Where your WiFi password actually lives
Your WiFi password is stored in your device's network settings, not in your router's manual or your email. The exact location depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. The fastest route is usually your device itself — you do not need to reset your router or call your internet provider.
If you have never changed the password since installation, it may still be the default one printed on a sticker attached to your router. Check the back or bottom of the device first. If you changed it and cannot remember it, the steps below will help you find it without losing your internet connection.
Key Takeaways
- Windows stores your WiFi password in Network Settings under "Manage Known Networks," where you can view it in plain text after clicking "Properties."
- Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name, then double-clicking the entry and checking "Show password."
- iPhone and iPad do not display saved passwords in Settings, but you can view it through iCloud Keychain on a Mac or by resetting the network on the device.
- Android devices show the password in WiFi settings under "Saved Networks" on Android 10 and later, or through a QR code on some models.
- If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset it directly on the router using the reset button, which will disconnect all devices temporarily.
Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11
Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Click Manage Known Networks and find your network name in the list. Click on it, then click Properties.
Scroll down to the Security type section. You will see a field labeled Security key with dots or asterisks hiding the password. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot before closing the window.
If you do not see an eye icon, your account may not have permission to view it. Try right-clicking the network name and selecting Properties instead, or ask someone with administrator access on the computer to perform these steps.
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 your network name exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu.
When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. At the bottom, check the box next to Show password. Your Mac will ask for your login password to confirm. Enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text in that same field.
Finding your password on iPhone and iPad
iPhones and iPads do not show saved passwords directly in Settings. The most straightforward method is to view it on a Mac using Keychain Access (follow the Mac steps above), since your devices share the same iCloud account.
If you do not have access to a Mac, you can reset the network on your iPhone or iPad. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will forget all saved networks, and you will need to re-enter the password when you reconnect. You will need to know the password from another source — a family member's device, your router, or your internet provider — to reconnect afterward.
Some newer iPhones can display a QR code for the network. If someone else's iPhone is connected to the network, they can open Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and tap the QR code icon to generate a shareable code that you can scan to join without typing the password.
Finding your password on Android 10 and later
Open Settings and go to Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Select WiFi, then tap Saved Networks or Manage Networks. Find your network name and tap it.
A QR code will appear on the screen. This code contains your password. You can take a screenshot of it and share it with others, or they can scan it with their phone to join the network without typing the password. If you need to see the password as text instead, some Android phones will show it below the QR code, but this varies by model and Android version.
On Android 9 and earlier, saved passwords are not visible in Settings. You will need to use another device or reset the network on your router.
Resetting the password on your router
If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset it directly on the 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 it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.
The router will restart and return to its factory default settings. All devices will disconnect from the network. When it finishes restarting, look for the default network name and password on a sticker attached to the router. Connect to it using those credentials, then log into the router's admin panel (usually by opening a browser and typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) to set a new password.
Resetting the router will also disconnect any other devices that were using it, including smart home devices, security cameras, and streaming boxes. You will need to reconnect each one individually after the reset is complete.
What to do if the sticker is missing or unreadable
If your router has no sticker or the text is worn away, you can still find the default credentials. Search online for your router model number (printed on the device) plus "default password." Most manufacturers publish this information publicly.
Common default usernames are admin or administrator, and common default passwords are admin, password, or 12345. If none of these work, contact your internet provider with your account number and router model. They can tell you the default credentials or reset the router remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I am not connected to the network?
Yes, on Windows and Mac you can view any password for a network your device has connected to before, even if you are not currently connected. On iPhone and Android, you can only view passwords for networks you are actively connected to at that moment.
What if I see the password but it does not work when I try to connect from another device?
Double-check that you copied it exactly, including capital letters and special characters. Passwords are case-sensitive. If it still does not work, the network password may have been changed on the router since your device last connected. Try resetting the router or contacting your internet provider to confirm the current password.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?
Yes, sharing your password with guests or family members is safe. They will only be able to connect to your network, not access files on your devices. If you later want to prevent someone from using your WiFi, you can change the password on the router, which will disconnect them and require them to re-enter the new one.
Will finding my password affect my internet connection?
No. Viewing a saved password on your device does not change anything about your network or connection. You can safely look it up without worrying about disconnecting or losing service.
What if my router does not have a reset button?
Some older or simpler routers have a recessed reset hole instead of a button. Use a straightened paperclip to press into the hole for 10 to 15 seconds. If there is no button or hole visible, contact your internet provider — they may be able to reset it remotely or send you a replacement.