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

Your WiFi password lives in different places depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. The fastest route is usually your router itself — most routers have the password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. If that sticker is gone or unreadable, you can retrieve the password from any device that's already connected to the network. Each operating system stores it in a different spot, but the process takes less than a minute once you know where to look.

If you've forgotten the password and can't find it anywhere, you can reset your router to factory settings, which will erase the password and let you create a new one. That's a last resort, though, because it disconnects every device on your network until you set it back up.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router first — the password is usually printed there in small text.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to see the password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, and check the "Show password" box after entering your Mac password.
  • On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings, tap WiFi, select your network, and tap the info icon to see the password (iOS 16 and newer).
  • On Android, open Settings, go to WiFi, select your network, and tap "Share" to display the password as a QR code or text.

Check the router sticker first

Most routers come with a sticker on the back or bottom that shows the network name (called the SSID) and the password. Look for text that says "WiFi Password", "Network Key", or "Passphrase" — the password is usually a string of letters and numbers next to one of those labels. The sticker may be small and hard to read, so use your phone's flashlight and look closely.

If the sticker is faded, scratched off, or missing, move to the method for your device below. If you've changed the password since you set up the router, the sticker will show the original password, not your current one — in that case, you'll need to check a connected device instead.

Find your password on Windows

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click "Network & Internet" on the left side, then scroll down and click "WiFi". You'll see a list of networks you've connected to before. Find your network name in the list and click it, then click "Manage known networks".

A new window will open showing your network. Scroll down to find the section labeled "Security type" and "Encryption type". Below that, you'll see a button that says "Show" next to a password field. Click "Show" and Windows will ask you to enter your computer password. Type it in and click OK. Your WiFi password will appear in the field above.

Find your password on Mac

Open Spotlight by pressing Command and Space, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. A window will open showing all your saved passwords and network information. In the search box at the top right, type your WiFi network name exactly as it appears on your device.

When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A details window will pop up. Near the bottom, you'll see a checkbox that says "Show password". Click it, and your Mac will ask you to enter your computer password. Type it in and click "Allow". Your WiFi password will now be visible in the password field.

Find your password on iPhone or iPad

This method works on iOS 16 and newer. Open Settings and tap "WiFi". Find your network in the list and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside) next to the network name. A panel will slide up from the bottom showing your network details. Tap the password field and your WiFi password will appear in plain text.

If you're on an older version of iOS, you won't see the password in Settings. Instead, ask someone else on your network to share it with you using AirDrop, or use one of the other methods listed here on a different device.

Find your password on Android

Open Settings and tap "WiFi" or "Connections" (the exact name varies by phone maker). Find your network in the list and press and hold the network name until a menu appears. Tap "Manage" or "Manage network". You'll see a section showing your network details. Look for a field labeled "Password" — it may be hidden behind dots or asterisks.

Tap the password field and select "Show password" if that option appears. If your phone asks for your PIN or pattern, enter it. Your WiFi password will now display in plain text. On some Android phones, you can also tap "Share" to see the password as a QR code that other devices can scan to join the network.

Reset your router if you can't find the password anywhere

If the sticker is gone and you can't retrieve the password from any device, you can reset your router to its factory settings. This erases your current password and network name, and you'll have to set them up again from scratch. Every device on your network will be disconnected until you reconnect them with the new password.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router — it's usually recessed so you can't 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, and it will restart. Once it's back on, you can set up a new network name and password using the router's setup app or by visiting the router's admin page in a web browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the password field on my device?

On older phones and computers, the password field may be hidden for security reasons. If you're on iPhone with iOS 15 or older, you won't see the password in Settings — try the Windows, Mac, or Android methods instead. On Android, make sure you're looking at the right network and that you've tapped "Manage" or the settings icon next to the network name.

What if I changed my password and forgot the new one?

If you changed the password but can't remember it, check any device that's still connected to the network using the method for that device above. If no devices are connected, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings and create a new password from scratch.

Can I see other people's WiFi passwords on my device?

No. You can only see the password for networks your device has connected to before. You cannot view passwords for networks you've never joined, even if they're broadcasting nearby.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down and keeping it somewhere find in your home is fine. Avoid texting it, emailing it, or posting it online. If you need to share it with a guest, read it to them verbally or use your phone's share feature to send a QR code instead of typing the password out.