Check your router's sticker first

The fastest place to look is the back or bottom of your router — the device that broadcasts your WiFi signal. Most routers have a sticker with the network name (called the SSID) and password printed on it. The password is usually labeled "Network Key," "WiFi Password," or "Security Key." If the sticker is still readable, you have your answer in seconds.

If the sticker is worn away or missing, or if you changed the password after setup and can't remember the new one, you'll need to retrieve it from your device or router settings. The method depends on what device you're using.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's physical sticker holds the original password, usually on the back or bottom of the device.
  • On Windows, you can find saved passwords through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then select your network and choose "Manage."
  • On Mac, the Keychain app stores WiFi passwords; search for your network name and check the password field after unlocking it.
  • On iPhone and iPad, you cannot view a saved WiFi password directly, but you can share it with another Apple device or reset the network and reconnect.
  • On Android, Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth will clear saved networks, forcing you to re-enter the password manually.

Finding your password on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and select Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it. A new window will open; click Manage.

In the window that appears, check the box next to Show under the "Password" field. Your WiFi password will appear in plain text. If you don't see a password field at all, it means your network uses an open connection with no password.

If your network doesn't appear in the "Manage Known Networks" list, your computer has never connected to it, so Windows has no record to retrieve.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "keychain," and pressing Enter. 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 open. Check the box labeled Show password. Your Mac will ask for your computer password; enter it. Your WiFi password will now be visible in the password field.

If your network doesn't appear in Keychain, your Mac has never saved it, which usually means it hasn't connected to that network before.

Finding your password on iPhone or iPad

iOS does not allow you to view a saved WiFi password directly through Settings. However, you have two workarounds. The first is to share the password with another Apple device: go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and tap Share Password. Another Apple device nearby will receive a prompt to accept the shared password.

The second option is to forget the network and reconnect. Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon (i) next to your network name, and select Forget This Network. Then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering the password manually. This only works if you remember the password or can retrieve it from another device first.

Finding your password on Android

Android phones do not display saved WiFi passwords in Settings the way Windows and Mac do. Your best option is to access your router's admin panel directly. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar (the exact address is usually on your router's sticker). Log in with the router's admin username and password — often "admin" and "admin," or printed on the sticker.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security. Your network password will be displayed there, often labeled "Pre-Shared Key" or "Passphrase."

If you don't know the router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button (usually recessed on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all settings, including your WiFi password, and restore the defaults printed on the sticker.

Accessing your router's admin panel

If you want to change your password or check it on any device, you can log into your router directly. Open a browser and enter your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. The correct address is often printed on the router's sticker or in the manual.

You'll be asked for a username and password. The defaults are usually "admin" for both, but some routers use different credentials printed on the sticker. Once logged in, find the WiFi or Wireless section. Your network name and password will be listed there. You can also change the password from this screen if you want to update it.

If you've forgotten the router's admin password and can't find it on the sticker, resetting the router to factory settings is the only way forward. This erases all your custom settings, so use it only as a last resort.

What to do if you can't find your password anywhere

If the router sticker is gone, you don't have access to the device that connected to the network, and you can't log into the router's admin panel, you'll need to reset the router. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it's 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.

After the reset, the router will return to its factory settings. The default network name and password will be printed on the sticker on the back of the device. You can then log into the admin panel and create a new network name and password if you want something different.

If you rent your router from your internet provider rather than owning it, contact them before resetting. They may have a different process or may need to reconfigure the device for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On Windows and Mac, yes — you can retrieve any password for a network your device has connected to before, even if you're not currently connected. On iPhone and Android, you cannot view saved passwords at all. Your only option is to access the router's admin panel directly through a browser.

What if my router doesn't have a sticker with the password?

Log into the router's admin panel by opening a browser and typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1). Use the default admin credentials, which are often printed elsewhere on the router or in the manual. If you don't know the admin password, reset the router to factory settings.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Sharing your password means they can access your network and any devices connected to it. Only share with people you trust. If you want to let a guest connect without giving them the main password, check if your router supports a guest network — most modern routers do, and it keeps guests separate from your personal devices.

Why does my password look different on the sticker than what I remember typing?

You may have changed the password after setup. The sticker shows the original factory password, not any updates you made. Check your device settings or router admin panel to see the current password.

What if I reset my router and now nothing connects?

After a reset, your router broadcasts the default network name and password from the sticker. All your devices will have forgotten the old password and won't reconnect automatically. You'll need to manually reconnect each device using the default credentials, then you can change the password to something new if you want.