How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password on Any Device

This guide shows you how to locate your Wi-Fi password on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and your router’s admin page. You’ll need access to a device that is already connected to the network, or physical access to the router itself. Follow the steps for your specific device to retrieve the password quickly.

What You’ll Need

• A device already connected to the Wi-Fi network (Windows, Mac, Android, or iPhone).
• Administrator access on that device (for Windows and Mac).
• If using the router method: the router’s IP address, its admin username and password (often printed on a sticker on the router).

Step-by-Step

On Windows 10 and Windows 11

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner) and select Network & Internet settings (or Network & Internet in the Settings app).
2. Click Advanced network settings (Windows 11) or Change adapter options (Windows 10).
3. Click More network adapter options (Windows 11) or skip this step on Windows 10.
4. Right-click the Wi-Fi adapter (usually labeled Wi-Fi) and select Status.
5. Click Wireless Properties.
6. Go to the Security tab.
7. Check the box that says Show characters – the password will appear in the Network security key field.

On macOS (Mac)

1. Open Keychain Access (found in Applications > Utilities, or via Spotlight with Cmd+Space).
2. In the search box (top-right), type the name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID).
3. Double-click the network entry in the results.
4. Check the box next to Show password.
5. Enter your Mac’s administrator username and password when prompted, then click Allow.
6. The password will be displayed in the Password field.

On Android (Stock Android / Samsung / Pixel)

1. Open Settings and tap Network & internet (or Connections on Samsung).
2. Tap Wi-Fi (or Wi-Fi under Connections).
3. Tap the gear icon (⚙️) next to the network you’re connected to.
4. Tap Share (or QR code). You may need to verify with your fingerprint, PIN, or password.
5. A QR code appears – below it, the password is shown in plain text (on most Android versions). If you don’t see text, scan the QR code with another phone’s camera to reveal the password (the QR code contains the password in its data).

On iOS (iPhone / iPad)

1. iOS does not directly display the Wi-Fi password for the network you’re connected to. However, if you have iCloud Keychain enabled and a Mac, you can find it on the Mac using the steps above.
2. Alternatively, use the Shortcuts app: create a new shortcut that uses the action Get Wi-Fi Network (this only gets the name, not the password). For the password, you’ll need to use the router method below.

On the Router (Works for Any Device)

1. Find your router’s IP address. On Windows: open Command Prompt and type ipconfig – look for Default Gateway. On Mac: go to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > TCP/IP – look for Router.
2. Open a web browser and type that IP address into the address bar (e.g., 192.168.1.1). Press Enter.
3. Log in with the router’s admin username and password. If you don’t know them, check the sticker on the router – many have default credentials like admin/admin or admin/password.
4. Look for a section called Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Security.
5. Find the field labeled Passphrase, WPA2 Key, or Wireless Password. The password is usually shown in plain text, but sometimes you may need to click a checkbox to reveal it.

Common Mistakes

• Looking at the wrong adapter – On Windows, if you have Ethernet plugged in, make sure you right-click the Wi-Fi adapter, not the Ethernet one.
• Using the router’s admin password instead of the Wi-Fi password – These are two different things. The Wi-Fi password is what you use to join the network; the admin password is to access the router settings.
• Assuming the password is on the router sticker – Many routers have a default Wi-Fi password printed on a sticker, but if you’ve changed it, the sticker is outdated.
• On Android, tapping the QR code doesn’t reveal the password on older versions – Android 10 and later show the password below the QR code; older versions may not.

Tips

• Use the router method if you have physical access – It works for any device and shows the password in plain text.
• If you’re on Windows, you can also use Command Prompt: Type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear and look for Key Content.
• On Mac, if you don’t have admin rights, you won’t be able to reveal the password – you’ll need to ask the administrator or use the router method.
• Write it down – Once you find it, store it in a password manager or a secure note to avoid this hassle in the future.

Troubleshooting

• “Show characters” is grayed out on Windows – This happens when you don’t have administrator privileges. Log in with an admin account or ask the admin to do it.
• Keychain Access asks for a password but you don’t know it – You need the admin password for the Mac. If you don’t have it, use the router method.
• Android doesn’t show the password below the QR code – Try scanning the QR code with a different phone’s camera. The QR code contains the password in its text data (look for “WIFI:T:WPA;S:network;P:password;;”).
• Can’t log into the router – Reset the router by holding the reset button (usually a small pinhole) for 10 seconds. This will restore default admin credentials and Wi-Fi password (check the sticker), but it will also reset all your custom settings.
• Router page doesn’t load – Make sure you’re connected to the router’s network (either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Try a different browser or clear your browser cache.
• Password field is blank on router page – Some routers hide the password by default. Look for a checkbox like “Show password” or “Reveal”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find the Wi-Fi password on my iPhone without a Mac?

No, iOS does not expose the Wi-Fi password directly. You can use the router method or ask someone with a Mac to check Keychain Access if iCloud Keychain is enabled.

Where is the Wi-Fi password stored on Windows?

Windows stores Wi-Fi passwords in the Wireless Network Properties, accessible via the adapter’s Status > Wireless Properties > Security tab.

What if I changed the Wi-Fi password but the router sticker shows the old one?

The sticker only shows the default password. To get the current password, log into the router’s admin page and look under Wireless settings.

Is it legal to find my own Wi-Fi password?

Yes, as long as you own the network or have permission from the owner. Finding the password on your own device is standard practice.

Can I see the Wi-Fi password on a public network?

No, public networks usually don’t have a password or use a captive portal. This guide applies to private networks you have access to.

What should I do if I forget the router admin password?

Reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button. This will restore the default admin credentials (often printed on the router) and also reset the Wi-Fi password to the default.

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