Where to find your WiFi password depends on what device you're using

Your WiFi password lives in different places depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. The fastest route is usually your phone or computer — whichever device is already connected to the network. If you've forgotten the password entirely, you can also reset it directly on your router, though that will disconnect everyone temporarily.

The method you choose depends on what you're trying to do: reconnect a device that's been forgotten, share the password with someone else, or recover it because you've lost the original. Each path takes a different number of steps.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and choose "Forget" then reconnect to see the password prompt.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your computer password to reveal it.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and look for the password field if you're on iOS 16 or later.
  • On Android, open Settings > WiFi, long-press your network name, tap "Share", and the QR code will display your password in text form below it.
  • If you cannot find the password on any device, you can reset it on the router itself using the reset button or admin panel, but this disconnects all devices.

Finding your password on Windows

Windows stores WiFi passwords in a system file you can access through Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi. Scroll down and select "Manage Known Networks." Find your network name in the list and click it. At the bottom of the window, click "Forget." This removes the network from your device.

Now reconnect to the same network. When you enter the password, Windows will show it in plain text as you type — that's the moment to write it down or take a screenshot. If you want to see a password you're already connected to without forgetting and reconnecting, you'll need to use Command Prompt instead: right-click the Start menu, select "Run", type cmd, and run the command netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replace YourNetworkName with your actual network name). The password appears next to "Key Content."

Finding your password on Mac

Mac stores all WiFi passwords in Keychain, a built-in password manager. Open Spotlight (Command + Space), type Keychain Access, and press Enter. In the window that opens, make sure you're on the "Passwords" tab. Use the search box in the top right to find your network name.

Double-click your network name when it appears. A details window opens. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to enter your computer password — this is a security step to prevent someone else from reading stored passwords. Once you enter it, the WiFi password appears in plain text.

Finding your password on iPhone

iPhone's method depends on which version of iOS you're running. On iOS 16 and later, open Settings, tap WiFi, find your network, and tap the information icon (a circle with an "i") next to it. The password field appears on the next screen — tap it to copy the password to your clipboard.

On older versions of iOS, you cannot view the password directly through Settings. Instead, ask someone else on the network to share it with you using AirDrop, or use the QR code method on Android or Mac to generate a shareable code. If you're the only person with access to the network, you'll need to reset the password on the router itself.

Finding your password on Android

Android makes password sharing straightforward. Open Settings, go to WiFi, and long-press (hold down) your network name. A menu appears with several options. Tap "Share" or "Share Password." Android generates a QR code that another device can scan to join the network. Below the QR code, your password appears in plain text — this is the easiest way to see it on Android.

If you don't see a "Share" option, your phone may be running an older version of Android. In that case, you'll need to check the password on another device or reset it on the router.

Resetting the password on your router if you cannot find it anywhere

If no connected device shows the password, you can reset it directly on the router. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart.

This action resets the router to factory defaults, which means the password reverts to a default printed on a sticker on the router itself (often something like "admin" or a code like "12345678"). All devices will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using this default password. After reconnecting, log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser) and change the password to something you'll remember. You'll find this option under WiFi Settings or Security Settings in the admin panel.

Why you might not be able to see the password

Some devices and networks have restrictions that prevent you from viewing the password. If you're on a work or school network, the administrator may have locked down password visibility for security reasons — in that case, you'll need to contact IT support to reset it. If you're trying to view the password on a device that's not connected to the network, you won't be able to see it unless another connected device shares it with you.

Guest networks also sometimes hide the password from view. If you set up a guest network on your router, you may need to log into the router's admin panel to see or change that password, since guest devices typically cannot access the admin settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you need to be connected to a device that's already on the network. If you're locked out entirely, your only option is to reset the router using the physical reset button, which will erase all settings and revert to the factory default password printed on the router's label.

What if I see the password but it doesn't work when I try to reconnect?

Double-check that you're copying it exactly, including uppercase and lowercase letters. Passwords are case-sensitive. If it still doesn't work, the password may have been changed since that device last connected. Try resetting the network on the device (forget it and reconnect) or reset the router to start fresh.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Sharing the password itself is safe — it only grants access to your network, not to your devices or files. However, anyone on your network can see other devices connected to it and potentially intercept unencrypted traffic. If you're concerned about security, use the guest network feature on your router instead, which isolates guest devices from your personal computers and phones.

Why does my router have a default password I cannot change?

Some older or budget routers ship with a fixed default password that cannot be changed through the admin panel. In this case, you can only change the WiFi network password (the one devices use to connect), not the admin password. If you need to change the admin password, you may need to factory reset the router or contact the manufacturer.

Can someone see my WiFi password if they're connected to my network?

Not through normal means. A connected device cannot view the WiFi password just by being on the network. However, someone with technical knowledge could potentially intercept unencrypted data passing through your network. This is why using a strong password and keeping your router's software updated matters — it prevents unauthorized people from joining in the first place.