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, and in your phone or tablet's saved networks. The easiest route depends on what you have access to right now. If you're locked out of the network entirely, you'll need the router. If you're already connected on one device, you can pull the password from that device and use it elsewhere.

The password you need is called the network key or pre-shared key (PSK) — it's the string of characters you type when you first join the network. This is different from the router's admin password, which controls the settings. You only need the network key to connect devices.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties to see the password in plain text.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password," and enter your Mac login password to reveal it.
  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and tap "Share Password" to see it (iOS 16 and later).
  • If you can't remember the password on any device, log into your router directly using its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and your router admin credentials.
  • If you've forgotten the router admin password too, you'll need to factory reset the router, which erases all settings and returns it to defaults.

Finding the password on Windows 10 and 11

Windows stores every WiFi network you've ever connected to, along with its password. To see it: open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select WiFi, then scroll down and click "Manage Known Networks." Find your network name in the list and click it. Click Properties. Scroll down to the Security section — you'll see "Security type" and below it a field labeled "Network security key." The password is hidden by default, but click the eye icon next to it and Windows will show you the actual characters.

This only works if you've connected to that network before on this computer. If this is a new device or you've never joined this network on Windows, you'll need to use the router method instead.

Finding the password on Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, which is the system's password vault. Open Keychain Access — you can find it 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 it appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box labeled "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your login password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text in that same field.

Like Windows, this method only works if you've connected to this network before on this Mac. If you're setting up a new computer or joining a network for the first time, you'll need the router method.

Finding the password on iPhone and iPad

On iOS 16 and later, the process is straightforward. Go to Settings, tap WiFi, find your network in the list, and tap the information icon (a circle with an "i") next to it. Tap "Share Password." Your phone will display the password in a readable format. You can then read it aloud or write it down to share with someone else.

On older versions of iOS (15 and earlier), there is no built-in way to view a saved WiFi password. You'll need to use the router method or check the password on a Windows or Mac device instead.

Accessing your router to find or reset the password

If you can't find the password on any of your devices, you can log into the router itself. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — try the first one first. You'll be asked for a username and password. The defaults are often "admin" for both, but check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router, which usually lists the default login and the network name.

Once you're logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Network. Inside that section, you should see a field labeled "Network Key," "Passphrase," "Password," or "Pre-Shared Key." The password will be visible there. Write it down or take a screenshot.

If you can't log in with the default credentials, you may have changed the admin password at some point. In that case, you'll need to factory reset the router — see the next section.

Factory resetting your router if you've lost the admin password

If you can't remember the router's admin password and can't log in, a factory reset will return the router to its original settings, including the default admin password and the default network name. However, this also erases any custom settings you've made, including the WiFi password itself — you'll need to set up the network again from scratch.

To factory reset, look for a small recessed button on the router labeled "Reset." Using a paperclip or the tip of a pen, press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it's back online, log in using the default credentials (usually "admin" and "admin"), and you'll see the default network name and password. You can then change both to something you'll remember.

Before you reset, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm the exact reset procedure — some routers require you to hold the button for a different length of time, or to do it while the router is powered off.

What to do if your router doesn't have a web interface

Some newer routers, especially those provided by your internet service provider, use a mobile app instead of a web login. If you can't access 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, check the router's documentation or the sticker on the device to see if there's an app name listed. read that app, log in with your account, and look for WiFi settings or network settings inside it. The password should be visible there.

If the router came from your internet service provider and you don't remember the login, contact them — they can help you reset it or provide the password over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?

Only if you've connected to it before on that device. Windows and Mac store passwords from past connections, so you can view them even when the network is offline. If you've never connected on that device, you need access to the router itself.

Is the WiFi password the same as the router admin password?

No. The network key (WiFi password) is what you type to join the network. The admin password controls the router's settings. You only need the network key to connect devices. The admin password is only needed if you want to change WiFi settings or the password itself.

What if I see my password but it's a long random string I don't recognize?

That's the default password your router came with. You can change it to something easier to remember by logging into the router and editing the WiFi settings. Write down the new password somewhere safe so you don't lose it again.

Will factory resetting my router affect my internet connection?

No. The factory reset only erases the router's settings — your internet service provider's connection will still work. Once the router restarts, you'll need to set up the WiFi network again, but your internet will come back online automatically.

Can I recover a password if I factory reset the router by accident?

No. Once you factory reset, the old password is gone. You'll need to create a new WiFi network with a new password. If you had devices connected to the old network, you'll need to reconnect them to the new one.