Where your WiFi password is stored on your device
Your device stores your WiFi password the moment you connect to a network. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all keep this information in different places, and the steps to view it depend on which device you're using. You don't need special software or tools — the password is already there, and you can retrieve it through your device's built-in settings.
The reason you might need to view a saved password is straightforward: you want to connect another device to the same network, or you've forgotten what you typed in months ago. Your device remembers it so you don't have to type it every time, but that also means you may not remember it yourself.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, 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, double-click it, and check "Show password" after entering your Mac password.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and look for the password field if you're on iOS 16 or later.
- On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but most phones require you to open Settings > WiFi, long-press the network, and select "Share" to see the password as a QR code.
- If you cannot view the password on your device, you can reset your router and create a new one instead.
Viewing your password on Windows 10 and 11
Open Settings and navigate to Network & Internet. Select WiFi from the left menu, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find the network name you're looking for and click it. A window will open showing network details — click "Manage" next to the network name.
In the next screen, scroll down to the "Security type" section. You'll see a field labeled "Security key" with dots or asterisks hiding the password. Click "Show" next to it, and Windows will ask you to enter your computer password. Once you do, the actual WiFi password appears in plain text.
If you don't see your network listed under "Manage known networks," it means your computer has never connected to it before. In that case, you'll need to connect to it first, then follow these steps again.
Viewing your password on Mac
Open Finder and navigate to Applications > Utilities. Double-click 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 opens showing details about that network. Near the bottom, you'll see a checkbox labeled "Show password." Click it, and your Mac will ask for your user password. Enter it, and the WiFi password appears in the password field above.
Keychain Access stores passwords for everything you've connected to on your Mac — WiFi networks, websites, email accounts. If you're looking for a network you connected to years ago, it may still be there even if you haven't used it recently.
Viewing your password on iPhone
On iOS 16 and later, the process is straightforward. Go to Settings > WiFi, find your network in the list, and tap the information icon (a circle with an "i") next to the network name. Scroll down and you'll see the password field with the actual password displayed.
On older versions of iOS, the password field doesn't appear in Settings. Your only option is to reset your router and set a new password, or use a computer to view the password through Keychain Access if you've also connected that computer to the same network.
If you're trying to share your WiFi with someone else, you can also use the "Share WiFi" feature on newer iPhones. When someone tries to connect to your network, a prompt appears on your phone asking if you want to share the password — you approve it, and their device connects without you typing anything.
Viewing your password on Android
The steps vary depending on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. On most phones, go to Settings > WiFi (or Network & Internet > WiFi). Long-press the network name you're connected to, then tap "Manage network" or "Modify network."
Look for a field labeled "Password" or "Pre-shared key." It may be hidden by default. If there's an eye icon next to it, tap the eye to reveal the password. If the password field is grayed out or doesn't appear, your phone may not store the password in a viewable format.
Some Android phones show the password as a QR code instead of text. If you see a QR code option, tap it — another device can scan that code to connect to the network without needing to type the password manually. This is often easier than trying to read and type a long password.
What to do if you can't view the password
If your device doesn't show the password through these steps, or if you've forgotten the password and can't retrieve it from any device, you can reset your router. Every router has a reset button (usually recessed, requiring a paperclip or pin to press). Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.
After a reset, the router returns to its factory default settings. You'll need to set up a new WiFi network name and password from scratch. Log into your router's admin page (usually printed on a sticker on the back of the router) and configure your network again. This also means any other devices connected to that network will lose the connection and need to reconnect with the new password.
If you don't want to reset the router, you can contact your internet provider — they may be able to help you recover or reset your password remotely, depending on the router model and your account.
Why your device stores the password and how to remove it
Your device saves your WiFi password so you don't have to type it every time you reconnect. This is convenient, but it also means anyone with access to your device can view the password and share your network. If you want to remove a saved network from your device, you can "forget" it.
On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage known networks, find the network, and click "Forget." On Mac, open Keychain Access, find the network, right-click it, and select "Delete." On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon, and select "Forget This Network." On Android, long-press the network and tap "Forget."
Once you forget a network, your device will no longer connect to it automatically. The next time you want to use that network, you'll need to enter the password again, and your device will save it once more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I view a WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?
No — your device only stores passwords for networks you've previously connected to. If you've never connected to a network, your device has no record of its password. You would need to access the router's admin page or contact the network owner.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?
Sharing your password itself is safe. However, anyone with your password can connect to your network and potentially see other devices on it. If you're concerned about security, you can change your password afterward, which will disconnect anyone who was using the old one.
What if I see multiple networks with the same name?
Some routers broadcast both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz band with the same network name. Both use the same password. Your device may have saved the password for one or both bands. If you're having trouble connecting, try forgetting both and reconnecting to the one you want to use.
Can I view passwords for networks I'm not the owner of?
Yes — if your device has connected to a network before, you can view the password through the steps above, regardless of who set it up. This is why it's important to change your router password if someone else has used your device.
What's the difference between viewing a password and resetting it?
Viewing a password means looking up what you already set. Resetting a password means changing it to something new, which requires access to your router's admin page or a call to your internet provider. Viewing doesn't change anything; resetting disconnects everyone using the old password.