Where your WiFi password lives on each device

Your WiFi password is stored on the device you used to connect to the network. If you set up the router yourself, you probably remember it — but if someone else connected the device, or if you connected years ago, the password is still there, you just can't see it typed out. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all store this information, and all let you retrieve it, though the steps differ.

The fastest route depends on what device you're holding right now. If you have the router itself, you can also reset it to factory settings and find the default password on a sticker on the back — but that erases your custom password and forces every device to reconnect. Retrieving the password from a device you've already connected is usually faster.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the password in plain text.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network, and iOS will display the password at the top of the screen.
  • On Android, the process varies by manufacturer and Android version, but usually involves Settings > WiFi > selecting your network > Share or Show Password.
  • If you can't retrieve the password from any device, you can reset the router to factory defaults, but this disconnects all devices until they reconnect with the default password.

Finding the password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. On the left sidebar, click WiFi. Scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find your network name in the list and click it. Click Forget, then go back and click the network name again — this time, when you enter the password, check the box next to the password field that says Show characters. The password will appear in plain text.

Alternatively, if you don't want to forget and reconnect, you can view the password through Command Prompt. Right-click the Start menu, select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin), and type: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear — replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name. The password appears next to "Key Content" in the output.

Finding the password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by going to Applications > Utilities, or by pressing Command + Space and typing "Keychain". In the search box at the top right, type your network name. When it appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens showing the network details. Check the box next to Show password at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your login password — enter it, and the WiFi password appears in plain text.

If you see multiple entries for the same network, the one labeled "AirPort" or with a WiFi icon is the one you want. Older Macs may show it under "Local Items" instead of "Passwords" in the left sidebar.

Finding the password on iPhone

Go to Settings > WiFi. Find your network in the list and tap the information icon (the small "i" in a circle) next to it. The password appears at the top of the screen under "Password". You can tap it to copy it to your clipboard, or long-press to select and copy manually.

This works on iOS 16 and later. On older versions of iOS, the password does not display in Settings — you would need to use a Mac with Keychain Access or reset the router instead.

Finding the password on Android

The steps vary depending on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. On most recent Android phones, go to Settings > WiFi (or Network & Internet > WiFi). Long-press or tap the information icon next to your network name. Look for an option labeled Show password, Share, or QR code. If you see a QR code option, tap it — the QR code encodes your network name and password, and you can scan it with another device to connect without typing.

On Samsung phones, go to Settings > Connections > WiFi, tap the three dots at the top right, select Manage saved networks, tap your network, and tap Show password. On Google Pixel phones, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, tap your network, tap Share, and the password appears. If you don't see these options, your Android version may not support viewing saved passwords — in that case, reset the router instead.

Resetting the router if you can't find the password anywhere

If no device has the password stored, or if you can't access any of the devices listed above, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pen to press it. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After the reset, the router broadcasts a default network name and password. These are usually printed on a sticker on the back of the router — the network name might be something like "TP-Link-1234" and the password might be "12345678" or a longer string. Connect to this network, then log into the router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) and create a new network name and password. Every device that was previously connected will need to reconnect using the new password.

What to do if you share the network with others

If the router belongs to someone else — a landlord, roommate, or workplace — ask them for the password directly rather than trying to retrieve it from a device. They may have changed it since you connected, or they may not want you sharing it with others. If you're locked out of a work network, contact your IT department. If it's a rental property, contact your landlord or property manager.

If you're trying to reconnect a device you own but can't remember the password, retrieving it from another device you own is the right approach. If you're trying to access someone else's network without permission, that's not something this guide covers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the WiFi password if I've never connected to the network before?

No. The password is only stored on devices that have successfully connected. If you've never connected, you need to ask the network owner for the password, or reset the router to see the default password on the sticker.

What if the password doesn't show up even though I've connected before?

On some older Android phones and iPhones, the operating system doesn't store the password in a place you can view. Try retrieving it from a Windows or Mac computer instead. If none of your devices show it, resetting the router is your only option.

Will retrieving the password from my device change anything?

No. Viewing the password does not affect your connection or the router's settings. Resetting the router does change everything — it erases your custom password and network name and returns the router to factory defaults.

Can I retrieve the password if I'm not logged into the device?

On Windows and Mac, you need to be logged in as an administrator to view the password. On iPhone and Android, you need to be able to unlock the device. If you're locked out of all your devices, you cannot retrieve the password — you would need to reset the router.

Is there a way to see the password without touching the router or any device?

No. The password exists only on the router and on the devices that have connected to it. If you can't access any of those, there's no way to retrieve it without resetting the router.