When you can join WiFi without knowing the password
You can connect to a WiFi network without the password in three real situations: the network has no password set at all, you have already connected before and your device remembers it, or the router is in WPS mode (a pairing system that lets devices connect by pressing a button instead of typing a code).
If none of these explore — the network is password-protected, you have never connected, and WPS is off — you cannot join. There is no technical workaround that bypasses a properly secured network, and any website claiming otherwise is misleading you. This article covers only the legitimate methods that actually work.
Key Takeaways
- Open networks with no password appear in your WiFi list with no lock icon, and you can tap them and connect when ready.
- If you have connected to a network before, your phone or computer stores the password and reconnects automatically when in range.
- WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) lets you press a button on the router to pair a device without typing the password, but only if the router owner enabled it.
- If the network is locked and you have never connected, you need the actual password from the person who set up the router.
Connecting to an open network with no password
Open networks display in your available WiFi list without a lock icon next to the name. On any device — phone, tablet, or computer — you can tap or click the network name and select "Connect" without entering anything.
These networks are common in coffee shops, libraries, hotels, and some apartment buildings where the owner intentionally left the network unsecured. The connection works when ready, though the network may require you to open a web browser and accept terms before you can actually use the internet.
Open networks offer no encryption, meaning anyone nearby can see what you are doing online. Avoid logging into bank accounts, email, or other sensitive services on an open network unless you use a VPN (a tool that encrypts your traffic). Many public places now offer password-protected networks instead, which are safer.
Reconnecting to a network your device already knows
When you connect to a WiFi network for the first time, your device saves the password. The next time you are in range, it reconnects automatically without asking you to type anything again.
This works on phones, tablets, and computers. If you borrowed a friend's phone and it connects to their home WiFi without prompting for a password, the phone already has that password stored. The same applies if you move to a new apartment and your laptop connects to the previous tenant's network — your device remembers it.
To see which networks your device has saved, go to your WiFi settings and look for a "Saved Networks" or "Known Networks" section. You can delete saved networks from this list if you no longer want to connect to them.
Using WPS to connect without typing the password
WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) is a feature on many routers that lets you pair a device by pressing a physical button instead of entering a password. If the router owner enabled WPS, you can use it to connect without knowing the actual WiFi password.
To connect using WPS, look for a button on the router itself — usually labeled "WPS" or showing a WiFi symbol with two curved arrows. Press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds until a light on the router blinks or changes color. Then go to your device's WiFi settings, find a "WPS" or "Connect Using WPS" option, and select it within two minutes. The device and router will pair automatically.
WPS only works if the router owner turned it on. Many newer routers have WPS disabled by default for security reasons. If you do not see a WPS button on the router or a WPS option in your device settings, WPS is not available on that network.
What to do if the network is locked and you cannot connect
If the network has a lock icon, you have never connected before, and WPS is not available, you need the password from whoever set up the router. There is no technical way around a password-protected network.
Ask the network owner directly — a family member, roommate, landlord, business owner, or IT department depending on whose network it is. They can tell you the password, or in some cases they can reset the router to remove the password entirely (though this erases all settings and requires reconfiguring the network).
If you are trying to connect to a network in a public place like a coffee shop or library and do not know the password, ask staff. They have the password and can provide it to customers.
Recovering a forgotten password from your router
If you own the router but forgot the WiFi password, you can find it without resetting the device. On most routers, the default password is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the unit — look for text that says "WiFi Password", "Network Key", or "PSK".
If the sticker is missing or worn away, you can log into the router's settings page using a web browser. Go to your device's WiFi settings, find the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), type it into a browser address bar, and log in with the router's admin username and password (also often on the sticker). Once logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", or "Network Settings" to view the current password.
If you do not remember the admin password either, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding down a small reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all settings, including the WiFi password, and returns the router to its original state. You will then need to set up the network again from scratch.
Why some networks require a password even when open
Some networks have a password but no actual security — they are "open" in the sense that anyone can join if they know the password, but the password is not secret. Coffee shops often work this way: they post the password on the wall or give it to anyone who asks.
These networks still encrypt your traffic between your device and the router, which is better than a completely open network. However, the password being public means anyone in the shop could join and see what others are doing. For sensitive activities, use a VPN even on password-protected public networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a WiFi password if I am already connected to the network?
Yes, on most devices. On Windows, go to Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select the network, and choose "Properties" — the password appears under "Security Key". On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for the network name, double-click it, check "Show Password", and enter your computer password. On phones, the process varies by manufacturer and is often not possible without resetting the network.
What if the router is in a locked cabinet or I cannot reach the WPS button?
You cannot use WPS if you cannot physically access the button. Ask the network owner to press it for you, or ask them for the WiFi password instead. If this is your own router in a location you control, move it to a more accessible spot or consider enabling a remote management option in the router settings (though this has security tradeoffs).
Does restarting the router change the WiFi password?
No. Restarting (unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in) does not change the password. Only a factory reset erases the password and returns the router to its default state. If you restart the router and cannot connect, the problem is not the password — check that the network name is still visible and that your device is in range.
Is it legal to connect to someone else's WiFi without permission?
No. Connecting to a network without the owner's permission is unauthorized access and is illegal in most places. The only exception is networks intentionally left open by the owner for public use. If you need internet access, ask the network owner or find a public network that is meant for visitors.
Can I crack or guess a WiFi password?
Attempting to crack or guess a password you do not have permission to use is illegal. Even if you succeed, you are still committing unauthorized access. If you need to connect to a network, get the password from the owner or use a different network.