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 that network. Each operating system keeps this information in a different spot, but the process takes less than a minute once you know where to look.

If you've forgotten the password and can't find it anywhere, you can reset your router to factory settings, which will erase the password and let you create a new one. This disconnects every device on your network temporarily, so it's the last option — but it works when nothing else does.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router first — the password is usually printed there by default.
  • 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 Preferences, select Network, choose your WiFi network, and click "Advanced" to view the password in Keychain.
  • On iPhone and iPad, you cannot view a saved WiFi password directly, but you can share it with another Apple device by holding your phone near theirs during connection.
  • On Android, go to Settings, select Network & Internet, find your WiFi network, and tap "Manage" to see the password (method varies by manufacturer).

Finding the password on the router itself

Most routers come with a default WiFi password printed on a label attached to the device. Look on the back, bottom, or side of the router for a sticker that shows "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "PSK," or sometimes just "Password." The label usually also shows the network name (SSID) right above it. Write down both pieces of information — you'll need the network name to identify which network is yours if multiple networks are visible.

If the sticker is missing, faded, or scratched off, you can log into the router's admin panel to see the password. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You'll be asked for a username and password — these are usually admin for both, unless you changed them. Once logged in, look for a section called "WiFi," "Wireless," or "Network Settings" to find the password. The exact location varies by router brand, but most follow this general layout.

Retrieving the password on Windows

If you're already connected to the WiFi network on your Windows computer, you can see the password without logging into the router. Right-click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and select "Open Network & Internet settings." Click "WiFi" in the left menu, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find your network name in the list and click it, then click "Properties." Scroll down to the "Security type" section and toggle "Show" next to the password field — the password will appear in plain text.

If you don't see a "Show" button, your account may not have permission to view saved passwords. Try the router method instead, or ask someone with administrator access on that computer to retrieve it for you.

Retrieving the password on Mac

On a Mac, the WiFi password is stored in Keychain, which is the system's password manager. Click the Apple menu in the top left, select "System Preferences" (or "System Settings" on newer Macs), then click "Network." Select your WiFi network from the list on the left and click "Advanced." A new window opens — look for the WiFi network name in the list and double-click it. A small box appears with network details. Check the box next to "Show password" and enter your Mac's login password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear in the password field.

If you don't see your network in the list, make sure you're connected to it first. Disconnect and reconnect to the network, then repeat these steps.

Retrieving the password on iPhone or iPad

iPhones and iPads do not show saved WiFi passwords in Settings. Apple designed it this way for security — the password stays encrypted and hidden from view. However, you can share the password with another Apple device without typing it. Have the person with the new device go to Settings, select WiFi, tap your network name, and try to connect. When prompted for the password, hold their device near your iPhone or iPad. A prompt appears on your screen asking if you want to share the password. Tap "Share Password" and the connection happens automatically on their device.

If you need to see the actual password characters, use the router method or retrieve it from a Windows or Mac computer that's connected to the same network.

Retrieving the password on Android

Android phones store WiFi passwords, but the method to view them varies by manufacturer and Android version. On most recent Android phones, go to Settings, tap "Network & Internet" or "Connections," select "WiFi," and find your network in the list. Tap the network name or the gear icon next to it, then tap "Manage" or "Advanced." Look for a "Password" or "PSK" field — some phones show it directly, while others require you to toggle "Show password" first. If you don't see the password field, your phone may not allow viewing saved passwords for security reasons.

Older Android phones and some Samsung devices use a different path: Settings > WiFi > Long-press your network > Modify > Show password. If you're stuck, check your phone's manual or search for "[Your phone model] view WiFi password" to find the exact steps for your device.

Resetting your router if you can't find the password anywhere

If the sticker is gone, you can't log into the admin panel, and no connected device will show you the password, you can reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your settings and creates a new default password, so every device on your network will need to reconnect. Look for a small reset button on the back of the router — it's usually recessed so you can't press it by accident. Use a paperclip or pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it's back on, the network name and password will return to the factory defaults printed on the sticker.

After the reset, log back in with the default credentials, change the password to something you'll remember, and reconnect all your devices. Write down the new password and store it somewhere safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the password on my iPhone?

Apple keeps WiFi passwords encrypted in Keychain for security. You can share the password with another Apple device by holding them together, but you cannot view the characters yourself. To see the actual password, retrieve it from a Mac, Windows computer, or your router.

I forgot my router's admin password — how do I get in?

If you changed the admin password and forgot it, your only option is a factory reset. Hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds to erase all settings and return to the default username and password (usually admin/admin). This disconnects all devices temporarily.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password is safe. The password only grants access to your network — it doesn't expose your personal files or accounts. You can change the password anytime if you want to disconnect someone, and you can create a separate guest network with a different password if you prefer.

My router doesn't have a sticker — where else can I look?

Check the manual that came with the router, or search online for "[Your router model] default password." Most manufacturers use the same default for all routers of that model. If you still can't find it, log into the admin panel at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 with admin/admin, or perform a factory reset.

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

No — you must be connected to the network on that device to retrieve the password from it. If you're not connected, use the router method instead: check the sticker, log into the admin panel, or perform a factory reset.