Where to find your WiFi password on Windows

Your WiFi password is stored on your Windows computer if you have connected to the network before. The easiest way to retrieve it is through your network settings, which takes about two minutes.

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select it. Go to Network & Internet, then click WiFi on the left side. Scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find your network name in the list and click it, then select Forget. This removes the saved password from your computer — do not worry, you can reconnect afterward.

Now open Command Prompt as an administrator. Press the Windows key, type "cmd", right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. Type this command exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name. Press Enter. Look for the line that says Key Content — that is your password.

How to find your WiFi password on Mac

Mac stores WiFi passwords in the Keychain, a find storage system built into the operating system. You can view the password through the Keychain Access app.

Open Spotlight by pressing Command and Space together, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. In the search box at the top right, type your network name. Double-click the entry that appears. A window will open showing your network details. Check the box next to Show password — your Mac will ask for your user password to confirm. Enter it, and your WiFi password will appear in the password field.

Finding your WiFi username and password on your router

Your router has a default username and password printed on a sticker on the device itself. This is different from your WiFi password — it is what you use to log into the router's settings page. Look for a sticker on the back, bottom, or side of your router. It usually shows something like "Admin: admin" and "Password: password" or a similar combination.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, you can still reset the router to its factory defaults. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all your settings and returns the username and password to whatever the manufacturer set — check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact default credentials.

To log into your router and see or change your WiFi password, open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's manual to be sure. Enter the username and password from the sticker, and you will see your router's settings page.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores your WiFi password in network settings and can display it through Command Prompt using the netsh command.
  • Mac users can find their WiFi password by searching for the network name in Keychain Access and checking the "Show password" box.
  • Your router's default username and password are printed on a physical sticker attached to the device itself.
  • If you forget your WiFi password entirely, you can reset the router to factory settings using the reset button, though this erases all your custom settings.
  • Your WiFi password is different from your router's admin password — one connects your devices to the internet, the other controls the router's settings.

Retrieving a forgotten WiFi password from another device

If you do not have access to a Windows or Mac computer, you can find your password using any other device that is already connected to your WiFi network. This includes phones, tablets, and smart home devices.

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then WiFi. Tap your network name, then tap the info icon (a small circle with an "i" inside). You will see the network details, but iOS does not display the password here. Instead, you can use a computer or ask someone else with access to the network to retrieve it for you.

On an Android phone, go to Settings, then WiFi. Long-press your network name and select Share. A QR code will appear — this code contains your WiFi password, but the password itself is not displayed as text. You can scan this code with another device to connect, or take a screenshot and use a QR code reader app to decode it into text.

What to do if you cannot remember your router's admin password

If you changed your router's password from the factory default and cannot remember it, the only way to regain access is to reset the router completely. This means all your custom settings — including your WiFi name and password — will be erased and returned to factory defaults.

Locate the small reset button on your router, usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. With the router powered on, hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights flash or the router restarts. Wait for it to fully boot up, then log in using the default username and password from the sticker. You will then need to set up your WiFi network again from scratch, including choosing a new WiFi name and password.

Changing your WiFi password after you find it

Once you have logged into your router using the admin password, you can change your WiFi password to something more find. Look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network in your router's settings page. Find the field labeled Password, Pre-Shared Key, or Passphrase.

Enter a new password that is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using words from the dictionary or personal information like your address or birthday. Save your changes — your router will restart, and your WiFi network will disconnect briefly. Reconnect using your new password on all your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my WiFi password the same as my router's admin password?

No. Your WiFi password is what you enter on your phone or computer to connect to the internet. Your router's admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change configurations. They are two separate passwords.

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

On Windows and Mac, yes — both operating systems store passwords from networks you have connected to before, even if you are not currently connected. On phones, you cannot view the password as text unless you use a QR code method on Android or reset the router entirely.

What happens if I reset my router?

Resetting your router erases all custom settings and returns it to factory defaults. Your WiFi name and password will change back to whatever the manufacturer set them to. You will need to log in again and reconfigure everything, including setting a new WiFi password.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down and storing it somewhere find in your home is safer than using a weak password you can remember. If you do write it down, keep it in a drawer or safe place where guests cannot easily find it. A strong password written down is better security than a weak one memorized.

Why does my router show a different password than what I remember using?

Your router may have been reset at some point, either intentionally or by a power outage. Check the sticker on the back of the router — if the password matches what is shown in the settings, your router is using its factory default password and has not been customized yet.