Where to find your WiFi password depends on what device you're using

Your WiFi password lives in different places depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or looking at your router itself. The fastest route is usually your router's sticker or your internet provider's paperwork. If you've changed the password since setup, you'll need to check the device that's currently connected, or log into your router's admin panel to reset it.

Most people don't need to dig into settings at all — they just need to look at what's already in front of them. Start with the physical router and any paperwork that came with it. If that doesn't work, the steps below will walk you through finding it on whatever device you're holding right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's default password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device, or in the paperwork your internet provider sent you.
  • On Windows, you can view a saved WiFi password by opening Settings, going to Network & Internet, selecting your network, and clicking "Manage known networks."
  • On Mac, the Keychain app stores your WiFi password; search for your network name and double-click to reveal it.
  • On iPhone and Android, you cannot view a saved password directly, but you can share the network with another device or reset your router to its factory default.
  • If you've forgotten your password and can't find it anywhere, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

Check your router's sticker and original paperwork first

Before you open any settings, look at the physical router. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that shows the default WiFi name (SSID) and password. This sticker is usually printed in small text and may say "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or "Passphrase."

If the sticker is worn off or missing, check any paperwork your internet provider sent when you first got the router. This paperwork often includes a setup sheet with the network name and password. If you've changed the password since then, the sticker won't help — you'll need to check your connected devices instead.

Finding your password on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, you can view any WiFi password you've already connected to. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Scroll down and click Manage known networks or WiFi (the exact wording varies by Windows version).

Find the network you want the password for and click it. Select Manage or Properties. Look for a section called Security or Network security key. Check the box that says Show or Show characters to reveal the password in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the window.

If you don't see the password field, your account may not have permission to view it. Try right-clicking the network name and selecting Properties, or ask whoever set up the network on this computer.

Finding your password on Mac

On Mac, passwords are stored in Keychain, which is the system's password manager. Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. A window will open showing all your saved passwords and network information.

In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. When it appears in the list, double-click it. A details window will pop up. Check the box that says Show password. Your computer will ask for your Mac login password to confirm — enter it, and your WiFi password will appear on screen.

If you don't see your network in Keychain, it may not be saved on this Mac. Try a different device that's connected to the same network, or reset your router to its factory default password.

What to do on iPhone and Android

iPhones and Android phones do not show saved WiFi passwords in their settings. Apple and Google designed it this way for security — the password stays hidden even from you. However, you have two workarounds.

The first is to share your network with another device. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap WiFi, find your network, and tap the information icon (i). Tap Share This Network and hold your iPhone near another Apple device. The password will transfer without being displayed. On Android, go to Settings, tap WiFi, find your network, tap and hold it, and select Share. A QR code will appear that another device can scan to join — the password stays hidden but the connection works.

If you need to see the actual password, your only option is to check a Windows or Mac computer that's connected to the same network, or reset your router and set a new password.

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

If you've checked everywhere and still can't find your password, you can reset your router to its factory default. Look for a 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 it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and go back to its default settings. The WiFi name and password will return to whatever is printed on the sticker. All devices will be disconnected, and you'll need to reconnect them using the default password. After you reconnect, you can change the password to something new in your router's admin panel if you want.

Be aware that resetting the router also erases any other settings you've customized, like port forwarding or parental controls. Only do this if you're sure you want to start over.

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

If you want to change your WiFi password or view it through the router itself, you'll need to log into the admin panel. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar. You may also see it listed on the router's sticker.

A login screen will appear. The default username is often admin and the default password is either admin, password, or blank. If those don't work, check the router's sticker or manual. Once you're logged in, look for a section called WiFi, Wireless, or Network. You should see your current network name and password, and you can change either one from there.

After you change the password, save your changes and wait for the router to restart. All connected devices will disconnect and will need to reconnect using the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not directly from your phone or tablet. You'll need a computer that's already connected to the network, or you'll need to reset the router. If you have access to another device that's connected, use that device to find the password using the steps above.

What if I forgot my router admin password?

Reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase the admin password and return it to the default (usually printed on the sticker). You'll lose any custom settings you've made, but you'll be able to log in again.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe, like a notebook in a drawer or a password manager on your computer. Anyone with physical access to your home can see a written password, but it's still safer than forgetting it and having to reset your router repeatedly.

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

iPhones and Android phones don't display saved passwords for security reasons. The password is stored in an encrypted part of the phone that even you can't access directly. Use a computer to view it, or use the share feature to connect another device without seeing the password yourself.

What should I do if my router doesn't have a reset button?

Some older or simpler routers don't have a reset button. Try logging into the admin panel using the default credentials on the sticker. If that doesn't work, contact your internet provider — they may be able to reset it remotely or send you a replacement router.