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 router itself — most routers have the password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. If that sticker is gone or unreadable, your operating system can show you the password you've already saved, or you can reset the router to its factory default and set a new password yourself.

The method you choose depends on whether you remember the password at all, whether you have physical access to the router, and which device you're trying to connect. Some routes take two minutes. Others require you to reset your entire network.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the physical router first — the password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom.
  • Windows can show you a saved WiFi password through Settings or Command Prompt without needing the router.
  • Mac users can retrieve a saved password from Keychain, which stores all network passwords in one place.
  • iPhone and Android can show you the password only if you've already connected to that network before.
  • If you've lost the password and can't find it anywhere, you can reset the router to factory defaults, but this disconnects all devices temporarily.

Finding the password on the router itself

Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the network name (SSID) and the WiFi password. Look for text that says "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "Passphrase", or sometimes just "Password". The sticker may also show the router's admin username and password, which is different from the WiFi password.

If the sticker is faded, scratched off, or missing, you can log into the router's admin panel to see or change the password. To do this, open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You'll need the router's admin username and password, which are often printed on the same sticker. If you don't have those either, resetting the router is your next option.

Retrieving a saved password on Windows

If you've already connected to the WiFi network on your Windows computer, Windows stores the password and can show it to you. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, and select Manage Known Networks. Find the network name in the list, click it, and select Forget. This removes it from your saved networks — don't do this unless you're ready to reconnect and re-enter the password.

For a faster method that doesn't require forgetting the network, open Command Prompt as administrator. Type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name. The password will appear next to "Key Content" in the results. This method works only if you've connected to that network before on this computer.

Retrieving a saved password on Mac

Mac stores all WiFi passwords in Keychain, a built-in password manager. Open Keychain Access by pressing Command+Space, typing "Keychain Access", and pressing Enter. Search for your network name in the search box at the top right. When you find it, double-click the entry, check the box next to Show password, and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear in plain text.

Keychain also stores passwords for websites, email accounts, and other services, so you may see multiple entries. Look for the one labeled as a "network password" or "AirPort network password" to make sure you're looking at the right one.

Retrieving a saved password on iPhone or iPad

iPhone and iPad don't show you the actual WiFi password through the Settings app. Instead, if you've already connected to the network, you can share the password directly with another Apple device. On the device that's connected, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and look for a Share Password option. If another Apple device is nearby, it will receive a prompt to accept the password automatically.

If you need to see the password itself rather than share it, you'll need to check the router, use a Mac with Keychain, or use a Windows computer. iOS doesn't provide a way to view the actual password text.

Retrieving a saved password on Android

Android's method depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. On most recent Android phones, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, long-press the network name, and tap Manage. Some phones show a QR code that contains the password — you can scan this code with another device to connect without typing. A few phones show the password in plain text, but this is less common.

If your phone doesn't show the password this way, your best option is to check the router sticker or use a Windows or Mac computer. Some Android phones require you to be the network owner (have access to the router's admin panel) to view the password.

Resetting the router if you can't find the password anywhere

If you can't find the password on the sticker, can't log into the router's admin panel, and don't have a device that's already connected, you can reset the router to its factory default settings. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed) on the back or bottom of the router. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default settings.

After the reset, the network name and password will revert to what's printed on the router's sticker. You'll need to reconnect all your devices to the network. This is a last resort because it temporarily disconnects everyone on your WiFi and erases any custom settings you've made, like port forwarding or a custom network name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I've never connected to the network before?

No. Your device can only show you a password you've already saved. If you've never connected, your only options are the router sticker, the router's admin panel, or asking whoever set up the network. You cannot retrieve a password you've never entered.

What's the difference between the WiFi password and the router admin password?

The WiFi password is what you enter to connect to the network. The router admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings to change the WiFi password or other network settings. They're usually different. The sticker on the router typically shows both.

Will resetting the router delete my internet history or files?

No. Resetting the router only affects the router's settings, not the files or history on your devices. It will temporarily disconnect all devices from WiFi, and you'll need to reconnect them. Any custom settings on the router itself (like a custom network name) will be erased.

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

Apple designed iOS to prioritize security by not displaying passwords in plain text. Instead, iPhone lets you share the password directly with other Apple devices. If you need to see the actual password, use a Mac, Windows computer, or check the router itself.

What if the password on the router sticker doesn't work?

The sticker password may have been changed after the router was set up. Try the router's default password (often printed on the sticker as well), or reset the router to restore the original password. If someone else changed the password and you don't have access to a connected device, you'll need to contact them or reset the router.