Where to find your WiFi password depends on your device

The fastest way to find your WiFi password is on the device you're already connected to. Windows stores it in network settings, Mac keeps it in Keychain, and phones store it in their network memory. If you've forgotten the password, you can retrieve it from any device that's currently connected to that network — you don't need to reset your router or call your internet provider.

The steps differ by operating system, but the principle is the same: your device remembers the password you entered when you first joined the network. That stored password is what you'll retrieve.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to see the password in plain text.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password.
  • On iPhone or iPad, you cannot view the password directly, but you can share it by opening Settings > WiFi, tapping the info icon next to your network, and selecting "Share Password" to send it to another Apple device.
  • On Android, the password is not visible in settings, but you can reset your router to factory settings and set a new password if you've lost access completely.
  • If you cannot find the password on any connected device, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — the default password is often printed there.

Retrieving your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app and select Network & Internet. On the left sidebar, click WiFi, then scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find your network name in the list and click it.

Click Forget, then click it again to open the network details. Select Manage known networks again, find your network, and click it one more time. Now click Security and toggle Show password on. Your WiFi password will appear in the "Password" field. You may need to enter your Windows login password to confirm.

If this method doesn't work, try the older approach: right-click the WiFi icon in your system tray, select Open Network & Internet settings, click WiFi, then Manage known networks, select your network, and click Properties. Scroll to the "Security type" section and toggle Show password.

Retrieving your password on Mac

Open Finder and navigate to Applications > Utilities. Double-click Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type your WiFi network name exactly as it appears.

When your network appears in the results, double-click it to open the details window. Check the box next to Show password. Your Mac will prompt you to enter your Mac login password — type it and click Allow. Your WiFi password will now be visible in the "Password" field.

Retrieving your password on iPhone or iPad

Apple devices do not display stored WiFi passwords in settings. However, you can share the password directly to another Apple device without typing it. Open Settings, tap WiFi, and tap the information icon (a circle with an "i") next to your network name.

Tap Share Password. Hold another iPhone, iPad, or Mac close by — the password will transfer automatically to that device without appearing on your screen. This works only between Apple devices on the same iCloud account.

If you need to write down the password or use it on a non-Apple device, you'll need to retrieve it from a Windows or Mac computer instead.

Retrieving your password on Android

Android does not store viewable WiFi passwords in settings the way Windows and Mac do. If you're connected to the network, you can share the password with another Android device by opening Settings, tapping Network & Internet or WiFi, long-pressing your network name, and selecting Share. A QR code will appear that another Android phone can scan to join the network.

If you need the password in text form and cannot retrieve it from another device, your only option is to reset your router to factory settings and create a new password. This will disconnect all devices from the network.

Checking the router itself for the default password

If you cannot retrieve the password from any connected device, check the physical router. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the network name and default password. Most routers ship with a default password printed on this label.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button (usually recessed) for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases your current password and returns the router to its default settings. You'll then need to set up a new network name and password from scratch using a computer or phone connected to the router.

Resetting the router will disconnect all devices from the network, so do this only if you've exhausted other options.

What to do if you've lost access to all connected devices

If no device in your home is currently connected to the network, you cannot retrieve the password from your devices or router settings. Your only option is to reset the router to factory settings as described above.

Before resetting, contact your internet provider to confirm the process for your specific router model. Some providers require you to re-authenticate or re-register the router after a factory reset. Keep your account number and service address handy when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can only view a stored password on a device that is currently connected to that network. If no device is connected, you'll need to reset the router or check the physical sticker on the router itself for the default password.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password with a guest or family member is safe. They will be able to use your internet, but they cannot see your password once they've joined the network. If you want to remove their access later, you can change your WiFi password in your router settings, which will disconnect all devices until they re-enter the new password.

What if the password I found doesn't work?

The password you retrieve from your device is the one currently set on your network. If it doesn't work on another device, make sure you're typing it exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive. If you're still unable to connect, try forgetting the network on the new device and reconnecting from scratch, which sometimes resolves connection issues.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

You can change it on most phones by opening a web browser, typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), logging in with your router's admin credentials, and navigating to the WiFi settings. However, this is easier to do on a computer. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact steps for your model.