Where to find your WiFi password depends on what device you're using

The easiest place to find your WiFi password is usually the router itself — most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default network name and password printed on it. If that sticker is missing or the password has been changed, you can retrieve it from any device that's already connected to the network. Windows computers, Macs, iPhones, and Android phones all store this information, though the steps differ for each.

You do not need special software or tools. Everything you need is built into your operating system. The process takes less than five minutes on any device.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the physical router first — most have the WiFi password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & 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, and click "Advanced" to see the password in Keychain.
  • On iPhone and Android, you cannot view the actual password through settings, but you can share the network with another device to confirm it works.
  • If you've forgotten the password and cannot retrieve it from a connected device, you can reset the router to factory settings, which will restore the default password on the sticker.

Finding the password on a Windows computer

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click "Network & Internet" on the left side, then select "WiFi." Under "Manage known networks," click the network name you want the password for.

Click "Manage" next to that network name. A new window opens. Look for "Security type" and "Security key" — the security key is your WiFi password. If you see a dot or asterisk instead of the actual password, click the eye icon next to it to reveal the characters.

Write down the password exactly as it appears, including capital letters and numbers. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword123" is different from "mypassword123."

Finding the password on a Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Preferences" (or "System Settings" on newer Macs). Click "Network," then select your WiFi network from the list on the left. Click "Advanced" in the bottom-right corner.

A new window opens. Click the "WiFi" tab at the top if it is not already selected. Look for "Password" in the list — it will show as dots or asterisks. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual password. You may need to enter your Mac login password to see it.

If you do not see an eye icon, your Mac may be running an older version. In that case, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command + Space), search for your network name, double-click it, check the box that says "Show password," and enter your Mac login password when prompted.

Why iPhone and Android don't show the password directly

iPhones and Android phones do not have a built-in way to view a saved WiFi password through settings. This is a security feature — the phone stores the password but does not display it to prevent someone from seeing it if they pick up your phone.

If you need to share your WiFi with another person, use the built-in sharing feature instead. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap WiFi, tap the network name, and select "Share Password" — the other person can accept it on their phone without you typing it out. On Android, go to Settings, tap Network & Internet, long-press your WiFi network, tap "Share," and show the QR code to the other person so they can scan it.

Checking the router itself for the default password

Look at the physical router — it is usually a box with antennas sitting on a shelf or in a closet. On the back or bottom, there is often a white or silver sticker with information printed on it. This sticker typically shows the network name (SSID) and the default password.

The sticker may say "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "Security Key," or straightforward list the password next to the network name. If the sticker is faded or missing, you can look up the default password for your router model online by searching the brand and model number (also on the sticker) plus "default password."

Keep in mind that if someone has changed the password since the router was set up, the sticker will show the original default password, not the current one. In that case, you will need to use the Windows or Mac steps above to find the current password.

Resetting the router if you cannot find the password anywhere

If you cannot retrieve the password from a connected device and the sticker is missing, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all custom settings and restores the default password that came with the router.

Locate the small reset button on the back of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will flash, indicating it is resetting. Wait two to three minutes for the router to restart.

Once it restarts, check the sticker on the back for the default network name and password. You will need to reconnect all your devices using these credentials. After you reconnect, you can change the password to something new through the router's admin panel (usually accessed by typing the router's IP address into a web browser — check the sticker or manual for the address).

What to do if you share a device with other people

If multiple people use the same computer or phone, anyone with access to that device can follow these steps to see the WiFi password. If you want to prevent this, you can change your WiFi password through the router's admin panel so that the old password stored on the device no longer works.

To access the router's admin panel, open a web browser and type the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check your router's sticker or manual). Log in with the admin username and password (also on the sticker if unchanged). Look for a WiFi settings or Security section, then change the password. All devices will disconnect and will need to reconnect using the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can only view a saved password from a device that is currently connected to that network or has been connected to it in the past. If you have never connected a device to the network, you will need to check the router's sticker or reset the router to access the default password.

Why does my Windows computer show "Cannot display this password" when I try to view it?

This usually means your user account does not have administrator rights on the computer. Ask the person who set up the computer to log in and retrieve the password for you, or contact your IT department if this is a work computer.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes, as long as you keep the written password in a find place — not on a sticky note on your monitor. Consider storing it in a password manager or a locked drawer. If you are concerned about security, you can change your WiFi password at any time through the router's admin panel.

What if the password on the sticker does not work?

The password has likely been changed since the router was installed. Use the Windows or Mac steps to retrieve the current password from a device that is already connected. If no devices are connected, you will need to reset the router to restore the default password.

Can I view my WiFi password on a guest device that is not connected?

No. You need either a device that is already connected to the network or access to the router itself. If you are visiting someone else's home, ask them for the password directly rather than trying to retrieve it from their devices.