Where your WiFi password is stored on your device

Your device remembers your WiFi password so you do not have to type it every time you connect. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all store this information in different places, and you can retrieve it if you need to share the network with someone else or reconnect after a factory reset.

The password itself is not displayed on your router or in your WiFi settings menu — you have to dig into your device's stored network information to find it. The steps differ depending on what device you are using, but the password you find will be the same one you entered when you first connected to that network.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, select your network, and click "Manage Known Networks" to view the saved password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click WiFi, select your network, and click "Details" to see the password in Keychain.
  • On iPhone and iPad, you cannot view the actual password through settings, but you can share the network directly with another Apple device using AirDrop or by scanning a QR code.
  • On Android, open Settings, go to WiFi, long-press your connected network, tap "Share," and the password appears as a QR code you can photograph or share.
  • If you forget your router's admin password, you will need to reset the router physically using the reset button, which erases all your settings.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app and navigate to Network & Internet. Click WiFi in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Manage Known Networks. Find the network name you are looking for in the list and click it.

Click Forget if you want to remove it from your device, or click Properties to see more details. Scroll down to the Security type section — your password will appear in the field labeled Security key. The password displays in plain text, so you can read it or copy it to share with others.

Finding your password on Mac

Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions) and click WiFi in the sidebar. Find your network in the list of known networks and click the information icon next to it, or select the network and click Details.

A window opens showing network information. Look for the field labeled Password — it will be hidden by dots. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text. Your Mac may ask you to enter your computer password to confirm before showing it.

Finding your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not allow you to view the actual WiFi password through the Settings app on iPhone or iPad. Instead, you can share the network directly with another Apple device without revealing the password itself.

If someone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac is near you and wants to join your network, they can open their WiFi settings and select your network. A notification appears on your device asking if you want to share the password — tap Share Password and the connection happens automatically without either of you typing anything.

You can also generate a QR code for your network by opening Settings, tapping WiFi, selecting your network, and tapping Share. The QR code appears on your screen and anyone can scan it with their phone to join the network.

Finding your password on Android

Open Settings and go to WiFi or Network & Internet (the exact path varies by manufacturer). Find your connected network in the list and long-press it until a menu appears. Tap Share or Share Password.

Your password appears as a QR code on the screen. You can photograph this code with another phone, or some Android devices let you tap Show Password to display the text instead. The QR code method is faster if you are sharing with multiple people at once.

What to do if you cannot find your password

If your device never connected to the network before, it will not have the password stored. In that case, you need to check your router itself — most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default network name and password printed on it.

If you changed the password after setup and cannot remember it, you will need to reset your router. Locate the small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip to press it) and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all your settings and returns the router to factory defaults, including the original password on the sticker. You will have to set up your network again from scratch.

Sharing your password safely

When you share your WiFi password with guests or family, consider whether they need permanent access or temporary access. If it is temporary, you can change your password afterward and they will be disconnected.

If you share the password with someone you do not fully trust, remember that they can see everything on your network — other devices, shared files, and potentially your browsing if they use network monitoring tools. For this reason, many people create a separate guest network on their router with a different password, which isolates visitors from your personal devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On Windows and Mac, yes — 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 cannot view the password unless you are actively connected to that network.

What if I see a password but it does not work?

The password you see is what your device has stored, which means it worked at some point. If it no longer works, your router password may have been changed by someone else, or the network may have been reset. Try resetting your router or contact whoever manages the network.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password?

Sharing a password is safe in the sense that it does not expose your personal files unless you have file sharing turned on. However, anyone with your password can use your internet and potentially monitor network traffic. Use a guest network if you want to share without giving full access.

Why does my phone not show the password option?

iPhone does not display passwords in settings by design — Apple prioritizes security by preventing the password from being visible. Android devices show it as a QR code or text depending on your phone model and Android version. If your Android phone does not show the option, update your system software.

What happens if I forget my router password?

You cannot recover a forgotten router admin password without resetting the device. Press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory settings, then set up your network again using the default password on the router sticker.