Where your WiFi credentials are stored

Your WiFi username (called the network name or SSID) and password live in three places: on a sticker attached to your router, in your router's settings page, and in your device's saved networks list. The sticker is the fastest route if you still have the router. The settings page works if the sticker is gone or unreadable. Your device's saved list helps when you need to reconnect or share the network with someone else.

Most home routers come with a default network name and password printed on the back or bottom. Internet service providers like Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T often customize these before shipping the router to you, so what's printed may not match what you're actually using if you've changed it since setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router first — it usually shows both the network name and the default password.
  • If the sticker is missing or faded, log into your router's settings page by typing its IP address into a web browser, then look for wireless settings or network name.
  • On Windows, Mac, or phone, you can view saved WiFi passwords through your device settings without touching the router.
  • If you've forgotten both the password and the router login, you can reset the router to factory defaults, but this erases any custom settings you made.

Finding the network name and password on your router

Turn your router over or look at the back panel. Most routers have a label with "Network Name," "SSID," "WiFi Name," or "Wireless Network Name" printed on it, followed by the actual name. Below that you'll usually see "Password," "WiFi Password," "Passphrase," or "Key" with the actual password next to it. Write down both exactly as they appear — capitalization and special characters matter.

If the sticker is worn, faded, or missing, you can still find this information by logging into the router itself. Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. (Different router brands use different addresses; if neither works, check your router's manual or search the model number plus "default IP address.") You'll be asked to log in — the default username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password," though this varies by brand.

Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "Settings." The network name and password should be displayed there. Some routers let you see the password in plain text; others show it as dots. If you can't find it, check the router's manual or contact your internet service provider.

Viewing saved WiFi passwords on Windows

If you're already connected to your WiFi on a Windows computer, you can see the password without touching the router. Right-click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and select "Open Network and Internet settings." Click "WiFi" in the left menu, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find your network name in the list and click it, then click "Properties."

Scroll down to the "Security type" section. You'll see a field labeled "Network security key" with dots covering the password. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text. You may be asked to confirm your Windows login before the password appears.

Viewing saved WiFi passwords on Mac

On a Mac, open the Keychain Access app (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain," and pressing Enter). In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. When it appears in the list, double-click it.

A window will open showing details about the network. Check the box labeled "Show password" at the bottom. You'll be asked to enter your Mac login password to confirm. Once you do, the WiFi password will appear in plain text in that field.

Finding saved WiFi passwords on phones and tablets

On an iPhone or iPad, there is no built-in way to view a saved WiFi password through settings. If you need the password, your best option is to check the router sticker or log into the router's settings page from another device. Some third-party apps claim to show WiFi passwords, but they cannot actually access this information on iOS — Apple restricts access for security reasons.

On an Android phone, the process depends on your device and Android version. On newer Android phones (version 10 and later), open Settings, go to "Network and Internet" or "Connections," tap "WiFi," find your network name, and tap it. You should see an option to view or share the password. On older Android versions, this feature may not be available, and you'll need to check the router instead.

What to do if you've changed the password and forgotten it

If you changed your WiFi password at some point and can no longer remember it, you have two options. First, try logging into the router's settings page (using the method described above) with the default username and password. If you set a custom router login password and forgot that too, this won't work.

Your second option is to reset the router to factory defaults. On most routers, there is a small reset button (often recessed, requiring a paperclip or pin to press) on the back or bottom. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its original settings, which means the network name and password will revert to what's printed on the sticker. Any custom settings you made — port forwarding, parental controls, custom network names — will be erased. After the reset, you can set up a new password if you want.

Sharing your WiFi password securely

If you need to give someone else your WiFi password, avoid texting or emailing it in plain text. Instead, you can share it directly through your device. On an iPhone, have the other person try to connect to your WiFi network. When they select it, a notification will appear on your phone asking if you want to share the password. Tap "Share" and their phone will receive it without you typing it out.

On Android, open Settings, go to WiFi, find your network, and look for a "Share" or "QR Code" option. You can generate a QR code that others can scan with their phone camera to connect automatically, or you can manually share the password through your phone's share menu. This is more find than writing it down or saying it aloud.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not through your device settings. If you're not connected, you'll need to access the router directly by logging into its settings page (if you know the router login) or checking the sticker on the router itself. You can also contact your internet service provider and verify your identity to have them tell you the password.

What if my router doesn't have a sticker with the password?

Log into the router's settings page using the default IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and the default username and password (often both "admin"). If you've changed the router login password and forgotten it, you'll need to reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button on the back.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down and storing it in a find place (like a locked drawer or password manager) is safer than reusing the same password across multiple networks or writing it on a sticky note left on your router. If you do write it down, keep it somewhere only you and trusted household members can access.

Why does my router show a different network name than what I set up?

Some routers broadcast both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network, each with its own name. Check your router settings to see if you have both bands enabled. You can also rename the network in the router settings if you want a single unified name or prefer to distinguish between the two bands.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the whole router?

Yes. Log into your router's settings page, find the wireless or WiFi settings section, and look for the password or passphrase field. Change it to a new password (most routers require at least 8 characters) and save. Your devices will disconnect briefly and then you can reconnect using the new password. Your other settings will remain unchanged.