It's quite common to need to urgently connect a new device to a wireless network but lose or forget the security key. This can happen after purchasing a new smartphone or tablet, or when guests arrive and want to use the internet. Fortunately, modern operating systems and hardware store necessary data, allowing you to resolve the issue without any complicated steps.
There are several proven methods restore access to the network, each of which depends on which device you already have connected to the router. You can use a Windows computer, an Android or iOS smartphone, or the router itself. It's important to understand that the methods vary in complexity and accessibility, but all are quite feasible for the average user.
In this article, we'll cover all possible solutions in detail, from the simplest to more technical methods. We'll cover standard operating system tools, the router's web interface, and even the physical stickers on the device. The main thing is not to panic, as A Wi-Fi password is almost never lost forever., if you have at least one authorized device.
⚠️ Please note: All described methods are intended solely for restoring access to your own networks or networks for which you have official permission from the owner. Unauthorized access to other people's Wi-Fi networks is prohibited by law.
Finding a password through Windows settings
If you already have a laptop or desktop computer running Windows connected to your wireless network, recovering a forgotten security key is the easiest. The operating system stores profiles of all networks the device has ever connected to, including saved passwords. This method works on all current versions, including Windows 10 and 11.
First, you need to open the Network and Sharing Center. There are several ways to do this, but the fastest is to right-click the Wi-Fi or monitor icon in the lower-right corner of the screen (in the notification area) and select the appropriate menu item. In the window that opens, find your active connection and click "Wireless Network Properties."
A dialog box with security settings will open. Here, you'll need to click the "Security" tab. At the very bottom, you'll see the "Network Security Key" field, where the characters are hidden behind asterisks or periods. To see the password, simply check the "Show entered characters" box.
- 🖱️ Right-click on the network icon in the tray and select "Open Network and Internet settings".
- 📡 Find and click the "Network and Sharing Center" or "Advanced network settings" link.
- 🔒 In the list of connections, click on the name of your Wi-Fi network and select the "Wireless network properties" button.
- 👁️ On the "Security" tab, check the "Show entered characters" box to see the password in plain text.
It's worth noting that these actions may require administrator privileges. If the system prompts you for confirmation, confirm the changes. You can also use the command line for more advanced searching if the graphical interface is unavailable or not working correctly for some reason.
An alternative command line method requires entering special commands that list all saved profiles and their passwords. This is especially useful if you want to find the password for the network your computer is currently connected to, or for a network that was previously listed but is currently inactive. netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clear will allow you to display all technical information, including the security key in the "Key Contents" field.
Restoring access via an Android smartphone
Android smartphone owners can also easily find out the Wi-Fi password their device is connected to. Starting with Android 10, Google introduced a feature that allows sharing network access via a QR code, which also encrypts the password. On older versions of the system (before Android 10), this process may require root access, which is a more complex procedure.
To view your password on a modern Android smartphone, simply go to your Wi-Fi settings. Find the network you're connected to or tap the gear icon next to it. In the menu that opens, select "Share" or "QR code." The system will ask you to verify your identity using your fingerprint, face, or screen unlock PIN.
After successful authentication, a QR code will appear on the screen for connecting other devices. This code typically displays a text string containing the password in plain text. If the text is hidden, you can simply point another phone's camera (with a QR code scanner enabled or via Google Lens) at the code, and the smartphone will decrypt the data, revealing the password.
It's important to note that the menu interface may differ depending on the smartphone manufacturer. Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and others often use their own interfaces, changing the layout of elements. However, the logic remains the same: look for the "Share" button or QR code icon in the properties of the active network.
- 📱 Open "Settings" and go to the "Wi-Fi" or "Connections" section.
- ⚙️ Click on the name of your network or on the gear/arrow icon to the right of it.
- 📸 Select "Share," "QR code," or click the corresponding icon.
- 🔐 Complete biometric verification or enter your PIN to confirm.
⚠️ Note: On some smartphone models (e.g., older versions of MIUI or Huawei's custom skin), the password text under the QR code may be hidden. In this case, use another device's camera to scan the code—this will ensure the password is revealed in the notification.
How to find out the password on an iPhone (iOS)
For a long time, Apple device users were limited in their ability to view saved Wi-Fi passwords for security reasons. However, with the release of iOS 16, Apple added a long-awaited feature allowing you to view and copy the security keys of saved networks. This is made possible by the improved iCloud Keychain data protection system.
To view the password, make sure your iPhone or iPad is updated to iOS 16 or later. Go to "Settings" and select "Wi-Fi." Next to the network you want to see the password for, tap the blue information icon (the letter "i" in a circle). In the menu that opens, find the "Password" line, where the characters will be hidden by dots.
Tap the line of dots. Face ID or Touch ID will instantly recognize you, and the dots will turn into readable text. You'll also be able to copy the password to the clipboard for pasting on another device. This is extremely convenient and secure, as access to passwords is protected by the device owner's biometrics.
What to do if you have iOS older than version 16?
On iOS versions earlier than 16, there's no built-in way to view passwords. The only legal options are to view the password on a Mac synced with the iPhone via iCloud Keychain or to find it in the router settings. Third-party apps from the App Store don't have access to system Wi-Fi passwords due to iOS security restrictions.
If you have a Mac computer with the same iCloud account, you can find the password through Keychain Access. Open Keychain Access using Spotlight search, find your network name in the list, double-click it, and check the "Show password" box. The system will prompt you for your Mac account password, after which the key will be displayed.
- 🍏 Go to Settings > Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad.
- ℹ️ Click the blue "i" icon next to the name of the network you need the password for.
- 👆 Tap the hidden "Password" field (dot).
- 👤 Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
Finding a password through the router's web interface
The most universal method, which works regardless of the type of connected device (TV, refrigerator, old phone), is to access the router's settings. The router's web interface stores all network parameters, including the encryption type and security key. To do this, you'll need any browser and a device connected to the router (even via a LAN cable if Wi-Fi isn't working).
The first thing you need to do is find out the IP address of the default gateway. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, however, the address may vary depending on the manufacturer. The exact address, username, and password are often found on a sticker on the bottom or back of the router. Enter the IP address in the browser's address bar and press Enter.
After entering your login credentials (which may also be default, such as admin/admin, if you haven't changed them), the control panel will open. The interfaces vary across brands (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link, Keenetic, MikroTik), but the logic is the same. Find the section related to your wireless network. It's usually labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN."
Within this section, look for the "Security" or "Wi-Fi Settings" subsection. This is where the "Password," "PSK," or "WPA Pre-Shared Key" field is located. Here you can see the current password, but you can also change it to a more complex one if you deem it necessary. Don't forget to save your changes by clicking "Save" or "Apply."
| Router brand | Typical IP address | Menu section | Standard login |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless -> Wireless Security | admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | Wireless Network -> General | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wi-Fi -> Security Settings | admin |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | My Networks and Wi-Fi -> Home Network | admin |
| Tenda | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless Settings -> Wireless Security | admin |
If you've previously changed your router's admin panel password and have forgotten it, you'll need to perform a reset. To do this, press and hold a small button on the device for 10-15 seconds while the power is on. This will reset the router to its factory settings, and the Wi-Fi password will be set to the one on the sticker, but all your personal settings (network name, ISP connection type) will be lost.
☑️ Preparing to log into the router
Physical inspection of the device and documentation
Before resorting to software methods or resetting the settings, it's worth carefully inspecting the internet distribution device itself. Most modern providers and router manufacturers provide all the necessary information on the manufacturer's label. This is usually located on the bottom of the device, but can sometimes be found on the back or side panel.
The label contains the serial number (S/N), MAC address, IP address for logging into settings, and default wireless network information. The network name (SSID) and password (Wireless Password/PIN/Key) are often clearly stated. If you haven't changed your router's settings since installation or purchase, the information on the label will be accurate.
It's also worth checking the documentation, if it's still there. The router often comes with a quick start guide or a "Quick Start" brochure, which may contain duplicate login information. Although paper copies are less common in the digital age, some users keep the original equipment boxes, which sometimes also contain duplicate information.
It's important to distinguish between two types of passwords that may appear on the sticker: the password for logging into the web interface (for configuring the router) and the password for connecting to Wi-Fi. Sometimes they are the same, but often they are different sets of characters. Look for "WPA Key," "Wireless Password," or simply "Password."
⚠️ Note: If the sticker contains a PIN, it's not always the Wi-Fi password. Some models (especially older D-Link or TP-Link models) use the PIN for WPS technology. Try using it as the password, but if that doesn't work, look for a field labeled Password or Key.
Using WPS technology (if available)
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) technology allows you to connect devices to your network without entering a password, simply by pressing a button on the router. Although this method doesn't display the password in plain text, it allows you to instantly connect a new device if you have physical access to the router.
On the router's body, locate the button labeled WPS. It may be separate or combined with the Wi-Fi power button. Press this button (sometimes you may need to hold it for 2-3 seconds). The WPS indicator on the panel will begin flashing, indicating that the router is searching and ready to pair.
Within 2 minutes (while the indicator is blinking), start searching for Wi-Fi networks on the device you want to connect to. Select your network. The system will detect that the WPS process is running and prompt you to connect without entering the key. After a successful connection, the password will be saved to the device's memory and can be viewed using the methods described above for Windows or Android.
It's worth noting that on some modern routers, the WPS function may be disabled by default or missing from the firmware for security reasons. In this case, this method won't work, and you'll have to use other methods to restore access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if no devices are connected?
If no device (phone or PC) is connected or saving a password, and the router's sticker has been erased or changed, the only option is to reset the router to factory settings using the Reset button. This will reset the password to the value on the sticker, but will require you to reconfigure your internet connection.
Is it safe to use Wi-Fi hacking software?
Using third-party software to crack or guess passwords (brute force) is illegal unless you have permission to access the network. Furthermore, such programs often contain viruses or miners. Legitimate apps like WiFi Password Viewer only work with passwords already stored on the system and are secure.
What should I do if the router was provided by my provider and there is no sticker on it?
In this case, try the standard login/password combinations: admin/admin or 1234/1234. If these don't work, it's best to call your provider's technical support. They can provide login information or reset your device remotely.
Can a Wi-Fi password change on its own?
The password can't be changed automatically. This is only possible if: 1) the router automatically updated from the provider's server and reset its settings; 2) someone changed the password through the app; 3) there was a short circuit or a memory failure in the router, resetting it to factory settings.
Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored on macOS?
In macOS, passwords are stored in Keychain Access. You can find it using Spotlight search. In the list on the left, select "System" or "Login," find the network name, open Properties, and check "Show password" to enter your Mac administrator password.