Where your WiFi password lives on your device

Your device stores the WiFi password after you connect to a network, so you can retrieve it without calling your internet provider or resetting the router. The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android — each operating system keeps this information in a different place and requires different steps to view it.

You will need either administrator access on a computer or the device's unlock code on a phone. If you are trying to find a password on someone else's device, you will need their permission and their login credentials.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications, search for your network name, and double-click to reveal the password in a checkbox.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings, WiFi, tap the network name, and select "Show Password" — iOS 16 and later only.
  • On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but most phones require you to open Settings, WiFi, and long-press the network name to view details.
  • If you cannot remember your password and these steps do not work, you can reset your router to factory settings, which will erase all saved networks.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and navigate to Network and Internet. Select WiFi from the left menu, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find the network name you want the password for and click it.

Click "Forget" if you want to delete it from your device, or click the network name again to open its properties. Scroll down to the Security section and look for "Security type" and "Encryption type." Below that, you will see a field labeled "Password" — it will be hidden by default. Click "Show" next to the password field to reveal it in plain text.

If you do not see a "Show" button, the network may not have a password, or you may not have saved it on this device. In that case, you will need to check a different device that connected to the network, or contact your internet provider for the default password.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by going to Applications, then Utilities, then double-clicking Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu.

When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. At the bottom, you will see a checkbox labeled "Show password." Click it, and your Mac will ask for your user password to confirm. Enter it and click Allow. The WiFi password will now appear in the password field.

If Keychain Access does not find your network, the password may not be stored on this Mac. Try the same steps on another Mac that has connected to the network, or check your router's default password by looking at the sticker on the back of the device.

Finding your password on iPhone

This method works on iPhone running iOS 16 or later. Open Settings and tap WiFi. Find your network in the list and tap the network name itself (not the information icon next to it). A menu will appear with network details.

Look for a "Password" field. If you see one, tap "Show Password" and use Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to confirm. The password will appear in plain text. If you do not see a password field, the network may be open (no password required), or your iPhone may be running an older version of iOS.

On iPhone 15 or earlier, there is no built-in way to view a saved password. Your only option is to forget the network and reconnect, which will prompt you to enter the password again — but you still will not see it displayed. If you need the password on an older iPhone, try viewing it on a Mac or Windows computer instead.

Finding your password on Android

The steps vary depending on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. On most phones, open Settings and go to WiFi or Network and Internet. Long-press (hold your finger on) the network name you want the password for.

A menu will appear with options. Look for "Manage," "View details," or "Edit." Tap that option. You should see a field labeled "Password" or "Passphrase." It will be hidden by default — look for an eye icon or a checkbox labeled "Show password" and tap it. Your phone will ask for your PIN, pattern, or biometric confirmation before displaying the password.

On Samsung phones, the steps are the same but the menu may say "Manage network" instead of "Edit." On Google Pixel phones, tap the gear icon next to the network name, then scroll down to find the password field. If your phone does not show a password option after these steps, it may not support viewing saved passwords, and you will need to check another device.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If none of these steps work, the password may not be stored on any of your devices, or you may not have the right permissions to view it. Your next option is to check the router itself. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually shows the network name and the default password printed on it.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, you can log into the router's admin panel. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar. You will be prompted for a username and password — these are usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number. Once logged in, look for a WiFi settings or Wireless section to find the password.

If you still cannot find it, your last option is to reset the router to factory settings. This will erase all your saved networks and settings, and you will need to set up the router again from scratch. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. After the reset, the router will use its default password, which is printed on the sticker.

Why you might need your password

The most common reason to retrieve a saved password is to connect a new device to your network. Instead of typing the password manually, you can read it from another device and enter it on the new one. This is especially useful if the password is long or contains special characters that are straightforward to mistype.

Another reason is to share your network with a guest or family member. Rather than giving them access to your router settings, you can straightforward tell them the password. Retrieving it from your device is faster than looking for the router or calling your internet provider.

If you suspect someone has accessed your network without permission, you can change the password through your router's admin panel. After you change it, all devices will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I am not the account holder?

No. Viewing a saved password requires either administrator access on a computer or the device's unlock code on a phone. If you do not have these, you cannot retrieve the password. You will need to ask the account holder or the person who set up the network.

What if my router does not have a sticker with the default password?

You can look up the default password online by searching for your router's model number plus "default password." Most manufacturers use the same default for all routers of the same model. If that does not work, you will need to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button on the back.

Will viewing my password change it or cause any problems?

No. Viewing a saved password does nothing to the network or the password itself. It only displays what is already stored on your device. The password remains the same until you manually change it through your router's settings.

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

Yes, on Windows and Mac you can view passwords for any network your device has connected to in the past, even if you are not currently connected. On phones, you can only view the password for networks you are currently connected to or have recently used.

What should I do if I see an unfamiliar network in my saved list?

An unfamiliar network in your saved list means your device connected to it at some point. You can click "Forget" on Windows or Mac to remove it so your device will not automatically reconnect. On phones, tap "Forget this network" to do the same. If you do not recognize the network and did not connect to it intentionally, it is safe to remove it.