How to Find and Recover WiFi Passwords You've Forgotten

Where to find a WiFi password you already know

The fastest way to recover a WiFi password depends on what device you're using and whether you've connected to that network before. If you've already connected your phone, tablet, or computer to the network, that device has stored the password — you just need to know where to look for it.

On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, then Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list, click it, and select Properties. Scroll down to Security and click Show to reveal the password in plain text. On Mac, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight), find your network name in the list, double-click it, check the box next to Show Password, and enter your computer password when prompted.

On iPhone or iPad, you cannot view the password directly in Settings, but you can share it with another Apple device by holding the other device near yours while it's trying to connect. Android phones also don't display stored passwords in Settings, but you can reset your network settings and reconnect, which will prompt you to re-enter it — this doesn't help you recover a forgotten password, but it confirms the password works.

Key Takeaways

Windows and Mac computers store WiFi passwords in their network settings and can display them if you have admin access to the device.
Your router's admin panel holds the password and can be accessed from any device on the network by typing the router's IP address into a browser.
The default IP address for most home routers is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and the default login is often admin/admin or printed on the router itself.
If you cannot remember the router password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which erases all settings including the WiFi password.
Your internet service provider can tell you the WiFi password over the phone if you can verify your account, though this may take a phone call during business hours.

Accessing your router's admin panel

Your router stores the WiFi password and displays it in its admin panel, which you can reach from any device already connected to that network. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar — one of these is the default IP address for most home routers. If neither works, check the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that lists the correct address.

When the login page appears, enter your router's username and password. If you've never changed these, they are usually admin for both username and password, or they may be printed on the sticker on the router itself. Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, or Network Settings. The password will be listed next to WiFi Password, Pre-Shared Key, or PSK. Write it down or take a photo.

If you changed the router password in the past and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to restore the default login. This erases all your settings, including the WiFi password, so you'll have to set up the network again from scratch.

Resetting your router to recover the default password

If you cannot log into your router because you've forgotten the admin password, you can reset it to factory settings. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it's usually recessed so you can't press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After the restart, the router will be back to its default settings. The default WiFi network name and password are usually printed on the sticker on the router, or they may be admin/admin or the router's serial number. Log into the admin panel again using the default credentials and change the WiFi password to something you'll remember. Write down both the new WiFi password and the new router admin password in a safe place.

Resetting the router will disconnect all devices currently on the network, and you'll have to reconnect them using the new password. Any devices that were connected before will forget the old network and will need to be told to forget it in their WiFi settings before they can reconnect to the new one.

Contacting your internet service provider

Your internet service provider — the company that sends the internet signal to your home — can look up your WiFi password if you can verify your account. Call the customer service number on your bill or on the provider's website. Have your account number ready, and be prepared to answer security questions like your phone number, address, or the last four digits of the card you use to pay.

The representative can tell you the WiFi password over the phone or send it to you by email or text. Some providers also let you view it in your online account portal if you log in with your account credentials. This route takes longer than checking your router or your device settings, but it doesn't require you to reset anything or access the admin panel.

If your provider set up the router for you, they may have given you a temporary password that you were supposed to change. If you never changed it, they can tell you what that original password was. If you did change it and forgot it, they cannot recover it — you'll need to reset the router instead.

Recovering a password from a device that's no longer connected

If you need the password for a network you used to connect to but no longer have access to, and you don't have any device that's currently connected to it, your only option is to contact the network owner or your internet service provider. A device that has never connected to the network cannot retrieve the password, and there is no way to guess or recover it without access to the router itself.

If this is a network at a business, school, or public place, ask the person in charge for the password. If it's your own home network and you've moved away, you'll need to contact your internet service provider with your account information. If it's a network you used years ago and no longer have any connection to, the password cannot be recovered.

Keeping track of your WiFi password going forward

Once you've recovered your password, write it down in a place where you can find it later — a notebook, a password manager, or a note in your phone. Many people write it on the router itself with a permanent marker, which makes it straightforward to find if you need it again and you're standing next to the device.

If you use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass, you can store your WiFi password there along with other passwords. These tools encrypt your passwords and keep them in one place, so you don't have to remember them or write them down by hand. Some password managers can even auto-fill WiFi passwords when you're setting up a new device.

Consider changing your WiFi password every few months if you live in a busy area or if people frequently ask for access. This reduces the chance that someone who visited once will still be able to connect months later. When you change it, update your written copy or password manager so you don't forget the new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password on my phone if I'm already connected?

On Android, you cannot view the password directly in Settings, but you can share it with another Android device by opening WiFi settings, long-pressing the network name, and selecting Share. On iPhone, you can share it with another Apple device by holding the other device nearby while it's trying to connect, but you cannot view the password yourself in the Settings app.

What if I don't know my router's IP address?

Try 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 first — these work for most home routers. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of the router, which usually lists the IP address, default username, and default password. You can also open Command Prompt on Windows and type ipconfig, then look for Default Gateway — that's your router's IP address.

Will resetting my router delete my internet connection?

No, resetting the router to factory settings erases only the settings you've changed, like your WiFi password and network name. Your internet connection itself comes from your service provider and will not be affected. However, you will need to reconnect all your devices to the network using the new password after the reset.

What if the default admin password doesn't work?

If the default username and password printed on the router don't work, you may have changed them in the past. In that case, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button. If you cannot find the reset button or it doesn't work, contact your internet service provider — they can walk you through the process or send a technician.

Can someone else see my WiFi password if they're connected to my network?

A person connected to your network cannot view your WiFi password from their device, but they can access your router's admin panel if they know the router's IP address and default login. This is why it's important to change the default router password from admin to something only you know. If you suspect someone has accessed your router, reset it and change all passwords.

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.