Where your WiFi password lives on each device

Your WiFi password is stored in your device's network settings, not in a single obvious place. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android each keep it in different locations and show it in different ways. The method depends on which device you're using and whether you're trying to see a password you've already connected to, or reset one you've forgotten.

If you're looking at the router itself — the physical box that broadcasts WiFi — the password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. That's the fastest way to find it if you haven't changed the default password since installation.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, and double-click it to reveal the password.
  • iPhones and iPads do not display saved WiFi passwords in settings, but you can share the password directly to another Apple device without seeing it yourself.
  • Android phones show the WiFi password in Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, but only if your phone is running Android 10 or later.
  • If you cannot find the password anywhere, you can reset it through your router's admin panel using the default login printed on the device.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and select Network & Internet. On the left side, click WiFi, then scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find the network name (SSID) you're looking for in the list and click it.

Click Forget if you want to remove it from your saved networks, or click the network name itself to open its properties. In the properties window, scroll down to the Security type section. Click Show next to the password field, and Windows will display the password in plain text. You may need to enter your Windows login password to confirm.

If you don't see the network in the "Manage known networks" list, it means your computer has never connected to it before. In that case, you'll need to get the password from the router or from whoever set up the network.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access, which is located in Applications > Utilities. You can also press Command + Space to open Spotlight search and type "Keychain Access" directly.

In the search box at the top right of the Keychain window, type the name of your WiFi network. When it appears in the list, double-click it. A new window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to Show password at the bottom of the window. Your Mac will ask you to enter your user password to confirm, then display the WiFi password in plain text.

If the network doesn't appear in Keychain Access, your Mac has never connected to it, and you'll need to get the password from the router or network owner.

Finding your password on iPhone and iPad

iPhones and iPads running iOS 16 or later do not have a built-in way to view a saved WiFi password in Settings. Apple designed it this way for security — the password is encrypted and not meant to be displayed.

The easiest workaround is to share the password directly to another Apple device. If someone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac needs to connect to your network, bring your device close to theirs. When they try to connect to your WiFi, a prompt will appear on your screen asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password, and their device will connect without you ever seeing the password yourself.

If you need to see the password for a non-Apple device or have no other option, you'll need to reset it through your router's admin panel instead.

Finding your password on Android

Android 10 and later versions allow you to view saved WiFi passwords. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Select WiFi, then find your network in the list and tap it. A QR code will appear on the screen.

Tap Share or the QR code itself, and your phone will display the password in plain text. You may need to enter your phone's PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication to confirm.

If you're running Android 9 or earlier, this option is not available in Settings. You'll need to reset the password through your router instead, or ask the network owner for the password.

Resetting the password through your router

If you cannot find the password on any device, you can change it by logging into your router's admin panel. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router that shows the default username and password — usually something like admin/admin or admin/password.

Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in with the credentials from the sticker. Once inside, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. Find the field labeled Password, Pre-Shared Key, or Security Key, and enter a new password.

Make sure your new password is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols if possible. Save the changes, and your router will restart. All devices will disconnect and will need to reconnect using the new password.

What to do if you've forgotten the router password

If you've changed the router password and forgotten it, and you cannot log in through the admin panel, you can perform a factory reset. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all custom settings and returns the router to its factory defaults, including the default username and password printed on the sticker.

After a factory reset, you'll need to set up your WiFi network again from scratch, including choosing a new network name and password. This process usually takes a few minutes and is guided by your router's setup app or web interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Windows, Mac, and Android only display passwords for networks you've already connected to and saved. If you've never connected, the password is not stored on your device. You'll need to get it from the router or the person who set up the network.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password is safe in the sense that it doesn't expose your personal files or accounts. However, anyone with the password can use your internet connection and potentially slow it down. You can always change the password later to remove their access.

What if my router doesn't have a sticker with the default password?

Check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website. You can also search online for "[router model] default password" to find the factory credentials. If you still can't access it, a factory reset will restore the defaults.

Why can't I see the password on my iPhone?

Apple intentionally hides WiFi passwords on iPhones for security. The password is encrypted and not meant to be displayed. Use the password-sharing feature to connect other Apple devices, or reset the password through your router if you need to connect a non-Apple device.

Do I need to change my WiFi password regularly?

There's no strict requirement, but changing it every few months is a reasonable security practice, especially if many people have had access to it. If you suspect someone has the password who shouldn't, change it when ready.