Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in your device's network settings, not written down anywhere you can see it at a glance. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all keep it in different places, and the steps to retrieve it depend on which device you're using and whether you set up the network yourself.

If you're the person who created the WiFi network, you can also reset the password by logging into your router directly — a more reliable option if you've forgotten it completely or want to change it for security reasons.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Credential Manager, accessible through Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and checking the "Show password" box.
  • iPhone and iPad do not display saved WiFi passwords in settings, but you can share the network with another Apple device instead.
  • Android devices show WiFi passwords in Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, then tap the saved network and select "Share" to display the password as a QR code.
  • If you own the router, you can reset the password by logging into the router's admin panel using your router's IP address and login credentials.

Retrieving your password on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Scroll down and click Manage Known Networks, then find your network name in the list and click it. Select Forget, then reconnect to the network — Windows will prompt you to enter the password again, which you can then copy from the connection dialog.

Alternatively, if you want to see the password without reconnecting, open Credential Manager (search for it in the Start menu). Click Windows Credentials, find your network name in the list, click it, and select Show next to the password field. You may need to enter your Windows login password to reveal it.

Retrieving 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 your network name. When it appears in the list, double-click it to open the details window.

Check the box labeled Show password at the bottom of the window. Your Mac will ask for your login password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in the password field. You can now copy it to share with others or use on another device.

Retrieving your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not provide a direct way to view a saved WiFi password in iOS or iPadOS settings. Instead, you can share the network with another Apple device: go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and select Share Password. The other person's device will receive a notification asking them to join, and the password transfers automatically without being displayed as text.

If you need to share the password with a non-Apple device, you will need to retrieve it from a Mac or Windows computer using the steps above, or reset the password through your router's admin panel.

Retrieving your password on Android

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi (the exact path varies by manufacturer). Find your network name in the list of saved networks and tap it. Select Share or QR Code — your phone will display the password as a QR code that another device can scan, or as text you can copy.

Some Android phones require you to authenticate with your fingerprint or PIN before showing the password. If you do not see a Share option, your device may not support this feature, and you will need to retrieve the password from a Windows or Mac computer instead.

Resetting the password through your router

If you own the router and want to change the password entirely, you can log into the router's admin panel. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar. You will be prompted to log in with a username and password, typically admin and admin or admin and the password printed on the router itself.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. Find the field for WiFi password (sometimes called "passphrase" or "pre-shared key"), enter your new password, and save the changes. Your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.

What to do if you cannot find your password

If none of the above steps work, you have two options: reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds (this erases all your settings and returns the network to its default name and password, printed on the router), or contact your internet service provider or router manufacturer for support.

If you are trying to connect to someone else's network and do not have the password, ask the network owner directly — they can retrieve it using the steps above or share the network with your device if you both have compatible phones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see my WiFi password on my iPhone?

Apple does not display saved WiFi passwords in iOS settings for security reasons. You can share the network with another Apple device using the Share Password feature, or retrieve the password from a Mac or Windows computer using Keychain Access or Credential Manager.

What is the default password if I just got a new router?

The default WiFi network name and password are printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router. If you have changed the password and forgotten it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button, which will restore the default credentials.

Can I see passwords for networks I am not connected to?

No. Your device only stores passwords for networks you have previously joined and saved. You cannot view passwords for networks you have never connected to, even if they are currently broadcasting nearby.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password?

Yes, sharing your password with trusted people is safe. If you want to revoke access later, you can change the password through your router's admin panel, and anyone using the old password will be disconnected.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some routers use a recessed reset button that requires a paperclip or pin to press. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact location and how long to hold it. Alternatively, you can log into the admin panel and change the password from there if you remember your login credentials.