Your saved WiFi passwords live in your device's settings, not in a separate app

When you connect to a WiFi network and choose to save the password, your device stores it in an encrypted location. You can retrieve that password from your device's settings — the exact steps depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. You do not need to read anything or contact your internet provider. The password is already on the device you used to connect.

Finding a saved password takes two to five minutes. The main reason people need to do this is to connect a new device to the same network, or to share the password with someone visiting your home. If you have forgotten the password entirely and cannot find it on any device, your router's admin panel is the backup option — but that requires a different process.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network & Internet, and you can view them in plain text if you have admin access to the computer.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, which requires your Mac login password to open.
  • iPhone and iPad store passwords in Settings under WiFi, but you can only see the password if you use an Apple device running iOS 16 or later.
  • Android devices show saved passwords in Settings under Network & Internet or WiFi, depending on your phone's manufacturer and Android version.
  • If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset it from your router's admin panel using the router's IP address and login credentials.

Finding saved WiFi passwords on Windows

On Windows 10 or Windows 11, open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then WiFi. Scroll down and select "Manage known networks." Click on the network name you want the password for, then select "Forget." Reconnect to that network and enter the password again — this time, Windows will show you the password in plain text before you confirm.

If you want to view a password without reconnecting, use Command Prompt instead. 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 the exact name of your network. The password appears next to "Key Content" in the output. You need admin rights on the computer to use this method.

If you see "Security type: Open" next to your network name, that network has no password — anyone can connect to it.

Finding saved WiFi passwords on Mac

On Mac, saved passwords live in Keychain Access. Open Spotlight (Command + Space), type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens; check the box next to "Show password." Your Mac will ask for your login password. Enter it, and the WiFi password appears in plain text.

Keychain Access stores passwords for all your accounts — WiFi, email, websites, and apps. Only view the password for the network you need. If you cannot find your network in Keychain Access, it means your Mac has never connected to it, or the password was not saved when you connected.

Finding saved WiFi passwords on iPhone and iPad

On iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or later, go to Settings, tap WiFi, and find your network in the list. Tap the info icon (the small circle with an "i") next to the network name. The password appears under "Password" — tap it to copy it to your clipboard. You do not need to enter your Apple ID password or Face ID.

If you are running iOS 15 or earlier, the password field does not appear in Settings. Your only option is to reset the network: tap the info icon, select "Forget This Network," then reconnect and enter the password again. When you do, iOS will not show you the password in plain text — it only accepts it and moves on.

If you need to share the password with someone else on an Apple device, you can use AirDrop. Go to the WiFi settings, tap the info icon, and look for a "Share Password" option if the other person is nearby with their Apple device turned on.

Finding saved WiFi passwords on Android

Android varies by manufacturer and version, but the general path is Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi (or just WiFi on some phones). Find your network in the list, tap and hold it, and select "Manage" or "Edit." The password appears in the "Password" field. On some Samsung phones, you may need to tap the eye icon to reveal the password in plain text.

If your phone runs Android 10 or earlier, the saved password may not be visible in Settings at all. Newer versions of Android (11 and later) show passwords more consistently, but it still depends on your phone's manufacturer. If you cannot find the password in Settings, try the router method instead.

Some Android phones also let you share the password as a QR code. Look for a "Share" button or QR code icon in the WiFi network details. Another person can scan the code with their phone to connect without typing the password.

What to do if you cannot find the password on any device

If none of your devices show the password, or if you do not have access to a device that has connected to the network, you can reset the password from your router. Every router has an admin panel you can reach by typing the router's IP address into a web browser. The default IP is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check the sticker on the back of your router to confirm.

Open a web browser, type the IP address into the address bar, and press Enter. You will be asked for a username and password. The default is often "admin" for both, but check your router's manual or the sticker on the device. Once you log in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Network." You can view or change your WiFi password from there.

Changing the password from the router admin panel will disconnect all devices currently on the network. You will need to reconnect each one using the new password.

Why you should not share passwords over text or email

When you send a password through text, email, or messaging apps, it travels across the internet in a way that can be intercepted or stored on servers. Sharing the password in person, or using a QR code on Android or AirDrop on Apple devices, keeps it off the internet. If someone visits regularly, consider creating a separate guest network with its own password instead of sharing your main network password.

If you suspect someone has your password and should not have it, change the password from your router's admin panel. This is faster than trying to remove them from the network one device at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I never saved it?

No. Your device only stores passwords for networks you have connected to and chosen to save. If you connected once and did not save the password, or if you never connected at all, the password is not on your device. You would need to reset it from the router.

What if I forgot my router's admin password?

Most routers have a reset button on the back. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds to restore the router to factory settings. This erases your WiFi password and network name, and you will need to set them up again from scratch. Check your router's manual for the exact reset time, as it varies by model.

Can someone see my WiFi password if they have my device?

On most devices, yes — if they have your login password or biometric access (fingerprint, face). On iPhone, they can see the password without your Face ID. On Windows and Mac, they need your computer password. On Android, it depends on the phone model. If you are concerned about device security, use a strong login password and enable biometric locks.

Why does my device show the WiFi network but not let me see the password?

Your device may not have saved the password, or you may not have the right permissions to view it. On older iPhones and iPads, the password field straightforward does not appear in Settings. Try forgetting the network and reconnecting — when you do, watch carefully to see if the password is displayed before you confirm the connection.

Can I retrieve a password from a device I no longer own?

No. Passwords are stored only on the device itself. If you sold or gave away the device, you cannot access its passwords remotely. Your only option is to reset the password from your router's admin panel.