Where your WiFi password lives on your device

Your device stores the password for every network you have ever connected to. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all keep this information in different places, but the password is there — you just need to know where to look. The method depends on what device you are using and whether you set up the network yourself or someone else did.

If you are trying to reconnect to your own network or share it with a guest, the fastest route is usually your router itself. But if you need to find what your device remembers, the steps below will get you there.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and 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, then double-clicking the entry and checking "Show password".
  • iPhone and iPad do not display saved passwords directly, but you can share the network with another Apple device or reset the network and reconnect to see it during setup.
  • Android phones vary by manufacturer, but most let you view the password in Settings under WiFi, though some require you to scan a QR code instead.
  • If you cannot find the password on your device, check the router itself — the default password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi. Click "Manage known networks" and find the network name you want the password for. Click on it, then click "Forget" — do not worry, you are not deleting anything permanent. Now go back to the WiFi list, find the network again, and click "Connect". When you enter the password this time, Windows will ask if you want to save it. Say yes, and the password will be stored again.

If you want to see a password you have already saved without forgetting the network, use the Command Prompt instead. Right-click the Start button, select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)", then type this command: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear — replace "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your network. The password will appear next to "Key Content".

Finding your 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. When the entry appears, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom — your Mac will ask for your user password to confirm. Once you enter it, the WiFi password will appear in plain text.

If you do not see the network in Keychain Access, it may not be saved on this Mac, or it may be stored under a different name. Try searching for just part of the network name, or check whether you have ever actually connected to this network on this computer before.

Finding your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not let you view a saved WiFi password directly on iPhone or iPad the way Windows and Mac do. Instead, you have two workarounds. The first is to share the network with another Apple device — if someone with an iPhone or Mac is nearby, you can hold your phone near theirs while they try to connect, and you can approve the connection. Your device will then send them the password without showing it to you.

The second method is to forget the network and reconnect. Go to Settings, tap WiFi, find the network name, tap the information icon next to it, and select "Forget This Network". Then find the network in the list again and tap it. When you enter the password, you will see it appear in the password field as you type — this is your chance to write it down or take a screenshot. Once you have it, you can reconnect normally.

Finding your password on Android

The steps vary depending on your phone's manufacturer, but most Android phones work similarly. Go to Settings, tap Network and Internet or Connections, then WiFi. Find the network you want, tap and hold it (or tap the gear icon next to it), and look for an option like "View password" or "Share". Some phones show the password directly. Others display a QR code instead — you can take a screenshot of the QR code and share that with someone else, and they can scan it to connect without typing the password.

If your phone does not show the password this way, try forgetting the network and reconnecting. Go back to the same WiFi settings, tap and hold the network name, select "Forget", then find it in the list and tap it again. As you type the password during reconnection, you will see it appear in the field.

Checking your router if your device does not have the password

If none of your devices show the password, or if you are setting up a new device and need the password, look at the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default network name and password printed on it. The password may be labeled as "Key", "Passphrase", "WiFi Password", or "Security Key".

If the sticker is missing or worn away, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This will erase your current password and network name, and restore the default ones printed on the sticker. To reset, hold down the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default state. You can then set up a new network name and password from scratch using the router's admin page — usually accessed by typing the router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1) into a web browser.

What to do if you have forgotten your router password

If you have changed the password from the default and now cannot remember it, resetting the router is your only option. When you reset it, the router goes back to the factory default password shown on the sticker. You will then need to log into the router's admin page and create a new password. The admin page is usually accessed by opening a web browser, typing the router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and logging in with the default username and password from the sticker.

After you log in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security. There you can change the network name and password to whatever you want. Write down the new password somewhere safe — a password manager, a notebook, or even a note on your phone — so you do not lose it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see someone else's WiFi password if I am connected to their network?

No. You can only view passwords that your own device has saved. If you are connected to someone else's network, you cannot see their password unless they tell you or show you the router sticker. Your device only stores passwords for networks you have personally connected to.

What if the password shows as blank or empty?

Some networks, usually public ones in cafes or libraries, have no password at all — they are open networks. If you see a blank password field, the network truly has no password. If you expected a password and see nothing, try reconnecting to the network and entering the password again, or check the router sticker to confirm the correct password.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?

Yes. Sharing your password with people you trust is normal and safe. If you are worried about security, most routers let you create a separate guest network with its own password, so guests do not have access to your main network or the devices connected to it. Check your router's admin page for a Guest Network option.

Why does my phone keep asking me to enter the password even though I saved it?

Your phone may have forgotten the password if the network was updated, if you changed the password on the router, or if there was a software glitch. Try forgetting the network and reconnecting with the current password. If the problem continues, restart your phone and try again.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?

Yes. Log into your router's admin page by typing its IP address into a web browser (usually 192.168.1.1), then look for WiFi Settings or Wireless Security. You can change the password there without affecting anything else. Write down the new password before you log out.