Where your WiFi password lives on your device

Your device stores your WiFi password the moment you connect to a network. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all keep this information in different places, but you can retrieve it without calling your internet provider or resetting your router. The password is there — you just need to know where to look.

The fastest route depends on what device you're using right now. If you're already connected to the network, your operating system has the password saved. If you're not connected, you'll need physical access to the router itself, where the default password is usually printed on a sticker.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, select your network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the saved password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and look for the password field if you're running iOS 16 or later.
  • On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but Settings > WiFi > Network Details usually shows a QR code you can scan instead of typing the password.
  • If you can't find it on your device, the default password is printed on a sticker attached to your router's back or bottom.

Finding your 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 network name you want the password for. Click "Manage" next to it.

A new window opens. Scroll down to "Security type" and "Encryption type". Below that, you'll see a field labeled "Security key". Click the eye icon next to it to reveal your password in plain text. You'll need to enter your Windows login password first if you're not the administrator of the computer.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Finder and go to Applications > Utilities > 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 it shows up in the list, double-click it.

A window pops up. At the bottom, check the box next to "Show password". Your Mac will ask for your login password — enter it. The WiFi password appears in the field above. You can now copy it or write it down.

Finding your password on iPhone

This works on iOS 16 and later. Go to Settings > WiFi. Tap the information icon (a circle with an "i") next to the network name you're connected to. Scroll down and look for a "Password" field. If you see it, the password is there — tap it to copy it to your clipboard.

If you don't see a password field, your iPhone is running an older version of iOS. You can still share the network with another Apple device by going to Settings > WiFi, tapping the network name, and selecting "Share Password" — the other device will receive it automatically without you needing to see it.

Finding your password on Android

Go to Settings > WiFi or Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, depending on your phone's manufacturer. Tap the network you're connected to. Look for "Network Details" or "Advanced". You should see a QR code — this is easier than typing the password. Point another phone's camera at it, and the network will show up as an option to join.

If you need the actual password text, some Android phones show it in this same menu under "Security" or "Password". Others don't display it at all. If your phone doesn't show it, use the QR code method instead, or retrieve it from a Windows or Mac computer on the same network.

Getting the password from your router if you're not connected

If you've never connected to the network, or you've forgotten it on every device, look at the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the network name (SSID) and password printed on it. The password is usually labeled "WiFi Password", "Network Key", or "Security Key".

If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button (usually recessed, requiring a paperclip) for 10 to 15 seconds. The router will restart and use the default password from the manufacturer — check the router's model number on the sticker and search online for "[model number] default password". After you reset it, you'll need to set up your network again from scratch using your internet provider's instructions.

What to do if you still can't find it

If the password isn't on any device and the router sticker is gone, contact your internet provider. They can tell you the password or reset it for you. Have your account number ready. Some providers can do this over the phone in a few minutes; others may need to send a technician.

If you're trying to connect a guest or family member, consider changing your password to something you can remember and share easily. Most routers let you change the WiFi password through a web interface — log in at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser, or use your router manufacturer's app. Your internet provider's support page usually has instructions for your specific model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password if I'm not connected to the WiFi?

Not from your device — it only stores passwords for networks you've already joined. You'll need to check the router itself for the sticker, or contact your internet provider. If another person or device in your home is connected, you can retrieve it from their device instead.

Why does my password look like random characters when I find it?

That's normal. WiFi passwords are often long strings of letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down exactly as it appears, including capital letters and special characters. If you're sharing it with someone, it's easier to use a QR code or let them scan it from your phone instead of typing it manually.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password?

Yes, if you're sharing it with people you trust. They can only access your internet connection, not your files or other devices, unless you've set up file sharing. If you want to revoke access later, change your password in the router settings and reconnect your own devices.

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

Check any device that's still connected — the new password is stored there. If no device is connected, reset the router to factory settings using the reset button, then set a new password you'll remember. You'll need to reconnect all your devices after you do this.

Can I change my WiFi password without calling my internet provider?

Yes. Log into your router's settings at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser, or use your router manufacturer's app. You'll need the router's admin password, which is different from your WiFi password — it's usually on the sticker too, or you can reset the router if you've forgotten it.