The situation where you need to connect a new device to an existing wireless network, but the access key is lost or forgotten, is one of the most common problems in home IT infrastructure. Restoring access You may need to do this after purchasing a new smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or if you've changed your router but forgot to save the new settings. Fortunately, modern operating systems and network equipment offer several mechanisms that allow you to legally retrieve stored data without complex hacking.
It is important to note right away that the methods described in this article are intended solely for restoring access to own networks or networks you administer. Attempting to access someone else's access points without the owner's permission is illegal and violates digital security principles. We'll cover technical methods for viewing saved keys on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, as well as methods for resetting your router.
Before taking any action, it's worth checking the physical storage media. Often factory password Or the key set by the wizard during initial setup is written on a sticker located on the bottom of the router. If you've never changed the default settings, this simple step will save you time and frustration. Otherwise, you'll need to use the operating system's software or the router's web interface.
Viewing saved passwords on Windows 10 and 11
Windows operating systems store keys for all networks a computer has ever connected to in a special, secure vault. To access this information, you'll need administrator privileges. The easiest way is to use the system's graphical interface, which is accessible even to inexperienced users. Open "Settings" from the Start menu or by pressing a key combination. Win + I, then go to the Network and Internet section.
Depending on your OS version, the interface may differ slightly. In Windows 11, select "Advanced network settings," then "Advanced network settings," and find the "Properties" link for your active network. In older versions, the path is through the "Network and Sharing Center." Find the "Wireless Network Properties" button and click the "Security" tab.
Here you'll see the "Network Security Key" field, where the characters are hidden behind asterisks or periods. To make them visible, check the "Show entered characters" box. The system may ask you to confirm administrator rights. After this, the hidden text will turn into a readable password, which you can copy or rewrite.
⚠️ Attention: If the "Security" tab is missing or the fields are grayed out, your account may not have sufficient privileges or the network profile may be corrupted. On corporate networks, access to these settings may be blocked by IT group policies.
For advanced users, there's an alternative method via the command line. It allows you to quickly display a list of all known networks and their keys in text format. Open the command line with administrator privileges (search for "cmd" in the search bar, right-click, and select "Run as administrator"). Enter the following command to view profiles:
netsh wlan show profilesOnce the list is displayed, find the name of the network you want and use the following construct to get detailed information, including the key:
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearIn the command output, find the line "Key Content," which will contain the password you're looking for. This method is especially useful when you need to quickly retrieve data from a network to which the computer isn't currently connected but has connected previously.
How to find a password on Android and iPhone smartphones
Mobile devices also store data about connected networks, but access to it is heavily restricted by security policies. On devices running Android 10 and newer, as well as on iOS 16+, a function has been added for viewing and transferring passwords via QR codes or the settings menu, which makes life much easier for users.
On Android, the process typically looks like this: go to "Settings," select "Wi-Fi" or "Connections." Tap the gear icon next to the active network name or select "Share." A QR code will appear on the screen, often (but not always) with the password written in plain text underneath. If there's no text, you can scan the QR code with another phone or a dedicated scanner app to view the data in plain text.
- 📱 On Samsung: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Tap the gear → QR code button (the password may be hidden, scanning is required).
- 🤖 On Xiaomi: Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap on the network name → QR code (the password is often displayed immediately below the code).
- 📲 On Pixel and stock Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Internet → Gear → Share (requires biometrics).
iPhone owners are in luck with the release of iOS 16. Now you can view the password for any saved network. Go to "Settings" → "Wi-Fi." Tap the blue "i" in a circle next to the network name. In the menu that opens, find the "Password" field. Initially, it will be hidden behind dots, but simply tap it, pass Face ID or Touch ID, and the password will become visible. You can copy it to the clipboard.
Please note that on older versions of Android (below 10), viewing saved passwords without root access is impossible due to the encryption of the wpa_supplicant.conf system file. In such cases, the only options are resetting the router or viewing it through the web interface.
Receiving data via the router's web interface
The most reliable and universal method, which works for any device (TV, set-top box, old laptop), is to access the router's settings. The network administrator can always view or change the security key at any time. To do this, the device you'll be logging in from must be connected to the router, even if it doesn't have internet access (locally).
Open any browser and enter the gateway IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address can be found in the device documentation or on the sticker on the bottom of the device. After entering the address, the system will ask for a username and password to access the control panel. If you haven't changed them, try the default pairs: admin/admin, admin/password, or admin/1234.
Interfaces vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the logic is the same. Find the section related to wireless networking. Look for tabs labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN." Within this section, you'll find a subsection called "Security" or "Security Settings."
The "Wireless Password," "WPA Pre-Shared Key," or "Password" field will display the current key. In some modern firmware (e.g., Keenetic, ASUS, MikroTik) The password is hidden by asterisks by default, but there is a “Show” button (eye) next to it or the option to simply copy it.
| Router manufacturer | Typical menu path | Password field name |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless → Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
| D-Link | Wi-Fi → Security Settings | PSK encryption key |
| ASUS | Wireless Network → General | Authentication Method (Key Below) |
| Keenetic | My Networks and Wi-Fi → Home Network | Wi-Fi network password |
| Tenda | Wireless Settings → Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
⚠️ Attention: Firmware interfaces are constantly updated. If you can't find the item you need, check the official manual for your specific router model on the manufacturer's website, as the menu layout may change depending on the firmware version.
What should I do if the router admin password has been changed and is unknown?
In this case, the only option is to perform a hard reset. Find the small hole marked "Reset" on the router's case. With the router turned on, press it with a paperclip and hold for 10-15 seconds until the lights blink. The router will return to factory settings, and you'll be able to log in using the login information on the sticker. However, after this, you'll have to set up your internet connection again (enter your ISP login and password).
Using third-party programs and utilities
There are many software solutions that automate the process of retrieving saved keys. They work by reading Windows system files where network profiles are stored. One of the most popular and time-tested tools is the utility WirelessKeyView from NirSoft. It requires no installation, is free for personal use, and displays a list of all networks ever connected to this PC.
Another option is - WiFi Password Revealer or Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password RevealerThese programs have a more user-friendly interface and allow you not only to view the password but also to immediately copy it to the clipboard or save it to a text file. When using such software, your antivirus may display warnings, as password viewing tools are often classified as RiskWare or HackTools. This is a false positive, but it's worth being aware of.
- 💻 WirelessKeyView: A minimalist utility that displays all data in a table. Ideal for experienced users.
- 🔓 WiFi Password Revealer: A simple interface with large "Copy" buttons. Suitable for beginners.
- 🛡️ Performance: Such programs work instantly and do not load the system, since they do not scan the air, but only read the registry.
It's important to download such snails only from the developers' official websites. Versions found on dubious file-sharing sites may contain real viruses or miners. Always scan downloaded files with an antivirus before launching.
☑️ Security check before installing utilities
The WPS Method: Myths and Reality
Many users are still searching for ways to brute-force WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) passwords. This technology was indeed designed to simplify connections: by pressing a button on the router or entering a PIN, the device connects without entering a long password. However, a vulnerability in the PIN implementation (it is checked in parts) allowed hackers to brute-force it in a matter of hours.
In modern routers released after 2015-2016, this security hole has been almost completely eliminated. Manufacturers have implemented protection against brute-force attacks: after several unsuccessful attempts to enter the PIN code, the WPS function is blocked for a long time or completely disabled. Therefore, attempts to use WPS PIN generator programs on new devices (TP-Link Archer, Asus RT etc.) are most often useless.
However, if you have a very old router and WPS is enabled on it, theoretically you can restore access using specialized software on Linux (for example, Reaver or Bully), but this requires a Wi-Fi adapter that supports monitor mode and a thorough command line knowledge. For the average user, this approach is too complex and doesn't guarantee success.
What to do if none of the methods helped
If you've tried all the methods but still can't access the router (forgot your router admin password, the password isn't saved on your computer, or your phone is old), the last resort is to reset the router to factory settings. This will restore the device to its factory-fresh state.
On the back of the router, find the "Reset" button or hole (sometimes "RST"). Press it with a paperclip for 10-15 seconds until the lights turn off and then turn back on. After rebooting, the router will create an open network or a network with the name and password listed on the sticker. You'll need to connect to it, log in to the web interface (the address and password are also on the sticker), and reconfigure your internet connection (enter your ISP credentials) and set a new Wi-Fi password.
⚠️ Attention: Before resetting, make sure you have your internet service provider contract on hand, as you may be asked to enter the login, password, and connection type (PPPoE, L2TP, or Dynamic IP) you entered during the initial setup. Without this information, your internet will not work after the reset.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out a neighbor's WiFi password via their phone?
No, there are no legal and effective ways to find out someone else's password without accessing a device already connected to that network. Apps on Google Play or the App Store that promise to "hack WiFi" are most often scams or simply display banner ads. The only viable option is for your neighbor to show you a QR code from their phone.
Where can I find the password if the sticker on my router has worn off?
If the sticker is unreadable, try the standard combinations: login admin and password admin (or empty). You can also try searching for the exact router model online and checking the manufacturer's manual to see what default passwords it uses. If the standards don't match, a hard reset will help.
Why does Windows say "Can't connect to this network"?
This may mean the password has been changed on the router, but the computer is trying to use the old saved key. Solution: Go to "Manage known networks" in Windows, find your network name, and click "Forget." Then reconnect and enter the current password.
Are password recovery programs safe to use?
Using trusted utilities from reputable developers (NirSoft and similar ones) is safe if they are downloaded from official sources. However, remember that any software that has access to system security keys may be mistakenly flagged as suspicious by antivirus software. Always create a restore point before installing unknown software.