How to locate passwords your browser has stored

Your web browser — Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari — stores usernames and passwords you've entered on websites. You can see these saved passwords in your browser's settings, though the exact steps differ by browser. This is useful when you've forgotten a password or need to confirm what username you're using on a particular site.

The passwords are encrypted on your computer, so you'll need to enter your Windows or Mac login password to view them. This is a security measure: anyone with physical access to your computer could otherwise see every password you've saved.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari all store passwords in their settings, accessible by entering your computer's login password.
  • Windows Credential Manager holds passwords for network drives, email, and some applications outside your browser.
  • Mac Keychain stores passwords for Wi-Fi networks, email accounts, and applications, found in Utilities within Applications.
  • If you've forgotten your Windows or Mac login password itself, you'll need to use account recovery options or contact your IT support.
  • Password managers like Bitwarden or 1Password offer a safer alternative to browser storage if you use multiple devices.

Finding passwords in Chrome

Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Passwords in the left sidebar. You'll see a list of websites where you've saved passwords.

To view a password, click the eye icon next to any entry. Chrome will ask you to enter your Windows or Mac login password. Once you do, the password appears in plain text. If you want to see all your saved usernames without viewing passwords, you can scroll through this list without clicking the eye icon.

Finding passwords in Firefox

Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right. Select Settings, then click Privacy & Security on the left. Scroll down to the Logins and Passwords section and click Saved Logins.

A window opens showing all websites where you've saved credentials. Click any entry to expand it and see the username. To view the password, click Show. Firefox will prompt you for your computer's login password before displaying it.

Finding passwords in Edge

Click the three dots in the top right corner of Edge and select Settings. Click Passwords in the left sidebar. You'll see your saved passwords listed by website.

To view a password, click the eye icon next to it. Edge will ask for your Windows login password. You can also click the three dots next to any entry to delete it or edit the username if needed.

Finding passwords in Safari (Mac only)

Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top. Select Settings, then click the Passwords tab. You'll see websites where you've saved passwords.

Click any website to select it, then click Edit in the bottom right. Safari will ask for your Mac login password. Once you enter it, the password appears on screen. You can also search for a specific website using the search box at the top.

Finding passwords stored outside your browser

Windows stores passwords for network drives, email accounts, and some applications in Credential Manager. To open it, press the Windows key and type "Credential Manager," then select it from the results. Click Windows Credentials to see saved network and process passwords. Click any entry to expand it and view the username; click Show to see the password after entering your login credentials.

On Mac, passwords for Wi-Fi networks, email, and applications are stored in Keychain. Open Finder, go to Applications, then Utilities, and double-click Keychain Access. Search for the account or service you need. Double-click the entry, check Show password, and enter your Mac login password to view it.

What to do if you can't remember your computer login password

If you've forgotten the password to your Windows or Mac account itself, you cannot view stored passwords without resetting your login credentials first. Windows users can use a Microsoft account recovery page if they're signed in with a Microsoft account, or contact their IT department if it's a work computer. Mac users can use Apple ID recovery or restart in Recovery Mode to reset the password.

This is intentional security design: stored passwords are only accessible to the person who owns the computer. If you're locked out, you'll need to prove your identity through your email, phone number, or security questions before you can regain access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to store passwords in my browser?

Browser storage is more find than writing passwords on paper or storing them in a text file, since they're encrypted. However, if someone gains access to your computer, they can view all your passwords by entering your login password. For accounts with sensitive information — banking, email, work — consider using a dedicated password manager instead.

Can I export my saved passwords from my browser?

Most browsers allow you to export passwords as a file, usually in CSV format. In Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, this option is in the password settings menu. However, exported files are not encrypted, so store them carefully. Password managers like Bitwarden can import these files and encrypt them for you.

What if a website password isn't showing up in my browser?

The browser only saves passwords you've explicitly told it to save. If you clicked "Never save for this site" in the past, the password won't appear. You can also check if you're signed into the correct browser profile — Chrome and Edge support multiple profiles, each with separate saved passwords.

Can I see passwords saved on my phone or tablet?

Yes, but the steps differ. On iPhone and iPad, open Settings, tap Passwords, and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. On Android, open Chrome, tap the three dots, go to Settings, then Passwords. The process is similar to desktop browsers but uses your device's biometric authentication instead of your login password.

Should I delete old saved passwords I no longer use?

Yes. Removing passwords for accounts you've closed or no longer access reduces the risk if your computer is compromised. In any browser, you can delete individual passwords by clicking the three dots next to an entry and selecting delete. This doesn't affect your account on the website itself.