Where your WiFi password lives on each device

Your WiFi password is stored in your device's network settings, not written down anywhere you can see it directly. Once you connect to a network, your device remembers the password so you don't have to type it again. But if you need to give that password to someone else — a guest, a repair technician, a family member on a new phone — you have to retrieve it from where your device saved it.

The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. The password you're looking for is the one you entered when you first connected to your router, usually a string of letters, numbers, and symbols that came with your router or that you created yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in network settings under "Manage Known Networks," where you can view the password in plain text.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and checking the "Show password" box.
  • iPhone and iPad do not display saved WiFi passwords directly, but you can share the network with another Apple device or reset the network and reconnect.
  • Android phones show the WiFi password as a QR code in network settings, which you can scan with another device instead of typing the password.
  • If you cannot find your password on any device, you can reset your router to factory settings and use the default password printed on the router itself.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi. Click "Manage Known Networks" and find the network name (SSID) you're looking for. Click on it, then click "Properties."

Scroll down to the "Security" section. You'll see "Security type" and "Encryption type," but the password field will show dots or asterisks. Click the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the window.

If you don't see an eye icon, your account may not have permission to view saved passwords. In that case, you'll need to use an administrator account or reset the network connection and reconnect with the password you remember.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network (the SSID).

When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing network details. Check the box labeled "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your user password to confirm — this is your login password for your Mac, not your WiFi password. Enter it and click "Allow."

Your WiFi password will now appear in plain text in the password field. You can copy it or write it down. Close the window when you're done.

Finding your password on iPhone and iPad

Apple does not allow you to view a saved WiFi password directly on iPhone or iPad. Instead, you have two options: share the network with another Apple device, or reset the network and reconnect.

To share the network: Have another person with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac nearby. When they try to connect to your WiFi network, their device will prompt them to join. If you're nearby with your iPhone or iPad already connected, a notification will appear asking if you want to share the password. Tap "Share Password" and their device will connect without you ever seeing the password yourself.

To reset and reconnect: Go to Settings, tap WiFi, find your network name, tap the info icon (i) next to it, and select "Forget This Network." Then tap your network name again and enter the password when prompted. This only works if you remember the password.

Finding your password on Android

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by phone maker). Tap WiFi, then find your network name in the list of saved networks. Tap and hold the network name until a menu appears, then select "Manage" or "Edit."

Look for a QR code displayed on the screen. This QR code contains your WiFi password and network name. You can scan this code with another phone's camera or a QR code reader app, and that device will connect to your network without you typing the password.

If you want to see the password as text instead, look for a "Show password" checkbox or eye icon. Some Android phones display it; others do not, depending on the manufacturer and Android version.

What to do if you can't find your password anywhere

If none of these methods work — for example, if you're locked out of all your devices — you can reset your router to factory settings. This will erase all your custom settings and return the router to the state it shipped in.

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it's back on, look for a sticker on the router itself. It will show the default network name (SSID) and default password, usually something like "admin" or a string of numbers.

Connect to your network using those credentials, then log into your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) to set a new password and customize your network name. You'll need to reconnect all your devices with the new password.

Why your device won't show you the password

Devices hide saved passwords for security. If someone gains physical access to your phone or computer, they could otherwise see every password you've ever saved. By requiring your device password or biometric authentication (fingerprint, face recognition) to view a saved WiFi password, your device adds a layer of protection.

This is also why you can't see a password you saved years ago if you've since changed your device password or account password. The encryption that protects your saved passwords is tied to your current credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. On Windows and Mac, you can view any saved password whether you're currently connected or not — the password is stored on your device. On iPhone, you cannot view it at all. On Android, you can see the QR code for any saved network, but text passwords may only display while connected.

What if I changed my WiFi password but one device still has the old one?

That device will fail to connect because the old password no longer works. Go to your network settings, forget the network, and reconnect using the new password. The device will then save the new password for next time.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your WiFi password is safe. The password only grants access to your internet connection, not to your files or other devices on your network. If you later want to remove someone's access, you can change your WiFi password, and their device will no longer be able to connect.

Why does my router have a default password if I never set one?

Routers ship with a default password so you can log into the admin panel and customize your network. You should change this password and your network name (SSID) as soon as you set up your router. If you never did, anyone who knows the default password for your router model could access your settings.

Can I recover my password if I factory reset my router?

No. A factory reset erases all custom settings, including your WiFi password. You'll have to set up a new password from scratch. This is why it's a good idea to write down or save your WiFi password somewhere safe, separate from your devices.