You can find your WiFi password on the device that created the network, not on the device you're using to connect

If you're already connected to WiFi but don't know the password, you'll need to check the router itself or the device that set up the network. The password isn't stored on your phone, laptop, or tablet in a way you can easily read — it's stored on the router. Your device remembers it so you don't have to type it again, but that memory is encrypted and locked away.

The fastest route depends on what device created the network. If you set it up yourself, you can check the router. If someone else set it up, you'll need to ask them or check with whoever manages the network. For work or school networks, contact IT support.

Key Takeaways

  • The WiFi password is stored on the router, not on the device you're using to connect, so you need physical access to the router or its setup information.
  • Most home routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default password, or you can log into the router's admin panel using your browser.
  • On Windows, you can view a saved password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, but only for networks you've connected to before.
  • On Mac, you can retrieve a saved password from Keychain, but this only works if you set up the network or have admin access to the computer.
  • For networks you don't own or manage, contact the network owner or administrator — they're the only ones who can tell you the password.

Check the router itself for the default password

Most home routers come with a default password printed on a sticker attached to the device. Look on the back, bottom, or sides of the router for a label that shows the network name (SSID) and password. The sticker usually looks like a barcode label with white text on a dark background. The password might be labeled as "Key", "Password", "WiFi Password", or "Network Key".

If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can try the router's default password. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, or the router's model number. Check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model. If you changed the password when you first set up the network and can't remember it, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings — this erases all your settings and returns it to the default password.

Log into the router's admin panel through your browser

You can view or change your WiFi password by logging into the router's control panel. Open a web browser on any device connected to the network and type the router's IP address into the address bar. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but this varies by manufacturer. If neither works, check your router's manual or search online for "[your router model] default IP address".

When the login page appears, enter the admin username and password. These are often both "admin", but check your router's documentation if that doesn't work. Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled "WiFi", "Wireless", "Network", or "Security". The current password should be displayed there — it may be hidden behind asterisks or dots, but you can usually click "Show" to reveal it. Write down the password before you close the browser.

View a saved password on Windows

Windows stores WiFi passwords in an encrypted format, but you can view them if you have admin access to the computer. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find the network name in the list and click on it. Select "Forget" if you want to remove it, or look for an option to view the password — this varies by Windows version.

In older versions of Windows, you can retrieve the password through the Command Prompt. Right-click the Start menu, select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)", and type: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with the actual network name. The password appears next to "Key Content" in the results. This only works for networks you've connected to before on that computer.

View a saved password on Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, a find storage system. Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access", and pressing Enter. Search for your network name in the search box. When you find it, double-click the entry and check the box that says "Show password". You'll be asked to enter your Mac's admin password to confirm. Once you do, the WiFi password appears in plain text.

This method only works if you set up the network on this Mac or if you have admin access to the computer. If you're using someone else's Mac, you won't be able to view the password without their permission and admin credentials.

Ask the network owner or administrator

If you don't own the network or don't have access to the router, contact whoever set it up. For a home network, that's the person who owns the WiFi. For a work or school network, contact the IT department or help desk. For a guest network at a business, ask an employee — they can usually provide it or reset it for you.

If you're trying to reconnect to a network you used to have access to but no longer do, the owner may have changed the password since you last connected. They'll need to give you the new one, or you'll need to ask them to reset it. Never try to guess or crack a password on a network you don't own — that's illegal.

Reset the router if you've forgotten everything

If you can't find the password any other way and you own the router, you can reset it to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings and returns the router to its default password, which is printed on the sticker. Look for a small reset button on the router — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After the reset, you'll need to set up the network again from scratch. Log into the admin panel using the default credentials, create a new network name and password, and reconnect all your devices. This is a last resort because it takes time and affects everyone using the network, but it's the only way to recover if you've lost access completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password on my phone if I'm already connected?

On Android, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and look for a "Show Password" or "Share" option — this varies by phone model and Android version. On iPhone, you cannot view a saved WiFi password through Settings, but you can share it with another Apple device using AirDrop. For the actual password, you need to check the router or ask the network owner.

What if I reset the router and now nothing works?

After a factory reset, the router is back to its default settings. Log in using the default username and password (usually both "admin"), then set up a new network name and password. Reconnect each device one at a time. If you can't remember the default credentials, check the sticker on the router or search online for your router model's defaults.

Is there a way to see someone else's WiFi password without asking them?

No, and attempting to do so is illegal. WiFi passwords are encrypted and stored on the router. The only legal ways to get a password are to ask the network owner, have admin access to the router, or have admin access to a computer that's already connected to the network. If you need network access, ask the owner or administrator.

Why can't I see the password even though I'm connected?

Your device stores the password in encrypted form so you don't have to type it every time. This encryption is intentional — it prevents other people using your device from easily reading your passwords. To view it, you need to either check the router directly or use your device's admin settings, which require your permission.