How to find your WiFi password: on a router, computer, and smartphone

Many users are familiar with the situation of urgently needing to connect a new device to the network, but the access key is lost or forgotten. It often happens that the password was written on a sticky note that got lost, or you simply changed it a long time ago and then forgot it. Fortunately, operating systems and network equipment store this data in their archives, allowing you to restore access without any complicated steps.

There are several proven methods recover a forgotten password, which depend on which device already has network access or whether you have physical access to the router itself. In this article, we'll cover methods for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, as well as how to log into the router's admin panel. You'll be able to choose the most appropriate option for your specific situation and quickly restore your connection.

Before you begin, it's important to understand that some methods require a device already connected to the network or access to the router's web interface. If no devices are connected and the password is lost, the only option is a full factory reset. However, in most cases, less drastic measures are available, preserving the current network configuration.

Finding a WiFi password in Windows 10 and 11 settings

The Windows operating system automatically saves profiles of all networks your computer has ever connected to. This means that even if you don't remember the key, the system remembers it and can display it upon request. This requires administrator rights and a few minutes of free time. This method is the most reliable for PC users.

To find the password through the graphical interface, you need to open the network settings. Right-click the WiFi icon in the system tray and select "Network & Internet settings." Then, go to "Change adapter settings" (in Windows 10) or "Advanced network settings" (in Windows 11). Find your wireless connection, right-click it, and select "Status."

In the window that opens, click the "Wireless Network Properties" button, then go to the "Security" tab. Here you will see the "Network Security Key" field. By default, the characters are hidden behind asterisks. Check the "Show entered characters" checkbox, and the password will become visibleCopy it and use it to connect other devices.

⚠️ Note: If the Security tab is missing or the Properties button is grayed out, your account may not have sufficient permissions or you may be using a corporate security policy that blocks viewing stored keys.

An alternative and faster method for advanced users is to use the command line. This method works the same on all versions of Windows, starting with Windows 7. It's especially useful if the graphical interface isn't working correctly.

1. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter.
2. Enter the command to view all saved profiles:

   netsh wlan show profiles

3. Find your network name in the list and enter the command to display the key:

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

In the command results, look for the line "Key Content." Your password will be displayed in clear text next to it. This method allows you to quickly access your data without having to navigate through the settings menu.

What to do if the command fails?

If the system displays "Access Denied," run the command prompt as administrator. To do this, search for "CMD" in the search bar, right-click, and select the appropriate option.

Restoring access on macOS and Linux

Apple computer users can also easily find saved passwords, as macOS stores them in iCloud Keychain or local Keychain storage. This centralized security system protects all your login credentials. To view them, you'll need to enter your Mac user account password.

Open Keychain Access via Spotlight or find it in the Applications → Utilities folder. Select the "Passwords" category from the list on the left. Enter the name of your WiFi network in the search bar. Double-click the result to open its properties.

In the window that opens, check the "Show password" box. The system will ask you to confirm your identity—enter your Mac administrator username and password. After successful authorization, the required access key will appear in the field next to the checkbox. This method guarantees safe storage data accessible only to the owner of the device.

On Linux operating systems like Ubuntu or Mint, passwords are typically stored in text configuration files, which require root access. However, in modern distributions with the GNOME desktop environment, you can use the network settings.

• 🔑 Open system settings and go to the "Network" section.
• 🔑 Select your wireless connection and click the "Settings" button or gear icon.
• 🔑 Go to the "Security" tab and check the "Show password" box.

If the graphical interface is not available, you can use the configuration file located at /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/. The files have the extension .nmconnection and contain the password in the field psk in clear text, but to read it you will need to use the command sudo.

Viewing your security key on Android and iOS

Mobile devices have long hidden passwords from users, but modern versions of Android and iOS allow you to share access or view saved keys. On Android 10 and above, as well as iOS 16+, this feature is built into the system. This significantly simplifies connecting guest devices or new tablets.

On stock Android smartphones or those with minimal customizations (Pixel, Xiaomi, Motorola), the process is as follows: go to "Settings" → "WiFi." Tap the name of your active network or the gear icon next to it. Select "Share" or "QR code." The password is often displayed in text below the QR code. If there is no text, you can scan the code with another phone to view the data.

iPhone and iPad owners with the updated iOS 16 can see the passwords of all saved networks. Go to "Settings" → "Wi-Fi." Tap the blue information icon (the letter "i" in a circle) next to the desired network. Tap the "Password" field, which is hidden by dots. After confirming via Face ID, Touch ID, or your device's passcode, the password will be displayed and can be copied.

It's important to note that on older versions of Android (below 10), it's impossible to view the saved password using system tools without root access. In such cases, you'll have to access the router settings if you have access to a PC, or use third-party apps that require special permissions.

Finding a password through the router's web interface

The most universal method, which works regardless of the type of connected device (TV, console, old laptop), is to access the router's settings. To do this, connect to the router using any method: a LAN cable or WiFi (if the device is already connected and remembers the password). The login address is usually found on a sticker on the bottom of the device.

Standard login addresses web interface most often look like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Domain names can also be used, such as tplinkwifi.net or router.asus.comEnter the address in the browser's address bar. The system will ask for your administrator username and password. If you haven't changed them, they'll also be on the sticker (often admin/admin).

After authorization, the interface may look different depending on the manufacturer, but the logic is the same. Find the section related to wireless networking. It may be called "Wireless," "WiFi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN." Within this section, look for a subsection called "Security" or "Wi-Fi Settings."

The "Wireless Password" (WPA Pre-Shared Key) field will display your key. You can also change it to a more complex one here. Be sure to save your changes by clicking "Save" or "Apply," otherwise the new settings will not take effect and devices may disconnect.

Using specialized programs

There are a number of utilities designed for managing WiFi connections and recovering passwords. These can be useful if standard Windows tools fail or the interface is too complex. However, caution is advised: many WiFi hackers are viruses. We will consider only legal and proven tools for viewing saved data.

One of the popular programs is WirelessKeyView from NirSoft. This is a free utility that requires no installation. It automatically scans the Windows registry and displays a list of all saved networks with their security keys in plain text. The program supports exporting data to a text or HTML file.

Another option is - WiFi Password RevealerThis tool has a simple interface that displays the network name (SSID), encryption type, and password in a single window. The application runs on most versions of Windows. The main advantage of such programs is the speed with which they retrieve information without the need to enter commands.

⚠️ Warning: Antivirus programs may flag password recovery tools as potentially unwanted software (HackTools). This is normal, as these tools can be used by hackers. Only use files downloaded from the developers' official websites.

For macOS, the equivalent is the utility WiFi Password Manager, which allows you to not only view passwords but also generate new ones and back up network settings. This is convenient for system administrators managing multiple computers.

What to do if the password is nowhere to be found: reset the router

If none of the above methods work (for example, you don't remember the password for the router's admin panel and none of the devices are connected to the network), there's one last, radical option: a full factory reset. After this procedure, the router will be as good as new.

There's a small hole on the back of the router labeled "Reset" or "RST." Take a paperclip or toothpick, press the button inside the hole, and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the lights blink. The router will reboot. The WiFi password will reset to the factory default, as found on the sticker on the bottom of the device.

After the reset, you'll need to reconfigure your internet connection (enter your ISP login and password if you're using PPPoE or L2TP) and set a new network name. This is the only way to guarantee access if the previous owner or you changed all the passwords and forgot them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to find out someone else's WiFi password without accessing the router?

No, it's impossible to legally find out the password to someone else's closed network. Modern encryption protocols (WPA2/WPA3) reliably protect data transmission. All programs that promise to "hack" are either scams or exploit vulnerabilities that have long been patched.

Where can I find the password if the sticker on my router has worn off?

If the sticker has worn off, try the standard login/password combinations that are often admin/admin, and the IP address 192.168.0.1You can find the exact model in the documentation or on the box, and then search for standard data for this model online.

Is it safe to store passwords in your browser?

Browsers can save WiFi passwords, but this isn't always secure. It's best to use specialized password managers or write down complex passwords in a notepad stored in a safe place. Browsers are often targeted by stealer viruses.

Why does Windows say "Incorrect password" even though I'm entering the correct one?

A common cause is an incorrect keyboard layout or CapsLock being enabled. Also, check that you haven't mixed up the letters (for example, 0 And O, 1 And lIf the problem persists, try deleting the network in the WiFi settings ("Forget network") and reconnecting.

Does the password change when updating the router firmware?

Typically, firmware updates preserve your settings, including your WiFi password. However, in rare cases, when upgrading to a major software version (for example, from v1 to v2), your settings may reset. Always test your network after updating.