How to Find a WiFi Password You've Forgotten or Need to Share

Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in two places: on the router itself (usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom) and in your device's memory once you've connected. If you've forgotten the password, the fastest route is to look at the physical router first — most manufacturers print the default network name and password right there. If that sticker is missing or the password has been changed, you can reset the router to factory settings, which will restore the printed password but erase any customizations you've made.

If you need to find a password you've already entered on a computer or phone, the steps depend on what device you're using. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all store this information differently, and the process to retrieve it takes just a few minutes on each.

Key Takeaways

Check the physical router first — most have the WiFi password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom.
On Windows, you can view a saved password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks without needing the router.
On Mac, the password is stored in Keychain; open Keychain Access, search for your network name, and double-click to reveal it.
On iPhone and Android, you cannot view a saved password through the phone's settings, but you can reset the router or use a QR code to share it instead.
Resetting the router to factory settings restores the printed password but erases any changes you've made to the network.

Finding the password on the router itself

The easiest place to look is the router. Flip it over or look at the back panel — most routers have a sticker with the network name (SSID) and the default password printed on it. This label is usually white or silver and lists "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Key." Write down exactly what you see, including capital letters and numbers, since passwords are case-sensitive.

If the sticker is worn away, missing, or the password has been changed from the default, you have two options: log into the router's admin panel to see or change the password, or reset the router to restore the factory default. Logging in requires knowing the admin username and password (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password on the sticker), while resetting erases all your settings and returns the network to its original state.

Retrieving a saved password on Windows

If you've connected to the network before on a Windows computer, the password is stored in your system. Go to Settings, then Network & Internet, then WiFi. Scroll down and select Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list, click it, and select Forget if you want to remove it, or click Properties to see more details. In the Properties window, scroll to the bottom and toggle Show next to the password field to reveal it in plain text.

This method works only if you're logged into the Windows account that originally connected to that network. If you're on a different user account on the same computer, you won't see the network in the list. You'll need to either switch to the account that connected originally or use one of the other methods.

Retrieving a saved password on Mac

On a Mac, WiFi passwords are stored in Keychain, the system's password manager. Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter). In the window that opens, make sure you're on the Passwords tab. Search for your network name in the top-right search box. When you find it, double-click the entry to open a details window. Check the box next to Show Password — you'll be asked to enter your Mac login password to confirm. The WiFi password will then appear in plain text.

This method requires you to be logged into the Mac with an account that has administrator rights. If you're on a standard user account, you may not have permission to view stored passwords.

Why you cannot view saved passwords on phones

iPhone and Android do not allow you to view a WiFi password through the phone's settings, even if you've connected to that network before. This is a security choice — the operating system keeps the password locked away so that other apps or people with access to your phone cannot easily extract it. If you need to share the password with someone else, you have better options than trying to retrieve it from the phone.

The easiest workaround is to use a QR code. On an iPhone running iOS 16 or later, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and select Share Password — this generates a QR code that someone else can scan with their phone to connect without typing anything. On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but many phones have a similar QR code share feature in the WiFi settings. If your phone doesn't have this, resetting the router is the most straightforward path.

Resetting the router to restore the default password

If you cannot find the password any other way, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all customizations — including the network name, password, and any devices you've connected — and restores the printed password on the sticker. Before you do this, know that you'll need to reconnect every device on your network afterward.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the router (usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it). With the router powered on, hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink or change color, then release. The router will restart and return to factory defaults. Once it's back online, the network name and password will be whatever is printed on the sticker. You can then log into the router's admin panel and change them to something new if you want.

Logging into the router to change or view the password

If you want to change the password without resetting the entire router, you can log into the admin panel. Open a web browser and type the router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, though some manufacturers use different addresses. You'll be prompted for a username and password. The default is often "admin" for both, or "admin" and the password printed on the sticker. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website if these don't work.

Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. You should see fields for the network name (SSID) and password. You can view the current password or type a new one. Make sure to save or explore the changes before closing the browser. Write down the new password somewhere safe — a password manager, a note on your phone, or a physical notebook — so you don't lose it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not the one who set it up?

On Windows or Mac, yes — if you've connected to the network on that computer before, you can retrieve the password using the steps above. On a phone, no — iOS and Android don't expose saved passwords. Your best option is to ask the person who set it up, or reset the router if you have physical access to it.

What if I reset the router but don't see a password sticker?

After a factory reset, the router will use the default password that came with that model. Check the router's manual, the manufacturer's website, or search online for "[router model] default password." Common defaults are "admin," "password," or a blank field. Once you log in with the default, you can set a new password of your choice.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?

Sharing a password is safe as long as you trust the person. If you're concerned about security, most routers allow you to create a separate guest network with its own password, so guests don't have access to your main network or devices. Check your router's admin panel for a "Guest Network" option.

Will resetting the router affect my internet speed?

No — resetting the router to factory defaults does not change your internet speed. Your speed depends on your internet service provider and plan, not on the router settings. However, some advanced settings (like channel selection or bandwidth allocation) can affect performance, so if you've customized those, resetting will erase them.

What should I do if I forget the admin password to the router?

If you've changed the admin password and forgotten it, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings. This will restore the default admin credentials (usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the sticker password). After that, you can set a new admin password and write it down somewhere safe.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.