Where your WiFi password is stored on your device

Your device remembers your WiFi password so you do not have to type it every time you connect. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all store this information in different places, and you can retrieve it if you need to share the network with someone else or reconnect after forgetting it.

The password itself is not displayed on your router or in your WiFi settings by default — you have to dig into your device's stored network information to find it. The steps differ depending on what device you are using.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the saved password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click the entry, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings, WiFi, tap the network name, and select "Share Password" to display it on your screen.
  • On Android, open Settings, go to WiFi, long-press your network name, select "Share", and scan the QR code or view the password directly.
  • If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset your router to factory settings, though this will disconnect all devices temporarily.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the app. Go to Network & Internet on the left side, then select WiFi. Under "Manage known networks", click the name of the network you want the password for.

Click "Manage" next to the network name. Scroll down and look for "Security type" and "Security key". Click the eye icon next to "Security key" to reveal your password. Windows will ask you to confirm your user account password before showing it.

If you do not see an eye icon, your network may not have a password, or you may not have permission to view it on that device. In that case, you will need to check a different device that connected to the network, or reset the router itself.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Spotlight by pressing Command and Space, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. In the Keychain Access window, use the search box in the top right to search for your WiFi network name.

When you find the network in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your login password — enter it and click "Allow".

The password will now appear in the password field. You can copy it and share it with others, or write it down. If you do not see your network in Keychain Access, it may not be saved on this Mac, and you will need to check another device.

Finding your WiFi password on iPhone

Open Settings and tap WiFi. Find your network name in the list and tap the information icon (the small "i" in a circle) next to it. Tap "Share Password" at the bottom of the screen.

Your iPhone will display the password on the screen. You can read it directly, take a screenshot, or use AirDrop to send it to another Apple device. The password will remain visible until you close the screen or navigate away.

This method only works if your iPhone is already connected to the network. If you have never connected to this network on this iPhone, you will need to check a different device that has the password saved.

Finding your WiFi password on Android

Open Settings and go to WiFi. Long-press (hold down) the name of your network until a menu appears. Tap "Share" or "Share password" — the exact wording depends on your Android version and phone manufacturer.

Your phone will display the password and a QR code. You can read the password directly from the screen, take a screenshot, or let another person scan the QR code with their phone to connect without typing the password.

If you do not see a "Share" option, your phone may not have this feature. In that case, try opening Settings, WiFi, and tapping the network name to see if the password appears in the network details. If it does not, you will need to check another device.

What to do if you cannot find the password on any device

If no device in your home has the password saved, you can reset your router to its factory settings. This will erase all your network settings and disconnect every device, so only do this as a last resort.

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart.

Once the router restarts, it will return to its default network name and password, which are usually printed on a sticker on the router itself. You can then set up a new network name and password through your router's admin page, which you access by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

Why your router does not show the password in its settings

Your router's admin page lets you change your WiFi password, but it does not display the current password in plain text for security reasons. If someone gains access to your router's settings, showing the password would make it too straightforward for them to see it and share your network.

Instead, your router stores the password in an encrypted form that only it can read. This is why you have to retrieve the password from a device that has already connected to the network — that device has a copy of the password saved locally.

If you change your WiFi password through the router's admin page, all your devices will disconnect and you will have to reconnect them using the new password. This is why it is easier to retrieve a forgotten password from a device than to reset it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your device only stores the password after you have successfully connected at least once. If you have never connected on that device, you will need to check a different device that has the password saved, or reset your router.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password is safe as long as you trust the person. They will be able to use your internet connection, but they cannot see your files or other devices on your network unless you have specifically shared them. You can always change your password later if you want to remove their access.

What if I changed my password and forgot the new one?

Check any device that is currently connected to the network — it will have the new password saved. If no devices are connected, you will need to reset your router to factory settings and set up a new password from scratch.

Can I view my password if I am using a guest network?

Yes, the steps are the same. Search for your guest network name instead of your main network name in Keychain Access, Settings, or WiFi settings, and the password will appear the same way.

Why does my phone show a QR code instead of the password?

Some Android phones and newer iPhones prioritize the QR code because it is faster — another person can scan it to connect without typing anything. The password is still visible on the screen below or next to the code, or you can tap to switch views.