Where to find your Wi-Fi password on your computer: all the methods for Windows, macOS, and your router

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and there's no sticker with the code on your router? Don't rush to reset the router or call your ISP. In most cases, the password can be found directly on your computer—if it's connected to the network at least once. In this article, we'll cover this. all working methodsHow to view saved Wi-Fi password Windows 10/11, macOS and even through the router's web interface.

It's important to understand that your computer only remembers passwords for networks you've previously connected to. If you've never entered a password for your neighbors or public Wi-Fi at a cafe, you won't be able to retrieve it from the system. Also, keep in mind that some methods require administrator rights — without them, access to network settings will be limited.

We've compiled instructions for various operating systems and devices so you can choose the most convenient option. And at the end of the article, we'll answer frequently asked questions: what to do if your password isn't displayed, how to change it, and why dots sometimes appear instead of symbols.

1. How to view your Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 and 11 using Network Settings

The easiest way is to use built-in tools WindowsIt works on both Windows 10, and on Windows 11, does not require installation of third-party programs and takes less than a minute. The main requirement: your computer must be connected to the network, the password for which you want to know (or at least connected to previously).

Step-by-step instructions:

• 🖱️ Right-click on the icon Wi-Fi in the lower right corner of the taskbar (next to the clock) and select Network and Internet settings.
• 📋 In the window that opens, go to the section Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
• 🔍 Find the desired network in the list, click on its name, then press Properties.
• 🔑 Scroll down to the block Security parameters and put a check mark next to Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

If you have Windows 11, the path is slightly different: after clicking on the Wi-Fi icon, select Network properties next to your connection name, then View network properties and then - as in the instructions above.

⚠️ Attention: If the button Show entered characters If the password is inactive or the password isn't displayed, your account doesn't have administrator rights. Try logging in with a different account or use the alternative methods in this article.

Is your computer connected to the correct Wi-Fi network?

Does the current account have administrator rights?

Is the password hidden by characters (click "Show entered characters")?

Are you using a VPN or proxy that is blocking access to the settings?

2. Alternative method for Windows: Command Prompt

If the graphical interface does not work for some reason (for example, due to a system crash or security policy restrictions), you can extract the password via command lineThis method is universal and works on all versions. Windows starting from 7s.

Here's how to do it:

1. Launch command prompt as administratorTo do this, click Win + X and select Terminal (administrator) or Command Prompt (Administrator).
2. Enter the command to view all saved networks:

   netsh wlan show profiles

   In the list, find the name of the desired network (for example, KEENETIC-123).

3. Copy the network name and enter the following command (replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name):

   netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear

4. In the execution results, find the line Key content - this is your password.

This method is especially useful if you need to find out passwords from several networks immediately. For example, if you've connected to Wi-Fi in different locations and want to save all the codes in a safe place.

3. Where is the Wi-Fi password stored on macOS (MacBook, iMac)?

On computers Apple The process is a little different, but no less simple. The system macOS stores all passwords in a special storage - Connected Keychain (keychain). You don't need to install any additional software to view them.

Step-by-step instructions:

• 🔍 Open Spotlight (click Command + Space) and enter Bunch of keys (or Keychain Access (on the English keyboard layout).
• 📂 In the left column, select System (or System), then category Passwords.
• 🔎 Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
• 🔑 Double-click on the found entry and check the box Show password and enter the password for your account Mac.

If you don't remember your account password, you can reset it through recovery mode (hold Command + R when turned on Mac). But keep in mind that this will result in some data loss if you don't have a backup.

⚠️ Note: On some versions macOS (For example, Ventura or Sonoma) the keychain may require confirmation via Touch ID or Apple WatchIf you don't have these devices configured, use your account password.

4. How to find out your Wi-Fi password through your router settings

If the previous methods did not work (for example, the computer has never been connected to the network or you are using Linux), you can directly access the router settings. This method is universal and works regardless of the operating system.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Find out Your router's IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, but may vary depending on the model. The address can be found on the sticker on the back of the device or by using the command:

   ipconfig /all

   (For Windows) or ifconfig (For macOS/Linux). Look for the line Main gateway.

2. Open your browser and enter this IP address into the address bar. Click Enter.
3. Enter your username and password to access the control panel. By default, this is often admin/admin or admin/1234, but it’s better to check on the router sticker.
4. Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless network, Wireless). There will be a field. Password (or Password, Key), where the current security key is displayed.

On some routers (for example, TP-Link or ASUS) the password may be hidden behind asterisks. In this case, look for the option Show password or temporarily change it to a new one to see the symbols.

⚠️ Attention: If you don’t remember your router login/password and can’t find them on the sticker, you’ll have to do reset settings (button Reset on the back panel). After this, all settings will be reset to factory defaults, including the Wi-Fi password (it will be indicated on the sticker).

TP-Link|

ASUS|

Keenetic|

Zyxel|

D-Link|

Other-->

5. Third-party programs for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

If standard methods do not help or you need save passwords from all networksYou can use specialized utilities to manage all the devices your computer has ever connected to. These utilities are convenient for system administrators or users who frequently work with multiple networks.

Top 3 proven programs:

• 🛠️ WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) is a free utility that displays all saved Wi-Fi passwords. It works without installation and supports Windows 7-11.
• 🔍 WiFi Password Revealer — a simple program with a minimalist interface. It reveals passwords in one click, but requires administrator rights.
• 📊 NetSpot — in addition to passwords, it analyzes signal strength and helps optimize Wi-Fi coverage. A free version is available.

Warning: Download programs only from official websites (For example, nirsoft.net For WirelessKeyViewPassword viewing utilities are often spoofed by attackers, who add viruses or spyware to them.

How to protect yourself from Wi-Fi password theft

Many password viewers can be used by hackers if they gain access to your computer. To minimize the risks:

1. Set a strong password for your Windows/macOS account.

2. Do not leave your computer unattended in public places.

3. Use disk encryption (BitLocker for Windows, FileVault for Mac).

4. Regularly update your operating system and antivirus software.

6. What to do if the password is not displayed or there are dots instead

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the password in the settings not visible — instead, it displays dots, asterisks, or a completely empty field. Let's look at the main causes and solutions:

Problem 1: The password is hidden by characters

• IN Windows: check the box Show entered characters in the network properties.
• IN macOS: V Keychain click Show password and enter your account information.
• In the router: look for the option Show Password or temporarily change your password to a new one.

Problem 2: No administrator rights

If your account has limited rights, the system won't display your password. Solutions:

• Log in as an administrator.
• Run command prompt or A bunch of keys as administrator (right click → Run as administrator).
• IN Windows You can temporarily elevate your rights through Control Panel → User Accounts.

Problem 3: The computer did not connect to this network

If the device has never entered a Wi-Fi password (for example, it was connected via WPS or a cable), then it cannot be removed from the system. In this case, the only option left is to look into the router settings or reset it to factory settings.

1. Has the computer been connected to this network before?

2. Do you have administrator rights?

3. Is the password hidden by the "Show characters" option?

4. Are your router settings corrupted? (Try rebooting it.)

7. How to protect your Wi-Fi from being hacked after viewing your password

Once you know your Wi-Fi password, don't be lazy and check it. the security level of your networkIf the password is too simple (for example, 12345678 or qwerty), it's easy for attackers to guess. Here's what you can do:

Step 1: Change your password to a secure one

• Use at least 12 characters.
• Mix the letters (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9) and special characters (!, @, # and others).
• Do not use personal information (dates of birth, names, addresses).

Step 2: Update the encryption type

In the router settings, select WPA3-Personal (or WPA2-PSK, If WPA3 (not supported). Deprecated WEP hacked in minutes!

Step 3: Disable WPS

Function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is convenient for a quick connection, but it's vulnerable to attacks. It's best to disable it in your router settings.

Step 4: Hide the SSID (optional)

Disabling network name broadcasting (SSID) won't make it completely invisible, but it will make it more difficult for random "Wi-Fi hunters." The setting is in the Wi-Fi → Basic Settings.

⚠️ Important: If you change the router password, all devices (smartphones, TVs, smart speakers) will be disconnected from the network. Prepare the new password in advance and write it down in a safe place.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that the computer has never connected to?

No. The computer only stores passwords for networks it's previously connected to. If you've never entered a password from your neighbors or public Wi-Fi, it's impossible to extract it from the system. The only option is to look into their router settings (which is illegal without permission) or ask them directly.

Why does the command line say "No user profiles"?

This means your computer wasn't saving Wi-Fi network passwords. Possible causes:

• You have only connected via cable (Ethernet).
• Passwords were saved in another account Windows.
• Network settings were reset after a system update.

Try using other methods from the article (for example, via a router).

How to view a Wi-Fi password on Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.)?

IN Linux passwords are stored in a file /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/NETWORK_NAMETo view them:

1. Open terminal and enter:

   sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/NETWORK_NAME | grep psk=

   (replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name).

2. The password will be after psk=, but in encrypted form. To decrypt it, use the command:

   sudo grep psk= /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/*

If you don't have rights sudo, please contact your system administrator.

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password from a phone (Android/iPhone)?

Yes, but the methods are different:

• Android: Install a file manager with access to root folders (for example, Root Explorer) and find the file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlPasswords are stored there in clear text, but you need root access.
• iPhone: You can't view passwords without a jailbreak. If you're jailbroken, use a tweak. WiFi Passwords from Cydia.

On some phones (eg. Xiaomi or Samsung) The password can be seen in the router settings if the phone is connected to its web interface via a browser.

Is it legal to use Wi-Fi hacking software?

No. In most countries (including Russia) unauthorized access to other people's networks is considered a violation of the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Unauthorized access to computer information"). This applies to:

• Using programs like Aircrack-ng or Wifite to guess passwords.
• Connecting to networks without the owner's permission (even if the network is not password protected).
• Distribution of hacking tools (for example, posting them on forums).

Exception - testing his own networks with the owner's permission (for example, to test for vulnerabilities).