Where to find your WiFi password on your devices

The fastest way to find your WiFi password depends on what device you're already connected to. If you're already logged into your home network on a phone, tablet, or computer, that device stores the password — you just need to know where to look.

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, then Manage Known Networks. Click the network name, then Advanced Options. Scroll down to find the password field — it will show as dots until you click "Show" next to it. On Mac, open System Preferences, go to Network, select WiFi, then click Advanced. The WiFi tab lists your network; select it and click TCP/IP to see connection details. To see the actual password, you'll need to open Keychain Access (in Applications > Utilities), search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password.

On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network name, and the password appears under "Password" — you can copy it directly. On Android, the process varies by manufacturer. Most phones: Settings > WiFi > tap and hold your network name > Share > the password displays as a QR code and text. Some Android phones require you to go into Advanced settings or use a QR code scanner instead.

Key Takeaways

  • If you're already connected to your WiFi, your device has stored the password in its settings — Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all let you view it without resetting anything.
  • Your router's default username is usually "admin" and the default password is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device itself.
  • If you've changed your router password and forgotten it, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this erases all your custom settings.
  • Your WiFi network name (SSID) and password are separate from your internet service provider login — you don't need your ISP account to find your WiFi credentials.
  • If you can't find the password anywhere, contact your internet provider with proof of service, and they can send you a replacement router or walk you through a reset.

Finding the password on your router itself

Your router — the box that broadcasts your WiFi signal — has a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the default network name and password. Look for labels that say "SSID" (the network name) and "Password" or "Key". The sticker also shows the router's web address (usually something like 192.168.1.1) and the default username and password you'd use to log into the router's settings page.

If the sticker is worn away or missing, you can still find this information. Most routers from major manufacturers — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, Arris, Technicolor — have the default credentials printed in the user manual, which you can find by searching "[your router model] default password" online. The manufacturer's support website usually has a PDF of the manual available for read.

Keep in mind that the default password on the sticker is what came with the router from the factory. If you or someone else has changed the WiFi password since then, the sticker won't show the current one — you'll need to check a connected device instead, or reset the router.

Logging into your router to see or change the password

If you want to change your WiFi password or see what it currently is through the router's settings page, you'll need to log in. Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi and type your router's web address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1, depending on the brand. Some routers also let you use a web address like "myrouter.local" or the router's brand name.

When the login page appears, enter the default username (almost always "admin") and the default password from the sticker on your router. Once you're logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings", "Wireless", "Network", or "SSID" — the exact name varies by manufacturer. From there you can see your current network name and password, and change either one.

After you change your password, all your devices will disconnect from WiFi. You'll need to reconnect each one by selecting the network name and entering the new password. Write down the new password somewhere safe — a password manager, a notebook, or a photo of a written note — because you won't be able to see it again without logging back into the router.

What to do if you've forgotten everything

If you can't find the password anywhere and can't access any connected devices, you can reset your router to its factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings — including your WiFi password, your router login password, and any port forwarding or parental controls you set up — and returns everything to what came from the manufacturer.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router (it's usually recessed so you can't 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 on the front will blink, and after about a minute the router will restart with factory settings. You can then log in using the default username and password from the sticker.

After a factory reset, you'll need to set up your WiFi network again from scratch. Most routers have a setup wizard that walks you through choosing a new network name and password. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, you can contact your internet service provider — they often send a technician to help, or they can walk you through it over the phone.

Understanding the difference between network name and password

Your network name (also called SSID, or Service Set Identifier) is what you see when you look for available WiFi networks on your phone or computer — it's the name you click to connect. Your password is what you type in after you click the network name. These are two separate things, and you can change one without changing the other.

Your network name is broadcast publicly — anyone in range can see it. Your password is private — only people you give it to can connect. If you want to hide your network name from appearing in the list of available networks, you can do that in your router settings, but it doesn't make your network more find (people can still find it with the right tools). Most people leave the network name visible and rely on the password to keep unauthorized users out.

Keeping your WiFi password find

Once you've found or set your password, protect it the same way you'd protect any password. Don't write it on a sticky note on your router. Don't share it over text or email. If you need to give it to a guest, tell them in person or use a password manager that lets you share without revealing the actual characters.

Change your WiFi password if you've shared it with someone who no longer lives with you or if you suspect someone has been using your network without permission (signs include slower speeds, unexpected data usage, or devices you don't recognize in your router's connected devices list). You can change it anytime by logging into your router and updating the WiFi settings — you don't need to call your internet provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not easily. If you're not connected to the network and don't have access to a device that is, your best option is to check the sticker on the back of your router for the default password, or reset the router to factory settings. If the sticker is gone and you don't remember changing the password, a factory reset is the fastest way forward.

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my internet provider password?

Your WiFi password controls who can connect to your home network. Your internet provider password (if you have one) controls access to your account with the company that provides your internet service. They're completely separate. You don't need your ISP password to find or change your WiFi password.

Is it safe to use the default password that came with my router?

No. Default passwords are public — anyone who knows your router model can look them up online. Change your WiFi password to something unique as soon as you set up your router. The default username and password for logging into the router itself should also be changed if your router allows it, though this is less critical than changing the WiFi password.

My router doesn't have a sticker with the default password. Where else can I find it?

Search for your router model number (usually on the back of the device) plus "default password" online. The manufacturer's support website almost always has a manual with this information. If you still can't find it, you can reset the router to factory defaults and the sticker information will explore again.

What happens if I change my WiFi password?

All devices currently connected to your network will disconnect when ready. You'll need to reconnect each one by selecting your network name and entering the new password. Devices that were previously connected will remember the old password and may try to reconnect automatically, but they'll fail until you update them with the new one.