Where to find your saved WiFi password

Your device stores the WiFi password after you connect once, so you do not need to remember it. The password lives in your operating system's network settings, not in the router itself — which means you can retrieve it from any device that has already joined that network. The exact steps depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android.

If you have never connected to the network before, you will need to check the router itself instead. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default network name and password printed on it. If someone changed the password after setup, only they or someone with access to the router's admin panel can tell you what it is now.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view the password in plain text after confirming your identity.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access by searching for the network name, then double-clicking to reveal the password.
  • iPhone and iPad do not display saved passwords in Settings, but you can share the network directly to another Apple device without typing it.
  • Android devices show the password as a QR code in WiFi settings, which you can scan with another phone instead of typing it manually.
  • If you cannot find the password anywhere, check the router's physical sticker or reset the router to its factory defaults.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select it from the results. Click Network and Internet on the left side, then scroll down and click WiFi. Under the WiFi section, click Manage known networks.

Find the network name you want the password for and click it. A window will open showing network details. Click Security at the top of that window. You will see a field labeled Security key with dots or asterisks hiding the password. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text. Windows may ask you to confirm your account password before showing it.

If you do not see the network listed under "Manage known networks", it means your computer has never connected to it. In that case, you will need the password from someone who has already joined the network, or from the router's setup sticker.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Spotlight by pressing Command and Space, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. In the Keychain Access window, make sure Passwords is selected in the left sidebar. Use the search box in the top right to type the name of your WiFi network.

When you find the network name in the list, double-click it. A small window will pop up showing network details. Check the box next to Show password. Your Mac will ask for your account password to confirm. Type it and click Allow. The WiFi password will now appear in plain text in that window.

If the network does not appear in Keychain Access, your Mac has never connected to it before. You will need to get the password from another source.

Finding your WiFi password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not allow you to view saved WiFi passwords in the Settings app on iPhone or iPad. However, you can share the network with another Apple device without typing the password at all.

If someone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is already connected to the network is nearby, they can hold their device near yours while you try to join the network. A prompt will appear on their screen asking if they want to share the password. They tap Share Password, and your device joins automatically without ever displaying the actual password.

If you need the actual password text — for example, to give to a guest or to connect a non-Apple device — you will need to check the router's sticker or ask someone with access to a Windows or Mac computer that has already joined the network.

Finding your WiFi password on Android

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by phone brand). Tap WiFi. Find the network you want the password for and tap it, then tap Share or the three dots next to the network name and select Share.

Your phone will display a QR code. You can point another phone's camera at this code and tap the notification that appears to join the network automatically, without typing the password. If you need to see the password as text, most Android phones will show it below the QR code, though some manufacturers hide it behind an eye icon you need to tap.

If your phone does not show the password as text, the QR code method is the easiest way to let others join without sharing the actual password string.

Checking the router if you have never connected before

If no device in your home has ever joined the network, the password is not stored anywhere in your devices. Look for a sticker on the back, bottom, or inside the battery compartment of your router. Most routers have a label with the network name (SSID) and password printed on it. The password may be labeled as "Key", "Passphrase", or "Security Key".

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, or if someone changed the password after setup, you have one option: reset the router to its factory defaults. This erases all custom settings and returns the network to the password printed on the sticker. To reset, hold down the small reset button on the router for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and broadcast its default network name and password. Be aware that resetting also erases any custom settings like port forwarding or parental controls.

What to do if you still cannot find it

If the password is not on the sticker, not in any device settings, and resetting does not work, contact the person who set up the router originally. They may have changed the password and written it down somewhere, or they can reset the router themselves if you have permission.

If you rent and the router belongs to your landlord or internet provider, contact them directly. They can reset the router or provide the password. If it is a provider's equipment, they may do this over the phone or send a technician. If it is your own router and you truly cannot recover the password, you will need to factory reset it as described above, which will return it to the default password on the sticker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot it but never wrote it down?

Yes, if any device in your home is currently connected to that network. Use the steps for Windows, Mac, or Android above to view the saved password. iPhone and iPad do not show the password directly, but you can use the QR code sharing method or ask someone with a Mac or Windows computer to retrieve it for you.

Why does my phone show a QR code instead of the actual password?

Some Android phones and newer iPhones prioritize QR codes because they are faster and more find — you do not have to type or share the password as text. If you need the text version, look for an eye icon or "Show password" option below the QR code. Not all phones offer this.

What if the password on the router sticker does not work?

Someone has changed the password from the default. You will need to reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This returns it to the password on the sticker but erases any custom settings. If you do not want to lose those settings, contact whoever set up the router.

Can I retrieve a WiFi password from a device that is not currently connected?

No. Your device only stores passwords for networks it has already joined. If a device has never connected to that network, it has no password to retrieve. You will need to use a different device or check the router itself.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?

Yes. Sharing the password does not give guests access to your files or other devices on the network — they can only use the internet connection. If you want to revoke access later, change the WiFi password in your router's admin panel, and all old passwords will stop working.