Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: on the router itself (printed on a sticker), in your device's network settings, and sometimes in your internet provider's account portal. The fastest route depends on what you need — if you just forgot the password to reconnect a device, your router's sticker is usually the answer. If you need to retrieve a password you set yourself months ago, your device's settings or your provider's website will have it.

The password you use to connect to WiFi is different from the router's admin password (the one that lets you change settings). You are looking for the network password, sometimes called the WiFi key or pre-shared key.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router first — most routers ship with a default password printed there.
  • On Windows, you can view a saved password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks without needing the router.
  • On Mac, the Keychain stores your WiFi password and you can view it through System Settings > WiFi > Details.
  • On iPhone and Android, you cannot view a saved password directly, but you can reset the router to factory settings and use the default password printed on it.
  • Your internet provider's website or app may show the WiFi password if you log into your account.

Finding the password on the router itself

The simplest method is to look at the physical router. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom, back, or side that lists the default WiFi network name (SSID) and password. The sticker may say "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "Pre-Shared Key", or just list both the network name and a string of characters. Write down exactly what you see — passwords are case-sensitive and include numbers and symbols.

If the sticker is worn or missing, check the router's documentation or the box it came in. You can also search online for your router's model number (usually printed on the sticker or the device itself) plus "default password" to find the manufacturer's standard credentials.

Retrieving a saved password on Windows

If you are already connected to the WiFi on a Windows computer, you can view the password without touching the router. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find the network name in the list and click it, then click "Forget". This removes it from your saved networks.

To see the password instead of forgetting it, use the Command Prompt method: press Windows Key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. In the black window that opens, type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name). Look for the line that says "Key Content" — that is your password. Copy it exactly as shown.

Retrieving a saved password on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings and go to WiFi. Click "Details" next to the network you are connected to. In the window that opens, look for the password field — it will show dots instead of the actual password. Click the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it. Your Mac may ask you to enter your computer's login password to confirm.

If that does not work, you can also check Keychain Access. Press Command + Space, type Keychain Access, and press Enter. Search for your network name in the list. Double-click it, check the "Show password" box, and enter your Mac login password when prompted.

What to do on iPhone and Android

iPhones and iPads do not show saved WiFi passwords in Settings — Apple does not provide a way to view them. If you need the password, your best option is to check the router's sticker or use another device (Windows or Mac) that is already connected to retrieve it using the methods above.

Android phones also do not display saved passwords in most cases, though some Samsung devices show them in Settings > Connections > WiFi > Saved Networks. If your phone does not show the password, use the same approach: check the router sticker or retrieve it from a computer.

Checking your internet provider's account

Log into your internet provider's website or mobile app using your account credentials. Most providers have a section for "Internet" or "WiFi Settings" that displays your network name and password. This works for providers like Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, AT&T, Charter Spectrum, and others. The exact location varies by provider, but it is usually under Account Settings or Internet Settings.

If you do not remember your provider account password, use the "Forgot Password" link on their login page. You will need to verify your identity using your account number, phone number, or email address associated with the account.

Resetting the router if you cannot find the password

If the sticker is gone and you cannot retrieve the password from your devices or provider account, you can reset the router to its factory default settings. This erases all custom settings and returns the router to the state it shipped in, so you will use the default password from the sticker again.

To reset, locate the small reset button (usually recessed) on the back or bottom of the router. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it is back online, use the default password printed on the sticker. You will need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch.

Warning: resetting the router also removes any custom settings you made, such as parental controls, port forwarding, or a custom network name. Only do this if you have no other way to retrieve the password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not through your device settings — you need to already be connected to view a saved password on Windows or Mac. If you are not connected, check the router's sticker, your provider's account portal, or reset the router to use its default password.

What if my router does not have a sticker with the password?

Search for your router's model number online plus "default password" to find the manufacturer's standard credentials. If that does not work, check your internet provider's account portal or contact their support line with your account number — they can tell you the password or reset it for you.

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

No. The WiFi password is what you use to connect devices to the network. The admin password lets you log into the router's settings page to change configurations. They are separate. The sticker usually shows only the WiFi password.

Will resetting the router delete my internet?

No. Resetting returns the router to factory settings but does not affect your internet service itself. Your provider's connection remains active. You will just need to reconnect your devices using the default password and set up any custom WiFi settings again.

My provider's website does not show the WiFi password. What do I do?

Not all providers display the password in their account portal. Check the router's sticker first. If that is not available, contact your provider's support line with your account number — they can provide the password or reset it to the default.