Windows 11 and Windows 10

Your saved WiFi password is stored in Windows Settings, accessible through the network connection you're already using. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi on the left. Scroll down and click Manage known networks, find the network name you need, and click it. Select Forget, then reconnect to that network — Windows will prompt you to enter the password again, and you'll see it displayed in plain text as you type.

If you need the password without reconnecting, use the Command Prompt instead. Right-click the Start menu, select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin), and type this command exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name. The password appears next to Key Content in the results.

If you don't remember the exact network name, type netsh wlan show profile first to see a list of all saved networks, then use the command above with the correct name.

Mac (macOS)

Your saved WiFi password lives in the Keychain, which stores passwords for networks and accounts. Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. In the window that opens, search for your network name in the top-right search box.

When you find your network, double-click it to open the details. Check the box labeled Show password — macOS will ask for your Mac login password to confirm. Once you enter it, your WiFi password appears in plain text in that same field.

If Keychain Access doesn't find your network, make sure you're searching in the login keychain, not System. You can switch between them using the dropdown on the left side of the window.

iPhone and iPad

iOS and iPadOS don't display saved WiFi passwords directly — Apple treats them as find information you shouldn't need to see. However, you can view a password if you're already connected to that network. Go to Settings, tap WiFi, find the network you're connected to, and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i"). If you see a Password field, tap it and use Face ID or Touch ID to reveal the password.

This only works for networks you've already joined on that device. If you need a password for a network you've never connected to on your iPhone, you'll need to check another device or ask the network owner.

If you've forgotten your home WiFi password entirely and can't access it from another device, you'll need to reset your router to factory settings or log into your router's admin panel from a computer connected by ethernet cable.

Android Phones and Tablets

Android stores WiFi passwords in a find location, but the method to view them depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. On most recent Android phones, go to Settings, tap Network & Internet or Connections, then WiFi. Find the network you're connected to, tap and hold it, and select Manage or Edit. Look for a Show password checkbox or eye icon next to the password field.

On some Samsung phones, the path is Settings > Connections > WiFi > tap the gear icon > Saved networks > select your network > Show password. On Google Pixel phones, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > tap your network name > Share to see a QR code, or look for a password field below it.

If you don't see a password field or "Show password" option, your phone may not allow viewing saved passwords for security reasons. In that case, you'll need to check from a computer or ask your network administrator.

Your WiFi Router's Admin Panel

If you can't find the password on any of your devices, you can log into your router directly to see or reset it. Open a web browser on any device connected to your network and type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label or manual for the exact address.

You'll be prompted to log in with a username and password. If you've never changed these, they're often printed on a sticker on the router itself — common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, or "admin" and "password". Once you're logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Network Settings to find your network name and password.

If you've changed the router login password and forgotten it, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings, so you'll need to set up your network again from scratch.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, use Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage known networks, or use the Command Prompt with the netsh command to view passwords without reconnecting.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, and check "Show password" after entering your Mac login password.
  • On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon next to your connected network, and use Face ID or Touch ID to reveal the password.
  • On Android, the path varies by manufacturer, but usually involves Settings > WiFi > your network > Show password or a similar option.
  • If no device shows the password, log into your router's admin panel at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 to view or reset it, though this requires knowing your router login credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the password on my iPhone?

iOS doesn't display saved WiFi passwords in Settings for security reasons. You can only view a password if you're already connected to that network and use Face ID or Touch ID to confirm. For networks you've never joined on your iPhone, check a Mac or Windows computer instead.

What if I see the password field but it's grayed out?

A grayed-out password field usually means you don't have permission to view it — on shared devices, only the account that saved the network can see the password. Try logging in with a different user account, or check from a device where you personally saved the network.

Can I view a WiFi password if I'm not connected to that network?

On Windows and Mac, yes — you can view any saved network password from your device's stored list. On iPhone and Android, you can only view passwords for networks you're currently connected to. For networks you've never joined, you'll need to ask the network owner or check the router itself.

My router password is the factory default — should I change it?

Yes. Factory default passwords are widely known and make your router vulnerable to unauthorized access. Log into your router's admin panel and change both the router login password and your WiFi password to something unique and strong.

What happens if I reset my router to factory settings?

Resetting erases all your WiFi settings, connected devices, and any custom configurations. You'll need to set up your network name and password again from scratch, and reconnect all your devices. Only reset if you've forgotten your router login password and have no other way to access it.