Where to find your WiFi password depends on what device you're using

Your WiFi password is stored in different places depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. The fastest route is usually your router itself — most routers have the password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. If that sticker is gone or unreadable, you can retrieve the password from any device that's already connected to your network. Windows and Mac both store it in their network settings. iPhones and Android phones can show it too, though the steps differ between them.

The method you choose depends on what you have access to right now. If you're sitting near the router, checking the sticker takes 30 seconds. If you're across the house and need the password for a new device, pulling it from a computer or phone you're already logged into is faster than walking to the router.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — this is the fastest place to look first.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to see the password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click WiFi, select your network, and choose "Copy Password" to retrieve it without seeing the actual characters.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings, WiFi, tap your network name, and select "Share Password" — the password itself won't display, but you can send it to another Apple device.
  • On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but Settings > WiFi > your network name usually shows a QR code you can scan instead of typing the password.

Check the router sticker first

Most routers come with a sticker on the back or bottom that shows the WiFi network name (called the SSID) and the password. This sticker is usually white or silver with black text. Look for the words "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or "Passphrase" followed by a string of letters and numbers.

If the sticker is still there and readable, this is your answer — you don't need to go further. Write down the password exactly as it appears, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and any special characters. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword123" is different from "mypassword123."

If the sticker is missing, faded, or you can't find it, move to the next method for your device type.

Find your password on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, you can see any WiFi password your computer has connected to before. Right-click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen (the icon that looks like radiating curved lines). Select "Open Network & Internet settings."

In the window that opens, click "Manage known networks" on the left side. You'll see a list of every WiFi network your computer has ever connected to. Find your network name in the list and click it. A new window will open. Click "Forget" if you want to remove it, or scroll down to find the "Security" section. Under "Security type," you'll see "Show" next to the password field. Click "Show" and enter your Windows password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear in plain text.

If you don't see "Show," your network may be using a security type that doesn't display the password this way. In that case, try the router sticker method or contact your internet provider.

Find your password on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click "WiFi" in the sidebar. Find your network name in the list of available networks and click it. A details window will open. Look for a button that says "Copy Password" — click it, and the password will be copied to your clipboard. You won't see the actual characters on screen, but you can now paste it into a text document or directly into another device's WiFi settings.

If you want to see the password as text instead of copying it, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). Search for your WiFi network name. Double-click the result, check the box that says "Show password," and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The password will appear in plain text.

Find your password on iPhone

iPhone doesn't display WiFi passwords as text on the screen — Apple designed it this way for security. However, you can share the password with another Apple device. Go to Settings, tap "WiFi," find your network name, and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside). Tap "Share Password." A dialog will appear asking which nearby Apple device you want to send it to. Select the device, and the password will be sent automatically without you ever seeing it typed out.

If you need to see the actual password on your iPhone, you'll need to use a Mac or Windows computer connected to the same network and follow the steps above. There is no way to display the password as text on an iPhone itself.

Find your password on Android

Android phones vary by manufacturer, but most follow a similar path. Go to Settings, tap "WiFi" or "Connections," find your network name, and tap it. You should see a QR code displayed on the screen. This QR code contains your WiFi password and network name. You can scan this code with another phone's camera or a QR code reader app to connect without typing the password manually.

If you want to see the password as text, look for an option that says "Show password" or a toggle switch near the QR code. Some Android phones require you to enter your device PIN or biometric (fingerprint or face) before showing the password. If your phone doesn't display the password this way, check your router sticker or use a Windows or Mac computer instead.

What to do if you've forgotten your router password

If the sticker is gone and you can't retrieve the password from any connected device, you have one option: reset the router to factory settings. On the back of the router, there is usually a small reset button recessed into the plastic. 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 default settings.

After the reset, the WiFi network name and password will return to what's printed on the router's sticker (usually something like "NETGEAR-1234" with a default password). You can then log into the router's admin panel using a web browser and set a new password. The admin panel address is usually printed on the sticker as well (often something like 192.168.1.1 or routerlogin.net). You'll need the router's admin username and password, which are also on the sticker.

Resetting the router will disconnect all devices currently using it, so do this only when necessary. After you reset it and create a new password, you'll need to reconnect all your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android can only show passwords for networks they've already connected to and saved. If you've never connected to the network before, you'll need to check the router sticker or reset the router to factory settings.

Why doesn't my iPhone show the password as text?

Apple intentionally hides WiFi passwords on iPhone for security. The Share Password feature lets you send it to another Apple device without displaying it. If you need to see the text, use a Mac or Windows computer connected to the same network.

What if the password on the router sticker doesn't work?

The password may have been changed after the router was set up. Try retrieving it from a device that's already connected using the Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android steps above. If no device is connected, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password?

Yes, sharing your password with people you trust is safe. They'll be able to use your internet, but they won't be able to see your files or other devices on the network unless you've specifically set up file sharing. If someone you don't trust has the password, you can change it by logging into your router's admin panel.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Most phones can't change the router password directly. You'll need to open a web browser, go to your router's admin address (usually printed on the sticker), log in with the admin username and password, and change the WiFi password in the settings. Some router manufacturers offer an app that lets you do this from your phone, but the web browser method works on all routers.