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. Open the Settings app, then go to Network & Internet, and select WiFi. Click on "Manage known networks" and choose the network you need the password for. Click "Properties" and scroll down to find the "Security type" section — toggle "Show" next to the password field to reveal it in plain text.

If you cannot find the network in your known networks list, it means your computer has never connected to it. In that case, you will need to check your router directly or contact whoever set up the network.

Retrieving your password from a Mac

On a Mac, the password is stored in Keychain. Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight), then search for your network name in the search box. Double-click the network name when it appears, check the box that says "Show password," and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The WiFi password will then display on screen.

Keychain stores passwords for every network your Mac has ever joined, so if you have switched networks before, make sure you are looking at the correct one. The network name appears in the list exactly as it broadcasts from your router.

Finding the password on your router

Your router has a sticker on the back or bottom that usually displays the default WiFi network name and password. Look for a label that says "WiFi Name," "SSID," or "Network Name," along with a corresponding password field. This sticker shows what your network was set to when the router left the factory.

If you changed the password after setup, the sticker will show the old one, not your current password. In that case, you will need to log into the router itself to see the current password. Write down the router model number from the sticker — you will need it to find the login instructions.

Logging into your router to check the current password

Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. One of these addresses will take you to your router's login page. If neither works, restart your router and try again, or check the sticker on the back for the correct address.

Log in using the username and password printed on the router sticker. Once inside, look for a section labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," or "Network Settings." The current WiFi password will be displayed there, often in a field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," or "Pre-Shared Key." You may need to toggle a "Show" button to see it.

If you cannot remember the router login password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your custom settings and return everything to the sticker defaults, so only do this if you are prepared to set up the network again from scratch.

What to do if you do not have access to the device

If the computer or router is not yours, ask the person who owns it or set up the network. They can retrieve the password using the steps above. If it is a work or school network, contact the IT department or help desk — they manage the password and can provide it to you.

For a public network at a coffee shop, library, or business, ask an employee for the password. They usually have a standard process for sharing it with customers. Do not try to log into a router that does not belong to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network & Internet, where you can view any network your computer has connected to before.
  • Mac users can find stored passwords in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and toggling the password visibility.
  • The router itself has a sticker on the back showing the default network name and password, though this may not match your current password if you changed it.
  • You can log into your router at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 using the credentials on the sticker to see your current WiFi password.
  • If you do not own the device or network, ask the owner, IT department, or business staff rather than attempting to access the router yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my computer show a different password than the one on the router sticker?

You or someone else changed the WiFi password after the router was set up. The sticker shows only the factory default. To find your current password, log into the router using the sticker credentials and check the WiFi settings section.

I forgot my router login password. Can I still see my WiFi password?

Yes. Reset the router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which returns it to factory settings shown on the sticker. You can then log in with those credentials and view the WiFi password. This will erase any custom settings you made.

The address 192.168.1.1 does not work. What should I try?

Try 192.168.0.1 instead — different routers use different addresses. If neither works, restart the router and try again. You can also check the sticker on the back of the router, which often lists the correct address.

Can I see my WiFi password on my phone?

On Android, go to Settings, select WiFi, find your network, and tap "Share" — the password will display as a QR code. On iPhone, you cannot view the password directly, but you can share it with another Apple device by holding your phone near theirs. To see the actual password, use a computer or log into the router.