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 the password itself hasn't changed — you're just retrieving what your device already knows. The steps differ by device type, but the goal is the same: access the network settings where that password is saved.
You don't need special software or tools. Everything you need is built into your operating system. The fastest route depends on which device you're using right now.
Key Takeaways
- Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network & Internet, where you can view the password in plain text after entering your Windows login.
- Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name, then double-clicking to reveal it.
- iPhone and iPad users cannot view a saved WiFi password directly, but can share it wirelessly to another Apple device or reset the network to reconnect.
- Android phones show the WiFi password in Settings under Network & Internet, though the exact path varies by manufacturer.
- If you've forgotten the password entirely and can't retrieve it from a device, you'll need to reset your router to factory settings or contact your internet provider.
Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11
Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find the network name you're looking for and click it, then select Forget and when ready go back to the WiFi list to reconnect — this forces Windows to show you the password entry screen.
Alternatively, if you want to see a password you're already connected to without forgetting the network, open Command Prompt as administrator. Type this exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name. The password appears next to "Key Content" in the results.
If Command Prompt feels unfamiliar, the first method (forget and reconnect) is simpler and works the same way. Either approach shows you the password in plain text.
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 your network name. When it appears in the list, double-click it to open the details window.
Check the box next to Show password. Your Mac will ask for your login password to confirm — enter it, and the WiFi password appears in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot before closing the window.
If you don't see your network in Keychain Access, it's possible the password wasn't saved when you first connected. In that case, you'll need to forget the network in System Settings and reconnect, entering the password again.
Finding your password on iPhone or iPad
Apple does not allow you to view a saved WiFi password directly on iPhone or iPad. However, you have two practical options.
The first is to share the password wirelessly to another Apple device. If someone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac is near you and already connected to the same network, they can hold their device near yours. A prompt appears asking if they want to share the WiFi password — they tap "Share Password" and your device connects without you typing anything.
The second option is to reset the network connection. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This forgets all saved networks. When you reconnect to your WiFi, you'll need to enter the password again — so have it written down first. This method works if you've forgotten the password and need to re-enter it to confirm what it is.
Finding your password on Android
The steps vary slightly by phone manufacturer, but the general path is the same. Open Settings and look for Network & Internet or Connections. Tap WiFi, then find your network name in the list and tap it (or tap the gear icon next to it on some phones).
Look for an option called Share, QR Code, or Show password. If you see a QR code option, tap it — the code contains your password and network name. If you see "Show password", tap it and your password appears in plain text.
On Samsung phones specifically, go to Settings > Connections > WiFi, tap your network, then tap View next to the password field. On Google Pixel phones, the QR code option is usually the quickest route. If you're unsure which manufacturer your phone is, check the back or open Settings and search for "about phone".
What to do if you can't find the password anywhere
If none of your devices show the password, or if you've never connected a device to this network before, you'll need to access your router directly. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default WiFi name and password printed on it — check there first.
If that sticker is missing or the password has been changed, you can reset the router to factory settings. This erases all custom settings and returns the router to its default password. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed) on the back of the router. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart — this takes a few minutes.
After the reset, check the router's sticker again for the default password, or contact your internet provider. They can tell you the default credentials or help you set up a new password. Resetting the router is a last resort because it also erases any custom network settings you've made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?
On Windows and Mac, yes — the password is stored on your device even if you're not currently connected. On iPhone, no — you can only view or share a password for a network you've previously connected to. On Android, it depends on your phone, but most newer phones require you to be connected or to have connected recently.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?
Yes, sharing a password is safe in the sense that it doesn't expose your other accounts or personal data. However, anyone with your WiFi password can use your internet connection and potentially see other devices on your network. Only share with people you trust, and consider changing the password periodically if many people have it.
What if I see the password but it looks wrong or has special characters?
That's normal. WiFi passwords often include numbers, letters, and symbols like hyphens or underscores. Copy and paste the password rather than typing it by hand to avoid mistakes. If you're having trouble connecting with the password you found, try resetting the network on your device and entering it again carefully.
Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?
You can change it, but you'll need to access your router's settings through a web browser or app, not through your phone's WiFi settings. Open a browser, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and log in with your router's admin password. From there you can change the WiFi password. Your internet provider or router manual has the default admin login if you haven't changed it.
What happens if I forget my password after I reset my router?
After a factory reset, your router returns to its default password, which is printed on the sticker attached to the router. If you've lost that sticker, contact your internet provider with your account information and they can provide the default credentials or help you set a new password.