Where Your WiFi Password Is Stored

Your WiFi password lives in two places: on your router itself (usually printed on a sticker) and in your device's memory once you have connected. The easiest route depends on whether you remember connecting to the network before and whether you still have access to the router.

If you have never written down the password and cannot see the router sticker, you can retrieve it from any device that is currently connected to that WiFi. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all store the password after you enter it once, and you can view it again without resetting anything.

The steps differ by device type, but the principle is the same: you are looking at the network settings where you first entered the password, not creating a new one or changing anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router first — the password is usually printed there in small text.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to WiFi, select your network name, and choose "Manage known networks" to see the saved password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, select WiFi, click "Details," and check the password field (you may need to enter your computer password).
  • On iPhone and Android, you cannot view the password directly in settings, but you can share it to another device or reset the router to factory defaults and set a new one.
  • If you have lost the router sticker and cannot access any connected device, you will need to reset the router to its factory password and reconfigure it.

Finding the Password on Your Router

The fastest place to look is the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom, back, or side that lists the network name (called the SSID) and the password. The password may be labeled as "Password," "Passphrase," "Security Key," or "WiFi Key" depending on the router brand.

If the sticker is missing or faded, check any paperwork that came with the router or any email from your internet provider. Some providers send setup instructions that include the password. If you still cannot find it, move to retrieving it from a connected device.

Retrieving the Password on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, you can view any saved WiFi password through Settings. Open Settings and select Network & Internet. On the left side, click WiFi, then scroll down and select Manage known networks.

Find the network name you are looking for in the list and click it. A window will open showing network details. Click Security to expand that section. You will see a field labeled Security key — this is your password. Check the box next to Show to display it in plain text instead of dots.

If you do not see your network in the "Manage known networks" list, your device has never connected to it before. In that case, you will need to check the router sticker or retrieve the password from another device that is currently connected.

Retrieving the Password on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings and select WiFi from the sidebar. Click the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to your network name. A details window will open.

Look for the Password field. The password will be hidden by default. Click the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it. Your Mac will ask you to enter your computer password (the one you use to log in) to confirm you have permission to view it. Enter that password and the WiFi password will appear in plain text.

Retrieving the Password on iPhone and Android

iPhone and Android do not allow you to view a saved WiFi password directly through settings the way Windows and Mac do. However, you have two alternatives that work without resetting anything.

The first option is to share the password to another device. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network, and select Share Password. Hold another iPhone or Mac nearby and it will receive a prompt to join the network with the password already filled in. You can read the password from that prompt on the other device.

On Android, the process varies by phone model and Android version. Some phones allow you to take a screenshot of the QR code in WiFi settings, which contains the password in encoded form. Others do not display the password at all without resetting the router. If your Android phone does not show the password, use a Windows or Mac device instead, or move to the router reset option below.

What to Do If You Cannot Access Any Connected Device

If you have no Windows or Mac computer connected to the WiFi and your phone does not show the password, you will need to reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your current settings, including the password, and returns the router to the default password it came with.

Look for a small reset button on the router (usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it). Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it boots up, the network name and password will be back to the factory defaults, which are usually printed on the router sticker or in the manual.

After the reset, you can log into the router's admin panel (usually by going to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) and set a new password. Most routers will prompt you to do this the first time you access the admin panel after a reset.

Preventing Password Loss in the Future

Once you have found your password, write it down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook, a password manager, or a note on your phone. Many people use password managers like Bitwarden or 1Password that can store WiFi passwords alongside other credentials.

You can also change your WiFi password to something you will remember more easily. Log into your router's admin panel (the address is usually on the sticker), find the WiFi settings or Security settings, and change the password there. Make sure the new password is at least 12 characters and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to keep your network find.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am not connected to the network right now?

Only if you have a Windows or Mac computer that has connected to it before. Those systems store the password even when you are not currently on the network. iPhone and Android cannot show you a saved password unless you are actively connected or use the share feature to another device.

What is the default password if I reset my router?

The default password varies by router brand and model. Check the sticker on the router or the manual that came with it. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, but some routers use blank passwords or manufacturer-specific defaults. Your internet provider may also have set a custom default when they installed it.

Do I need my WiFi password to reset the router?

No. The physical reset button on the router does not require a password — you just hold it down. However, resetting erases your current password and all other settings, so you will need to set up the network again from scratch afterward.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing the password itself is safe. The password only grants access to your WiFi network, not to your devices or files. If you want to remove someone's access later, you can change the password in the router settings, and they will be disconnected.

Why does my Windows computer not show the password in the Security key field?

This usually means your device has never connected to that network before, so Windows has no password stored. Try connecting to the network first by entering the password manually, then return to Settings and the password will appear in the list. If the network is not visible, the router may be too far away or the WiFi may be turned off.