How to find your WiFi password on the device you're using right now
Your WiFi password is stored on the device you're currently connected to, not somewhere in the cloud. Windows computers, Macs, iPhones, and Android phones all keep it in different places, and the steps to retrieve it depend on which one you're using. The fastest route is usually your own device — you don't need to call your internet provider or reset your router unless you've forgotten it completely.
If you're already connected to the network, your device already knows the password. You just need to tell it to show you what it knows. If you're not connected, you'll need either the original setup information from your router or to reset the router itself.
Key Takeaways
- Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and can display them in plain text if you're the administrator of that computer.
- Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, which requires your computer password to open.
- iPhone and iPad do not display saved WiFi passwords in their settings, but you can share the password directly to another Apple device without typing it.
- Android phones show saved networks in Settings but do not display the actual password — you'll need to check your router or reset it if you've forgotten.
- If you can't find it anywhere, your router's default password is usually on a sticker on the device itself, or you can reset the router to factory settings.
Finding your password on Windows
Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi on the left side. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks," then select the network you want the password for. Click "Properties" and scroll to the bottom — you'll see a section called "Security type and encryption details." The password appears in the "Network security key" field, but it will be hidden by default.
To see the actual password instead of dots, check the box next to "Show" in that same field. Your computer will ask for your Windows password to confirm you're the administrator. Once you enter it, the password displays in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the window.
Finding your password on Mac
Open Spotlight (press Command and Space at the same time) and type "Keychain Access," then press Enter. In the window that opens, make sure "Passwords" is selected on the left side. Search for your network name in the search box at the top right. When you find it, double-click on it to open the details.
A small window will pop up showing the network name. At the bottom, check the box next to "Show password." Your Mac will ask for your computer password. Enter it, and the password appears in plain text in that same field. You can now copy it or write it down.
Finding your password on iPhone or iPad
Apple does not allow iPhones or iPads to display saved WiFi passwords in their settings. If you need the password on another device, the easiest method is to use AirDrop or iCloud Keychain to share it directly to another Apple device without typing it out.
To share the password to another iPhone or iPad nearby: have the other person open Settings, go to WiFi, and tap your network name. When they tap "Password," your phone will show a prompt asking if you want to share it. Tap "Share Password" and confirm with Face ID or Touch ID. The password transfers automatically without ever being displayed on either screen.
If you need the password for a non-Apple device, you'll need to retrieve it from a Windows computer or Mac using the steps above, or check your router directly.
Finding your password on Android
Android phones do not store or display saved WiFi passwords in their settings. You can see the list of networks you've connected to, but not the actual passwords. To find your password, you'll need to check your router or use a Windows computer or Mac that's connected to the same network.
If you're trying to connect a new Android phone to your network and don't have the password, the next section explains how to find it on your router.
Finding your password on your router
Look for a sticker on the bottom or back of your router — most routers have the default network name and password printed there. The password is usually labeled "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or "PSK." If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can try logging into the router itself through a web browser.
Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You'll be asked for a username and password — these are usually "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and the router's serial number (also on the sticker). Once you're logged in, look for a section called "WiFi," "Wireless," or "Network Settings." The password should be displayed there in plain text or hidden behind a "Show" checkbox.
If you don't remember the router login password and can't find it on the sticker, you can reset the router to factory settings. Hold down the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and return to its default password, which is on the sticker.
What to do if you've completely forgotten your password
If you can't find the password anywhere — not on any of your devices, not on the router sticker, and you don't remember the router login — resetting the router is your only option. Press and hold the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink or the router restarts. This erases all your settings and returns the router to the factory default password, which will be on the sticker or in the router's manual.
After the reset, you'll need to set up your WiFi network again from scratch. Log into the router using the default credentials, create a new network name and password, and reconnect all your devices. This takes about 10 minutes but is the only way forward if you've lost access completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?
On Windows and Mac, yes — the password is stored on your computer even if you're not currently connected. On iPhone and Android, no — these phones don't display saved passwords in their settings at all. Your only option is to check the router directly or use a Windows or Mac computer.
What if my router password is different from my WiFi password?
These are two separate things. Your router password is what you use to log into the router's settings page (usually 192.168.1.1). Your WiFi password is what guests use to connect to your network. They can be different. If you need the WiFi password, follow the steps for your device. If you need the router password, check the sticker on the router or reset it.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?
Yes, sharing your WiFi password is safe. The password only controls access to your network — it doesn't give anyone access to your files or personal data on your computer. If you want to revoke access later, you can change the WiFi password in your router settings, and anyone using the old password will be disconnected.
Why doesn't my phone show the WiFi password in settings?
Apple and Google designed iPhones and Android phones to keep saved passwords hidden for security reasons. If someone picks up your phone, they can't see the passwords you've stored. On iPhone, you can share passwords directly to other Apple devices without displaying them. On Android, you'll need to retrieve the password from your router or another device.
Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?
No — you need to log into your router's settings page through a web browser on a computer. Open a browser, go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, log in with your router credentials, and look for the WiFi or Wireless settings section. You can change the password there, but you'll need to reconnect all your devices afterward.