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

The fastest way to find a WiFi password you're already connected to is through your device's network settings — not by guessing or resetting the router. Windows stores it in one menu, Mac in another, and phones in a third. If you're locked out of those settings, your router itself has a sticker with the original password, or you can reset it to factory defaults.

You do not need special software or a command-line tool to do this. Every operating system built this feature in because people forget passwords constantly. The steps take two to five minutes depending on your device.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, select your network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the saved password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click WiFi, select your network from the list, and the password appears in Keychain Access under the network name.
  • On iPhone and Android, you cannot view a saved WiFi password through settings, but you can share it with another device or reset the router to see the default password.
  • Your router has a sticker on the back or bottom with the default WiFi name and password if you never changed them.
  • If you forget your admin password for the router itself, you can reset it to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the app. Go to Network & Internet on the left side. Click WiFi, then scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find your network name in the list and click it.

Click Manage at the top. A new window opens. Scroll down to Security type and Security key. Click the eye icon next to "Security key" to reveal your password in plain text. You may need to enter your Windows login password to confirm.

If you do not see your network in the "Manage known networks" list, you may not have saved the password when you first connected. In that case, you will need to check your router or reset it.

Finding your password on Mac

Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Click WiFi on the left. Find your network name in the list and click it, then click Details. A window opens showing network information, but the password does not appear here.

Instead, open Keychain Access by pressing Command+Space, typing "Keychain Access", and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type your network name. Double-click the result. A window opens. Check the box next to Show password. Enter your Mac login password when prompted. Your WiFi password now appears on screen.

If Keychain Access does not find your network, the password was not saved to your Mac's keychain. Try connecting to the network again and saving the password, or check your router for the default password.

Finding your password on iPhone and Android

iPhones and Android phones do not have a built-in menu to view a saved WiFi password. Apple and Google designed it this way for security — if someone picks up your phone, they cannot easily see passwords for networks you use.

The workaround is to share your WiFi password with another Apple device. On your iPhone, go to Settings, tap WiFi, find your network, and tap the info icon (i) next to it. If another iPhone, iPad, or Mac is nearby and signed into the same iCloud account, a prompt appears asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password and the other device connects automatically — you can then view it on that device using the Mac steps above.

On Android, you cannot share passwords between devices the same way. Your only option is to check your router or reset it to see the default password.

Checking the password on your router

Every router has a sticker on the back, bottom, or side with the default WiFi network name and password printed on it. Look for a label that says WiFi Name, SSID, Network Name, or Password. The password is usually labeled WiFi Password, Key, or Passphrase.

This sticker shows the original password your router came with. If you changed the password after setup, this sticker will not match what you currently use. But if you never changed it, this is your current password.

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. A login screen appears. The default username is usually admin and the default password is admin, password, or 12345 — check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model. Once logged in, look for a WiFi settings or Wireless section to view your current password.

Resetting your router to factory defaults

If you cannot find your password anywhere, you can reset your router to its original factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including the WiFi password, and returns it to the default password on the sticker.

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your 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 front will blink. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the router to restart.

Once it finishes restarting, your WiFi network name and password return to the defaults printed on the sticker. You can then connect to it and change the password to something new in the admin panel.

What to do if you cannot access your router settings

If you forgot the admin password for your router (the password to log into the settings panel, not the WiFi password), you have two options: reset the router to factory defaults as described above, or contact your internet service provider. Your ISP may be able to help you regain access or reset it remotely.

If you are renting and your landlord or property manager set up the router, contact them for the password. If the router belongs to a business or school network, contact the IT department or network administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password I connected to on my phone?

On iPhone, you cannot view it directly, but you can share it with another Apple device on the same iCloud account. On Android, there is no built-in way to view a saved password without resetting the router or accessing the router's admin panel from a computer.

What if the password on the router sticker does not work?

Someone changed the WiFi password after setup. Check your device's saved networks using the steps for Windows or Mac above. If that does not work, reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing a WiFi password is safe. It only gives them access to your internet connection, not to your files or devices. If you want to remove their access later, change the WiFi password in your router's admin panel.

Why does my router not have a reset button?

Some newer routers use a reset hole instead of a button. Look for a small hole on the back or bottom. Use a paperclip or pen tip to press inside it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is on. Check your router's manual if you cannot find it.

Can I recover a password if I factory reset my router?

No. Resetting a router to factory defaults erases all custom settings, including your WiFi password. You will need to set up a new password after the reset. Write down any custom settings before you reset so you can reconfigure them afterward.