Where your WiFi password lives on your device

Your device stores the password for any network you have connected to before. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all keep this information in different places, but the password is there — you just need to know where to look. The steps differ by device type, so find your operating system below and follow the exact path.

The password you see will be the one you entered when you first connected. If you changed the password at your router since then, this stored password will no longer work on new devices, but it will still show you what your device thinks the password is.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, then WiFi, then Manage Known Networks.
  • Mac shows the password through Keychain Access, which you open from Applications > Utilities, then search for your network name.
  • iPhone and iPad do not display the password in a readable form, but you can share it directly to another Apple device without typing it.
  • Android shows the password in Settings under Network and Internet, then WiFi, then your network name — the exact path varies by manufacturer.
  • If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset it at your router itself using the reset button or admin panel.

Finding your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and click Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it. A window will open — click Security to expand that section. You will see a checkbox that says Show Password. Check that box, and your password will appear in plain text in the field above it.

If you do not see your network in the Manage Known Networks list, it means your computer has never connected to it before. In that case, you will need to connect first — click the WiFi icon in the taskbar, find your network, click it, and enter the password. Once connected, follow the steps above and the password will now be stored.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Finder and go to Applications. Open the Utilities folder. Find and open Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu. When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open — check the box that says Show Password at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your login password to confirm. Enter it, and your WiFi password will appear.

If Keychain Access does not find your network, your Mac has not connected to it before. Connect to the network first through your WiFi menu, then repeat these steps. The network will then be stored in Keychain and you can view the password.

Finding your password on iPhone or iPad

Apple does not let you view a stored WiFi password in plain text on iPhone or iPad. However, you can share the password directly to another Apple device without typing it. Go to Settings, tap WiFi, find your network, and tap the info icon (the small circle with an i). Tap Share Password. Hold another iPhone, iPad, or Mac close by, and that device will receive a prompt to accept the password. Tap Accept and the password transfers without ever being displayed.

If you need the actual password in text form, you will have to retrieve it from a Windows computer or Mac using the steps above, or reset the password at your router.

Finding your password on Android

The exact path varies by phone manufacturer, but the general route is: open Settings, go to Network and Internet (or Connections), tap WiFi, find your network name, and tap it. Look for an option that says Share, QR Code, or Show Password. If you see Show Password, tap it and your password will appear. Some Android phones show the password directly without needing to tap anything — you may just see it listed under Security or Password.

If your phone does not show the password this way, it may not have stored it in a viewable form. Try connecting to the network again and checking when ready after — some Android versions only display the password during the connection process. If that does not work, you will need to reset the password at your router.

Resetting your password at the router if you cannot find it

If no device shows you the password, or if you changed the password and forgot the new one, you can reset it directly at your router. Locate your router — it is usually a box with antennas in a central location in your home. Look for a small reset button, often recessed so you need a paperclip or pen to press it. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to factory settings.

After the reset, your WiFi network name and password will return to the defaults printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router. Look for a label that says SSID (the network name) and Password or Key. Write these down, then log into your router's admin panel using those credentials. Most routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 as the address — type it into a web browser on a connected device. From there you can set a new password that is easier to remember.

Warning: resetting the router will disconnect all devices and erase any custom settings you made, such as port forwarding or parental controls. Only do this if you have no other way to recover the password.

Why your device might not show the password

Some devices and operating systems restrict password display for security reasons. iPhones and iPads are the most restrictive — Apple intentionally does not show stored passwords in plain text. Older versions of Windows and Mac may also hide the password unless you have administrator access on that computer.

If you are on a work or school network, the password may be managed by your organization and not stored on your device at all. In that case, contact your IT department or network administrator for the password. Public networks like coffee shop WiFi often do not require a password, so there is nothing to retrieve — just connect and use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I am not the one who set it up?

Yes, if you have access to a device that is already connected to that network. Any device stores the password once it connects, so you can retrieve it using the steps above. You do not need to be the router owner or the person who originally entered the password.

What if I see the password but it does not work on a new device?

The password you see is what your device has stored, but the actual password at the router may have changed since then. Ask whoever manages the router for the current password, or reset the router to factory settings and use the default password printed on the sticker.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing a WiFi password is safe in the same way sharing any password is — only give it to people you trust. They will be able to use your internet, but they cannot access your files or other devices unless you have shared those separately. If you want to remove someone's access later, change the password at your router.

Why does my Android phone not show the password like my friend's does?

Different Android manufacturers customize their settings differently. Some show passwords directly, others hide them, and some require you to tap a Show Password checkbox. Check your phone's WiFi settings under Security or Advanced options — the password may be listed there even if it is not on the main screen.

Can I retrieve a password from a device that is not currently connected to the network?

Yes. As long as the device connected to that network at some point in the past, the password is stored. You can retrieve it even if the network is currently off or you are far away from the router. The stored password will be whatever was entered the last time the device connected.