Where your WiFi password is stored on your device

Your device remembers your WiFi password so you do not have to type it in every time you connect. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all store this information in different places, and you can retrieve it without calling your internet provider or resetting your router.

The password you are looking for is the one you entered when you first connected to the network — usually a long string of letters, numbers, and symbols printed on a sticker attached to your router. Once your device saves it, the password stays encrypted in your system settings until you need it again.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view the password in plain text after confirming your identity.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, a built-in tool that holds all network credentials stored on the computer.
  • iPhone and iPad do not display saved WiFi passwords directly, but you can share the network with another Apple device or reset the network settings to re-enter it.
  • Android devices vary by manufacturer, but most allow you to view the password through Settings, WiFi, or by scanning a QR code of the network.
  • If you cannot find the password on your device, the original password is printed on a label on your router itself.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Scroll down and click Manage known networks, then select the network name you want the password for. Click Properties at the top of the window.

Scroll down to the Security type section and look for Security key. The password appears as dots by default. Click the eye icon next to the dots to reveal the password in plain text. Windows will ask you to confirm your identity — enter your Windows password or use your PIN to proceed.

If you do not see an eye icon, your network may use a security type that does not display the password this way. In that case, you can try the Command Prompt method: right-click the Start menu, select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin), then type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name). The password appears next to Key Content.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access 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 the network appears in the list, double-click it to open its details.

A window opens showing the network name and other information. Check the box next to Show password near the bottom. Mac asks you to confirm your identity — enter your Mac login password and click Allow. The WiFi password now appears in plain text in the password field.

Finding your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not allow you to view a saved WiFi password directly in Settings. Instead, you can share the network with another Apple device that has the password saved. If you have a Mac, iPad, or another iPhone with the password already stored, hold that device near your iPhone and it will offer to share the network automatically.

If you do not have another Apple device, you can reset the network settings on your iPhone or iPad. Go to Settings, then General, then Transfer or Reset, then Reset, and select Reset Network Settings. This erases all saved WiFi passwords and cellular settings, so you will need to re-enter the password when you reconnect. This method is useful only if you have the password written down or can see it on your router.

Finding your password on Android

The steps vary depending on your phone manufacturer, but most Android devices store the password in Settings. Open Settings, go to Network and Internet or Connections, then select WiFi. Find your network in the list, long-press it, and select Manage or View details.

Many Android phones display a QR code of the network. If you see one, you can scan it with another device to connect without typing the password. Some phones show the password directly in this menu, while others require you to tap an eye icon to reveal it. If your phone does not show the password, check your router for the original password printed on the label.

Checking your router for the original password

If you cannot find the password on your device, look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router. Most routers have a label with the network name (SSID) and the default password printed on it. The password is usually a long string of letters, numbers, and symbols.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset your router to its factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings and returns the router to the default password printed in the manual. You will need to set up your network again from scratch, so use this method only if you have no other way to recover the password.

What to do if you still cannot find the password

If the password is not on your device, not on the router label, and you do not have the manual, contact your internet provider. They can tell you the password or help you reset it. Have your account number and a form of ID ready when you call.

You can also log into your router directly using a web browser. Open a new tab and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar (the exact address depends on your router model). Log in with the default username and password, usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and "password". Once logged in, look for a WiFi settings or wireless section where the password is displayed. If you do not know the default login, check the router manual or the manufacturer's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot it and do not have it saved on any device?

Yes. Check the sticker on your router for the original password. If the sticker is gone, you can reset the router to factory settings or log into the router directly through a web browser to view or change the password. Your internet provider can also reset it for you.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Sharing the password itself is safe — it only grants access to your network, not to your personal files or accounts. However, only share it with people you trust, and consider changing the password if someone no longer needs access. You can change it in your router settings without calling your provider.

What if my router does not have a reset button or I cannot find the default login?

Check the router manual or the manufacturer's website for the model number (printed on the label). The manual lists the default login credentials and the reset procedure. If you cannot find the manual, search online for "[router brand] [model number] default password" to find the information.

Will finding my password on my device change it or affect my network?

No. Viewing the password on your device does not change it or affect your network in any way. You are only reading information that is already stored on your computer or phone.

Can I change my WiFi password from my computer instead of logging into the router?

No. You must log into the router directly through a web browser or use the router's mobile app (if the manufacturer provides one) to change the password. Your computer or phone only stores the password — it cannot change it.