Where your connected WiFi password actually lives

Your device stores the WiFi password the moment you connect to a network. You do not need to contact your router or internet provider to find it — the password is sitting in your device's settings right now. Where it lives depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android, and the steps differ slightly for each one.

The reason you might need this password: you want to connect a new device, you forgot what you entered, or someone else in your household needs to join the network. Your device remembers it so you do not have to type it every time, but that same storage means you can retrieve it whenever you need it.

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 can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, a built-in tool that holds all your network credentials in one place.
  • iPhone and iPad do not display the actual password in Settings, but you can share the network directly to another Apple device without typing it.
  • Android phones show the WiFi password in Settings under Network and Internet, though the exact path varies by manufacturer.
  • If you cannot find the password on your device, you can reset it directly on your router using the physical reset button or the router's admin panel.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find the network name you are connected to and click it.

Click Forget if you want to remove it from your device, or click Properties to see the network details. Scroll down to the Security type section and look for Security key. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text. This is the password you entered when you first connected.

If you do not see the eye icon or the password field is blank, your device may not have permission to display it. Try right-clicking Settings and selecting Run as administrator, then repeat the steps above.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "keychain", and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears on your device.

Double-click the network name when it appears in the list. A window will open showing network details. Check the box next to Show password — your Mac will ask for your computer password to confirm. Enter it and click Allow. The WiFi password will appear in plain text in that same window.

If you do not see your network in Keychain Access, it may not be saved on this Mac. Try connecting to the network again, or check whether you are logged into the correct user account on your computer.

Finding your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not let you view the actual password on iPhone or iPad in Settings. Instead, you can share the network directly to another Apple device without needing to type the password at all.

If the other device is nearby and signed into the same iCloud account, straightforward have them open WiFi settings and select your network. Your iPhone will show a prompt asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password and your device will send it automatically — the other device will connect without you ever typing anything.

If you need the password for a non-Apple device or someone not on your iCloud account, you will need to check your router settings instead. See the section below on resetting or viewing the password from your router.

Finding your password on Android

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet or Connections — the exact name varies by phone manufacturer. Tap WiFi and find your connected network in the list. Tap and hold the network name until a menu appears.

Select Manage or View details. Look for a QR code or Password field. If you see a QR code, you can share it with someone else to scan instead of typing the password. If you see the password field, tap it to reveal the password in plain text.

On some Android phones, you may need to tap a small eye icon to show the password. If the password field is grayed out or missing, your phone may not have permission to display it — try going to Settings, Apps, and checking permissions for your WiFi settings app.

Retrieving the password from your router if your device will not show it

If none of your devices will display the password, you can find it on the router itself. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually shows the network name and password printed together. The password may be labeled as WiFi Password, Network Key, or PSK.

If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can log into your router's admin panel. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will be asked for a username and password — these are usually admin and admin, or admin and the password printed on your router. Once logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. The password will be listed there.

If you cannot remember the router password and the sticker is gone, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the small reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings and return the router to its default password, which is printed in the manual or on the manufacturer's website.

What to do if you think someone else knows your password

If you believe an unauthorized person has your WiFi password, change it as soon as possible. Log into your router's admin panel using the steps above, find the WiFi Settings section, and change the password to something new. Make sure the new password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

After you change the password, all devices will be disconnected from the network. You will need to reconnect each one by entering the new password. This is the only way to remove access from someone who has the old password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, on Windows and Mac you can view any password your device has ever saved, whether you are currently connected or not. On iPhone and Android, you can only view the password for networks you are actively connected to. If you disconnected from a network and forgot the password, you will need to check your router or reconnect to view it again.

Why does my device show the password as a series of dots instead of actual characters?

This is a security feature to prevent someone looking over your shoulder from reading the password. Look for an eye icon or "Show" button near the password field and click it to reveal the actual characters. You may need to enter your device password or biometric authentication to do this.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?

Yes, sharing your password with guests is safe as long as you trust them. If you want to change it later, you can do so through your router settings without affecting your other devices. On iPhone, you can also share the network without revealing the password by using the password-sharing feature described above.

What if I see multiple networks with the same name in my settings?

This usually means your router is broadcasting both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network, or you have saved the network multiple times. Both networks use the same password. If you see duplicate entries, you can forget one of them to clean up your list. Your device will still connect to the other one automatically.

Can I view my password if someone else set up the WiFi network?

Yes, if your device is already connected to the network, you can view the password using the steps for your device type above. If you are not connected, you will need to ask the person who set it up, or you can reset the router to factory settings if you have physical access to it.