Where your WiFi password lives on your device

Your device stores the WiFi password you entered when you first connected, so you do not need to remember it — you can retrieve it from your settings. The exact steps depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or need to reset it at the router itself. Most people find their password in under two minutes once they know where to look.

The password is not the same as your network name (the SSID). The network name is what you see when you search for WiFi. The password is what you type to connect. If you are trying to connect a new device and cannot remember what you entered, these steps will help you find it on a device that is already connected.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores your WiFi password in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view it in plain text without resetting anything.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and checking the "Show password" box.
  • iPhone and Android do not display saved passwords in settings, but you can share the network directly to another device instead of typing the password manually.
  • If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset it at the router using the reset button, though this will disconnect all devices temporarily.
  • Your router's default password (different from WiFi password) is printed on a sticker on the device itself if you need to access router settings.

Finding your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet. Select WiFi from the left menu, then click Manage known networks. Find your network name in the list and click it, then select Properties. Scroll down to the Security section and check the box next to Show to display your password in plain text.

If you do not see your network in the list, it means your computer has never connected to it before. In that case, you will need to find the password on a different device that is already connected, or reset it at the router.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access, which you can find by pressing Command + Space and typing "keychain". In the search box at the top right, type your network name (the WiFi name you see when searching for networks). When your network appears in the results, double-click it to open the details window.

Check the box next to Show password at the bottom of the window. Your Mac will ask for your user password to confirm — enter it, and your WiFi password will appear. Write it down before closing the window, because it will hide again when you close the details.

Finding your password on iPhone or iPad

iPhone does not have a settings page that displays your saved WiFi password. Instead, you can share the network directly to another Apple device. On the iPhone that is already connected, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and look for a Share Password button. If the other device is nearby and signed into the same iCloud account, it will receive the password automatically.

If you need the password as text to give to someone else or to connect a non-Apple device, your only option is to reset it at the router. There is no way to view it in iPhone settings.

Finding your password on Android

Android also does not show saved WiFi passwords in settings. However, most Android phones let you share the network as a QR code. Go to Settings > Network and Internet > WiFi, tap the network you are connected to, and look for a Share button or QR code icon. Another device can scan this code to connect without typing the password.

If you need the password as text, you will need to access your router settings or reset the password at the router itself. Some Android devices with developer options enabled can view passwords through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), but this is not a standard feature and requires technical setup.

Resetting your password at the router

If you cannot find the password on any connected device, you can change it by accessing your router. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router that shows the default username and password (usually "admin" and "admin" or "password"). Open a web browser on any device connected to the network and type your router's IP address — commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar.

Log in with the credentials from the sticker, then look for a WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security section. You can change your network password there. After you save the new password, all devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password. Write down the new password before you make the change so you do not forget it again.

If you have changed the default router password and cannot remember it, you will need to perform a factory reset by holding the small reset button on the router for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your router settings and returns it to factory defaults, so you will need to set up your network again from scratch.

What to do if you still cannot find it

If none of these steps work, check whether you are looking for the WiFi password or the router admin password — they are different things. The WiFi password is what you type to connect to the network. The router password is what you use to log into the router's settings page. You only need the router password if you want to change your WiFi password or adjust other network settings.

If you are locked out of the router entirely and have no devices connected to the network, a factory reset is your only option. After resetting, you can set a new WiFi password and reconnect your devices. Keep the new password written down or stored in a password manager so you do not lose it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your device only stores the password for networks it has connected to before. If you have never connected to the network, you cannot retrieve the password from your device settings. You will need to access the router directly or find the password on another device that is already connected.

Is the WiFi password the same as the router password?

No. The WiFi password is what you type to connect to the network. The router password is what you use to log into the router's settings page (usually at 192.168.1.1). Both are printed on the sticker on your router, but they control different things.

What happens if I reset my router to find the password?

A factory reset erases all your settings and returns the router to its original state. You will lose your custom WiFi password and any other changes you made. All devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them and set up a new password. Only do this if you have no other way to access the password.

Can I share my WiFi password without telling someone the actual password?

Yes. On iPhone, use the Share Password feature. On Android, generate a QR code and have them scan it. Both methods let someone connect without you saying the password out loud or typing it where they can see it.

Why does my device say the password is wrong when I know it is right?

Passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". Check that Caps Lock is off. If you recently changed the password at the router, your device may still be trying to use the old one — forget the network in your WiFi settings and reconnect with the new password.