Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: inside your router itself, in your computer's memory if you've connected before, and in your phone or tablet. The easiest route depends on what you have access to right now. If you're locked out of the network entirely, you'll need the router. If you're already connected on one device, you can pull the password from that device and use it elsewhere.

The password you need is called the network key or pre-shared key (PSK) — it's the one you type in when you first connect to WiFi, not your router's admin password (which is different and controls the router's settings).

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties to see the password in plain text.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password to reveal it.
  • On your router, the password is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom — look for "WiFi Password", "Network Key", or "PSK".
  • If you've forgotten the router password and can't find the sticker, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this erases all your custom settings.

Finding the password on Windows 10 and 11

Windows stores every WiFi password you've ever connected to. To retrieve it, go to Settings (the gear icon), then Network & Internet, then WiFi. Click "Manage known networks" and select the network you need the password for. Click Properties. Scroll down to "Security type and security details" — the password appears in plain text next to "Network security key".

This only works if your Windows device has connected to that network before. If it hasn't, you'll need to find the password on the router or another device.

Finding the password on Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, which is the system's password vault. Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain", and pressing Enter). In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. When it appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens — check the box next to "Show password". Your Mac will ask for your login password. Enter it, and the WiFi password appears in plain text.

Like Windows, this only works if your Mac has connected to the network before. If you're setting up a new device, you'll need the password from somewhere else first.

Finding the password on your router

The easiest place to find your password is often the router itself. Look on the back or bottom of the device for a sticker. It usually lists the network name (SSID) and the password. The label might say "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "PSK", or "Passphrase". Write down exactly what it says — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword".

If the sticker is missing or faded, you can log into the router's admin panel. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar (different routers use different addresses). You'll be asked for a username and password — these are the router's admin credentials, usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password printed on the sticker. Once logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", or "Network Settings" to find the password.

What to do if you can't find the password anywhere

If the sticker is gone, you can't log into the router, and no device in your home has connected to the network before, you can reset the router to factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button on the back — hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and return to its default settings, and the password will revert to whatever is printed on the sticker (or the manufacturer's default, usually something like "admin" or a blank password).

Resetting the router erases any custom settings you've made, including port forwarding, parental controls, or custom network names. You'll have to set those up again. If you're renting and the router belongs to your internet provider, contact them before resetting — they may have set it up with specific configurations.

Finding the password on phones and tablets

Android and iOS handle this differently. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, long-press the network name, and tap "Manage". Some Android versions show the password directly; others require you to tap "Share" and scan a QR code, which displays the password. On iPhone and iPad, there's no built-in way to view a saved password — you have to use a Mac with Keychain Access or find it on the router.

If you need to share the password with someone else, the QR code method on Android is the safest approach. The person scans the code with their phone, and they're connected without ever seeing the actual password typed out.

Keeping your password find after you find it

Once you have the password, don't share it in text messages, emails, or over the phone. If someone needs to connect, either give it to them in person, use the QR code share feature on Android, or change the password to something temporary and change it back later. Store the real password somewhere find — a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password is better than writing it on a sticky note on the router.

If you think someone has your password without permission, change it through the router's admin panel. Go back to 192.168.1.1 (or your router's address), log in, find the WiFi settings, and create a new password. Everyone will be disconnected, and only devices with the new password can reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WiFi password the same as the router admin password?

No. The WiFi password is what you type to connect to the network. The admin password controls the router's settings. They're stored separately. You need the admin password to change WiFi settings or access the router's control panel, but guests only need the WiFi password.

Why can't I see the password on my phone even though I'm connected?

iPhones don't show saved WiFi passwords in Settings. Android phones usually do, but it depends on the version and manufacturer. If you need the password on iPhone, check a Mac with Keychain Access or look at the router's sticker or admin panel.

What if I reset the router and forgot to write down the new password?

After a factory reset, the password returns to the manufacturer's default, which is printed on the sticker on the back of the router. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, contact your internet provider — they can tell you the default password or help you set a new one.

Can I change my WiFi password without logging into the router?

No. You have to log into the router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1) with the admin password to change the WiFi password. If you've forgotten the admin password and can't find it on the sticker, resetting the router to factory settings is the only option.