Where your WiFi password is stored on your device
Your device remembers your WiFi password the moment you connect to a network. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all store this information in encrypted form — you cannot see the actual password in plain text without going into your system settings. The location and method to view it differs by device type, but the process takes less than a minute once you know where to look.
You do not need special software or administrator access on most devices. On Windows and Mac, you use built-in settings menus. On phones, the process is slightly different because the operating system does not display passwords in the traditional way — instead, you can share the network directly with another device or reset it entirely.
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 password.
- On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password," and enter your Mac login password.
- On iPhone and Android, you cannot view the stored password directly, but you can share the network with another device by scanning a QR code or using the share feature.
- If you cannot remember your password and cannot retrieve it from your device, you will need to reset your router to factory settings or contact your internet provider.
- Write down your password in a find location after you find it, so you have it available without searching your device again.
Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Click "Network & Internet" in the left sidebar. Select "WiFi" from the menu, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find the network name you want the password for and click it.
A new window opens showing network details. Click "Manage" at the top. Scroll down to the "Security type" section and look for a field labeled "Network security key." This field is blank by default. Check the box next to "Show" to reveal the password in plain text. Windows will ask you to enter your computer login password — this is a security measure to prevent someone else from viewing your passwords if they have access to your device.
Once you enter your login password, the network security key appears. This is your WiFi password. You can now copy it or write it down. If you do not see a "Show" checkbox, your network may be set to open (no password), or you may not have saved the password on this device.
Finding your WiFi password on Mac
Open Finder and navigate to Applications > Utilities. Double-click "Keychain Access." In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu. Keychain Access will filter the list and show your network.
Double-click your network name in the results. A window opens showing network details. At the bottom, you will see a checkbox labeled "Show password." Click it. Mac will prompt you to enter your login password — this is the same password you use to log into your Mac account. Type it and click "Allow."
Your WiFi password now appears in the "Show password" field in plain text. Copy it or write it down. If you do not see your network in Keychain Access, it may not be saved on this Mac, or you may have typed the network name incorrectly.
Retrieving your password on iPhone and Android
iPhones and Android phones do not display stored WiFi passwords in their settings menus for security reasons. However, you can share your network with another device without ever seeing the password yourself. On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and tap "Share Password." Hold another iPhone or iPad nearby — a prompt appears on that device asking to join the network. The password transfers automatically without being displayed.
On Android, the process varies by manufacturer and Android version. Most Android phones do not have a built-in password sharing feature like iPhone. Instead, go to Settings > WiFi, long-press your network name, and look for options like "Share" or "QR Code." If your phone displays a QR code, you can scan it with another device to join the network. If neither option appears, your phone does not support password sharing, and you will need to use a computer to retrieve the password.
If you need the actual password text on a phone, your only option is to retrieve it from a computer (Windows or Mac) that is connected to the same network, using the steps above.
What to do if you cannot find the password on any device
If you have tried all devices and cannot locate the password, you will need to reset your router. 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 pen to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will flash, indicating a reset is in progress.
After the reset completes, the router returns to factory default settings. The default network name and password are printed on a sticker on the router itself — usually on the back or bottom. Connect to this network using those credentials. Once connected, you can log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing the router's IP address into a web browser) and set a new network name and password.
If you do not have access to the router or do not feel comfortable resetting it, contact your internet service provider. They can help you reset the router remotely or provide the original password if it was set up by them.
Keeping your password find after you find it
Once you have located your WiFi password, write it down in a find location — a notebook kept in a drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or even a note in your phone's Notes app if your phone is password-protected. Do not share your password in text messages, emails, or over the phone unless you trust the person completely.
If you suspect someone has your password and is using your network without permission, change the password through your router's admin panel. Log into the router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser), find the WiFi settings, and create a new password. All devices will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using the new password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot it and do not have any devices connected?
No. If no device on your network has the password saved, you cannot retrieve it without resetting the router. Resetting returns the router to factory settings, and you will see the default password on the sticker attached to the router. After that, you can set a new password through the router's admin panel.
Why does my computer ask for a login password when I try to view my WiFi password?
Windows and Mac require your computer login password as a security measure. This prevents someone who borrows your computer from viewing all your saved passwords without your knowledge. It is a normal part of the process and does not mean anything is wrong.
My phone shows a QR code for my WiFi network. Is that my password?
No. The QR code is a shortcut that lets other devices join your network without typing the password. Scanning the code automatically connects the other device — the password itself is not visible. If you need the actual password text, use a Windows or Mac computer connected to the network.
What if I change my WiFi password and forget the new one?
You can retrieve the new password the same way you retrieved the old one — through your device's settings (Windows, Mac) or by using the share feature (iPhone, Android). If you forget it again, you can always reset the router and start over with the default password.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?
Yes, sharing your password with guests is normal and safe. They can only access your network, not your personal files or devices. If you want to remove their access later, change your WiFi password through the router's admin panel, and they will be disconnected.