Where your WiFi password lives on your device

Your device stores your WiFi password the moment you connect to a network. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all keep this information in different places, but the password itself is always there — you just need to know where to look. The steps differ by device type, so find your operating system below and follow those instructions.

The reason passwords are stored is straightforward: your device needs to remember them so you do not have to type the same password every time you come home or return to a coffee shop. This storage is also why you can sometimes connect automatically without seeing the password field at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view any network you have connected to before.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, a built-in tool that holds passwords for networks and websites.
  • iPhone and iPad do not display the password directly, but you can share it to another Apple device or reset the network and re-enter it.
  • Android phones show the password as a QR code in WiFi settings, which you can scan with another device instead of typing it out.
  • If you cannot find the password on your device, you can reset it through your router's admin panel using the router's default login.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app that appears. Go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks," then find the network name you want the password for and click it.

Click "Properties" at the bottom of the window. Look for the line that says "Security type" — just below it is a field labeled "Security key." The box next to it will show dots or asterisks instead of the actual password. Click the eye icon next to that field, and the password will appear in plain text. Write it down or copy it before you close the window.

If you do not see an eye icon, your account may not have permission to view passwords on that computer. In that case, you will need to either use an administrator account or reset the network password through your router instead.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command and Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the window that opens, make sure you are on the "Passwords" tab — you should see it at the top. In the search box in the upper right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears on your device.

When the network name appears in the list, double-click it. A new window will open showing details about that network. At the bottom, check the box next to "Show password." Your Mac will ask for your user password — type it in and click "Allow." The WiFi password will then appear in plain text in that same field.

Finding your password on iPhone or iPad

Apple does not let you view WiFi passwords directly on iPhone or iPad the way Windows and Mac do. Instead, you have two options: share the password to another Apple device, or reset the network and re-enter the password yourself.

To share the password: have another iPhone, iPad, or Mac nearby that is already connected to that WiFi network. Go to Settings on your iPhone, tap WiFi, find the network name, and tap the info icon next to it. Tap "Share Password." On the other Apple device, a prompt will appear asking to join the network — accept it, and the password will transfer automatically. You can then write down the password from the other device using the Mac or iPad steps above.

To reset and re-enter: go to Settings, tap WiFi, find the network name, tap the info icon, and select "Forget This Network." Then tap the network name again, enter the password when prompted, and you will be connected. This method only works if you remember the password or can look it up another way.

Finding your password on Android

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then WiFi. Find the network you want the password for and tap it. A QR code will appear on the screen — this code contains your WiFi password in a format another device can read when ready.

You can scan this QR code with another phone, tablet, or computer camera to connect to the network without typing the password. If you need to see the password as text instead, take a screenshot of the QR code and use an online QR code reader (search "QR code decoder" in your browser). Paste the screenshot or upload the image, and the decoder will show you the password in plain text.

Some Android phones also let you view the password directly. If you see a "Show password" option in the same screen where the QR code appears, tap it and your device may display the password in text form.

Resetting your password through the router if you cannot find it on your device

If you have tried all the steps above and still cannot see the password, you can change it by logging into your router directly. Find your router — it is usually a box with antennas or lights, often near your modem. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the router's model number and default login information.

Open a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi network and type the router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check the sticker on your router to be sure. You will be asked for a username and password. The default is often "admin" for both, but again, check your router's sticker or manual.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Network." Find the field that says "Password," "Passphrase," or "Pre-Shared Key," and type in a new password. Make sure it is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols if the router allows it. Save the changes, and your router will restart. All your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.

Why you might not see the password even after these steps

Some devices and networks have extra security that prevents you from viewing the password, even if you own the device. Work computers, school networks, and corporate WiFi often lock this down on purpose. If you are on a shared network, the person who set it up may have restricted password viewing.

If you are the owner of the network and still cannot view the password, resetting it through the router (as described above) is your most direct option. This will change the password for everyone, so let other people know before you do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot it?

Yes, using the steps for your device above. If those do not work, you can reset the password through your router's admin panel. You will need the router's default login information, which is on a sticker attached to the router itself.

What if I do not know my router's default password?

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually lists both the default username and password. If the sticker is missing or worn away, search online for your router's model number plus "default password." As a last resort, you can factory reset the router by holding down a small reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which returns it to factory defaults.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password is safe as long as you trust the person. They will be able to use your internet, but they cannot see your files or passwords for other accounts unless you give them access to your device itself. If you want to remove someone's access later, you can change the password through your router.

Why does my device keep asking for the password even though I saved it?

This usually means your device forgot the network or the password was changed. Go to your WiFi settings, forget the network, and reconnect by typing the password again. If it keeps happening, the network name or password may have been changed by whoever manages the router.

Can I see passwords for networks I used to connect to but do not use anymore?

Yes. Windows, Mac, and Android all store passwords for networks you have connected to in the past. The steps above will show you those old passwords too. You can delete old networks from your device's WiFi settings if you no longer want them saved.