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

Your WiFi password is stored in different places depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or looking at your router itself. The fastest route is usually your router's sticker or your account with your internet provider. If you've already connected a device to the network, that device remembers the password — you just need to know where to look for it. The steps differ by operating system, but none of them require technical knowledge.

If you're locked out of all your devices and can't find the router sticker, you can reset the router to factory settings, which will erase the password and let you create a new one. This takes about 10 minutes but will disconnect everyone currently using the network.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router first — the WiFi password is usually printed there by default.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and click Properties to see the saved password.
  • On Mac, open System Preferences, select Network, choose your WiFi network, and click Advanced to view the password in Keychain.
  • On iPhone and Android, you cannot view a saved WiFi password directly, but you can share it with another device or reset the router.
  • If you've forgotten everything, press and hold the reset button on your router for 10 seconds to restore factory settings and create a new password.

Check the router sticker first

Most routers come with a sticker on the bottom or back that shows the default WiFi network name and password. Look for a label that says "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Key". The password is usually a string of numbers and letters. This is the easiest place to start, and the password often hasn't been changed from the factory default.

If you've changed the password since you set up the router, the sticker will show the old one, not the current one. In that case, move to the device-specific steps below. If you can't find a sticker or it's worn away, check your internet provider's account online — many providers store your network details there.

Find the password on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and click Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it, then click Properties. Scroll down to the Security section — the password field will show dots or asterisks. Click the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it in plain text.

If you don't see an eye icon, you may not have permission to view the password on that account. Try right-clicking the network name and selecting Properties, or ask the person who set up the network to show you the password. If the network isn't in your Manage Known Networks list, your computer hasn't connected to it before, so it won't have the password stored.

Find the password on Mac

On Mac, open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions) and click Network. Select your WiFi network from the list on the left, then click Advanced. Go to the WiFi tab at the top. Your network name should be highlighted — click it, then click the TCP/IP or Security tab depending on your macOS version.

The password field will show dots. To see the actual password, you need to open Keychain Access. Press Command + Space to open Spotlight, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. Search for your network name in the list. Double-click it, check the box that says "Show password", and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear in plain text.

Share the password from iPhone or Android instead of viewing it

iPhone and Android don't let you view a saved WiFi password directly through settings. Instead, you can share the password with another device. On iPhone, have the other person open Settings, go to WiFi, and tap your network name. Your iPhone will show a popup asking if you want to share the password — tap Share, and their device will connect automatically without showing you the password.

On Android, the process varies by phone model and Android version. Some phones let you generate a QR code of the network by going to Settings > WiFi, long-pressing your network name, and tapping Share. Other phones don't have this feature. If your phone doesn't support sharing, your best option is to check the password on a Windows or Mac computer, or look at the router sticker.

Reset the router if you can't find the password anywhere

If you can't locate the password on any device or the router sticker, you can reset the router to factory settings. Find the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. With the router powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink or the router restarts.

After the reset, the router will return to its default network name and password, which are printed on the sticker. This will disconnect all devices currently using the network, and you'll need to reconnect them using the new (actually the original default) password. Once you're back online, you can change the password to something new in the router's admin panel, which you access by typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser.

Access your internet provider's account online

Many internet providers store your WiFi network details in your online account. Log in to your provider's website or app — common providers include Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, AT&T, Charter Spectrum, and Cox. Look for a section called WiFi Settings, Network Settings, or Devices. Your network name and password should be listed there.

If you've forgotten your provider account password, use the "Forgot Password" link on their login page. You'll need to verify your identity using your account number, phone number, or email. Once you're in, you can also change your WiFi password from the provider's website, which is often easier than accessing the router directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On Windows and Mac, yes — if you're logged into an account that has connected to that network before, you can view the saved password. On iPhone and Android, you can ask the network owner to share it with you, but you can't view it yourself. If you're on a work or school network, the IT department controls the password and may not share it with regular users.

What if the password field is blank or shows nothing?

A blank password field usually means the network has no password set — it's open to anyone. This is common on guest networks or public WiFi. If you expected a password, the network owner may have removed it intentionally, or the connection may be unstable. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the network.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password with someone you trust is safe. They'll be able to use your internet connection, but they won't be able to see your files or change your router settings unless you give them the router's admin password (which is different from the WiFi password). If you want to remove someone's access later, change the WiFi password and reconnect your own devices.

What's the difference between the WiFi password and the router admin password?

The WiFi password lets devices connect to your network. The router admin password lets you log into the router's settings to change the WiFi password, network name, or other configurations. They're separate passwords. The admin password is usually on the router sticker as well, often labeled "Admin Password" or "Default Password".

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?

Yes. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. Log in using the admin password from the router sticker. Look for WiFi Settings or Security Settings, find the password field, enter your new password, and save. Your devices will disconnect and you'll need to reconnect them with the new password.