Where your WiFi password actually lives
Your WiFi password is stored in three places: inside your router itself, in your computer's memory if you have connected before, and possibly in your internet provider's account. Which one you can reach depends on whether you still have access to the network, whether you remember your router's admin password, and what device you are using. Most people find it fastest to check their computer first, then the router if that does not work.
If you have never connected to this network before and do not have the router's admin password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings — that is a separate process covered at the end of this guide.
Key Takeaways
- Windows and Mac both store WiFi passwords you have used before, and you can view them without touching the router.
- Your router has a sticker on the back or bottom with the default WiFi password, or you can log into the router's settings page to see or change it.
- If you do not remember the router's admin password, you will need to press the reset button on the router itself, which erases all custom settings.
- Your internet provider may have a record of the WiFi password if you set it up through their app or website during installation.
Retrieving the password from Windows
Windows stores every WiFi password you have ever connected to. To view it, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, then Manage Known Networks. Find the network name you want, click it, then click Manage. A window will open with a Security tab — check the box that says Show to reveal the password in plain text.
If that network is no longer in your list, it means Windows has forgotten it, usually because you have not connected in over a year or you removed the network manually. In that case, you will need to check your router or contact your internet provider.
Retrieving the password from Mac
Mac stores WiFi passwords in the Keychain, which is the system's password vault. Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight), then search for your network name in the search box. When you find it, double-click it, check the box that says Show Password, and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear.
If your network does not appear in Keychain, it has been deleted from your Mac's memory. You will need to retrieve it from the router or your internet provider instead.
Finding the password on your router
Every router has a sticker on the back or bottom that shows the default WiFi network name and password. Look for a label that says SSID (the network name) and Password or Key. Write down both — you will need them. If the sticker is worn away or missing, you can log into the router's settings page instead.
To log into the router, open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will be asked for a username and password — these are the router's admin credentials, not your WiFi password. If you have never changed them, they are usually admin and admin, or admin and the password on the sticker. Once you are logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Network. Your current WiFi password will be listed there, and you can view it or change it to something new.
If you cannot log in because you changed the admin password and forgot it, you will need to reset the router. This erases all custom settings and returns it to factory defaults.
Resetting the router to factory settings
Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router — it is 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 flash and the router will restart. This process takes about two minutes.
After the reset, the router will use the default WiFi name and password from the sticker on the back. You will need to set up the network again from scratch — choose a new WiFi name and password, and reconfigure any custom settings you had before. If you do not remember what those settings were, contact your internet provider; they may have a record.
Checking with your internet provider
If you set up your WiFi through your internet provider's app or website during installation, they may have a record of the password. Log into your account on their website or call their support line with proof of account ownership. They can tell you the current password or reset it for you.
Some providers also offer a way to view or reset your WiFi password directly in their mobile app. Check the app's settings or network section first before calling.
What to do if you cannot find it anywhere
If the password is not on the router sticker, not in your computer's memory, and your provider has no record, resetting the router is your only option. After the reset, you will have access to the default network, and you can then create a new password of your choice. Write it down somewhere safe — a password manager, a notebook in a drawer, or a note in your phone.
To avoid this situation in the future, store your WiFi password in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password manager in your browser. These tools sync across devices and keep a backup even if you forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I am not connected to the network?
Yes, if you have connected before. Windows and Mac both store passwords for networks you have used previously, even if you are not currently connected. You can view them using the steps above. If you have never connected, you will need to access the router directly.
What is the difference between the WiFi password and the router admin password?
The WiFi password is what you type to connect your phone or laptop to the internet. The router admin password is what you type to log into the router's settings page to change WiFi names, passwords, and other network settings. They are separate and do not have to match.
Will resetting the router delete my internet connection?
No. Resetting the router returns it to factory settings, which means you will need to set up the WiFi network name and password again, but your internet connection from your provider will still work. You may need to restart the modem as well to make sure everything reconnects properly.
Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?
Yes. Log into the router's settings page using the admin password, find the WiFi or Wireless section, and change the password there. You do not need to reset anything. All devices will lose connection when you change it, and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.
What if I do not have physical access to the router?
If the router is in someone else's home or a shared space, ask the person who owns it to check the password using the Windows or Mac steps above, or to log into the router settings. If you are renting and the router belongs to your landlord, contact them. If it is a work network, contact your IT department.