Check your router's sticker or documentation

The simplest place to look is the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the network name (SSID) and the default password. The sticker usually shows both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names if your router broadcasts both, along with a single password that works for either one.

If you've never changed the password since installation, this default password is what you're using right now. If the sticker is worn or missing, check any paperwork that came with your router — the setup guide or warranty card often repeats this information. You can also look up your router model number (printed on the device) on the manufacturer's website to find the default credentials.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's sticker on the bottom or back displays the default password, which is your current password if you've never changed it.
  • On Windows, you can view a saved password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks without needing the router.
  • On Mac, the Keychain app stores your WiFi password and can display it if you know your computer login password.
  • On iPhone or iPad, you can share your WiFi password with another Apple device without seeing the actual characters.
  • If you've changed the password and forgotten it, you'll need to reset the router to factory defaults, which erases all custom settings.

Retrieve the password on Windows

If you're using Windows 10 or 11 and you're already connected to the network, you can view the saved password without touching the router. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it, then select Properties.

Look for the Security Type field. Below that, you'll see a checkbox labeled "Show" next to the password field. Check that box and the password appears in plain text. This only works if you're logged into the Windows account that originally connected to the network — if someone else set it up on a different user account, you won't see the password this way.

Retrieve the password on Mac

On a Mac, your WiFi passwords are stored in Keychain, which is the system's password manager. Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight or find it in Applications > Utilities). In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network.

When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens showing the network details. Check the box labeled "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your login password to confirm — enter it, and the WiFi password displays. This protects you from someone sitting at your computer and viewing all your passwords without permission.

Share the password on iPhone or iPad

If you're trying to give someone else the password on an Apple device, you don't actually need to see it yourself. Have the other person go to Settings > WiFi on their iPhone or iPad, tap your network name, and tap "Connect." Your device will show a prompt asking if you want to share the password. Tap "Share Password" and your device sends it to theirs without displaying the characters on either screen.

This only works if both devices are signed into iCloud with Apple IDs and have Bluetooth turned on. If the other person is using Android or Windows, you'll need to tell them the password manually — you can retrieve it using the Mac or Windows steps above, or check the router sticker.

Retrieve the password on Android

Android doesn't have a built-in way to view a saved WiFi password without accessing the router settings directly. If you're using Android 10 or later and you're the device owner, you can go to Settings > System > System Update > Advanced > Developer Options, but this requires enabling developer mode and doesn't always display the password clearly.

The most reliable method on Android is to check the router itself using the steps below. Alternatively, if you have a Mac or Windows computer on the same network, retrieve the password there and share it with your Android phone manually.

Access the router's admin panel if you changed the password

If you've customized the WiFi password and forgotten it, you can log into the router's settings to view or change it. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar (the exact address varies by router model — check your manual if neither works). You'll be prompted for a username and password.

If you haven't changed the admin password, use the default credentials from the router's sticker or manual. Once logged in, look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Security. There you'll see the current network name and password. You can view the existing password or create a new one. Write down whatever you set so you don't lose it again.

Reset the router if you can't access the admin panel

If you've forgotten both the WiFi password and the router's admin password, the only option is a factory reset. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it's usually recessed so you can't press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and return to its default settings. This means you'll lose any custom WiFi name, password, or other settings you configured. After the restart, connect using the default network name and password from the router's sticker, then set up your custom password again through the admin panel. This is why writing down your password or storing it in a password manager is worth doing — a reset erases everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Windows, Mac, and Android only store passwords for networks you've previously connected to. If you're not on the network and never have been, you'll need to access the router's admin panel or check the router's sticker. If the network is yours but you're locked out, a factory reset is the only way forward.

Why does my password show as dots or asterisks instead of letters?

That's a security feature. When you first enter a password, most devices hide it so someone looking over your shoulder can't read it. To see the actual characters, look for a "Show" or eye icon checkbox near the password field and click it. On some devices this option doesn't exist for security reasons.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down and storing it somewhere find — like a notebook in a drawer or a password manager app — is safer than forgetting it and having to reset the router. If you're concerned about someone finding a written password, a password manager is the better choice. Never text or email your password to someone; share it in person or use the device-to-device sharing methods described above.

What if the router sticker shows two different passwords?

Some routers display separate passwords for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Try both if one doesn't work. If your router broadcasts both bands under the same network name, they usually share one password. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model to confirm which password applies.

Can I change my WiFi password without accessing the router?

No. You must log into the router's admin panel to change the password. You can access this panel from any device on the network by typing the router's IP address into a browser. If you've forgotten the admin password, you'll need to reset the router to factory defaults first.