Where your network password is stored on your device

Your device remembers your WiFi password so you don't have to type it every time you connect. That password is stored in a protected location on your computer or phone — you can retrieve it without resetting your router or calling your internet provider. The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android.

The password you're looking for is the one you entered when you first connected to your network. If you've never set a custom password and are using the default one that came with your router, you may find that printed on a sticker attached to the router itself — but retrieving it from your device is faster and works even if the sticker is worn or missing.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, then click Manage Known Networks and choose your network to view the password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password to reveal it.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, then tap "Password" — iOS will display it after you authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
  • On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but most phones store this information in Settings > WiFi > Saved Networks, though the password itself may not display without connecting to the network first.
  • If you cannot find your password through these methods, you can reset your router to factory settings, which will restore the default password printed on the device.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then pressing Enter. Click Network & Internet on the left side. Select WiFi, then scroll down and click Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it.

A window will open showing your network details. Click Manage. Look for a section labeled Security type or Security key. Click the checkbox next to Show to reveal your password in plain text. Windows may ask you to confirm your identity — enter your Windows password if prompted.

If your network doesn't appear in the Manage Known Networks list, it means your computer has never connected to it before, and you'll need to retrieve the password from another device or from your router.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Finder and navigate to Applications > Utilities. Double-click Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu.

When your network appears in the results, double-click it. A window will open showing your network details. Check the box next to Show password. Your Mac will ask you to enter your login password — type it and click Allow. Your WiFi password will now appear in the password field.

If you don't see your network in Keychain Access, your Mac has not connected to it before. You can still retrieve the password from an iPhone, Android phone, or directly from your router.

Finding your password on iPhone

Open Settings and tap WiFi. Find your network in the list and tap the information icon — a small circle with an "i" inside it — next to the network name. Tap Password. Your iPhone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. After you do, your WiFi password will appear on the screen.

You can now copy this password and share it with others or use it to connect a different device. If you don't see a password field, your network may be using a special connection type that doesn't display the password this way — this is rare but can happen with enterprise networks.

Finding your password on Android

The steps vary depending on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. On most phones, open Settings and tap WiFi or Network & Internet. Look for Saved Networks or Manage Networks. Tap your network name.

On Samsung phones, tap Settings > Connections > WiFi, then tap the gear icon or "Manage Connections". Find your network and tap it — you may see a QR code or password option. On other Android phones, the password field may not display unless you tap a "Show Password" checkbox, and you may need to enter your phone's PIN or use biometric authentication.

If your Android phone doesn't show the password through these steps, try connecting to the network again and looking for a password prompt, or retrieve the password from another device.

What to do if you can't find your password anywhere

If none of your devices show the password, or if you don't have access to a device that's already connected to the network, you can reset your router to its factory default password. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router — you may need a paperclip or pen to press it. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights on the router blink or change color.

Your router will restart and return to its default settings. The default password is usually printed on a sticker attached to the router itself, or on the documentation that came with it. After you reset the router, you can set up a new custom password through your router's admin panel — this is typically accessed by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar.

Resetting your router will disconnect all devices currently using it, and you'll need to reconnect them using the new password. This should only be done if you're certain you want to change your network settings.

Why your device stores your password

Your computer or phone saves your WiFi password so you can reconnect automatically without typing it each time. This is a convenience feature, but it also means the password is stored in an encrypted location that only you can access — you need to prove your identity (with your Windows password, Mac password, Face ID, or phone PIN) before the device will show it to you.

This security layer protects your password if someone else gains physical access to your device. Even if they unlock your phone or computer, they still can't see your WiFi password without your authentication. Retrieving your own password is straightforward because you have that authentication method.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. On Windows, Mac, and iPhone, you can view the password of any network your device has previously connected to, whether you're currently connected or not. On Android, this varies by phone model — some show saved passwords even when disconnected, while others require you to be connected first.

What if I see a password but it doesn't work when I try to connect from another device?

Double-check that you're typing it exactly as shown, including capital letters and special characters. Passwords are case-sensitive. If it still doesn't work, your router may have been reset or your network settings may have changed. Try resetting your router to restore the default password, or contact your internet provider if you're unsure.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?

Yes, sharing your password with guests is normal and safe. They can only access your network, not your files or devices. If you want to remove their access later, you can change your WiFi password through your router's settings, which will disconnect them and require them to re-enter the new password to reconnect.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone or computer?

You can view your password from your phone or computer, but changing it requires accessing your router's admin panel through a web browser. Open a browser, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), log in with your router's admin credentials, and look for WiFi settings or security settings. Your internet provider can tell you the default admin password if you haven't changed it.

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my router admin password?

Your WiFi password is what guests and devices use to connect to your network. Your router admin password is what you use to log into your router's settings to change the WiFi password or other network configurations. They are separate and you should keep them different for security.