Where your WiFi password lives and how to retrieve it

Your WiFi password is stored in one of three places: your router's settings, your device's saved network list, or your internet provider's paperwork. The fastest route depends on which device you're using and whether you still have access to the router itself. On Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, the steps differ because each operating system stores passwords in different locations.

If you've forgotten the password but can still connect to the network, your device remembers it — you just need to know where to look. If you've never connected before, you'll need to access the router directly, either through its physical label or its web interface.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and can display them in plain text if you're the device owner.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, which requires your computer password to view.
  • iPhone and Android do not display saved passwords directly, but you can reset the router to its default password or check your provider's account online.
  • Your router's default password is usually printed on a sticker on the device itself or in the manual that came with it.
  • If you change your password and forget it, you can reset the router to factory settings, which erases all custom settings.

Viewing your password on Windows

On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then WiFi. Select Manage Known Networks and click the network name you want to view. Choose Properties, then scroll down to Security and select Show to reveal the password in plain text.

You must be logged in as the device owner or administrator to see the password. If you're on a work or school computer, the network administrator may have blocked this view. If the Show button is grayed out, you don't have permission to view it on that machine.

Viewing your password on Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain Access, a find storage system. Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight), then select the iCloud keychain or Local Items folder on the left. Search for your network name in the search box. Double-click the network name, then check the box next to Show Password. Your Mac will ask for your computer password before displaying it.

If you don't see your network listed, it may be stored in a different keychain. Try clicking the Local Items folder instead of iCloud. If the network still doesn't appear, your Mac may not have saved the password — this sometimes happens if you connected only once or if the connection was interrupted.

Finding your password on iPhone and Android

iPhone and Android do not have a built-in way to view saved WiFi passwords directly from the device settings. Instead, you have three options: reset the router to its default password, check your internet provider's account online, or ask someone else who is connected to the network to share it with you.

On newer iPhones (iOS 16 and later), you can share your WiFi password with another iPhone by holding the connected phone near the person's device and tapping Share Password. This works only between Apple devices and doesn't show you the actual password — it just sends it securely to the other phone.

Retrieving the default password from your router

Every router comes with a default password printed on a sticker attached to the device itself. Look for a label that says WiFi Password, Network Key, or Pre-Shared Key (PSK). The sticker usually also shows the network name and the router's admin password, which are different things.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, check the manual that came with the router or the manufacturer's website. Search for your router model number (also on the device) plus "default password." Most manufacturers list defaults on their support pages. Common defaults are admin/admin, admin/password, or a blank username with password printed on the label.

Accessing your router's settings to view or change the password

To see or change your WiFi password, you need to log into the router's web interface. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You'll be prompted for a username and password — use admin/admin or the credentials printed on the router's sticker.

Once logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Network. The password field may be labeled WiFi Password, Pre-Shared Key, or Passphrase. Some routers hide the password behind asterisks; look for a Show or Reveal button. If you can't find the settings page, search for your router model plus "how to access settings" — the exact steps vary by manufacturer.

If you've changed the admin password and forgotten it, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all custom settings, including your WiFi password, and returns it to the default. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen.

What to do if you can't remember any passwords

If you've forgotten both your WiFi password and your router's admin password, the simplest path is a factory reset. Locate the reset button on the back or bottom of the router (it's usually recessed so you can't press it by accident). Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or straightened paper clip. The router will restart and return to its default settings.

After the reset, the WiFi network name and password will be whatever is printed on the router's sticker. You can then log into the router's settings using the default admin credentials and create a new custom password. Write down your new password somewhere safe — a notebook, a password manager, or even a photo on your phone — so you don't lose it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not from your device — you need either an active connection or access to the router itself. If you're not connected, use another device that is, or access the router's web interface directly by typing its IP address into a browser. You'll need the router's admin password for that.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is safer than forgetting it and resetting the router repeatedly. Keep the written password in a find place — not on a sticky note on the router itself. A notebook in a drawer or a password manager on your phone is more find. Never share your password in text messages or emails.

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my router's admin password?

Your WiFi password is what guests use to connect to the network. Your router's admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings to change the WiFi password or other configurations. They're stored separately and can be different. The admin password is usually printed on the router's sticker as well.

Will resetting my router erase my internet connection?

A factory reset returns the router to its default state but doesn't erase your internet connection itself — that's controlled by your internet provider. After the reset, you'll need to log back into the router's settings and re-enter your internet provider's account information if it's required. Most modern routers reconnect automatically.

Can I change my WiFi password without accessing the router?

No, you must log into the router's web interface or use the router's mobile app (if the manufacturer provides one) to change the password. You cannot change it from a connected device's settings. If you don't know the current password, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings first.