Where your WiFi password lives on your device

Your device stores the password you entered when you first connected to your WiFi network. You can retrieve it without calling your internet provider or resetting your router. The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android, but each method takes less than a minute once you know where to look.

The password is saved in your device's network settings under the name of your WiFi network (called the SSID). Windows and Mac both let you view it in plain text. iPhones and Android phones show it differently — you can see it briefly when you reconnect, or share it directly to another device without typing it out.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, then WiFi, select your network name, and click "Manage known networks" to view the password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click WiFi, select your network, and the password appears in the WiFi details panel.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings, WiFi, tap your network name, and the password shows in the WiFi Password field when you tap it.
  • On Android, the method varies by manufacturer, but Settings > WiFi > your network name usually shows a QR code you can scan instead of typing the password.
  • If you cannot see the password on your device, you can reset it through your router's admin panel using the router's default login (usually printed on the back).

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Click Network and Internet in the left sidebar. Select WiFi, then scroll down and click Manage known networks.

Find your WiFi network name in the list and click it. A panel opens on the right side. Click Properties. Scroll down to the Security type section. Next to Security key, you will see a row of dots or asterisks. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal your password in plain text.

If you do not see an eye icon, your network may use a security type that does not display the password this way. In that case, you will need to reset the password through your router instead (see the section below on accessing your router).

Finding your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click WiFi in the sidebar. Find your network name in the list on the right and click it. A details panel appears below the network list.

Look for the WiFi Password field. The password appears as dots by default. Click the eye icon next to it to show the password in plain text. Your Mac may ask you to confirm your computer password before revealing it — this is normal security behavior.

If you do not see a WiFi Password field, your network may not be saved on this Mac, or you may not have permission to view it. Try connecting to the network again and entering the password manually.

Finding your password on iPhone

Open the Settings app and tap WiFi. Find your network name in the list and tap the information icon (a circle with an "i" inside it) next to it. The WiFi Password field appears on the screen. Tap the password field and the full password displays in plain text.

Your iPhone may ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before showing the password. This is a security feature to prevent others from viewing it. Once you authenticate, the password stays visible until you close the Settings app.

If you do not see a password field, you may not have saved this network on your iPhone, or you may be looking at a network you are not currently connected to. Make sure you are tapping the network you are actually using.

Finding your password on Android

The exact steps vary by phone manufacturer, but the general path is the same. Open Settings and tap WiFi or Network and Internet. Find your network name and tap it (or tap and hold it, depending on your phone). Look for an option labeled Password, Show password, or Security.

Many Android phones display a QR code instead of the password text. You can scan this QR code with another device to connect without typing the password. If you need the password as text, look for a toggle or button that says Show password or View password.

Some manufacturers hide the password behind a "Manage" or "Edit" button. If you tap your network and do not see password options, try long-pressing the network name instead, or look for a settings icon next to it.

Resetting your password through the router if you cannot find it on your device

If none of your devices show the password, you can reset it by logging into your router. Look at the back or bottom of your router for a sticker with the model number and default login information. The default username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password," though this varies by manufacturer.

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi and type the router's IP address into the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's sticker to be sure. Log in using the default credentials. Look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network.

Find the field labeled WiFi Password, Pre-Shared Key, or Passphrase. You can view the current password here or create a new one. If you create a new password, write it down before you save the changes — you will need to reconnect all your devices using the new password.

What to do if you forgot your router's admin password

If you cannot log into your router because you forgot the admin password, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. Look for a small reset button on the back of the router, usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. 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 will lose any custom settings you made, including your WiFi password. After the restart, you can log in using the default credentials printed on the router's sticker and set a new WiFi password.

Resetting the router is a last resort because it affects all your network settings, not just the password. If you have other devices or services connected to your router that rely on custom settings, you may want to contact your internet provider's support line first — they can sometimes reset the admin password without erasing your WiFi settings.

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 even if you are not currently connected. On iPhone and Android, you can only view the password for networks you have previously connected to and saved. If you have never connected to a network, your phone will not have the password stored.

Why does my device show dots instead of the actual password?

Dots are a security feature to prevent someone looking over your shoulder from reading the password. Click or tap the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it. On some networks or devices, this option may not be available.

What if I see the password but it does not work when I try to connect another device?

Make sure you are copying the password exactly, including capital letters and numbers. Passwords are case-sensitive. If the password still does not work, your router may have been reset or the password may have been changed on another device. Try resetting the password through your router's admin panel.

Can I share my WiFi password without telling someone the actual password?

Yes. On iPhone, you can tap "Share Password" when someone tries to connect nearby — your phone will send it to their device without displaying it as text. On Android, you can share the QR code by taking a screenshot of the password screen and sending it to them. They can scan the QR code to connect.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is safer than using a weak password you can remember easily. Keep the written password in a find place, like a locked drawer or a password manager app. Do not leave it on a sticky note on your router where guests can see it.