Where your WiFi password is stored on your device

Your device remembers your WiFi password after you connect once, so you do not need to type it in again. That password lives in your system settings, not written down anywhere you can see it easily. The location depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android — each stores it differently, and the steps to retrieve it are straightforward once you know where to look.

You might need your password to connect a new device, share access with a guest, or troubleshoot a connection problem. The password you set when you first created your network is the same one your device has stored; you are just retrieving what is already there.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and choose View under the password field to see it in plain text.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click WiFi, select your network, and choose Details to find the password in the Security tab.
  • On iPhone, open Settings, go to WiFi, tap your network name, and look for the password field — you may need to tap the eye icon to reveal it.
  • On Android, open Settings, go to WiFi, long-press your connected network, and select View Password to see it displayed on screen.
  • If you cannot find your password on any device, you can reset it through your router's admin panel using the router's IP address and login credentials.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app. Go to Network & Internet on the left side, then select WiFi. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks," then find the network name you want the password for and click it.

Click the Security info tab. Under the "Password" field, you will see a series of dots. Click the eye icon next to the dots to reveal the password in plain text. Write it down or copy it to use on another device.

If you do not see the eye icon, your account may not have permission to view saved passwords. Try right-clicking the network name and selecting "Properties" instead, then look for the password field in the window that opens.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top left corner and selecting System Settings. Click WiFi in the sidebar, then find your network name in the list and click the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to it.

In the window that opens, click the Details button. Go to the Security tab at the top. You will see a field labeled "Password" with dots covering the text. Check the box next to "Show password" to reveal it. Your Mac may ask you to enter your computer password to confirm — this is normal and a security measure.

Finding your WiFi password on iPhone

Open Settings and tap WiFi. Find the network you are connected to and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i") next to the network name. Scroll down to the Password field.

On newer iPhones running iOS 16 or later, tap the password field and it will appear in plain text. On older versions, you may see only dots. If you see dots, try tapping and holding on the field, then selecting "Copy" — the password will be copied to your clipboard even if you cannot see it displayed.

If neither method works, your iPhone may not have stored the password. Forget the network (tap "Forget This Network" at the top of the screen) and reconnect by entering the password manually, then try these steps again.

Finding your WiFi password on Android

Open Settings and go to WiFi. Long-press (tap and hold) the network name you are connected to. A menu will appear with several options. Tap "View Password" or "Manage Network Settings," depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer.

You may be asked to enter your phone's PIN, pattern, or biometric (fingerprint or face) to confirm. Once you do, the password will display on screen in plain text. Some Android phones show the password directly in the menu; others open a separate window.

If you do not see a "View Password" option, your phone may not store the password in a retrievable way. In that case, you will need to reset the password through your router instead.

Resetting your WiFi password through your router

If you cannot find your password on any device, you can reset it by logging into your router directly. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check the sticker on the back of your router to be sure.

You will be asked to log in. The default username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password," but again, check your router's label or manual. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Security." Find the field for your network password (sometimes called the "passphrase" or "pre-shared key") and change it to something new.

Save your changes. Your router will restart, and all devices will disconnect. You will need to reconnect each device using the new password. Write down the new password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it.

What to do if you forgot your router's login password

If you cannot log into your router because you forgot the admin password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. Look for a small reset button on the back of the router, usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and return to its default settings. You will then be able to log in using the default username and password printed on the router's label. After you log in, you can set a new WiFi password and a new admin password to prevent this from happening again.

Be aware that resetting the router will erase any custom settings you have made, such as port forwarding or parental controls. Only do this if you are certain you cannot recover your admin password any other way.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On Windows and Mac, yes — your device stores the password even after you disconnect, so you can retrieve it from Settings at any time. On iPhone and Android, you can only view the password for a network you are currently connected to. If you need the password for a network you are not connected to, you will need to reset it through the router.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password with a guest or family member is safe. They will be able to use your internet, but they will not be able to change your network settings or see other devices on your network unless you give them your router's admin password as well. Keep your admin password separate from your WiFi password.

Why does my device show a different password than what I remember setting?

This usually means your password was changed at some point, either by you or someone else with access to your router. The password your device displays is the current one stored in your router's settings. If you did not make the change, consider resetting your router's admin password and WiFi password to something only you know.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some routers use a reset option in the admin panel instead of a physical button. Log into your router at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, look for a "Reset" or "Restore Factory Settings" option, and follow the prompts. If you cannot access the admin panel, contact your internet service provider — they may be able to reset the router remotely or send you a replacement.