How to Find Your WiFi Password on Windows, Mac, and Phone

Where your WiFi password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in your device's network settings, not in your router's manual or your email. On Windows and Mac, the password is encrypted in the operating system itself. On phones and tablets, it's locked in your device's find storage. You can retrieve it without resetting anything — you just need to know where to look and what permissions you need.

The steps differ by device type because each operating system stores passwords differently. Windows keeps them in Credential Manager. Mac stores them in Keychain. Android and iPhone both have network settings pages, but they work in opposite ways. The good news: you don't need to be technical. You just need to follow the exact steps for your device.

Key Takeaways

On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, select your network, and click "Manage known networks" to see the password.
On Mac, open System Settings, click WiFi, select your network, then click "Details" and check the "Show password" box (you'll need your Mac login password).
On iPhone, go to Settings, WiFi, tap your network name, then tap the info icon and select "Show Password" — this requires Face ID or your device passcode.
On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but usually involves Settings, WiFi, selecting your network, and tapping "Show password" or "Share."
If you cannot see the password on your device, you may not be the account owner or administrator, or the network was set up by someone else.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app. Go to Network & Internet on the left side. Click WiFi. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find your network name in the list and click it. Click "Forget" if you want to remove it, or look for a "Properties" or "Details" button — the exact label depends on your Windows version.

Once you're in the network details, look for a line that says "Network security key" or "Password." The password will be hidden by default. Click "Show" next to it, and Windows will ask you to confirm your user account password. Type it in, and your WiFi password will appear in plain text. Write it down or copy it before you close the window.

If you don't see a "Show" button, your account may not have administrator rights on this computer. Ask whoever set up the network or the computer's main user account holder to show you the password instead.

Finding your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs). Click WiFi on the left sidebar. Find your network name in the list of connected networks. Click the info icon (a circle with an "i") next to your network name. A window will pop up showing network details.

Look for a checkbox that says "Show password." Click it. Your Mac will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Mac login password. Complete the authentication step. Your WiFi password will now be visible in the window. You can copy it or write it down.

If you don't see the "Show password" option, you may not have permission to view passwords on this Mac. Only the account that set up the network or an administrator account can view it.

Finding your password on iPhone

Open the Settings app. Tap WiFi. Find your network name in the list of connected networks and tap it. A details screen will open. Look for a line that shows your network name. Tap the info icon (circle with an "i") next to your network name if you see one, or look for a "Show Password" option on the details screen.

When you tap "Show Password," your iPhone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. Complete the authentication. Your password will appear in plain text on the screen. You can now copy it or read it to someone else.

iPhones only show the password for networks you are currently connected to or have previously connected to. If you're trying to find the password for a network you've never joined, you'll need to ask the network owner or check the router itself.

Finding your password on Android

The exact steps vary depending on your phone's manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.), but the general path is the same. Open Settings. Tap WiFi or Network & Internet. Find your connected network in the list. Tap and hold the network name, or tap the gear icon next to it. A menu will appear with options like "Manage," "Edit," or "Share."

Tap the option that lets you view or share the network. You may see "Show password" or "Share password." If you tap "Show password," your phone will ask for your PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication. Complete it, and the password will appear. If you tap "Share," your phone will generate a QR code that others can scan to join the network without typing the password.

Some Android phones don't display the password in plain text for security reasons. If you see only a QR code option, that's the intended way to share the network. You can take a screenshot of the QR code and send it to someone, or let them scan it directly from your phone.

What to do if you cannot see the password

If you've followed the steps for your device and still don't see the password, the most common reason is that you don't have permission. On shared computers or phones, only the account that created the network connection can view its password. Ask the person who set up the network or the device's primary user.

Another possibility is that the network was set up using a feature like Windows Hello, Face ID, or a PIN that's different from your regular password. In that case, the device may not store a traditional password at all. You would need to reset the network connection or ask the network owner for the original password.

If this is your own device and your own network, but you still can't see the password, try restarting your device and repeating the steps. Sometimes cached credentials or temporary glitches prevent the password from displaying. If that doesn't work, you may need to reset the network and reconnect using the password from your router's label or documentation.

Getting the password from your router if your device won't show it

If your device won't display the password, you can find it directly on your router. Look for a sticker on the bottom or back of the router. Most routers have a label that shows the network name (SSID) and the password printed on it. The password is usually labeled as "Password," "Key," "Passphrase," or "Security Key."

If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can log into your router's admin panel. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. You'll be asked for a username and password — these are different from your WiFi password and are usually printed on the router or in the manual. Once logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings" to find your password.

If you don't remember the router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings, so only do this as a last resort. After a reset, you'll need to set up the network again from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?

On most devices, no. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all require you to be connected to the network or to have connected to it before. If you've never joined the network, you won't be able to view its password through your device settings. Your only option is to ask the network owner or check the router's label.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password is safe in the sense that it won't expose your personal files or accounts. However, anyone with your password can use your internet connection and see what websites are visited on your network. Share it only with people you trust. If you want to revoke access later, you can change the password in your router settings, and everyone will be disconnected.

What if I forgot my password and the router label is gone?

Check if any of your devices still have the password stored. If they do, follow the steps above to view it. If no device has it, you'll need to reset the router and create a new password. This erases all your settings, so write down any custom configurations first. After the reset, you can set up a new network name and password.

Why does my phone ask for Face ID when I try to show the password?

Your phone is protecting the password with biometric authentication to prevent someone else from viewing it if they pick up your device. This is a security feature. You need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to prove you own the device and have permission to see the password.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone or computer?

You can view the password from your phone or computer, but to change it, you need to log into your router's admin panel through a web browser. This requires the router's admin username and password, which are different from your WiFi password. Once logged in, look for WiFi or Wireless settings and change the password there. All devices will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using the new password.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.