Where your WiFi password lives on your devices
Your WiFi password is stored in three places: your router itself, your computer's network settings, and your phone's saved networks. The easiest route depends on what device you have in front of you right now. If you have physical access to the router, you can reset it to factory settings and find a default password on a sticker. If you do not have the router handy, Windows and Mac both let you view the password you connected with, and phones store it too — though the steps differ.
The password you need is the one you entered when you first connected to the network, not a separate admin password for the router itself. Most people forget this password because they entered it once and never typed it again. The good news is that your device remembers it, and you can see it without resetting anything.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, select your network name, and click "Manage known networks" to view the saved password.
- On Mac, open System Settings, click WiFi, select your network, and the password appears in Keychain Access under the network name.
- On iPhone and Android, you cannot view a saved WiFi password directly, but you can share the network with another device or reset the router to see the default password.
- If you have the router, look for a sticker on the back or bottom that shows the default network name and password printed by the manufacturer.
- Resetting the router to factory settings erases all your custom settings and returns it to the default password, which you can then change again.
Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11
Windows stores every WiFi password you have ever connected to, and you can view any of them in a few clicks. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the Settings app. Go to Network & Internet on the left side, then click WiFi. You will see a list of networks you have connected to before — find the one you need and click "Manage known networks".
Click the network name you want the password for. A window will open showing network details. Scroll down until you see "Security type" and "Password" — the password field will show dots or asterisks. Click "Show" next to the password field, and Windows will display the actual characters. You may need to enter your Windows password to confirm you are the account owner.
Finding your password on Mac
Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, which is the system that remembers passwords for everything on your computer. Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top left and selecting System Settings. Click WiFi on the left side, then click "Details" next to the network name you need. A window opens showing the network information, but the password field will be blank here.
To see the actual password, you need to open Keychain Access. Press Command and Space together to open Spotlight search, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. In the window that opens, search for your network name in the top right search box. When you find it, double-click the entry. A details window opens — check the box that says "Show password" at the bottom. Mac will ask for your computer password to confirm, then displays the WiFi password in plain text.
Finding your password on iPhone or Android
iPhones and Android phones do not have a built-in way to view a saved WiFi password directly. However, you can share the network with another device without typing the password again. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap WiFi, find your network, and tap the information icon next to it. Tap "Share Password" — if another Apple device is nearby, hold it close and the password transfers automatically without showing the characters.
On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but most phones do not display saved passwords for security reasons. Your best option is to use a computer to find the password using the Windows or Mac steps above, or to reset the router and use the default password. Some Android phones let you view the password if you have set up a PIN or fingerprint lock, but this is not standard across all devices.
Finding the default password on your router
Every router comes from the factory with a default network name and password printed on a sticker, usually on the back or bottom of the device. Look for a label that shows "SSID" or "Network Name" and "Password" or "Key". Write down both — the network name is what you see when you search for WiFi, and the password is what you enter to connect.
The default password is often a long string of letters and numbers that the manufacturer chose, not something you set yourself. If you have changed the password since you first set up the router, the sticker will not show your current password — it only shows what came from the factory. In that case, use the Windows or Mac steps above to find what you actually changed it to.
Resetting the router to see the default password
If you cannot find the sticker and you do not have access to a computer, you can reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including the password you created, and returns the router to the default password. Look for a small reset button on the back of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.
The router will restart and return to its default settings. Once it boots back up, you can connect using the default network name and password from the sticker. After you connect, you should change the password to something you choose, because the default password is the same on thousands of identical routers. Most routers let you change the password by opening a web browser, typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), and logging in with the default admin username and password.
What to do if you still cannot find it
If the sticker is missing and you cannot access a computer, contact your internet service provider. They have a record of the account and can tell you the network name and password, or they can reset the router remotely and send you a new password. Have your account number ready when you call.
If the router belongs to someone else — a landlord, workplace, or school — ask them directly for the password. They are the only ones who can provide it or reset it. Do not attempt to reset a router you do not own, as this will disconnect everyone else using that network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot it and do not have the router?
Yes, if you have a Windows or Mac computer that has connected to that network before. Use the steps above for your operating system to view the saved password. If you only have a phone, you will need to either borrow a computer or contact your internet service provider.
Is the WiFi password the same as the router admin password?
No. The WiFi password is what you enter to connect to the network. The admin password is separate and lets you change router settings — most people never need it. The sticker on the router shows both, but they are different things.
What happens if I reset the router?
Resetting erases all your custom settings and returns the router to factory defaults. This includes your custom password, network name, and any other changes you made. After reset, you will need to set everything up again from scratch using the default password on the sticker.
Can I view a WiFi password on my phone without a computer?
Not directly — phones do not show saved passwords for security. You can share the network with another Apple device using AirDrop, or you can reset the router to use the default password. Otherwise, you need a Windows or Mac computer to view the password.
My sticker is worn and I cannot read the password. What do I do?
Use a Windows or Mac computer that has connected to the network before to view the saved password. If you do not have one, contact your internet service provider with your account number and they can provide the password or reset the router for you.