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 your 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 share it with a guest, look at the router sticker first — that takes 30 seconds. If you've forgotten it entirely and the sticker is gone or unreadable, you can pull it from any device that's already connected, or reset the router to factory defaults and create a new password.

The reason this matters for your home security: if someone else has been on your network and you want to change the password to lock them out, you need to know what it currently is before you can change it. If you're selling your house or moving out of a rental, you should change the password so the previous owner or landlord can't access your devices. Knowing how to find and change your password puts you in control of who can see your network traffic.

Key Takeaways

The WiFi password is printed on a sticker attached to your router — check the back or bottom first, as this is the fastest way to find it.
On Windows, you can view a saved WiFi password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then select your network and choose "Show" under the password field.
On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your computer password to reveal it.
On iPhone or Android, you cannot view a saved WiFi password directly from settings, but you can share the network with another device, which displays the password as a QR code.
If you've lost the 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, then set up a new network and password.

Finding the password on the router itself

Most routers have a sticker on the back, bottom, or side that shows the default WiFi network name (called the SSID) and the password. Look for text that says "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "Passphrase", or sometimes just "Password". The sticker may also show a QR code you can scan with your phone to join the network without typing the password.

If the sticker is missing, faded, or unreadable, check any paperwork that came with your router — the manual or setup sheet often lists the default credentials. If you've already changed the password from the default and didn't write it down, you'll need to pull it from a connected device or reset the router.

Viewing a saved password on Windows

If you're on a Windows computer that's already connected to the WiFi, you can see the password without touching the router. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi. Click "Manage Known Networks" and find your network name in the list. Click on it, then select "Manage". Scroll down to the "Security type" section and you'll see a password field — click "Show" next to it, and Windows will display the password in plain text.

Windows will ask you to confirm your computer password before showing the WiFi password. This is a security check to make sure someone sitting at your computer can't just walk up and see all your network passwords. If you don't remember your Windows password, you won't be able to view the WiFi password this way.

Viewing a saved password on Mac

On a Mac, the WiFi password is stored in Keychain, which is Apple's password manager. Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight or find it in Applications > Utilities). In the search box at the top right, type your WiFi network name. When it appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Mac will ask for your computer password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text.

If you have multiple networks saved, make sure you're looking at the right one — Keychain will show all of them. The password field is usually near the bottom of the details window, and you may need to scroll down to see it.

Viewing a saved password on iPhone or Android

iPhones and iPads do not have a built-in way to view a saved WiFi password through Settings. However, you can share the network with another device, which will display the password as a QR code. Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, then tap "Share". A QR code will appear on your screen — another iPhone or iPad can scan this code to join the network. The QR code itself encodes the password, but it's not displayed as readable text.

On Android, the process varies by phone manufacturer and Android version. Some phones allow you to view saved passwords through Settings > Network > WiFi > Saved Networks, but many do not display the actual password. Your best option is usually to use the QR code share feature if your phone has it, or to check a Windows or Mac computer instead. If you need the password as text to give to someone else, a Windows or Mac computer is your most reliable source.

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

If the sticker is gone, you can't access a connected device, and you need to change the password, you can reset your router to factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings and returns the router to the state it was in when you first bought it. 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.

After the reset, the router will broadcast its default network name and password, which are usually printed on the sticker. You'll then need to set up the router again from scratch — connect to the default network, log into the router's admin panel (usually by typing the router's IP address into a web browser), and create a new network name and password. This process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Any devices that were previously connected will lose their connection and will need to be reconnected with the new password.

Accessing the router's admin panel to change the password

If you know the current password and want to change it to something stronger or to lock out a device, you can log into the router's admin panel. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's manual or the sticker to be sure. You'll be asked to log in with a username and password, which are often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the WiFi password, depending on the router model.

Once you're logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings", "Wireless", or "Network". You'll see the current network name and password. Change the password to something at least 12 characters long, using a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Avoid words from the dictionary or personal information like your address or birthday. After you save the changes, the router will restart and your new password will take effect. Any devices currently connected will be disconnected and will need to reconnect with the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No — you can only view a saved password from a device that's already connected to that network. If you've never connected a device to the network, or if all your connected devices are unavailable, you'll need to check the router sticker or reset the router to factory defaults.

What if I see the password but it looks like a bunch of dots or asterisks?

That's the browser or app hiding the password for security. Look for a "Show" button, an eye icon, or a checkbox that says "Show password" — clicking it will reveal the actual text. You may need to enter your computer password first to confirm you have permission to see it.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?

Yes, sharing the password with trusted guests is safe. They'll be able to use your internet, but they won't be able to see your files or devices unless you've specifically shared them. If you want to give guests temporary access, consider changing the password after they leave, or use a guest network feature if your router has one — this creates a separate network with its own password that doesn't give access to your main devices.

What should I do if someone is using my WiFi without permission?

Change your WiFi password when ready. Log into your router's admin panel, go to WiFi settings, and create a new password. All devices will be disconnected, and anyone who doesn't have the new password won't be able to reconnect. After you change it, reconnect your own devices one by one.

Can I recover a password if I reset the router?

No — resetting the router erases the custom password you set. The router will return to its factory default password, which is printed on the sticker. You'll need to set up a new password after the reset. This is why it's a good idea to write down your WiFi password somewhere safe, or use your computer's password manager to store it.

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.