Where your wireless network password actually lives

Your WiFi password is stored in three places: inside your router itself, in your computer's memory if you've connected before, and possibly in your router's instruction manual or on a sticker attached to the device. The easiest route depends on what you need to do — if you're trying to reconnect a device you've used before, your computer already knows the password and can show it to you. If you're setting up a new device or can't remember it, you'll need to either look at the router or log into the router's settings page.

The password you use to connect to WiFi is different from the password you use to change your router's settings. Most people never need the second one. You only need the connection password — the one you type into your phone or laptop when you see your network name in the list of available networks.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, you can see a saved WiFi password by opening Settings, going to Network, then WiFi, selecting your network, and clicking "Manage known networks" to view the password.
  • On Mac, the Keychain app stores your WiFi password; search for your network name in Keychain Access and double-click the entry to reveal the password.
  • If you've never connected before or can't find it on your computer, look for a sticker on the bottom or back of your router — most routers ship with the default password printed there.
  • If the sticker is missing or worn, you can reset the router to factory settings, which restores the default password printed in the manual or on the manufacturer's website.

Finding your password on Windows

Windows stores WiFi passwords in a way you can retrieve them if you've connected to that network before. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app. Go to Network and Internet, then WiFi on the left side. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find your network name in the list and click it.

Click "Manage" and then scroll down to find "Security type and security details." Under that section, you'll see a checkbox labeled "Show" next to the password field. Check that box and Windows will display your password in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the window.

If your network doesn't appear in the "Manage known networks" list, it means your computer has never connected to it before, and Windows has no record of the password. In that case, you'll need to check your router instead.

Finding your password on Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in an app called Keychain Access. Press Command and Space to open Spotlight search, type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. The Keychain window will open showing a list of saved passwords and accounts.

In the search box at the top right, type your network name (the WiFi name you see when you look for available networks). When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will pop up. Check the box labeled "Show password" near the bottom. Mac will ask you to confirm your Mac login password — type it in. Your WiFi password will then appear in plain text in that same window.

If your network doesn't show up in Keychain Access, your Mac has never connected to it before. You'll need to check the router or its documentation.

Checking the sticker on your router

Most routers come with a sticker attached to the bottom or back of the device. This sticker usually shows the network name (called the SSID) and the default password. The sticker might say "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "Pre-Shared Key," or straightforward show the password next to the network name.

If the sticker is still readable, that's your password. If the sticker is missing, faded, or worn away, you have two options: check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the default password, or reset the router to restore the factory default password.

Common router manufacturers include Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, Asus, and Arris. If you know your brand, you can search the manufacturer's website for your specific model number (printed on the sticker or the back of the router) and read the manual, which usually lists the default password.

Resetting your router to find the default password

If you can't find the sticker or manual, you can reset the router to its factory default settings. This will erase any custom password you set and restore the default password that came with the router. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it's usually recessed so you can't press it by accident.

Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will blink or change color as the router restarts. Once the lights stop changing and return to normal, the router has been reset.

After the reset, the default network name and password will be active again. Check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website for what those defaults are. Write down the default password before you change it to something you'll remember. If you don't change it, anyone within range of your router can connect to it.

Logging into your router's settings page

If you want to see or change your password without resetting the router, you can log into the router's settings page from any device connected to that WiFi network. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Press Enter.

A login page will appear asking for a username and password. The default username is often "admin" and the default password is often "admin" or "password," but this varies by manufacturer. If those don't work, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's support website for the correct defaults.

Once you're logged in, look for a section called "WiFi," "Wireless," "Network," or "Security." Inside that section, you should see your network name and the password you set. If you've never changed it, it will be the default password from the sticker.

What to do if you still can't find it

If you've checked your computer, the router sticker, the manual, and the settings page and still can't locate the password, your best option is to set a new one. Log into the router's settings page (using the steps above) and look for an option to change the WiFi password or security key. Most routers call this "Change WiFi Password" or "Edit Network."

Create a new password that you'll remember — write it down and store it somewhere safe. Once you've set the new password, all your devices will need to "forget" the old network and reconnect using the new password. On most devices, you can do this by going to WiFi settings, finding your network, and selecting "Forget" or "Remove," then reconnecting with the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WiFi password the same as the router admin password?

No. The WiFi password is what you type into your phone or laptop to connect to the internet. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change things. You only need the WiFi password to use the internet. Most people never need the admin password.

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

On Windows or Mac, yes — if you've connected before, your computer remembers it and can show it to you even when you're not currently connected. If you've never connected, you'll need to check the router, the manual, or the manufacturer's website.

What if I reset my router and forgot to write down the new password?

Reset it again. Each time you reset, it goes back to the factory default password printed on the sticker or in the manual. After the second reset, write down the default password before you change it to something custom.

Can someone else see my WiFi password if they use my computer?

Yes, if they have access to your computer and know how to open Settings (Windows) or Keychain Access (Mac), they can see any saved WiFi password. Protect your computer with a strong login password to prevent this.