How to Find Your WiFi Password on Windows, Mac, and Phone

Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: on the router itself (usually a sticker on the back or bottom), in your device's network settings, and in your router's admin panel. The fastest route depends on what you need it for. If you just need to connect a new device, the sticker on your router is usually there. If you've lost that sticker or need to change the password, you'll go into your router's settings through a web browser or app.

Most home routers come with a default password printed on them when you buy them. Your internet service provider (ISP) — Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, or whoever you pay for internet — may have also sent you setup paperwork with that password. If you changed the password after setup and now can't remember it, you have two options: reset the router to factory settings (which erases your custom password), or log into the router's admin panel if you remember that password.

Key Takeaways

The WiFi password is printed on a sticker attached to your router, usually on the back or bottom — check there first before trying anything else.
On Windows, you can see a saved WiFi password by right-clicking the network name in Settings and selecting "Manage known networks," then choosing your network and "Forget," then reconnecting to see the password prompt.
On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password," and enter your computer password to reveal it.
On iPhone or Android, you can share your WiFi password to another device without ever seeing the password itself — the devices exchange it automatically.
If you've forgotten your password and lost the sticker, you can reset the router to factory settings using a small button on the device, but this erases all your custom settings.

Finding the password on the router itself

Look for a sticker on the back, bottom, or side of your router. The sticker usually shows "WiFi Name" or "SSID" (the network name you see when you search for networks) and "WiFi Password" or "Key" next to it. This is the easiest method and works when ready.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, check any paperwork your ISP sent you when you first got internet service. Many providers include setup sheets with the default password. If you changed the password after setup and no longer have that information, you'll need to use one of the methods below.

Retrieving a saved password on Windows

If your Windows computer is already connected to the WiFi network, you can see the password through Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find your network name in the list and click it. Click "Forget," then go back to WiFi settings and reconnect to your network. When you enter the password to reconnect, Windows will show you the characters as you type — write them down as they appear.

Alternatively, you can use Command Prompt if you're comfortable with that route. Open Command Prompt as administrator, type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replacing "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name), and press Enter. Look for the line that says "Key Content" — that's your password. This method works even if you're not currently connected to the network.

Retrieving a saved password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by going to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type your WiFi network name. Double-click the network name when it appears in the results. A window will open showing network details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to enter your computer password — type it in, and your WiFi password will appear in the "Show password" field.

Write down the password as it appears, including any capital letters, numbers, or special characters. If you don't see your network in Keychain Access, it may not be saved on this Mac, or it may be listed under a slightly different name than what appears in your WiFi menu.

Sharing WiFi between Apple devices without seeing the password

If you're trying to connect another iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your WiFi and you have an Apple device already connected, you don't need to know the password at all. When the new device searches for networks and finds yours, a prompt will appear on your already-connected device asking if you want to share the password. Tap "Share" and the new device will connect automatically — the password transfers between devices without you ever seeing it.

This works only between Apple devices on the same iCloud account. If you're connecting an Android phone, Windows computer, or a device not on your account, you'll need to enter the password manually.

Sharing WiFi on Android without typing the password

Android phones running version 10 or later can share WiFi by generating a QR code. On the connected phone, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, tap your network name, then tap the gear icon next to it. Tap "Share" and a QR code will appear. The other person can open their camera app, point it at the QR code, and tap the notification that appears — their phone will connect without needing to type anything.

If the other device can't scan QR codes, you'll need to tell them the password. Go to the same Settings screen, but instead of tapping "Share," look for "Show password" or a similar option — the exact wording varies by phone model and Android version.

Resetting the router if you've lost the password completely

If you can't find the password anywhere and don't have it written down, you can reset your router to factory settings. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it) on the back or bottom of the router. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart — this takes about two minutes.

After the reset, the router will return to its default password, which is printed on the sticker. You can then log into the router's admin panel and set a new password. Keep in mind that resetting also erases any other custom settings you made, like port forwarding or parental controls. If you're not comfortable doing this, contact your ISP's support line — they can often reset the router remotely or walk you through the process.

Logging into your router's admin panel to change the password

If you know your router's admin password but want to change your WiFi password, open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. For most home routers, this is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check your router's manual or the sticker to be sure. You'll be asked to log in with a username and password (usually "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and the password on the sticker).

Once logged in, look for a section labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," or "Network Settings." Find the field for "WiFi Password" or "Pre-Shared Key" and enter your new password. Make sure it's at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols if possible — this makes it harder for someone to guess. Save the changes and the router will restart. All your devices will disconnect and you'll need to reconnect using the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On Windows, yes — use the Command Prompt method described above, which works whether you're connected or not. On Mac, you can only retrieve a password that's already saved in Keychain, which requires having connected to that network before. If you've never connected on that Mac, you'll need to use the router's admin panel or the sticker on the router itself.

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

You may have changed it after setup and forgotten the new one. Try the default password for your router model (search online for "[router brand] default password"). If that doesn't work, reset the router using the recessed button on the back, which will restore the sticker password. You'll lose any custom settings you made, but you'll regain access.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down and keeping it in a find place (like a locked drawer or password manager) is safer than using a weak password you can remember easily. If you're worried about someone finding a written copy, use a strong password instead — 12+ characters with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. A strong password is harder to crack than a weak one is to find written down.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if you know your router's admin password. Open a web browser on your phone, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), log in, and navigate to WiFi settings. The process is the same as on a computer, though the screen layout may look different on a smaller device.

What should I do if I share my password with someone and want to remove their access?

Change your WiFi password through the router's admin panel. Once you change it, anyone using the old password will be disconnected and won't be able to reconnect. You'll need to give the new password to anyone you want to stay connected, including yourself on all your devices.

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.