Where your WiFi password actually lives
Your network password is stored in three places: inside your router itself, in your computer's memory, and sometimes in your phone or tablet. The easiest route depends on what device you have in front of you right now. If you have physical access to the router, you can reset it to factory defaults and start over — that takes five minutes. If you want to retrieve the password without resetting, Windows and Mac both let you dig it out of their saved networks. Your phone can show it too, though the steps differ between iPhone and Android.
The password you're looking for is called the WiFi password or network key. It's different from your router's admin password (the one you use to log into the router's settings page). You need the WiFi password to connect new devices to your network.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 10 and 11 can display your saved WiFi password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then selecting your network and choosing "Show" under the password field.
- Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain; open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password to reveal it.
- Your router's label (usually on the bottom or back) often has the default password printed on it, which you can use to log in and view or change the network password.
- If you cannot retrieve the password through any method, you can reset the router to factory settings using the reset button, then set up a new network and password from scratch.
- Phones and tablets can show saved passwords too, but the steps vary: Android uses Settings > Passwords, while iPhone requires a Mac with Keychain access or a computer connected to the network.
Retrieving the password on Windows 10 and 11
Windows stores every WiFi network you've ever connected to, along with its password. To see the password for a network you're currently connected to, open Settings and go to Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it. A window opens showing network details; scroll down to find the password field, which will show dots or asterisks. Click "Show" next to the password field, and Windows will ask for your Windows login password. Enter it, and your WiFi password appears in plain text.
If you're not currently connected to the network, the same steps work — Windows remembers networks even after you disconnect. The network will appear in your "Manage Known Networks" list as long as you haven't deliberately forgotten it.
If "Show" is grayed out or doesn't appear, your account may not have permission to view saved passwords. Try logging in as an administrator, or ask whoever set up the computer to retrieve it for you.
Retrieving the password on Mac
Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, a built-in password manager. Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access", and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type your network name (the WiFi name you see when you look for available networks). When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens; check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Mac will ask for your login password — enter it, and your WiFi password appears.
Keychain Access works the same way whether you're currently connected to the network or not. If your network doesn't appear in the search results, it may have been forgotten or never saved on this Mac.
Finding the password on your router
Your router has a label on the bottom or back that usually includes the default WiFi password. Look for a sticker with your network name (SSID) and a password or passphrase listed next to it. This label often shows a QR code as well, which phones can scan to connect automatically.
If the label is missing or unreadable, you can log into the router's admin panel to view or change the password. Open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (the exact address varies by router brand). You'll be asked for a username and password — these are the router's admin credentials, not your WiFi password. Common defaults are admin/admin or admin/password. Once logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Network. The WiFi password will be displayed there, often labeled as "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key".
If you don't know the router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button 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 default settings, including the default WiFi password printed on the label.
Retrieving the password on Android phones and tablets
Android 10 and newer let you view saved WiFi passwords directly on the phone. Go to Settings > Passwords, and you should see a list of saved networks. Tap your network name, and the password appears. Some Android versions put this under Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi instead; if you don't find it in Passwords, check there.
Older Android versions don't have a built-in way to view saved passwords without rooting the phone (a technical process that voids warranties and creates security risks). If you're on an older version, your best option is to retrieve the password from a Windows or Mac computer, or from the router itself.
Retrieving the password on iPhone and iPad
iPhones and iPads don't have a direct way to view saved WiFi passwords on the device itself. Instead, you can view the password on a Mac that's connected to the same network, using the Keychain Access method described above. The password will be the same across all your Apple devices.
If you don't have access to a Mac, you can retrieve the password from your router using a Windows computer or by checking the router label. Once you have the password, you can reconnect your iPhone or iPad by going to Settings > WiFi, tapping your network, and entering the password manually.
What to do if you still cannot find the password
If none of the above methods work, your last option is to reset the router to factory defaults. This erases all your current settings, including the WiFi password, and returns the router to the password printed on its label. Press and hold the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink, and the router will restart.
After the reset, the router will broadcast its default network name and password, which you can find on the label. Log in with those credentials, then change the network name and password to something new in the router's settings. This process takes about 10 minutes total.
If you've lost the label and can't find the default password online, contact your router's manufacturer with proof of purchase. They can provide the default credentials or help you reset the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?
Yes. Windows, Mac, Android, and your router all store the password even after you disconnect. Use the methods above for your device — they work whether you're currently connected or not.
Is the WiFi password the same as the router admin password?
No. The WiFi password is what you use to connect devices to your network. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page. They are separate, and you only need the WiFi password to connect phones, computers, and other devices.
What if I reset the router but still don't know the password?
After a factory reset, the router uses the default password printed on its label. If the label is missing or damaged, search online for your router model number plus "default password" — most manufacturers publish these. If you still can't find it, contact the router manufacturer or your internet service provider.
Will resetting the router affect my internet connection?
A factory reset erases your WiFi settings but not your internet connection itself. Your modem (the device that connects to your internet service provider) is separate. After resetting the router, you'll need to set up your WiFi network again, but your internet service will continue working.
Can someone else see my WiFi password if they have access to my computer?
Yes, if they have your login password or administrator access, they can view your saved WiFi password using the methods above. Keep your computer login password strong and don't leave your computer unattended with an active session.