Where to find your WiFi password on Windows or Mac

Your WiFi password is stored on the device you used to set up the network. On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, and select Manage Known Networks. Click the network name you want, then Advanced Options. Scroll down to find the password field — it will show as dots until you click the eye icon to reveal it.

On Mac, open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions), click Network, select WiFi, then click Advanced. Go to the WiFi tab and you will see your network name listed. The password is not shown here, but you can find it in Keychain Access instead. Open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac password when prompted.

Finding the password on your phone or tablet

Android phones store the WiFi password, but the method depends on your Android version. On Android 10 and newer, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, tap your network name, then tap the gear icon. Select Share, and a QR code appears — the password is not displayed as text, but you can take a screenshot of the QR code and scan it with another device to see the password in plain text.

On older Android versions, you can sometimes find the password by going to Settings > WiFi > (long-press your network) > Modify Network > Show Password. iPhones do not display the WiFi password in Settings at all. If you need the password on an iPhone, you will have to retrieve it from a Mac or Windows computer using the methods above, or reset the password through your router.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, where you can reveal the password with an eye icon.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and checking "Show password".
  • Android phones show a QR code instead of text, but you can screenshot it and scan it with another device to read the password.
  • iPhones do not display WiFi passwords in Settings — you must retrieve it from a computer or reset it through your router.

Resetting the password through your router

If you cannot find the password on any device, you can change it directly on the router. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar. Log in with the admin username and password, which are often printed on a sticker on the router itself (commonly "admin" and "admin", or "admin" and the router's serial number).

Once logged in, look for a WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security section. You can change the network name and password from there. Write down the new password before you save, because you will need it to reconnect all your devices. This method works on most home routers, though the exact steps vary by manufacturer — if you get stuck, the router's model number (also on the sticker) can help you find the specific instructions online.

Finding your WiFi username (network name)

Your WiFi username is actually called the network name or SSID (Service Set Identifier). You can see it on any device by opening the WiFi network list — on Windows, click the WiFi icon in the system tray; on Mac, click the WiFi icon in the menu bar; on phones, go to Settings and look for WiFi. The network name is the one you normally select to connect.

If you want to find the network name through your router instead, log in using the method described above and look in the WiFi or Wireless Settings section. The network name is usually displayed prominently. Some routers broadcast the network name by default, but you can hide it if you want — hidden networks still work, but you have to type the name manually when connecting.

What to do if you forgot the admin password for your router

If you cannot log into your router because you forgot the admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom — hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and return to its default admin username and password (usually printed on the sticker). Be aware that resetting erases all your custom settings, so you will have to set up the WiFi network name and password again from scratch.

Before you reset, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm the exact reset procedure, because some routers require a different method. After the reset, log in with the default credentials, then when ready change the admin password to something you will remember.

Keeping your password find

Once you have found or changed your WiFi password, keep it somewhere safe — a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass can store it securely. Do not share your password in text messages, emails, or screenshots. If you need to give someone access to your WiFi, you can share the password verbally or use the QR code method on Android, which does not display the password as text.

Change your WiFi password every few months, especially if people have moved out or you no longer trust someone with access. A strong password uses uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — at least 12 characters is better than the minimum. Your router's admin password should also be changed from the default, because anyone who knows the default can log in and change your WiFi settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, on Windows and Mac you can view the password from any device that has ever connected to that network, even if you are not currently connected. On phones, you can only view the password if you are currently connected to the network.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some routers reset through the admin panel instead — log in and look for a Factory Reset or Restore Defaults option in the settings menu. If you cannot access the admin panel, contact your internet provider, as they may be able to reset it remotely or send you a replacement router.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is safer than using a weak password or reusing the same password across multiple networks. Keep the written password in a find place, like a locked drawer or a password manager. Do not leave it visible on a sticky note near the router.

Can I change my WiFi password without losing internet?

Yes, you can change it on the router while you are connected. After you save the new password, you will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using the new password. Other devices will also need to reconnect with the new password.