You can see your WiFi password on the device you're using right now

If you are already connected to a WiFi network, your device has stored the password. You do not need to guess it or call your internet provider — you can retrieve it directly from your computer, phone, or tablet. The steps differ by device type, but the password is there.

The reason this matters: you may need the password to connect a new device, to share it with someone visiting your home, or to verify you have the correct network before troubleshooting a connection problem. Knowing how to find it yourself saves time and a support call.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the saved password.
  • On Mac, open System Preferences, select Network, click WiFi, then click "Advanced" to see all saved networks and their passwords.
  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap WiFi, select the network name, and tap the info icon to view the password (iOS 16 and later).
  • On Android, open Settings, go to WiFi, long-press the connected network, and select "Share" to display the password as a QR code or text.
  • If you cannot find the password on your device, it may be stored only on your router — you can reset the router to factory settings and set a new password.

Finding the password on Windows

Open the Settings app and go to Network and Internet. Select WiFi from the left menu, then scroll down and click Manage known networks. You will see a list of every WiFi network your computer has ever connected to.

Click the network name you want the password for, then click Forget — this sounds like it will erase the password, but the next screen shows you the option to view it instead. Look for a button or link that says View or Show password. Your computer may ask you to enter your Windows login password to confirm. Once you do, the WiFi password appears in plain text.

If you do not see a "View" option, try this alternate route: open Command Prompt as administrator, type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name), and press Enter. The password appears next to Key Content.

Finding the password on Mac

Open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer macOS versions). Click Network, then select WiFi from the left sidebar. Click the Advanced button in the lower right corner.

A window opens showing all the WiFi networks your Mac has connected to. Find your network in the list, select it, and click Edit. The password field shows dots or asterisks. Check the box next to Show password, and your Mac will ask for your login password to confirm. Once you enter it, the WiFi password displays in plain text.

Finding the password on iPhone or iPad

This process works on iOS 16 and later. Go to Settings and tap WiFi. Find the network you are connected to (it will have a checkmark next to it). Tap the info icon — a small circle with an "i" — next to the network name.

A panel slides up showing the network details. The password appears under Password. You can tap and hold to copy it, or take a screenshot. If you do not see a password field, your device may be running an older iOS version — update to iOS 16 or later to use this feature.

Finding the password on Android

Open Settings and go to WiFi or Network and Internet (the exact path varies by phone maker). Long-press the name of the network you are connected to. A menu appears with several options.

Tap Share or View password — the exact wording depends on your phone model. The password displays as both a QR code and as text. You can take a screenshot, copy the text, or have someone else scan the QR code to connect to the same network without typing the password.

What to do if your device does not show the password

Some older phones and tablets do not store passwords in a way you can view them. If you have tried the steps above and still see no password, you have two options: reset your router to factory settings, or log into your router's admin panel directly.

To reset the router, locate the small reset button (usually recessed, requiring a paperclip or pin to press). Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default password, which is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. You can then set up a new network name and password. This erases all your saved settings, so only do this if you are certain you want to start over.

To log into the router directly, open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Enter the default username and password (usually "admin" and "admin", or printed on the router). Navigate to the WiFi or Wireless settings section — the exact location varies by router brand — and you will see your network name and password there.

Why your password might not appear even after you connect

Some devices, especially work computers or school-issued tablets, may be managed by an organization that prevents you from viewing saved passwords. If you see a message saying you do not have permission, contact your IT department or network administrator — they control the password storage settings.

Guest networks also sometimes hide the password from regular users. If you are on a guest network and cannot view the password, ask the network owner (the person who set up the router) to show you the main network password instead, or to provide the guest network password directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password if I am not connected to the network right now?

Yes, if your device has connected to it before. The password is stored locally on your device even after you disconnect. Follow the steps for your device type — Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android — and you will see all networks your device remembers, whether you are currently connected or not.

What if I forgot the password and my device never connected to it?

You cannot retrieve a password your device has never stored. You will need to reset the router to factory settings (using the reset button on the back) or log into the router's admin panel if you know the admin password. The default admin password is usually printed on the router itself.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Sharing your password with a guest or family member is safe as long as you trust them. They will be able to use your internet, but they cannot see your files or passwords for other accounts unless you give them access to your computer or phone directly. If you want to revoke access later, you can change the WiFi password, and their device will no longer connect.

Why does my router show a different password than what I set?

Some routers display a default password on the sticker, but you may have changed it after setup. The password your device is using is the one you set most recently. If you cannot remember it, reset the router to factory settings using the reset button, and the default password will work again.

Can someone hack my WiFi if they know the password?

If someone knows your WiFi password, they can connect to your network and use your internet. To prevent unauthorized access, use a strong password (at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols), change it periodically, and do not share it with people you do not trust. You can also check your router's connected devices list to see who is using your network.