How to find a Wi-Fi password: all working methods for different devices

Forgotten Wi-Fi passwords at home are a common occurrence for almost everyone. It's especially frustrating when you need to connect a new device and the router sticker is long gone. Fortunately, there are several ways to restore network access—and you don't need to be an IT professional to do it.

In this article we will look at all current methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi password Windows, MacOS, Android, iPhone and directly through the router settings. We will pay special attention to the issues securityWhy you shouldn't use dubious programs to "hack" networks and how to protect your access point from outsiders. All instructions are tested on equipment from 2023–2026 and comply with the latest standards. Wi-Fi 6/6E.

If you are looking for a way to connect to someone else's network — We warn you right away: this is illegal (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). This article is intended solely for restoring access to his own access point whose password was lost.

1. How to view your Wi-Fi password on Windows 10/11

Operating systems Windows 10 And Windows 11 Store all saved network passwords in encrypted form. They can be retrieved using standard tools, without installing third-party software.

The fastest way:

1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. In the window that opens, find your Wi-Fi connection (usually labeled as "Wireless Network"), right-click on it and select State.
3. Click the button Wireless network properties → go to the tab Security.
4. Check the box Show entered characters — the password will be displayed in the field Network security key.

An alternative method is through Command line:

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

Replace NETWORK_NAME the name of your network (case-sensitive!). In the commands output, look for the line Key content - this will be the password.

• ✅ Works without internet
• ✅ Doesn't require administrator rights (if you're already connected to the network)
• ⚠️ Won't show passwords for networks you haven't connected to before

2. Recovering your password via a router (instructions for 5 popular brands)

If you have access to your router's web interface, you can view or change your Wi-Fi password directly. To do this, you'll need:

• 🔌 Connecting to a router via cable (LAN) or via Wi-Fi (if you are already connected)
• 🖥️ IP address of the router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
• 🔑 Login and password to enter the control panel (by default, often admin/admin)

The address and login details are usually on a sticker on the bottom of the router. If you've changed them and forgotten them, you'll need to reset settings (button Reset for 10 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: After resetting the router (Reset) all settings will return to factory settings, including the network name (SSID) and password. You'll have to set up your internet connection again!

Take a photo of your current internet settings (PPPoE/L2TP)

Write down the MAC addresses of the bound devices (if there is a binding)

Check for a configuration backup

Prepare a cable to connect to your PC after the reset.

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3. How to find the Wi-Fi password on MacOS (Ventura, Sonoma)

On MacBook or iMac Passwords for saved networks are stored in the keychain Keychain AccessTo view them:

1. Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and enter Keychain Access.
2. In the left menu, select System → On the right side, find the name of your Wi-Fi network.
3. Double click on the network and check the box. Show password.
4. Enter your account password MacOS - after this the network key will be displayed.

If you have MacOS Sonoma (2023) or newer can be used Terminal:

security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

• 🔒 Requires account password
• 🖥️ Only works for networks that have been previously connected to
• 📱 Will not show passwords from guest networks or HotSpot

4. Methods for Android: with and without root

On Android The situation is more complicated: the system does not provide direct access to saved passwords without superuser rights (root). However, there are workarounds.

No root required (only for some firmware versions)

Some manufacturers (eg Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung) allow you to view the password through the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the connected network → Share or QR code.
3. The system may ask PIN code or account password - after entering, a QR code with network data, including the password, will be displayed.

With root rights (universal method)

If the device has root, use a file manager (for example, Root Explorer) and follow the path:

/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

Look for the line <string name="PreSharedKey">...</string> — there will be a password between the tags.

⚠️ Attention: Rooting will void your warranty and may cause problems with your banking apps (due to SafetyNet). On new devices (Android 12+) this also blocks over-the-air updates (OTA).

5. iPhone and iPad: Apple Restrictions and Workarounds

iOS strictly protects data security, so you can directly view the Wi-Fi password on iPhone or iPad impossible — even with a jailbreak. However, there are two legal ways:

Method 1: Share the password via AirDrop

If there is another one nearby Apple- gadget (for example, MacBook), on which you know the password:

1. On iPhone Connect to the desired network.
2. On MacBook open Keychain Access (cm. Section 3) and copy the password.
3. Send it via AirDrop or Messages.

Method 2: Viewing through a router

Connect iPhone to the router via cable (via adapter) Lightning/USB-C → Ethernet) and go to the web interface as described in Section 2.

On devices with iOS 17+, the "Wi-Fi Passwords" feature has appeared in iCloud settings (beta), but it only works for networks added through Family Sharing.

6. Password recovery programs: risks and alternatives

There are dozens of utilities online that promise to "hack" or "recover" a Wi-Fi password: Wifi Password Revealer, Aircrack-ng, Wireshark and others. 90% of them are scams or malware.

Real risks:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Data theft: Many password crackers collect logins, browser histories, and banking information.
• 🚫 Router blocking: Programs like Aircrack-ng may cause DoS attack to your network, after which it will have to be rebooted.
• ⚖️ Legal consequences: Using such tools to access other people's networks is classified as hacking (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

The only legal alternative is specialized utilities from router manufacturers, For example:

• 🔧 TP-Link Tether (for TP-Link routers)
• 🔧 ASUS Router (for ASUS devices)
• 🔧 Mi WiFi (for Xiaomi routers)

They allow you to manage your network via your phone, including viewing and changing your password.

7. How to secure your Wi-Fi after password recovery

If you were able to recover your password, don't be lazy strengthen network securityTo avoid recurring problems, here's a minimal checklist:

Change your password to a complex one (12+ characters, with numbers and special characters)

Disable WPS (vulnerable to brute-force attacks)

Enable MAC address filtering (not a panacea, but will make access more difficult)

Update your router firmware to the latest version

Change your login/password to access your router's control panel.

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Recommendations for choosing a strong password:

• 🔐 Use WPA3-Personal (if your router supports it). This is a new encryption standard that is resistant to most attacks.
• 📛 Avoid obvious combinations: dates of birth, names, words from the dictionary.
• 🔄 Change your password every 6-12 months (or after a data leak).

Example of a strong password:

k7#pL9!vR2$mQ4*dF1

You can use password managers to generate them (Bitwarden, KeePass) or built-in browser tools.

⚠️ Attention: If your router is older than 2018, it may not support WPA3In this case, use WPA2-AES and disable legacy protocols (WEP, WPA-TKIP).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords

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