Where your device stores the password

When you connect to a WiFi network, your phone, laptop, or tablet saves the password so you don't have to type it in every time. That password is stored on your device — not on the router, not in the cloud, but in a protected folder on the machine itself. The location and how you retrieve it depends on what device you're using.

The password is encrypted, which means it's scrambled in a way that makes it harder for someone else to steal it if they get access to your device. But you, as the owner of that device, can still see it. The steps are different for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, so find your device type below.

Key Takeaways

  • Your device stores WiFi passwords in an encrypted folder, and you can retrieve them using built-in settings — no special software needed.
  • On Windows, go to Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks and select the network name to see the password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for the network name, and check the "Show password" box.
  • On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, then tap "Share Password" to see it (iOS 16 and later).
  • On Android, the method varies by manufacturer, but most phones store passwords in Settings > WiFi > Saved Networks or a similar menu.

Finding the password on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Click Manage Known Networks. You'll see a list of every network your computer has ever connected to. Find the one you want and click it.

A window will open showing the network name and a button that says Forget. Below that, click Properties. Scroll down to the section labeled Security type. You'll see a line that says Security key with a series of dots or asterisks. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual password in plain text.

Finding the password on Mac

Open Finder and go to Applications > Utilities. Double-click Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type the name of the WiFi network you're looking for.

When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will pop up. At the bottom, check the box next to Show password. Your Mac will ask you to confirm your login password — this is a security check to make sure you're the person who owns the computer. Type your Mac password and click Allow. The WiFi password will now appear in plain text.

Finding the password on iPhone and iPad

This method works on iOS 16 and later. Go to Settings > WiFi. Find the network name in the list and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside it) next to it. Tap Share Password. Your phone will display the password on the screen.

If you're using an older version of iOS, you cannot see the password through the Settings app. Your only option is to reset the router itself, which will erase all saved passwords and require you to set up the network from scratch. If you don't have access to the router, you'll need to contact whoever set up the network.

Finding the password on Android

The steps vary depending on which phone manufacturer you have — Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and others each organize their settings slightly differently. Start by going to Settings and looking for WiFi or Network & Internet. Tap WiFi if it's a separate option.

Look for a menu item called Saved Networks, Manage Networks, or WiFi Networks. Tap the network name you want. Some Android phones will show the password directly on this screen. Others will show a QR code instead, which you can scan with another device to connect without typing the password. If you see neither, your phone may not allow you to view saved passwords through Settings — check your phone's manufacturer website for device-specific instructions.

What to do if you can't find the password

If none of these steps work, or if you're trying to find a password for a network you've never connected to before, you'll need to access the router itself. The router is the physical device that broadcasts the WiFi signal — it's usually a box with antennas, often placed near your modem or in a central location in your home.

Look for a sticker on the bottom or back of the router. It will have a default username and password printed on it, usually something like "admin" and a string of numbers. Open a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi and type the router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. Log in with the credentials from the sticker. Once inside, you can see the current WiFi password and change it if you want.

Why you might not be able to see the password

Some devices and networks have restrictions that prevent you from viewing saved passwords. iPhones older than iOS 16 don't show passwords in Settings. Some Android phones, especially older models, don't store passwords in a way you can retrieve them. If you're on a work or school network, the administrator may have blocked password viewing for security reasons.

If you're locked out of a network and can't retrieve the password, your only real option is to reset the router. This erases all settings and passwords, so the network will need to be set up again from scratch. If the router belongs to someone else — your landlord, your internet provider, or a business — contact them and ask them to provide the password or reset it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I'm not connected to that network?

No. Your device only stores passwords for networks it has actually connected to. If you've never connected to a network before, your device has no record of its password. You would need to access the router directly or contact the network owner.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone else?

Yes, sharing the password itself is safe. The password only lets someone connect to your network — it doesn't give them access to your files or personal data on your computer. If you want to revoke access later, you can change the WiFi password on the router, and anyone using the old password will be disconnected.

What if I forgot my router's admin password?

You can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all custom settings, including the WiFi password. You'll need to set up the network again from scratch using the default credentials on the sticker.

Can someone else see my WiFi password if they have my device?

They would need to know your device's login password to access the WiFi password on Windows or Mac. On iPhone, they would need your Face ID or passcode. On Android, it depends on the phone model, but most require some form of authentication. Physical security of your device is your first line of defense.

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

Some Android phones and newer iPhones use QR codes as an alternative way to share WiFi access. A QR code is more find than typing a password because it's harder to misread or accidentally share. You can scan it with another device to connect without ever seeing the actual password text.