Where your WiFi password is stored on your device

Your device remembers your WiFi password once you connect to a network, but the password itself is hidden from view for security. To see it, you need to access your device's network settings — the exact steps depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. The password is stored locally on your device, not sent anywhere, so you can retrieve it without contacting your internet provider or router manufacturer.

If you have forgotten the password to your own network, the fastest method is usually to check your router itself. Most routers have the default password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. If you changed that password and cannot remember it, you can reset the router to factory settings, though this will erase any custom settings you made.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in network settings under "Manage known networks," where you can view the password in plain text.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access by searching for the network name, then viewing the password with a checkbox.
  • iPhone and iPad do not display saved WiFi passwords in settings, but you can share the network with another Apple device instead of typing it manually.
  • Android devices show saved networks in WiFi settings, but the password display depends on your phone model and Android version.
  • If you cannot remember your own router password, check the sticker on the router itself or reset it to factory defaults.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Click "Manage known networks" to see a list of every network your computer has connected to. Find the network name you need and click it, then select "Forget" or "Properties" depending on your Windows version.

If you see a "Properties" button, click it and look for "Security type" and "Security key." The security key is your password. You may need to click "Show" next to the security key field to display it in readable text instead of dots. If you only see a "Forget" option, you will need to use a different method — try checking your router or using the Mac or Android steps below if you have access to another device.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears on your device. When the network appears in the list, double-click it to open a details window.

A checkbox labeled "Show password" will appear near the bottom of the window. Click it, and your Mac will ask for your computer password to confirm. Enter your Mac login password and click "Allow." The WiFi password will then display in plain text in the password field. You can now copy it or write it down.

Finding your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not allow you to view a saved WiFi password directly in Settings on iPhone or iPad. Instead, you can share the network with another Apple device. If you have a Mac, iPad, or another iPhone nearby, open WiFi settings on that device, select your network from the list, and your primary device will show a prompt asking if you want to share the password. Tap "Share Password" and the other device will connect without you typing anything.

If you do not have another Apple device, you will need to check your router or use a Windows or Android device to retrieve the password. You can also contact your internet provider if the network is theirs, or ask whoever set up the router if it is a shared network.

Finding your password on Android

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by phone brand). Select WiFi and look for your network in the list of saved networks. Tap and hold the network name until a menu appears, then select "Manage" or "Edit." You should see a password field with dots or asterisks hiding the actual characters.

Look for an eye icon or "Show password" checkbox next to the password field and tap it. Your phone may ask you to confirm your identity using your fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN. Once confirmed, the password will display in plain text. If you do not see a show password option, your phone model may not support viewing saved passwords — in that case, check your router or use another device.

Retrieving the password from your router

If you cannot find the password on any of your devices, you can check the router itself. Look for a sticker on the back, bottom, or side of your router. This sticker usually shows the network name (SSID) and a default password. If you have never changed this password, you can use it to reconnect to your network.

If you changed the password and cannot remember it, you can reset the router to factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. This will erase all your custom settings and return the router to its default password, which will be on the sticker again. After resetting, you will need to set up your network from scratch, including creating a new password.

What to do if you cannot find the password anywhere

If the sticker is missing or worn away and you have no devices connected to the network, contact your internet provider. They can tell you the default password for your specific router model or help you reset it remotely. Have your account number and a form of ID ready when you call.

If the network belongs to someone else — a workplace, school, or shared household — ask the person who manages it. They may have the password written down or be able to reset it for you. If it is a public network at a business, ask staff for the password directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I am not connected to the network?

No. Your device only stores passwords for networks it has already connected to. If you have never connected to a network, your device has no record of its password. You would need to check the router, contact the network owner, or contact your internet provider.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing down your password and keeping it in a find place — like a locked drawer or password manager — is safer than using a weak password you can easily remember. If you write it down, keep the paper away from guests and do not leave it visible on a desk or wall.

What if I reset my router and forgot to write down my new password?

You can reset the router again to return it to the default password on the sticker. After that, when ready write down any new password you create, or use a password manager to store it. Password managers like Bitwarden or 1Password can store WiFi passwords securely across your devices.

Can I change my WiFi password if I forgot the router admin password?

If you forgot the password to access your router's settings, you will need to reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button. This will return it to the default admin password, which is usually printed on the sticker. After resetting, you can log in and create a new WiFi password and a new admin password.

Why does my device show "incorrect password" when I try to reconnect?

The password may have been changed since your device last connected. Check the password again on another device or on the router itself. Also make sure you are typing uppercase and lowercase letters correctly — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.