Where your WiFi password lives depends on what device you're using

Your WiFi password is stored on the device that connected to your network, not on the router itself. If you've forgotten the password, you can retrieve it from any device that's already connected — Windows and Mac computers store it in their network settings, iPhones and Android phones keep it in their keychain or password manager, and your router has a reset option if nothing else works.

The fastest route is usually your computer, since the password appears in plain text in a few clicks. If you don't have a computer handy, your phone can show it too, though the process is slightly longer. Your router's admin panel is the last resort — it requires you to log in with a separate password, but it will show you the network name and password together.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties to see the password under Network Security.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and tap "Show Password" — iOS 16 and later will display it directly.
  • On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but Settings > WiFi > Saved Networks usually shows a QR code you can scan instead of the password itself.
  • If you can't find the password on any device, you can reset your router to factory settings, though this will disconnect all devices and require you to set up the network again.

Finding your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open the Settings app and go to Network & Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and click "Manage Known Networks." Find your network name in the list and click it. Click Properties, and scroll down to Network Security — the password will appear in the "Security Key" field, but it will be hidden by dots. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual password in plain text.

If you don't see an eye icon, your account may not have permission to view saved passwords. In that case, you'll need to use a different device or reset the router. The password you see here is exactly what you need to give to anyone else who wants to connect to your network.

Finding your password on Mac

Open Spotlight (Command + Space), type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. In the window that opens, search for your network name in the top-right search box. When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A details window will open — check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your login password. Enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text in the same window.

Keychain Access stores passwords for everything your Mac connects to, so you may see multiple entries if you've connected to the same network from different accounts. Look for the one labeled "AirPort" or with your network name exactly as it appears in your WiFi list.

Finding your password on iPhone

On iPhone running iOS 16 or later, go to Settings > WiFi, find your network in the list, and tap the info icon (a circle with an "i") next to it. Tap "Show Password" and use Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to confirm. The password will appear on the screen in plain text.

On older versions of iOS, the password doesn't display directly in Settings. Instead, you can share the network with another iPhone or iPad by having the other device scan a QR code from your phone, or you can use a Mac's Keychain Access to find it. If you're trying to connect a non-Apple device, the Windows or Mac method will be faster.

Finding your password on Android

The process varies depending on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. On most phones, go to Settings > WiFi, long-press your network name, and tap "Manage." Some phones show a QR code you can scan with another device instead of displaying the password itself. If you see a QR code, that's your network's password encoded — you can screenshot it and use a QR code reader app to decode it, or simply have the other device scan it directly.

On Samsung phones, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the gear icon next to your network, and look for "QR Code" — tap it to see a code you can share. On Google Pixel phones, the same Settings > WiFi menu shows a QR code when you tap your network. If your phone shows neither a password field nor a QR code, your device may not have permission to display it, and you'll need to use a computer or reset the router.

Resetting your router if you can't find the password anywhere

If you can't retrieve the password from any device, you can reset your router to its factory settings. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pen to press it. Hold it down 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 will broadcast its default network name (usually printed on a sticker on the device itself) and use a default password (also on the sticker). You'll need to reconnect all your devices using this temporary password, then log into the router's admin panel to create a new network name and password. The admin panel is usually accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser on a connected device. Be aware that resetting the router will disconnect everything until you set it up again, so plan for a few minutes of downtime.

Why you might not be able to see the password

Some devices and operating systems don't display saved WiFi passwords for security reasons. Older versions of Android, for example, were designed to hide the password even from the device owner. If you're trying to find a password on a device that won't show it, the easiest solution is to use a different device that's already connected to the same network.

If every device in your home is too old to display the password, or if you've forgotten it on all of them, resetting the router is your only option. Write down the new password you create and store it somewhere safe — a password manager, a note in your phone, or even a piece of paper in a drawer. That way you won't be in this situation again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your device only stores the password for networks it has already connected to. If you've never connected to the network, or if you've forgotten it on every device in your home, you'll need to reset the router to access it again.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your password is safe in the sense that it won't expose your personal files or accounts. However, anyone with the password can use your internet and potentially slow down your connection. You can change the password anytime in your router's admin panel to disconnect old devices.

What's the difference between the network name and the password?

The network name (also called SSID) is what you see in your WiFi list — it's public and visible to everyone nearby. The password is what you type to connect — it's private and only you should know it. Both are set in your router's admin panel.

Will resetting my router delete my internet history?

No. Resetting the router only erases its network settings — it won't affect your browsing history, files, or anything on your devices. However, all devices will be disconnected and you'll need to reconnect them with the new password.

Can I change my WiFi password without resetting the router?

Yes. Log into your router's admin panel by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser, enter the admin username and password (usually printed on the router), and look for a WiFi or Wireless settings section. You can change the network name and password there without affecting anything else.