It's quite common to need to connect a new device to your home network but completely forget your Wi-Fi password. We often use the internet for years, relying on automatic connections from smartphones and laptops, and completely forget the password we once set. This creates a serious problem when guests come over or you buy a new gadget that requires entering a password. security key.
Fortunately, modern operating systems and routers offer a variety of ways to find out this information, as long as you have access to at least one connected device. You won't have to reset your router to factory settings or call a technician. In this article, we'll cover all possible methods in detail, from simple Windows settings to using the command line and a mobile app.
Don't panic if the sticker on the bottom of your router is worn off or lost. There are several reliable steps you can take to fix it. decrypt or view the saved key. The main thing is to proceed consistently and carefully follow the instructions for your specific operating system.
Finding a password in Windows 10 and 11 settings
The easiest way to find the key for a wireless network is to use a Windows computer or laptop that's already connected to the Wi-Fi network. The operating system stores information about all networks the device has ever connected to in a special security profile. However, this information is hidden from prying eyes in the regular menu.
First, open the Network and Sharing Center. Right-click the connection icon in the system tray (near the clock) and select "Network and Internet settings." Next, find the "Network and Sharing Center" link or simply go to "Adapter settings." Here you'll see a list of all active connections.
Find your Wi-Fi connection icon and double-click it to open the status window. In the dialog box that opens, click "Wireless Network Properties." Go to the "Security" tab. This is where the field you're looking for is located. To see hidden characters, check the "Show characters" box.
- 🔹 Press Win+R and enter
ncpa.cplfor quick access to network connections. - 🔹 Make sure the device you're viewing the password from is currently connected to the network or has been connected previously.
- 🔹 If the "Security" tab is missing, your account may not have administrator rights.
- 🔹 For Windows 11, the path may be slightly different:
Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
⚠️ Attention: If you're trying to view the password for a network your computer has never connected to, this method won't work. Windows doesn't store keys for unknown networks.
Using the Command Prompt in Windows
For more advanced users or in cases where the graphical interface isn't working correctly, the command line is a great tool. This method not only allows you to view the current network's password but also retrieve keys for all networks ever saved in the system. This is especially useful if you want to restore access on another device and your current Wi-Fi connection is lost.
To launch the console, press Win+X and select "Windows Terminal (Administrator)" or "Command Prompt (Administrator)". It's important to run the tool as an administrator, otherwise the system won't grant read access to security profiles. First, you need to know the exact name of the network profile.
Enter the command netsh wlan show profilesFind your network name in the list. Then, use the command to display the details of a specific profile. The syntax requires the network name to be enclosed in quotation marks if it contains spaces. The command will output a detailed report, with the cleartext key listed in the "Security Settings" section.
netsh wlan show profile name="Your_Network_Name" key=clearAfter entering the command, scroll to the "Key Content" line. Your password will be displayed there. This method is universal and works on almost all versions of Windows, starting with Vista. It also allows you to quickly copy the password without worrying about making a character error when entering it manually.
How to find out the password on an Android smartphone
Android device owners can also easily restore access. Starting with Android 10, the system now features a native feature for viewing the QR code and password for the current Wi-Fi network. Previously, this required root access, but now the process is as simple as possible for the average user. This is convenient when you need to quickly share access with a friend.
Go to your phone's settings and select "Wi-Fi" or "Connections." Tap the name of the network you're connected to or the gear icon next to it. Connection information will appear on the screen. Look for the "Share" or "QR code" button. On some models (e.g., Xiaomi or Samsung), the password may be written in text directly below the QR code.
If the password text is hidden, you can scan the QR code that appears with another phone. Most modern cameras or the Google Lens app can read these codes and display the contents in text format. In the format string WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;; the key you are looking for will be after the symbol P:.
⚠️ Attention: On older versions of Android (below 10), viewing saved passwords without superuser rights (Root) is not possible using standard system tools for security reasons.
Recovering access on iPhone and iPad (iOS)
Apple ecosystem users only gained the ability to view passwords in iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. Before these versions of the operating system, there was no native way to view the key, requiring users to sync with their Mac via iCloud Keychain. Now, everything you need is right in your smartphone's settings.
Open "Settings" and go to "Wi-Fi." Find the network whose password you want to know. To the right of the network name, click the blue information icon (the letter "i" in a circle). In the menu that opens, find the line "Password." By default, the characters will be hidden by dots.
Tap the password field. The system will prompt you for biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) or your screen unlock passcode. Once verified, the dots will turn into readable text. You'll also be able to copy the password to the clipboard for quick pasting on another device.
- 🔸 This feature is only available on iOS 16 and later.
- 🔸 Device owner authorization is required to view.
- 🔸 The password can be copied to the text line.
- 🔸 If your devices are synced via iCloud Keychain, you can find your password on your Mac in the Keychain app.
What to do if iOS is older than version 16?
On devices running iOS 15 and below, you can't view your password directly. The only legal way is to use a Mac with macOS. You can find the saved password in plaintext in Keychain Access by searching for the network name, provided syncing was previously enabled.
Viewing the key through the router's web interface
If none of your devices are connected to the network, but you can connect to the router via cable or know the password for the admin panel, you can access the router's settings. This method is the most universal, as it doesn't depend on the client's operating system. You'll need a browser and access to the address bar.
In the address bar of your browser, enter the router's IP address. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address, as well as the login and password, are often found on a sticker on the bottom of the device. If you've changed your login information and forgotten it, you'll have to reset the router using the Reset button, which will result in the loss of all provider settings.
After logging in, find the section responsible for your wireless network. It may be labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN." Inside, look for the "Security" or "Wireless Network Settings" subsection. There you'll find a "Password," "PSK Key," or "Wireless Password" field, which displays the current key.
| Router brand | Entrance address | Password path (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless → Wireless Security → PSK Password |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | Advanced settings → Wireless network → General |
| Keenetic | my.keenetik.net | My Networks and Wi-Fi → Home Network → Password |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wi-Fi → Security Settings → PSK Encryption Key |
Interfaces may vary between manufacturers, but the logic is the same: look for the section related to wireless connection and security. Be careful when changing settings in this section: if you change the password here, all devices will lose internet connection and will need to reconnect with a new key.
☑️ Check before logging into the router
Apps from the router manufacturer
Modern network equipment manufacturers are actively implementing mobile apps for managing their devices. If you have a router from a major brand, there's a good chance it has an official app. These apps often allow you to manage Wi-Fi settings, guest networks, and view passwords without having to navigate a complex web interface.
For example, there is an application for TP-Link routers TP-Link Tether, for ASUS — ASUS Router, and for Keenetic - KeeneticAfter installing the app and linking the router (often requiring you to sign in to the manufacturer's account), you gain full control. The current password is usually displayed in the wireless network settings section, and can be easily copied or changed.
The advantage of mobile apps is their user-friendly interface and the ability to manage them from anywhere if remote access is configured. Furthermore, apps often highlight important parameters and warn you about security vulnerabilities in your network.
What to do if nothing helps
In rare cases, a situation may arise where no device remembers the password, access to the router's admin panel is lost (the password has been changed and forgotten), and the sticker on the router's casing is missing. In this case, the only option is a full factory reset of the router. This is a drastic measure that will return the device to its out-of-the-box state.
To perform a reset, find a small hole with the inscription on the router body Reset or RestoreTake a paperclip or toothpick, press the button inside the hole, and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the lights on the front panel flash simultaneously. After rebooting, the router will operate with factory settings.
The Wi-Fi password will be reset to the one on the sticker on the bottom of the device (or will disappear if factory protection was not installed). However, you will need to reconfigure your connection to your provider (enter the login and password from your contract), as all previous configurations will be deleted.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting your router deletes all user configurations, including your ISP's PPPoE/L2TP settings. Make sure you have your ISP contract handy to restore internet access.
Wi-Fi network passwords are stored in operating systems and routers, encrypted or hidden, but are always accessible to authorized users. Knowing where to find this data in Windows, Android, iOS, or the router's web interface will help you easily restore network access in any situation.
Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password?
No, it's impossible to legally obtain the password for someone else's closed network if you don't have access or authorization. Wi-Fi hacking attempts (such as password guessing or exploiting WPS vulnerabilities) are illegal and violate computer security laws. All methods described in this article only work for networks to which your device has previously connected or has administrator rights.
Where can I find my password if I didn't save it anywhere?
If you've never connected any devices to this network and haven't written down the password, and the sticker on the router has worn off, it's impossible to find it. In this case, the only solution is to reset the router using the Reset button. This will reset the password to the factory default (indicated on the sticker), but you'll need to set up your internet connection again.
Why isn't the Security tab showing up in Windows 10?
The "Security" tab may be missing if you're trying to view the guest network properties or if your account doesn't have administrator rights. This may also occur if the network driver isn't working properly. Try running the properties window as an administrator or using the command prompt.
Does the router password change after a reset?
After a full reset, the Wi-Fi settings are restored to factory defaults. This means the network name (SSID) and password will be the same as those listed on the factory sticker on the bottom of the device. If the sticker says "unsecured," the network will be open.
How to view password on Mac?
On macOS, open "Keychain Access" using Spotlight search. Select "System" or "iCloud" from the list on the left, then find your Wi-Fi network in the list. Double-click it, check "Show password," and enter your Mac account password to confirm.