Every internet user is familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new device to a wireless network but completely forgetting the access key. This often happens after moving, purchasing a new gadget, or simply resetting the router. Fortunately, operating systems and network equipment store this information, and access restoration It usually only takes a few minutes if you know where to look.
In this article, we'll cover in detail all possible ways to find a forgotten password, from inspecting the router case to advanced command line methods. You'll learn how to find saved keys in Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and what to do if none of the software methods work. Digital traces Your connections remain in the system, and we will show you how to count them correctly.
Finding factory data on the router case
The most obvious and often overlooked method is a physical inspection of the device itself. Many users forget that when setting up a router for the first time, a standard set of data is used, which the manufacturer places on a special sticker. This label is usually located on the bottom of the case or on the back panel, near the cable ports. If you've never changed the factory wireless network settings, the required combination of characters will be there.
On the sticker you should look for a field with the name Wireless Password, WPA/WPA2 Key or simply PasswordThe SSID—the name of the network this key belongs to—is often listed nearby. A QR code may also be printed there. Scanning it with a smartphone allows instant access to the network without manually entering characters. This is especially convenient if the factory password is too long and complex.
However, it's important to remember one important detail: if you or the technician changed the security settings during internet setup, the information on the sticker will no longer be valid. In this case, the router uses the new key you created, and the factory key remains valid only for resetting the device to factory settings. Therefore, before entering the information from the sticker, make sure the network configuration hasn't changed.
⚠️ Attention: Never use the factory password permanently if it's listed on the sticker. Attackers know the default combinations for different router models, making your network vulnerable to hacking.
How to find out the password in Windows 10 and 11
If a Windows computer or laptop is already connected to your Wi-Fi network, the operating system stores the access key in its encrypted storage. This is the fastest way to find a forgotten combination without resorting to complex manipulations. You don't need administrator rights or third-party software; you just need to know the path to the current connection settings.
To retrieve data in the Windows 10 or 11 interface, follow these steps:
- 🖱️ Right-click on the network icon in the system tray (near the clock) and select "Network and Internet settings".
- 🔗 In the window that opens, find the link "Network and Sharing Center" or go to "Advanced network settings".
- 📡 Click on the name of your active wireless network to open the status window.
- 🔒 Click the "Wireless Network Properties" button and go to the "Security" tab.
- 👁️ Check the "Show entered characters" checkbox to see hidden text.
In the properties window, you'll see the "Network Security Key" field, which displays the code you're looking for. Please note that your account must have administrator privileges to perform this operation. If the system prompts you to confirm the action via UAC, agree to it. This method works reliably on all modern versions of Windows, including Windows 11, where the settings interface has been significantly redesigned.
An alternative option for advanced users is to use the command line. This method is convenient because it allows you to display passwords for all networks the computer has ever connected to. Open a terminal as administrator and enter the command: netsh wlan show profilesIt will display a list of all saved profiles. Then, to see the key for a specific profile, use the command: netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearThe required code will be indicated in the "Key Contents" line.
☑️ Checking access in Windows
Restoring access on Android and iOS
Smartphone owners often need to share their password with guests but can't remember it themselves. On modern mobile platforms, this task is quite simple, although the approaches differ between Android and iOS. In Android 10 and later, the system allows not only connection via QR code but also viewing the password itself in text format.
To find data on Android, go to Settings → Wi-FiTap the gear icon next to the active network or select "Share." A QR code will appear on the screen for scanning, and in most cases, a text password will be written underneath it. If the text is hidden by asterisks, try tapping the "Eye" button or copying the code to the clipboard. On devices from different manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) the arrangement of elements may differ slightly.
In the Apple ecosystem, the situation is a bit more complicated due to strict security policies. iOS 16 and later introduce the long-awaited password viewer feature. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap the blue info button (i) next to the network name. In the "Password" field, tap the hidden dots—the system will ask you to authenticate via Face ID or Touch ID, after which the code will be displayed and can be copied. On older versions of iOS, it is impossible to find the password directly without jailbreaking.
What should I do if the QR code does not show text?
Some smartphone manufacturers (for example, older MIUI or OneUI firmware versions) may hide the text password even when generating a QR code. In this case, try taking a screenshot of the QR code and scanning it using Google Lens or another QR scanner on another device—the password text is often contained within the code itself and can be extracted by a third-party app.
Viewing saved networks on macOS
Apple Mac users can also find saved access keys, but the process varies depending on the operating system version. In macOS Ventura and Sonoma, Apple updated the interface, making the process more similar to iOS, while older versions (Monterey and below) use iCloud Keychain.
On current versions of macOS, open System Preferences, go to the Wi-Fi section, and find the desired network in the list of known networks. Click the three dots or the info button next to the name, then select "Copy Password" or click the hidden field to view it. The system will ask you to enter your user account password or confirm it via Touch ID.
In older versions of macOS, the procedure is different:
- 🔍 Open the Keychain Access app via Spotlight or Finder.
- 📡 In the list on the left, select the “System” or “iCloud” category, then find the name of your Wi-Fi network.
- 🔓 Double-click on the network name to open its properties.
- ✅ Check the "Show password" box and enter your Mac administrator password.
It's important to note that Keychain is a centralized repository for all your Mac passwords, including website and app passwords. Be careful when using this tool, as it provides access to critical data. Make sure no one else has physical access to your computer while you're accessing it.
Login to the router control panel
If none of your devices are connected to the network, or you want to change the password to a new one, your only option is to log into the router's web interface. To do this, you need to know the gateway address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and login details for the admin panel. This information is often found on the same sticker as the Wi-Fi password, but can be changed during initial setup.
The table below shows standard addresses and logins for popular equipment manufacturers:
| Router brand | Entrance address | Default login | Default password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 / tplinkwifi.net | admin | admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 / router.asus.com | admin | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | (empty) |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 / my.keenetic.net | admin | 1234 |
| Tenda | 192.168.0.1 / tendawifi.com | admin | admin |
After entering the address in the browser and successfully authorizing, look for the section with the name Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings or "Wireless Network." There will be a "Password" or "Pre-Shared Key" field, which displays the current password. You can also change it to a more complex one here. Interfaces may vary between models, but the layout is consistent across all manufacturers.
If the default login and password don't work, they were previously changed. In this case, you won't be able to restore access to the settings without a reset. You'll have to use the button Reset on the router body and hold it down for 10-15 seconds. This will reset the device to factory settings, but will also erase all your personal provider settings, which you'll have to re-enter.
What to do if nothing helps
There are situations when none of the devices store the password, the sticker has worn off, and access to the admin panel is blocked. In this case, the only drastic solution is a complete router reset. This is guaranteed to restore access to management, but will require reconfiguring the internet. Make sure you have a contract with your provider or the necessary PPPoE/Static IP connection information, if required.
To reset, locate the recessed button on the back panel. Reset or WPS/ResetYou'll need a thin object, such as a paperclip or toothpick. With the router turned on, press and hold the button for about 10-15 seconds until all the lights flash simultaneously. After rebooting, the device will use the factory settings indicated on the sticker.
After the reset, connect to the router's open network (or the network with the factory password), go to the settings page, and re-enter your provider's settings. Don't forget to immediately set a new, strong Wi-Fi password and change the router's administrator password to secure your network from unauthorized access.
⚠️ Attention: Before performing a reset, make sure you have the technical information from your internet service provider (username, password, connection type). Without these, the router will not be able to access the internet after the reset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hack a neighbor's Wi-Fi password using apps?
No, legitimate apps from official stores (App Store, Google Play) cannot hack other people's networks. They can only reveal passwords for networks your phone has previously connected to. Apps that promise "hacking" are most often viruses or useless bloatware.
Where can I find my password if I use macOS but don't remember my account password?
Without your Mac account password (or disabling protection through Recovery Mode), you won't be able to view saved passwords in Keychain. This is the operating system's security level. The only other option is to remember your Apple ID or account password, or reset your router.
Is it true that a password can be found out via the command line on any computer?
Only if this computer has previously successfully connected to this Wi-Fi network and saved the profile. Command netsh In Windows, it reads data from saved profiles. If the computer has never connected to this network, it is impossible to find the password remotely or programmatically without access to the router.
What is WPS and can I use it to find out the password?
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a simplified connection technology. If the WPS button on your router is lit, you can connect to the network by simply pressing it, without entering a password. However, it's impossible to "discover" the password itself via WPS using standard means; you can only gain access to the network. WPS is considered a security vulnerability and is often disabled by default on modern routers.