Where to find your WiFi password on your devices
Your WiFi password is stored on any device that has connected to your network before. The fastest way to recover it is to pull the password from a device you already use — your phone, laptop, or tablet — rather than hunting for paperwork or resetting the router.
On Windows 10 or 11, right-click the WiFi icon in your system tray (bottom right corner), select "Open Network and Internet settings", then click "WiFi" in the left menu. Choose "Manage known networks", find your network name, click it, and select "Forget". Reconnect to the network and Windows will prompt you to enter the password again — but before you do, open Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage known networks one more time, find your network, click it, and select "Show". The password field will display your actual password in plain text.
On Mac, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). In the search box at the top right, type your network name. Double-click the result, check the box that says "Show password", and your Mac will ask you to confirm with your login password. Once you do, the WiFi password appears in the password field.
On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon (i) next to your network name, and the password appears under "Password". You may need to use Face ID or Touch ID to view it.
On Android, the process depends on your phone's version. On Android 10 and newer, go to Settings > System > Advanced > Reset options > Reset WiFi, mobile & Bluetooth. This does not reset your password but opens a menu showing saved networks — tap yours and the password displays. On older Android versions, you will need to check your router directly (see below).
Key Takeaways
- Windows, Mac, iPhone, and newer Android phones all store your WiFi password and can display it without resetting anything.
- On Windows, use Keychain Access; on Mac, search Keychain Access; on iPhone, check Settings > WiFi and tap the info icon next to your network.
- If no device has the password saved, you can view it on your router by logging into the admin panel using the default username and password printed on the router's label.
- The router's default login is usually admin/admin or admin/password, but check the label on the back or bottom of your device first.
- If you have changed the router password and forgotten it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your settings.
Finding the password on your router
If no device has your network saved, the password is printed on a label attached to your router. Look on the back or bottom of the device for a sticker that shows the network name (SSID) and password. The label usually lists both in plain text — the password may be labeled "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "Security Key", or just "Password".
If the label is missing or unreadable, you can log into your router's admin panel and view the password there. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. The router will ask for a username and password — these are the router's admin credentials, not your WiFi password. The default is usually admin for both username and password, though some routers use admin and password. Check your router's label or the manual that came with it for the exact defaults.
Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "Security". The password field will display your network password. Some routers hide the password behind dots or asterisks — look for a "Show" or "Reveal" button to display it in plain text.
What to do if you cannot find the password anywhere
If the label is gone, no device has the network saved, and you cannot log into the router, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your settings — including the password you set — and returns the router to the state it was in when you first bought it.
To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router (usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident). Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, the network name and password will be whatever the manufacturer set as defaults — check the label on the router or the manual for these.
After the reset, you can log into the admin panel and set a new password. Use the default admin credentials to log in, then navigate to the WiFi or Wireless section and change the password to something you will remember.
Understanding the difference between network name and password
Your network name (also called SSID) is what you see when you search for WiFi networks on your phone or computer — it is the name you click to connect. Your password is what you type after you click the network name. They are two separate things, and you need both to connect.
The network name is not secret — anyone nearby can see it in their list of available networks. The password is what protects your network from unauthorized use. If someone knows your password, they can connect to your WiFi and use your internet.
Why your router stores the password
Your router generates and stores your WiFi password so that devices can reconnect automatically without you typing it in every time. When you connect a device to your network for the first time, that device saves the password in its memory. Later, when you come back to that location, the device uses the saved password to reconnect without asking you to type it again.
This is why the easiest way to recover a forgotten password is to use a device that has already connected — it already knows the answer and can show it to you. If you have never saved the password on any device, the router's label or admin panel is your only source.
Keeping your password find after you find it
Once you have located your password, do not share it in text messages, emails, or over the phone unless you trust the person completely. If you think someone has learned your password without permission, log into your router's admin panel and change the password to something new. This forces all devices to reconnect and requires the new password — anyone using the old password will be disconnected.
When you set a new password, use something at least 12 characters long that mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or other information that is straightforward to guess. Write it down and store it somewhere safe, or use a password manager to keep track of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I am not connected to the network?
Yes, if you have ever connected to the network on that device. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all store passwords for networks you have used before, even if you are not currently connected. You can view the saved password anytime by following the steps for your device type.
What is the default password for my router?
The default username and password are printed on a label on your router — usually admin/admin or admin/password. Do not guess; check the label first. If you have already changed the admin password and forgotten it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings.
Will resetting my router erase my internet service?
No. Resetting the router erases only the settings you have changed — the network name, password, and any other customizations. Your internet service from your provider continues to work. After the reset, you may need to reconnect the modem to the router or restart both devices.
Can I change my WiFi password without logging into the router?
No. Changing the password requires access to the router's admin panel. You must log in with the admin username and password, navigate to the WiFi or Wireless section, and update the password there. Some routers have a mobile app that lets you change the password from your phone, but you still need the admin credentials to set it up the first time.
What if my router does not have a label with the default password?
Check the manual that came with the router — it lists the default username and password. If you do not have the manual, search online for your router model number (printed on the device) plus "default password". If you still cannot find it, resetting the router to factory settings is your only option.