If you do not know the router login password, you can contact your internet provider and ask them to reset it. They can do this remotely, and your router will restart with a temporary password that they will give you. You can then log into the router and change both the router password and the WiFi password to something you choose.

Your provider's customer service number is usually on your bill or on their website. Have your account number ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On Windows and Mac, yes — the password is stored on your device even if the network is offline. On iPhone and Android, you cannot view it in settings at all, but you can still share the network to another device if you are connected to it.

What if I forgot both my WiFi password and my router password?

You can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings, and you will need to set up the router again from scratch. Your internet provider can walk you through this process.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password is safe. The person will only be able to use your internet connection — they cannot see your files or other devices on your network unless you have specifically shared them.

Why does Windows ask me to forget the network before showing the password?

It does not actually delete anything. The "forget" step just opens the password recovery interface. Your device will still remember the network after you view the password.