Where to find your saved WiFi password

Your computer stores the password for any WiFi network you have connected to before. On Windows, you can see it in your network settings. On Mac, it lives in the Keychain app. Both methods take about two minutes and require no special tools — just access to your own computer.

The password you find is the one you entered when you first joined the network. If you have forgotten the actual WiFi network password (the one you would give to a guest), this method will not help you reset it — for that, you need access to your router or modem, which is a different process.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view them in plain text after clicking "Show".
  • Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain Access, where you search for the network name and check the "Show password" box.
  • Both methods only show passwords for networks your computer has already connected to — you cannot see passwords for networks you have never joined.
  • If you need to reset your actual WiFi network password, you must log into your router or modem directly, not your computer.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and select "Manage known networks." Find the network name you want the password for and click it. Select "Forget" — do not worry, this only removes it temporarily. Go back to WiFi settings and select the network again. When prompted to enter the password, Windows will show you the password you previously saved, and you can copy it.

Alternatively, you can view the password without forgetting the network. Open Settings, go to Network and Internet, then WiFi. Scroll down to "Advanced network options" and select "Manage known networks" again. Click the network you want, then scroll down to "Properties" and look for the password field — it will be hidden by default, but you can click "Show" to reveal it in plain text.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. When it appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your computer password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text.

If you do not see your network in Keychain Access, it means your computer has never connected to it before, or the password was never saved. In that case, you will need to ask the network owner or check your router settings directly.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If your computer does not show the password, it was never saved — this happens if you connected using a QR code, or if someone else set up the network on your device. You will need to get the password from the person who owns the WiFi network or the router itself.

To find the password on your router, look for a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Most routers have a default WiFi name and password printed there. If the password has been changed, you will need to log into the router's admin panel using a web browser. The router's IP address is usually printed on the same sticker — it is often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You will need the router's admin username and password, which may also be on the sticker or in your router's documentation.

Resetting your WiFi password if you own the router

If you own the router and want to change your WiFi password, open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. Log in with your admin credentials. Look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. Find the field labeled "Password," "Pre-Shared Key," or "Passphrase" and enter a new one. Save the changes. Your router will restart, and all devices will disconnect — you will need to reconnect using the new password.

If you have forgotten your router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings, including your WiFi password, and restore the default password printed on the sticker. You will then need to set up your WiFi again from scratch.

Why your computer might not show the password

Some networks use enterprise security settings that do not store passwords on your device the same way. If you are on a work or school network, your computer may authenticate using a username and certificate instead of a simple password. In that case, the methods above will not work, and you will need to contact your IT department or network administrator.

If you are trying to find a password for a network you set up yourself but cannot remember it, the easiest path is to reset your router and create a new password. Write down the new password somewhere safe so you do not lose it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the WiFi password for a network I have never connected to?

No. Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has already joined. If you want to connect to a network you have never used before, you will need to get the password from the network owner or find it on the router itself.

Is it safe to share the password I found on my computer?

Yes, sharing a WiFi password is safe in the same way sharing any password is — only give it to people you trust. The password itself does not contain any sensitive information about your computer or personal files.

What if I see the password but it does not work when I try to connect?

The password may have been changed since your computer last connected. Try resetting your router or logging into the router's admin panel to see the current password. If you own the router, you can change the password back to what you found, or create a new one.

Do I need to know my computer password to see my WiFi password on Mac?

Yes. Mac requires your computer login password before showing any password stored in Keychain. This is a security feature to prevent others from viewing your saved passwords if they gain access to your computer.