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.
Most people forget where they wrote down the original password, or they never wrote it down at all. That is fine. Your device remembers it, and the steps below will show you how to find it in seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network & Internet, where you can view the password in plain text after clicking "Show".
- Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and viewing the password field.
- iPhone and iPad do not display saved passwords directly, but you can share the password with another Apple device or reset it from your router settings.
- Android phones show saved networks in Settings under WiFi, though the password display depends on your phone model and Android version.
- If you cannot find the password on your device, you can reset it from your router's admin panel using the default login credentials on the back of the device.
Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11
Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and select "Manage known networks." Find the network name you are looking for and click it.
Click "Forget" if you want to remove it, or click "Properties" to see the password. Under "Network security key," you will see a field that shows dots or asterisks. Click "Show" next to it, and the actual password appears in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the window.
If you do not see the network listed, it means your computer has never connected to it before. In that case, you will need to get the password from someone else who has connected, or reset it from the router itself.
Finding your password on Mac
Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "keychain," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network.
When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your user password — type it in, and the WiFi password appears in plain text.
If you do not see your network in Keychain Access, your Mac has never connected to it. You will need the password from another source or reset it from the router.
Finding your password on iPhone and iPad
Apple does not let you view a saved WiFi password directly on iPhone or iPad. However, you can share it with another Apple device. If you have a Mac, iPad, or another iPhone nearby, open Settings on that device, go to WiFi, and tap the network name. A menu appears with an option to share the password — tap it, and the password displays on your screen.
If you do not have another Apple device, your only option is to reset the password from your router. You will need to access the router's admin panel using a computer or another phone.
Finding your password on Android
The steps vary depending on your phone model and Android version. On most recent Android phones, open Settings and go to WiFi or Network & Internet. Find the network you are connected to, tap and hold it, and select "Manage" or "View details." Some phones show the password directly; others do not.
If your phone does not display the password in Settings, you can use a QR code instead. In WiFi settings, look for an option to generate or view a QR code for the network. You can scan this code with another phone to connect without typing the password, or take a screenshot and scan it later.
If neither method works, you will need to reset the password from your router's admin panel.
Resetting your password from the router
If you cannot find the password on any of your devices, you can reset it directly from your router. Look at the back or bottom of your router for a sticker with the default login information — usually an IP address like 192.168.1.1, a username like "admin," and a default password.
Open a web browser on any device connected to the internet, type that IP address into the address bar, and press Enter. Log in with the username and password from the sticker. Once you are in the router's admin panel, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. You will see the current network name and password listed there. You can view the existing password or create a new one.
After you change the password, all your devices will disconnect. You will need to reconnect to the network using the new password on each device.
What to do if you do not have access to any device
If you cannot access your router's admin panel because you do not remember the default password, you can perform a factory reset. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all settings and returns the router to its factory defaults, including the default password on the sticker.
After a factory reset, you will need to set up your WiFi network again from scratch — choose a new network name and password, and reconnect all your devices. This is a last resort, but it works if you are completely locked out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I am not connected to the network?
On Windows and Mac, yes — the password is stored on your device even if you are not currently connected. On iPhone and iPad, you cannot view it at all. On Android, it depends on your phone model. If you cannot see it on your device, you will need to access your router's admin panel.
What if I see the password but it does not work?
The password might be case-sensitive, or you might have typed it incorrectly. Try typing it again slowly, paying attention to capital letters and numbers. If it still does not work, the network owner may have changed the password since you last connected. Ask them for the current password, or reset it from the router if you have access.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?
Yes, sharing your password is safe. The password only controls access to your network, not your personal files or accounts. However, anyone with the password can use your internet and potentially see other devices on your network, so only share it with people you trust.
Why does my router have a default password on the sticker?
The default password lets you log in to the router's admin panel for the first time. You should change it to something only you know so that visitors or neighbors cannot access your router settings. Most routers prompt you to change the default password when you first set them up.
Can I recover my password if I factory reset my router?
No. A factory reset erases all settings, including your WiFi password. You will need to create a new password and reconnect all your devices. This is why it is a good idea to write down your password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it.