Where your WiFi password actually lives
Your WiFi password is stored in three places: inside your router itself, in your device's memory (Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android), and possibly in your router's online account if the manufacturer offers one. The easiest route depends on whether you remember setting up the network, whether you still have access to the device that connected to it, and whether you can physically reach your router.
If you've forgotten the password but a device is still connected to that network, you can pull it from that device without touching the router. If no device is connected, you'll need to either access your router directly or reset it to factory settings — which disconnects everything and requires you to set it up again from scratch.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, you can find a saved WiFi password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then select your network and choose "Manage Password."
- On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password," and enter your computer password when prompted.
- On iPhone or Android, you cannot view a saved password directly, but you can share it with another device or reset your router and create a new one.
- Your router's default password is usually printed on a sticker on the device itself, or you can look it up by model number on the manufacturer's website.
- If you've changed your router password and forgotten it, a factory reset is the only way to regain access — this erases all your settings and requires setup again.
Finding your password on a Windows computer
If your Windows laptop or desktop is currently connected to the WiFi network, the password is stored locally. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. You'll see a list of every network your computer has ever connected to. Click the one you need, then select Manage.
On the next screen, look for a link or button that says Manage Password or Show Password. Click it, and Windows will ask you to enter your computer's login password. Once you do, your WiFi password appears in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot — Windows won't show it again unless you repeat these steps.
If you don't see a "Manage Password" option, your network may be using a different security type that Windows doesn't display this way. In that case, move to the router method below.
Finding your password on a Mac
On macOS, passwords are stored in Keychain Access, an encrypted vault built into the system. Open Spotlight (Command + Space), type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. In the window that opens, make sure you're on the Passwords tab, then search for your WiFi network name in the top-right search box.
When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A details window opens. Check the box next to Show Password near the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to enter your computer's login password — this is a security step to prevent someone with physical access to your Mac from reading all your stored passwords. Once you enter it, your WiFi password displays in plain text.
Getting the password from your router directly
If no device is connected to the network, or if you can't access the password through a computer or phone, you'll need to log into the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that shows the default username and password — usually something like "admin" and "admin," or a longer default code. Look for text that says "Default Login" or "Admin Credentials."
Open a web browser on any device connected to the internet (even a phone on mobile data works), and type your router's IP address into the address bar. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check your router's sticker or manual if neither works. Enter the default username and password from the sticker, and you'll reach the router's settings page.
Once logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. Your current WiFi password should be visible there, often labeled as "WiFi Password," "Pre-Shared Key," or "PSK." Some routers hide it behind a "Show" button for security.
Using your router manufacturer's app or website
Many router makers — including TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, and Asus — offer mobile apps or online portals where you can view and change your WiFi settings from anywhere. If you set up an account when you installed the router, you may be able to log in and see your password without touching the physical device.
Search for your router brand plus "app" or "portal" in your phone's app store or a search engine. If you created an account, log in with that email and password. The app usually shows your network name and password on the home screen or under a WiFi or Network section. This method only works if you remember the email and password you used to create the account.
What to do if you've changed the password and can't remember it
If you changed the default router password at some point and have now forgotten it, there's no way to recover it without resetting the router. A factory reset erases all your custom settings — including the WiFi password you created — and returns the router to its original state with the default credentials printed on the sticker.
To reset, look for a small recessed button (usually labeled "Reset") on the back or bottom of the router. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink, and the router will restart. Once it's back online, you can log in using the default username and password from the sticker, then set up your WiFi network and password again from scratch.
Before you reset, check whether any other devices in your home depend on that router — a smart TV, security camera, or smart speaker will lose connection and need to be reconnected to the new network.
Sharing your password between devices without seeing it
If you have one device connected to the WiFi and want to connect another without knowing the password, some devices let you share it directly. On iPhone, if someone with an iPhone or Mac is nearby and already connected to the network, you can hold your phone near theirs and tap "Share Password" — the password transfers without either person seeing it.
Android doesn't have a built-in share feature, but some phones let you generate a QR code of your WiFi network. On the connected device, go to WiFi settings, find your network, and look for an option to "Share" or "Show QR Code." Another Android phone can scan that code to connect without typing the password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password on my phone?
iPhone and Android don't let you view a saved WiFi password directly. On iPhone, you can share it with another Apple device nearby. On Android, some phones let you generate a QR code to share the network. Otherwise, you'll need to use a computer or access the router itself.
What if I don't have the sticker with the default password anymore?
Search online for your router model number (printed on the device) plus "default password." Most manufacturers publish these. If you can't find it, a factory reset is your only option — press the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, and the router returns to factory defaults.
Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?
Writing it down and storing it somewhere secure — like a password manager or a locked drawer — is safer than reusing the same password across multiple networks or using one you'll forget. Just don't leave it on a sticky note on your monitor or share it over email or text.
Will resetting my router affect my internet service?
A factory reset only erases the router's settings, not your internet service itself. Your internet provider's connection remains active. You'll just need to set up the WiFi network again and reconnect all your devices.
What if I'm trying to find someone else's WiFi password?
You can only view a password on a device you own and have access to, or by logging into a router you have permission to use. Accessing someone else's network settings without permission is illegal in most places.