All the ways to see your Wi‑Fi password on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android

Generated by DALL·E

Forgetting a Wi‑Fi password happens all the time. The internet hums along on one device, but a new phone, laptop, or TV won’t connect. In most cases, it takes just a few minutes to recover the password. Here’s every legitimate, working method in one place.

Check the router itself

The quickest starting point is to look at the router. Many models have a sticker on the case with the network name (SSID) and the default password. It’s usually on the bottom or back of the device.

If you changed the password after installation, that sticker won’t help. In that case, you’ll need to open the router settings.

Sign in to the router settings

If any device is already connected to the Wi‑Fi, you can view the password in the router’s control panel.

Typically, you:

  • enter an address like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in your browser;
  • log in with the administrator username and password (often listed on the router);
  • open the Wi‑Fi or wireless settings section.

The current password is shown there. Some manufacturers also provide mobile apps where you can see it.

If you no longer have access to the settings, a factory reset is the fallback. Press and hold the Reset button on the case for a few seconds. Afterward, you’ll need to set up the network again.

How to view the password on a Windows PC

If the computer has connected to this network before, you can retrieve the password right in the system.

Through Settings:

  • open network and Wi‑Fi settings;
  • go to the properties of the current network;
  • in the Security section, enable password visibility.

You can also use the Windows Command Prompt. The system stores information about known networks and can display the password using standard commands.

How to find the password on a Mac

On Apple computers, the password is saved in Keychain.

Do this:

  • open the Keychain Access app;
  • find your Wi‑Fi network name;
  • open the entry and enable password display.

You’ll be asked to confirm with your user password or Touch ID.

How to view the password on iPhone and iPad

On Apple devices with a current version of the system, you can see the password right in Settings.

The path is simple:

  • Settings → Wi‑Fi;
  • tap the icon next to the connected network;
  • open the Password field.

Access is confirmed with Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode.

How to find the password on Android

On most Android smartphones, you can view the password or share it via a QR code.

To do this:

  • open Wi‑Fi settings;
  • select the current network;
  • tap Share or the QR code icon.

After confirmation, a QR code appears, and on some models the password is shown next to it.

If nothing worked

If the password isn’t saved anywhere and you don’t have access to the router settings, the only option is to reset the device. Then set a new password and store it in a password manager or write it down.

Important to remember

All the methods described are only for your own network or a network you’re authorized to use. Trying to obtain a password for someone else’s Wi‑Fi without the owner’s consent may be illegal.