Where your WiFi password lives on your device
Your device stores the password for every network you have connected to before. You do not need to contact your internet provider or dig through a router manual — the password is already saved in your system settings, and you can view it in a few clicks.
The exact steps depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. Each operating system keeps this information in a different place, but all of them show it to you without special tools or permissions.
If you have never connected to the network before, or if you are setting up a new device, you will need the password from the router itself — usually a sticker on the back or bottom of the box.
Key Takeaways
- Windows stores saved WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view them in plain text without administrator access.
- Mac users can find saved passwords in System Settings under WiFi, or retrieve them from Keychain if the Settings menu does not show the password field.
- iPhone and iPad do not display saved passwords in settings, but you can share the network with another Apple device or check your router directly.
- Android phones show saved passwords in Settings under WiFi, though the exact path varies by manufacturer and Android version.
- If you cannot find the password anywhere, check the router itself for a sticker with the default password, or restart the router to reset it.
Finding the password on Windows 10 and 11
Open Settings and go to Network and Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find the network name you need and click it.
Click Forget if you see that button — this does not delete the password, it just opens the full details. If you do not see Forget, look for Properties or a gear icon instead. A new window will open showing network details.
Scroll down to Security type and Encryption type. Below those fields you will see Security key. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text. That is your WiFi password.
If the eye icon does not appear or the field is blank, the password may not be stored on this device. Try the steps for your router below instead.
Finding the password on Mac
Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings. Click WiFi on the left, find your network in the list, and click the information icon (a circle with an i) next to it.
Look for a Password field in the window that opens. If you see it, click the eye icon to show the password. If the Password field does not appear, your Mac may not have permission to display it — try the Keychain method instead.
To use Keychain, open Spotlight (press Command and Space), type Keychain Access, and press Enter. In the search box at the top right, type your network name. Double-click the result, check the box next to Show password, and enter your Mac password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear.
Finding the password on iPhone and iPad
Apple does not show saved WiFi passwords in the Settings app on iPhone or iPad. Instead, you have two options: share the network with another Apple device, or check the router directly.
To share with another Apple device, go to Settings on the device that needs the password. Tap WiFi, tap the network name, and hold down on it until a menu appears. Tap Share Password. On a nearby iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is signed into the same iCloud account, a prompt will appear asking to share — tap Share. The device will connect without showing you the password.
If you need to see the actual password, you will need to check your router or use a Mac or Windows computer that has connected to the network before.
Finding the password on Android
Open Settings and go to Network and Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by phone brand). Tap WiFi. Find your network in the list, long-press on it, and tap Manage or Edit.
Look for a Show password checkbox or an eye icon next to the password field. Tap it to reveal the password. Some Android phones require you to enter your device PIN or use your fingerprint before showing the password.
If you do not see the network in your saved list, it means your phone has not connected to it before. You will need to get the password from the router or from someone else who has connected.
Checking the router when the password is not stored
If none of your devices show the password, look at the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the network name and password printed on it. The password may be labeled as WiFi Password, Network Key, PSK, or Passphrase.
If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to its factory default password. Press and hold the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default password, which is usually printed in the manual or on the box.
Resetting the router will disconnect all devices and erase any custom settings you made, so only do this if you cannot find the password any other way. After reset, you will need to set up the network again from scratch.
What to do if you still cannot find it
If the password is not on any device and the router sticker is gone, contact your internet provider. They can tell you the default password for your specific router model, or they can reset it remotely in some cases. Have your account number ready when you call.
If you are trying to connect a guest or family member, the fastest option is to use the share feature on your phone (iPhone, Android, or Windows) rather than typing the password manually. This avoids typing errors and does not require you to say the password out loud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my device not show the password even though I have connected before?
Some devices do not store or display passwords for security reasons. iPhones and iPads are the most common example. If your device does not show it, try a different device that has connected to the same network, or check the router sticker directly.
Can I see the password if I am not the owner of the network?
No. Only devices that have already connected to the network can retrieve the saved password. If you have never connected before, you will need to ask the network owner for the password or use a share feature if they are nearby with their phone.
Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?
Yes. Writing it down in a notebook at home is safe. Avoid posting it online, texting it to people you do not trust, or leaving it visible to guests. If you are concerned about security, you can change the password in your router settings anytime.
What if the password on the router sticker does not work?
The network owner may have changed the password after setup. Ask them directly for the current password. If they do not remember it, they can reset the router using the method described above, which will restore the default password from the sticker.
Do I need to know the password to reset the router?
No. The physical reset button works without a password. However, resetting erases all custom settings and disconnects every device, so it should be your last option. Contact your internet provider first — they may be able to help without a reset.