Where your WiFi password is stored on your device

Your device remembers your WiFi password so you don't have to type it every time you connect. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all store this information in different places, and you can retrieve it without resetting your router or calling your internet provider. The steps depend on which device you're using and what operating system it runs.

On Windows and Mac, the password lives in your network settings. On phones, the process is more limited — iPhones and Android devices don't let you view a saved password directly, but there are workarounds. If you need the password to connect a new device, retrieving it from an existing one is usually faster than resetting your router.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 store WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view them in plain text.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, which requires your computer password to open.
  • iPhone and Android don't display saved passwords directly, but you can share the connection to a new device without typing it manually.
  • If you forget your router's admin password, you'll need to reset the router itself, which erases all custom settings.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi. Click on "Manage known networks" and choose the network whose password you need. Select "Properties" and scroll down to find "Security type" and "Security key" — the security key is your WiFi password, shown in plain text.

If the password doesn't appear, it means Windows doesn't have permission to display it. This happens on some corporate or school networks. You can also access this through the Control Panel: go to Control Panel, select Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center. Click "Manage wireless networks" on the left, right-click your network, choose Properties, and go to the Security tab. Check "Show characters" to reveal the password.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. Double-click the network name in the results, then check the box next to "Show password." Your Mac will ask for your computer password — enter it, and the WiFi password appears in plain text.

If you don't see your network in Keychain Access, it may not be saved on this Mac. You can also access Keychain through Applications: open Applications, then Utilities, then Keychain Access. The process is the same from there.

Retrieving your password on iPhone and iPad

iPhones and iPads don't let you view a saved WiFi password directly. Instead, you can share the connection to another Apple device without typing the password. On the device that needs to connect, go to Settings, tap WiFi, and select your network. When prompted for the password, ask the owner of the connected device to hold their iPhone or iPad nearby. A prompt appears on their device — they tap "Share Password" and the connection transfers without showing the actual password.

If you need the actual password for a non-Apple device, you'll need to reset your router or contact whoever set up the network. Some routers print the default password on a sticker on the device itself, which you can check before resetting.

Retrieving your password on Android

Android doesn't display saved WiFi passwords in the settings menu. Your best option is to share the connection to another Android device. Go to Settings, tap Network and Internet, then WiFi. Long-press the network you're connected to and tap "Share." A QR code appears — the other device can scan it to connect without typing the password.

If you need the password itself, you can use a file manager app to access the WiFi configuration files, but this requires enabling Developer Options and connecting to a computer. For most people, sharing the connection or resetting the router is simpler. Some Android phones also let you screenshot the QR code and share it with others.

What to do if you can't find the password

If the password doesn't appear in your device settings, it may be stored on a different device that's currently connected. Try checking another computer or phone on the same network. If no device shows the password, you'll need to reset your router to its factory settings.

Resetting the router erases all your custom settings, including the WiFi password you created. After reset, the router returns to its default password, which is usually printed on a sticker on the device or in the manual. You can then set a new password through the router's admin panel, which you access by typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser.

Accessing your router's admin password

Your WiFi password and your router's admin password are different things. The WiFi password lets devices connect to the internet. The admin password lets you change router settings. If you've forgotten the admin password, you can't change your WiFi password without resetting the router.

Most routers have a default admin password printed on the device or in the manual. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, or "admin" with a blank password. If the default doesn't work, check your router's documentation or the manufacturer's website. If you still can't access it, a factory reset is your only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi 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've never connected to a network, your device has no record of its password. You'll need to access the router directly or contact the network owner.

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 to your personal files or accounts. If you want to remove someone's access later, you can change the WiFi password through your router settings, and their device will disconnect.

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my router password?

Your WiFi password connects devices to the internet. Your router password controls access to the router's settings. You need the router password to change your WiFi password, network name, or security settings. Most people only need the WiFi password.

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

Some networks, especially on corporate or school systems, hide the password for security reasons. Your device has the password stored, but the network administrator has blocked it from being displayed. You'll need to contact the network owner to retrieve it.

Can I recover my password if I reset my router?

No. Resetting the router erases all stored passwords and settings. After reset, the router uses only its default password. You'll need to set up a new WiFi password from scratch through the router's admin panel.