Where to find your WiFi password depends on what device you're using and whether you set it up yourself

If you're already connected to your WiFi network, your device has stored the password — you just need to know where to look. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all keep this information in different places. If you've forgotten the password entirely or need to reset it, your router itself holds the master copy, and you can access it through the router's admin panel or by pressing the reset button.

The fastest route is usually your connected device, since you don't need to physically touch the router or remember any admin credentials. But if you're locked out of all devices or setting up a new one, you'll need to go directly to the router.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties to see the password in plain text.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access (in Applications > Utilities), search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password.
  • On iPhone and Android, you cannot view a saved WiFi password through the settings menu — you must use your router's admin panel instead.
  • Your router's admin panel is usually accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser, then logging in with the default username and password printed on the router's label.
  • If you've changed the admin password and forgotten it, pressing and holding the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds will erase all settings and restore the factory defaults.

Finding your password on Windows

Windows stores WiFi passwords in a way you can actually read. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi. Click "Manage Known Networks" and select the network you're looking for. Click Properties. Scroll down to the Security section — you'll see "Security type" and "Encryption type" listed. Below that is a field labeled "Password" with dots or asterisks hiding the actual text. Click "Show" next to it, and Windows will ask for your Windows login password. Enter it, and the WiFi password appears in plain text.

This only works if you're currently logged into Windows on that computer. If you're on a different computer or a guest account, you won't have permission to view it.

Finding your password on Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, a built-in password manager. Open Finder, go to Applications, then Utilities, and open Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu. When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens showing the network details. At the bottom, check the box next to "Show password". Mac will ask for your login password — enter it, and the WiFi password appears.

If you don't see your network in the search results, make sure you're searching in the "Passwords" category (not Certificates or Keys) and that you're logged into the right user account.

Why iPhone and Android don't show saved passwords

Apple and Google intentionally prevent you from viewing a saved WiFi password on the phone itself — there's no setting or menu option that will show it. This is a security choice: if someone borrows your phone, they can't easily extract your home WiFi password and use it elsewhere.

If you need the password on an iPhone or Android device, you have to get it from your router instead. The one exception is if you're trying to connect a second Apple device to the same WiFi — you can hold your new device near your connected iPhone or iPad, and it will automatically share the password without displaying it.

Accessing your router's admin panel

Your router keeps the master copy of your WiFi password and all other network settings. To view or change it, you need to log into the router's admin panel. Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi and type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar. If that doesn't work, try 192.168.0.1. Press Enter.

A login page appears. The default username and password are usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — look for fields labeled "Admin" or "Username" and "Password". Common defaults are "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and "password", but this varies by manufacturer. Enter the credentials and click Log In.

Once you're in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Network Settings. Your network name (SSID) and password are listed there. If you've changed the admin password since you set up the router and can't remember it, you'll need to reset the router.

Resetting your router to factory defaults

If you can't log into the admin panel because you've forgotten the admin password, you can reset the router to its original state. Look for a small recessed button on the back or bottom of the router labeled Reset. Using a paperclip or the tip of a pen, press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash, and the router will restart.

After the reset, all settings return to factory defaults — including the WiFi password. You'll need to set up your network again from scratch using the admin panel. The default login credentials (usually "admin" and "admin") will work again. This erases any custom settings you've made, including port forwarding, parental controls, or a custom admin password, so only do this if you truly can't access the panel any other way.

What to do if you still can't find it

If you've tried all these steps and still can't locate your password, check whether you're looking at the right network. Some routers broadcast two networks at once — one for regular speed (2.4 GHz) and one for faster speed (5 GHz) — and they may have different passwords. Make sure you're checking the one you're actually trying to connect to.

If the router is owned by someone else — a landlord, workplace, or shared housing situation — you may not have permission to view the password or access the admin panel. In that case, ask the person who set up the network directly. If it's a public network at a business, ask staff for the password; they usually have it written down or can reset it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not through your device's settings. If you're not currently connected, you'll need to access your router's admin panel instead. You can do this from any internet connection — phone data, a neighbor's WiFi, or a coffee shop — by typing your router's IP address into a browser.

What if I see my password but it's just a bunch of dots or asterisks?

That's normal — the operating system is hiding it for security. On Windows, click "Show" next to the password field. On Mac, check the "Show password" box in Keychain Access. Both will ask for your login password before revealing it.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes, writing it down and storing it somewhere find (like a notebook in a drawer) is safer than reusing a password you've used elsewhere or making it so straightforward that it's straightforward to guess. Just don't leave it on a sticky note on your monitor or email it to yourself unencrypted.

Will resetting my router delete my internet history or files?

No. Resetting the router only erases the router's settings — your WiFi password, network name, port forwarding rules, and admin password. It does not touch any files on your computer, phone, or any device connected to the network.

What if my router doesn't have a reset button?

Some older or simpler routers have a reset hole instead of a button. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin needle to press it. If there's no reset button or hole at all, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions specific to your model.