Where your WiFi password is stored on your device

Your device remembers your WiFi password once you connect to it, so you don't have to type it in every time. That password is saved in a secure location on your computer or phone — but you can retrieve it if you need to give the password to someone else or reconnect a device. The steps depend on whether you're using Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android.

You won't need to contact your internet provider or reset your router to find this password. It's stored locally on the device that connected to the network, so you only need access to that one device.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your WiFi network, and click "Manage known networks" to see the password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, and check the "Show password" box.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and look for the password in the password field.
  • On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but most phones show the password in Settings > WiFi > saved networks, though some require you to scan a QR code instead.
  • If you can't find the password on any device, you'll need to reset your router to its factory settings, which erases all saved networks.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Click "Network & Internet" on the left side, then scroll down and click "WiFi." You'll see a section called "Manage known networks" — click that.

Find your network name in the list and click it. A window will open with network details. Click "Manage" at the bottom. You'll see a checkbox that says "Show" next to a password field — click that checkbox and Windows will display your saved password in plain text.

If you don't see your network in the "Manage known networks" list, it means this particular Windows device has never connected to it before. In that case, you'll need to use a different device that has connected, or reset your router.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Click the Finder icon in your dock, then click "Applications" in the sidebar. Open the "Utilities" folder and double-click "Keychain Access." In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears.

When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will pop up with network details. Check the box that says "Show password" near the bottom — macOS will ask you to confirm with your Mac login password, then display your WiFi password.

If Keychain Access doesn't find your network, this Mac hasn't connected to it before. You'll need to retrieve the password from a different device or reset your router.

Finding your WiFi password on iPhone

Open the Settings app and tap "WiFi." Find your network name in the list and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside) next to it. On the next screen, look for the "Password" field — the password will be displayed there in plain text.

This feature works on iPhone running iOS 16 or newer. If you have an older iPhone, you won't see the password displayed this way. In that case, use a Mac or Windows computer that has connected to the network, or reset your router.

Finding your WiFi password on Android

Open Settings and go to "WiFi" or "Network & Internet," depending on your phone's manufacturer. Tap "Saved networks" or "Manage networks." Find your network in the list and tap it — some phones will show the password directly, while others will display a QR code instead.

If you see a QR code, you can scan it with another device to connect without typing the password. If you need the actual password text, you'll need to use a Windows computer, Mac, or iPhone that has connected to the network.

The exact steps vary between Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and other Android manufacturers, so if the above doesn't match your phone, check your phone's Settings app under "About phone" to see the manufacturer, then search for "[your manufacturer] view saved WiFi password."

What to do if you can't find the password on any device

If none of your devices show the password, you'll need to reset your router to its factory settings. This erases all saved networks and settings, so your router will restart as if it's brand new. You'll need to set up your network again from scratch, including creating a new password.

To reset your router, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then release. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it's back on, you can set up your network with a new password.

After the reset, your devices will forget the old network and you'll need to reconnect them using the new password you create. This is the only option if you've lost access to every device that ever connected to your network.

Keeping your password safe once you find it

Once you have your password, write it down or store it in a password manager rather than sharing it verbally or through text messages. If you give the password to guests or family members, consider changing it periodically — most routers let you change the WiFi password through a web browser by typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into the address bar.

If someone has your password and you want to remove their access, you can change the password through your router's settings. This will disconnect all devices currently on the network, and they'll need the new password to reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your device only stores the password after you've successfully connected. If you're trying to find a password for a network you've never connected to, you'll need to reset the router or contact whoever set it up.

Will finding my password change anything on my router or network?

No. Viewing a saved password on your device doesn't affect your router, network, or any other devices. It only reads information that's already stored locally.

What if I see multiple versions of my network name in the list?

Some routers broadcast both a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with similar names. They usually have the same password, but you can check each one separately. The password you find for either network will work for both.

Can I see passwords for networks I've forgotten about?

Yes. Any network your device has ever connected to will be in the saved networks list, even if you connected months or years ago. You can retrieve the password for any of them using the steps above.