Where to find your WiFi password depends on your device

The fastest way to find your WiFi password is on the device you are already connected to. Windows stores it in network settings, Mac keeps it in Keychain, and phones show it in WiFi menus. If you cannot find it on any device, your router itself has a sticker with the original password, or you can reset the router to factory defaults and create a new one.

You do not need special software or a technician. The password is stored in plain sight on your own hardware — you just need to know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 show your WiFi password in Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then select your network and choose "Show" under the password field.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name, then double-clicking the entry and checking "Show password".
  • iPhones and Android phones do not display the password in settings, but you can share the network to another device which will show the password during setup.
  • Your router has the original password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device.
  • If you cannot find the password anywhere, you can factory reset your router and create a new password from scratch.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and select "Manage Known Networks". Find your network name in the list and click it. A window opens showing network details — look for the password field and click "Show" to reveal the password in plain text.

If you do not see your network in the list, it means Windows has not saved the password yet. Connect to the network first, then return to this menu.

Finding your password on Mac

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. When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens — check the box next to "Show password" and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The WiFi password appears in plain text.

Keychain stores passwords for every network your Mac has ever connected to, so if you have switched networks before, you may see multiple entries. Look for the one with your current network name.

Finding your password on iPhone or Android

iPhones and Android phones do not show the password in their settings menus. Instead, use the network sharing feature. On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, then tap "Share Password". Hold your phone near another Apple device (iPad, Mac, or another iPhone) and that device will show the password during the connection process. On Android, go to Settings > WiFi, long-press your network name, tap "Share", and a QR code appears — scan it with another phone to see the password.

This method works because the password appears on the receiving device during setup, even though it stays hidden on the phone that originally connected.

Checking the router sticker for the original password

Your router has a sticker on the back or bottom that shows the original WiFi network name and password. Look for a label that says "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Passphrase". The password is usually a long string of letters and numbers. This is the password your internet provider or router manufacturer set when the device shipped.

If you have changed the password since then, the sticker shows the old one, not your current password. But if you have forgotten your current password and cannot find it on any device, you can reset the router and use the sticker password to set it up again.

Resetting your router to find or change the password

If you cannot locate your password on any device and the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to factory defaults. Look for a small reset button on the back of the router, usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pen to press it. Hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart.

After the reset, the router returns to its original settings. Use the sticker password to connect, then log into the router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 in your browser) and create a new password. Write down the new password and store it somewhere safe — a notes app, a password manager, or a physical notebook.

What to do if you still cannot find the password

If the sticker is gone and you cannot reset the router, contact your internet service provider. They have a record of the account and can either tell you the original password or send a technician to reset the device. Have your account number ready when you call.

For future reference, write down your WiFi password and store it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser. This way you will have a backup copy if you forget it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Windows, Mac, and phones only store passwords for networks they have already connected to. If you have never connected to a network on that device, the password will not be saved there. You will need to check a different device or look at the router sticker.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes, as long as you keep it in a find place. A password manager is safer than a sticky note on your monitor, but either is better than forgetting the password and being unable to connect. Do not share the password in emails or text messages.

What if the password on the sticker does not work?

Someone has changed the password since the router was set up. Check your other devices using the methods above, or reset the router to factory defaults to return to the sticker password.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?

Yes. Open a browser and go to 192.168.1.1 (or the IP address printed on your router sticker). Log in with the admin username and password, usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the WiFi password. Look for WiFi settings or security settings and change the password there. The new password takes effect when ready.

Do I need to restart my devices after changing the WiFi password?

No. Your devices will lose connection when you change the password, then you can reconnect by entering the new password. You do not need to restart anything.