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. That password is stored in your system settings, not written down anywhere you can see it at a glance. The location and how you retrieve it depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android.

The password itself is usually hidden behind asterisks or dots for security. To see the actual characters, you need to go into your network settings and tell your device to show it. This takes about one minute on any device.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the password.
  • On Mac, open System Preferences, select Network, choose your WiFi network, and click "Advanced" to see the password in Keychain.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings, select WiFi, tap the network name, and look for the password field — it may show as dots until you tap to reveal it.
  • On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but usually involves Settings, WiFi, selecting your network, and choosing "Show password" if available.
  • If you cannot find the password on your device, you can reset it through your router's admin panel using the router's default login information.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the app. Go to Network and Internet, then WiFi. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find the network name you are looking for and click it. Select "Forget" first if you want to remove it, or click the network name again to open its details.

Click "Properties" at the top of the window. Scroll down to the Security section. You will see "Security type" and "Encryption type," but the actual password is not shown here. Instead, look for a checkbox that says "Show password" or "Display password" — check it, and the password will appear in plain text in a field above.

Finding your password on Mac

Open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs) and click Network. Select WiFi from the left sidebar, then click "Advanced." A list of networks appears. Find your network name and select it, then click "TCP/IP" or look for a password field. The password field will show dots instead of characters.

Click the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it in plain text. If you do not see an eye icon, you may need to open Keychain Access instead. Search for "Keychain Access" in Spotlight (Command + Space), open it, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password," and enter your Mac login password when prompted.

Finding your password on iPhone

Go to Settings and tap WiFi. Find the network you are connected to and tap the information icon (the small "i" in a circle) next to it. Look for a "Password" field. On newer iOS versions, the password may appear as dots. Tap and hold on the password field, or look for a "Show" button, to reveal the actual characters.

If the password field is blank or does not appear, your iPhone may not have stored it — this sometimes happens if you connected using a QR code. In that case, you will need to check another device or reset the password through your router.

Finding your password on Android

Open Settings and go to WiFi or Network and Internet (the exact name varies by phone maker). Tap the network you are connected to. Look for "Show password," "Display password," or a similar option and tap it. The password will appear in plain text. Some Android phones require you to enter your device PIN or use your fingerprint before showing the password.

If you do not see a "Show password" option, your phone may not have stored the password — this can happen if you connected using a QR code or if the network does not require a password. Try connecting to the network again and watching for a password prompt, or check your router's settings directly.

Resetting your password through the router if you cannot find it

If none of your devices show the password, you can change it by logging into your router directly. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar. You will see a login screen asking for a username and password.

The default username is often "admin" and the default password is often "admin," "password," or "12345," but this varies by router brand. Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router for the correct defaults. Once logged in, look for a WiFi, Wireless, or Network section. You can view the current password or create a new one. Write down the new password before you save it.

What to do if you still cannot find the password

If you have tried all these steps and still cannot see the password, the network may not have one — some public or guest networks are open. Try connecting another device to the same network and see if it asks for a password. If it does not, the network is password-free.

If the network does require a password and you cannot retrieve it from any device or the router, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your settings and WiFi information. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold for 10 to 15 seconds. After the reset, you will need to set up the router again from scratch, including creating a new WiFi password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my device show dots instead of the actual password?

Dots are a security feature that prevents someone looking over your shoulder from seeing your password. Every device has a way to reveal the actual characters — usually a "Show password" checkbox or an eye icon. Look for these options in the password field itself.

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

Yes, if you are connected to the network, your device has stored the password and you can view it using the steps above. You do not need to be the router owner or the person who originally entered the password.

What if the password field is completely blank?

A blank password field usually means your device connected using a QR code or the network does not require a password. Try connecting to the network again on another device to see if a password prompt appears. If it does not, the network is open.

Is it safe to look up my own WiFi password?

Yes, looking up your own password on your own device is completely safe. You are straightforward viewing information your device already has. Do not share the password with anyone you do not trust, and do not use the same password for multiple networks.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone or computer?

You can change it by logging into your router through a web browser or router app, but you cannot change it directly from your phone or computer's WiFi settings. You need to access the router's admin panel, which requires the router's login information, not the WiFi password.