Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: inside your router itself, in your computer's memory if you've connected before, or in your phone's settings. The fastest route depends on whether you remember connecting to the network and whether you can physically reach the router. If you've never written down the password and can't find it on a sticker, your computer or phone is usually the quickest source — they remember it even if you don't.

The password is not the same as your router's admin password (the one that lets you log into the router's settings page). Many people confuse these two. Your WiFi password is what guests type into their devices to join your network. Your admin password is separate and usually comes printed on a card inside the router box.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows computers store your WiFi password in Settings under Network, where you can view it in plain text without needing to reset anything.
  • Mac computers require you to open Keychain Access and search for your network name, then check a box to reveal the password.
  • If you've never connected a computer, your phone's WiFi settings will show the network name but not the password — you'll need to check the router itself.
  • Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back with a default password printed on it, though it may have been changed since installation.
  • Resetting the router to factory settings will erase your current password and force you to set a new one, so this is a last resort.

Finding the password on a Windows computer

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks," then select the network name you're looking for. Click "Properties" at the top of the window. Scroll down until you see "Security type" and "Encryption type" — just below those fields is a line that says "Security key." The box next to it will show dots or asterisks instead of the actual password.

Click the eye icon next to the security key box. Windows will ask you to confirm you're the account owner — enter your Windows password if you have one, or click "Yes" if you don't. The dots will change to readable text. That text is your WiFi password. You can now copy it or write it down.

If you don't see an eye icon, your account may not have permission to view saved passwords. Try right-clicking on the network name and selecting "Properties" instead, or ask whoever set up the computer to show you the password.

Finding the password on a Mac

Open Spotlight search by pressing Command and Space together, then type "Keychain Access" and press Enter. In the window that opens, make sure you're on the "Passwords" tab at the top. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears on your devices.

When the network name appears in the list, double-click it. A small window will open showing details about that network. Near the bottom, you'll see a checkbox that says "Show password." Click that box. Your Mac will ask for your computer password — enter it. The password field will now display your WiFi password in plain text.

If Keychain Access doesn't find your network, it means your Mac has never connected to it. In that case, you'll need to check the router or another device that has connected before.

Checking the router itself

Look at the bottom or back of your router for a sticker. Most routers have a label with "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Network Key" printed on it. Write down exactly what it says next to "WiFi Password" — include capital letters, numbers, and special characters exactly as shown. This is the password the router came with from the factory.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, look for a small reset button on the router (usually recessed so you need a paperclip to press it). Do not press this yet — it will erase everything and force you to set up the router from scratch. This is only worth doing if you've tried every other option and you're willing to spend 20 to 30 minutes reconfiguring everything.

If you changed the password since you first set up the router and can't remember the new one, resetting to factory settings is the only way to get back to the original password printed on the sticker. After you reset, you can set a new password you'll actually remember.

Viewing the password on your phone

On most phones, you cannot view a saved WiFi password directly from the WiFi settings menu — the phone stores it but won't display it. However, you can use your phone to confirm you're connected to the right network. Go to Settings, then WiFi, and look for a checkmark or "Connected" label next to your network name. This tells you the phone remembers the password, even if it won't show it to you.

If you need the actual password and your phone won't show it, use a Windows computer or Mac instead. Those devices will reveal it. If you don't have access to a computer, your only option is to check the router's sticker or reset the router to factory settings.

What to do if nothing works

If you've checked your computer, your phone, and the router sticker and still can't find the password, the router may have been set up by someone else who changed the default password and never told you what it was. In this case, you have two choices: contact whoever set it up and ask them for the password, or reset the router to factory settings.

To reset, locate the small recessed button on the back or bottom of the router. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink and it will restart. Once it's back on, the password will be whatever is printed on the sticker on the bottom — usually something like "admin" or a string of numbers and letters.

After you reset, you'll need to set up the router again from scratch. This means connecting to it with the factory password, logging into the router's settings page, and creating a new WiFi name and password. Most routers have a setup wizard that walks you through this. Write down your new password somewhere safe so you don't lose it again.

Keeping track of your password going forward

Once you find your password, write it down in a place you'll remember — a notebook, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or even a note on your phone (not in a text message to yourself, which is less find). Include the network name next to it so you know which password goes with which network if you have more than one.

If you want to change your password to something easier to remember, log into your router's settings page. You'll need the admin password for this (different from the WiFi password). Look for a section called "WiFi Settings" or "Wireless" and change the password there. The new password takes effect when ready, and all your devices will disconnect and ask you to reconnect with the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WiFi password the same as the admin password?

No. The WiFi password is what you type to join the network on your phone or computer. The admin password lets you log into the router's settings page to change things. They're stored separately and usually different. You need the admin password only if you want to change your WiFi password or adjust router settings.

Can I see my WiFi password on my iPhone or Android phone?

iPhones running iOS 16 or newer can show saved WiFi passwords in Settings under WiFi, then tap the network name and select "Share Password" — but this only works if you're showing it to another Apple device. Most Android phones don't display saved passwords in the WiFi menu. Use a Windows computer or Mac instead.

What happens if I press the reset button on my router?

The router will erase all your settings and go back to factory defaults. Your WiFi password will revert to whatever is printed on the sticker. All your devices will disconnect and you'll need to reconnect them with the factory password. You'll then need to set up the router again, which takes 15 to 30 minutes.

My router doesn't have a sticker with the password on it. What do I do?

Check if a computer or phone in your house has connected to it before — they'll have the password saved. If not, you can reset the router to factory settings to get back to the default password, or contact your internet provider to ask what the original password was.

Can I change my WiFi password without knowing the current one?

Yes, by resetting the router to factory settings. After reset, log in with the factory password (on the sticker), then create a new password in the router's settings. This is the only way if you've lost the current password and can't find it on any device.