How to Find a WiFi Password You've Forgotten or Need to Share

Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in two places: on the router itself (usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom) and in your device's memory once you've connected. If you've forgotten it, the router sticker is your fastest route. If you need to find it on a device you've already connected to, the steps depend on whether you're using Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android — each one stores and displays the password differently.

The password you see when you first set up your router is not the same as the network name (SSID). The network name is what appears in your list of available WiFi networks. The password is what you type in to connect. Many people confuse the two, so check that you're looking at the right label on your router.

Key Takeaways

The easiest method is to look at the sticker on the back or bottom of your router, where the default password is usually printed.
On Windows, you can view a saved password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then select your network and choose "Manage."
On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, and check the "Show password" box after entering your computer password.
On iPhone and Android, you cannot view a saved password directly, but you can share it with other devices by scanning a QR code or using the share feature.
If you've lost the router sticker and forgotten the password, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.

Finding the password on the router itself

Most routers come with a sticker on the back or bottom that shows the default WiFi network name and password. This sticker is placed there by the manufacturer so you can connect to the network for the first time. Look for text that says "WiFi Name," "SSID," "Network Name," or "WiFi Password." The password may also be labeled as "Key," "Security Key," or "Passphrase."

If the sticker is worn, faded, or missing, check the router's documentation or the box it came in. Many manufacturers also print this information on a card inside the box. If you still can't find it, you can look up your router model on the manufacturer's website — they often have a support page that lists the default credentials.

Keep in mind that if you changed your WiFi password after the initial setup, the sticker will show the original default password, not your current one. In that case, you'll need to use one of the device-based methods below.

Retrieving a saved password on Windows

Windows stores WiFi passwords in a way you can view if you have administrator access to the computer. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click on it. Select "Manage" and then look for the "Security" section. Click "Show" next to the password field, and Windows will display the password in plain text after you confirm your computer password.

If your network doesn't appear in the "Manage Known Networks" list, it means Windows hasn't saved it yet. In that case, you'll need to connect to the network first, then return to this menu. If you're having trouble finding the menu, try searching "Manage WiFi Settings" directly in the Windows search bar.

Retrieving a saved password on Mac

On a Mac, passwords are stored in Keychain Access, which is the system's password manager. Open Keychain Access (you can find it by searching "Keychain" in Spotlight), then search for your WiFi network name in the search box. When you find it, double-click the entry. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom of the window. Your Mac will ask you to enter your computer password to confirm, and then the WiFi password will appear in plain text.

If you don't see your network in Keychain Access, it may not have been saved, or it may be stored under a slightly different name. Try searching for partial words from your network name, or browse through the "Passwords" category to find it manually.

Sharing a password from iPhone or Android

iPhones and iPads running iOS 16 or later can share a WiFi password with another Apple device without revealing the password itself. Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and look for a "Share Password" option. If another Apple device is nearby, the owner of that device will see a prompt to join the network. They can accept, and the password transfers automatically without being displayed.

Android devices do not have a built-in way to view a saved WiFi password through the Settings menu. However, many Android phones can generate a QR code for the network. Go to Settings > WiFi, long-press your network name, and select "Share" or "QR Code." Another device can then scan this code to join the network. If your Android phone doesn't have this feature, you'll need to use the Windows or Mac method on a computer that's connected to the network.

What to do if you've lost the password completely

If you can't find the password on the router sticker, in your device's memory, or in the documentation, your only option is to reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including your WiFi name and password, and returns the router to the default credentials printed on the sticker.

To reset most routers, locate the small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it) on the back or bottom of the device. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink, and the router will restart. Once it's back online, you can connect using the default credentials on the sticker, then set up a new password.

Before you reset, check with anyone else in your household who might have the password written down. Also consider whether you have a backup of your router settings — some routers allow you to export a configuration file that includes the password. If you do, you can restore from that file instead of resetting.

Keeping your password find while sharing it

When you share your WiFi password with someone, you're giving them access to your network. They can see other devices on the network and, depending on your router settings, potentially access shared files or printers. If you're sharing with a guest or someone you don't fully trust, consider creating a guest network instead. Most routers have a guest WiFi option in their settings that lets you set a separate network and password with limited access.

Avoid sharing your password over email, text, or messaging apps where it could be intercepted or stored in a chat history. The safest methods are to share it verbally, write it on paper and hand it over, or use the QR code or password-share features built into your devices. If you've shared your password with someone who no longer needs access, change the password to prevent them from reconnecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. On Windows and Mac, you can only view a password for a network your device has previously connected to and saved. If you've never connected, the password won't be stored. On iPhone and Android, you cannot view saved passwords at all through the settings menu. You'll need to access the router directly or use a computer that's already connected.

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

If you changed the password after setup, the sticker shows the old default password. Try using the Windows or Mac method to find your current password. If those don't work either, you may need to reset the router to factory settings and start over with the default password on the sticker.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is safer than using a weak password or sharing it digitally. Keep the written password in a find place, like a drawer or safe, not on a sticky note on your monitor. If you move or sell your router, change the password afterward so the new owner can't use the old credentials.

Can I change my WiFi password if I've forgotten the old one?

Yes, but you'll need to access your router's admin panel. Open a web browser on a connected device, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar, and log in with your router's admin credentials. If you've forgotten those too, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings.

Why can't I see my WiFi password on my phone?

iPhones don't display saved passwords in the settings menu for security reasons. Android phones vary by manufacturer, but most also hide passwords by default. Both systems let you share the password with other devices without revealing it, which is the intended way to give access to guests.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.