How to check Wi-Fi network information: from password to technical parameters

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you urgently need to know your Wi-Fi password, but no one remembers it? Or have you ever wanted to check what frequency your network is using to optimize speed? Or maybe you needed to find MAC address of the router To set up parental controls? In this article, we'll cover all possible ways to view Wi-Fi network information—from basic data to hidden technical parameters.

No matter what device you have - a smartphone Android or iOS, computer with Windows/macOS/Linux, or even the router itself—you'll find a suitable method. We won't limit ourselves to just viewing the password: you'll learn how to check channel and bandwidth, Wi-Fi standard (802.11n/ac/ax), signal level in dBm, as well as hidden parameters like BSSID or DNS serversAll instructions are adapted for current versions of operating systems and router firmware.

We will pay special attention to methods that work without administrator rights This is useful if you're connected to someone else's network (for example, in a cafe or hotel) and want to know its parameters to diagnose problems. For router owners, we'll show you how to obtain complete information directly from the device's web interface, including details about connected clients.

1. How to find out the Wi-Fi password on a connected device

The most common request is to recover a forgotten password for your network. The methods depend on the operating system. Let's start with the simplest methods for user devices.

On Windows 10/11 The password can be viewed through Network and Sharing Center:

1. Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray → Open network settings.
2. Select Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
3. Click on your network name → Properties.
4. In the section Security parameters check the box Show entered characters.

On macOS the path is this: System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Wi-Fi OptionsHere in the list of networks, find yours and look at the password in the column PasswordOn . Android (versions 10+) without root rights, you cannot view the password - only if the device was previously connected via Google Smart Lock (check passwords.google.com in the browser).

For iPhone/iPad There is no official way, but there is a workaround through password sharing:

• 🔹 Bring another one Apple- gadget (for example, MacBook) To iPhone, connected to this network.
• 🔹 On MacBook Try connecting to Wi-Fi - a pop-up window will appear asking you to share the password.
• 🔹 Click Share on iPhone, and the password will be displayed on the screen MacBook.

⚠️ Warning: If you are trying to find out the password for someone else's network (for example, a neighbor's), remember that in most countries this qualifies as unauthorized access and may result in legal liability. Use these methods only for your own networks.

2. View Wi-Fi technical parameters: channel, frequency, standard

To diagnose speed or interference problems, it is important to know what channel And frequency the network works, and also what Wi-Fi standard used (802.11n/ac/ax). This data will help optimize your router settings.

On Windows open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and run:

netsh wlan show interfaces

In the results, find the following lines:

• 📡 Channel — channel number (for example, 6 or 149).
• 📶 Radio type — frequency (802.11n usually 2.4 GHz, 802.11ac/ax — 5 GHz).
• 🔄 Receive rate (Mbps) — current connection speed.

On Android install the application WiFi Analyzer (from VREM Software). It will show:

• 📊 Real-time channel load chart.
• 🔍 Accurate channel, bandwidth (20/40/80/160 MHz) and standard (802.11ac).
• 📉 Signal level in dBm (e.g. -55 dBm - excellent signal, -80 dBm - weak).

Find out the current channel and its load

View Wi-Fi standard (802.11n/ac/ax)

Check bandwidth (20/40/80 MHz)

Measure signal level in dBm

Compare with neighboring networks-->

On macOS hold down the key Option (⌥) and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. More information will appear:

• 🔗 PHY Mode - standard (for example, 802.11ax).
• 📡 Channel — the channel and its width (for example, 36, 80 MHz).
• 🔋 RSSI — signal level in dBm.

⚠️ Attention: If your router operates on channels 12-14 In the 2.4 GHz band, some devices (especially those in the US or Europe) may not see this network. These channels are not permitted in all countries.

3. How to view Wi-Fi information in the router's web interface

You can get maximum network information directly from your router's control panel. To do this:

1. Find out Router IP address (usually 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1). You can find it in the connection properties on your computer or on the sticker on the back of the router.
2. Enter this address into the address bar of your browser.
3. Log in (default logins/passwords: admin/admin, admin/password or see sticker).

The next steps depend on your router model. Let's look at some popular brands:

Most routers have a section DHCP or Local area network, where you can watch:

• 🖥️ List of connected devices with their MAC addresses And IP.
• 🔄 Settings DNS servers (For example, 8.8.8.8 for Google DNS).
• 📡 Transmission power (Tx Power) - affects the signal range.

4. Hidden Wi-Fi parameters: BSSID, RSSI, security

Advanced diagnostics may require data that isn't displayed in the standard settings. This includes:

• BSSID — the unique MAC address of the access point (for example, 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).
• RSSI — signal level in dBm (the closer to 0, the better).
• Security type (WPA2-PSK, WPA3-SAE etc.).
• Vendor — router manufacturer by MAC address.

On Windows This data can be obtained using the command:

netsh wlan show networks mode=bssid

In the results, please note:

• 🔍 BSSID — MAC address of the router.
• 📶 Signal — signal level in percent (for example, 95%).
• 🔒 Authentication — type of protection (WPA2-Personal).

On Linux (including Raspberry Pi) use the command:

sudo iwlist wlan0 scanning | grep -E "Cell|ESSID|Channel|Signal|Encryption"

For Android the app will do WiFi Analyzer (tab AP list), and for iOS — AirPort Utility (turn on Wi-Fi Scanner in the application settings).

Why do you need a BSSID?

The BSSID (the MAC address of the access point) allows you to accurately identify the router on the network, even if multiple devices use the same SSID. This is useful for:

- Settings for priority connection to a specific router (for example, in mesh systems).

- Diagnosing problems with roaming between access points.

- Filtering devices by MAC addresses in security settings.

5. How to find out information about someone else's Wi-Fi network (without connecting)

If you want to analyze the parameters of a network you're not connected to (for example, a neighbor's or a public hotspot), there are legal ways to obtain limited information. This is useful for:

• 📡 Select the least loaded channel for your router.
• 🔍 Check the signal level of a potential network before connecting.
• 🛡️ Protection type ratings (e.g. outdated WEP (unsafe).

On Android will help again WiFi Analyzer:

1. Open the tab Channel Graph.
2. Click on the name of the network you are interested in.
3. View channel, bandwidth, signal strength and security type.

On Windows run in command line:

netsh wlan show networks

This command will show all available networks, indicating:

• 📛 SSID — network name.
• 🔒 Authentication — type of protection.
• 📶 Signal — signal level.

For macOS in the terminal enter:

airport -s

To enable display of additional data (such as channel and width), use:

sudo /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -s

⚠️ Attention: Attempting to connect to a network you don't have permission to access (even for "analysis") may violate local laws or the network's terms of service. Always ensure you're only scanning networks for legitimate purposes, such as optimizing your own Wi-Fi setup.

6. View information about devices connected to the network

If you're a network administrator, you may need a list of all connected devices—for example, to identify unauthorized connections or restrict access for certain devices. This data is available:

• 🖥️ In the router's web interface (section DHCP, Connected Devices or Local area network).
• 📱 In the manufacturer's mobile applications (for example, TP-Link Tether, ASUS Router).
• 🛠️ Through third-party utilities like Advanced IP Scanner (for Windows) or Fing (for mobile devices).

In the router's web interface, the list of devices usually contains:

• 🆔 Host Name — the name of the device (if it broadcasts one).
• 🖧 MAC Address — unique identifier.
• 🌐 IP Address — IP issued by the router.
• ⏱️ Lease Time — IP lease time.

Example of a list of devices in Keenetic:

Third party utilities like Fing (available for Android/iOS/Windows) additionally show:

• 🔍 Device manufacturer by MAC address (for example, Apple, Samsung).
• 📡 Signal strength for wireless clients.
• ⚡ Connection speed (for example, 866 Mbps).

7. Wi-Fi analysis using specialized utilities

For in-depth network diagnostics, use professional tools. They allow you to:

• 📊 Create a heat map of Wi-Fi coverage.
• 🔍 Identify sources of interference.
• 🛠️ Test your connection speed and stability.

Popular utilities:

Example of use NetSpot:

1. Install the program and run it Discover Mode.
2. Start scanning - in a few seconds a list of networks with detailed parameters will appear.
3. Switch to the tab Signal Levelto see the signal level in dBm.
4. In the section Channel Rating The program will tell you which channel is less busy.

For Linux the utility will do linssid (install via sudo apt install linssid). She shows:

• 📡 All networks within range, indicating channel and width.
• 🔒 Security type and Wi-Fi standard.
• 📊 Channel load chart.

⚠️ Note: Some utilities (for example, Kismet or Airodump-ng) require superuser privileges and may conflict with Wi-Fi drivers. Use them only if you understand the risks.

8. How to save Wi-Fi information for future use

If you frequently configure or troubleshoot networks, it's helpful to save key settings for quick access. Here are a few ways:

📝 Manual export:

• Copy the data from the command line (netsh wlan show interfaces) into a text file.
• Take screenshots of your router settings screens.
• Save the list of devices from DHCP in format CSV (if the router supports export).

📱 Mobile applications:

• WiFi Map — saves passwords and network settings with the ability to export.
• Network Analyzer - allows you to export scan results to JSON.

🖥️ Automated tools:

• Script on Python using the library python-wifi for automatic data collection.
• Utility Wireshark for deep traffic analysis (requires experience).

An example of a simple script for saving network information on Windows:

@echo off
netsh wlan show interfaces > wifi_info.txt
netsh wlan show networks mode=bssid >> wifi_info.txt
echo Scan complete! Data saved to wifi_info.txt
pause

Save this code to a file wifi_scan.bat and run as administrator.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi information

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi connection I've connected to before but haven't saved?

On Windows And macOS - Yes, through the network settings (see section 1). Android without root rights - no, unless the password is saved in Google Smart LockOn . iOS There are no official methods, but you can try sharing the password through another Apple-gadget.

How do I determine whether my network is running on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?

On Windows run the command netsh wlan show interfaces and find the line Radio typeOn . Android use WiFi Analyzer — the range will be indicated in the list of networks. macOS hold Option (⌥) and click on the Wi-Fi icon - the information will be indicated Channel (1-14 - 2.4 GHz, 36-165 - 5 GHz).

Is it possible to see what devices are connected to my Wi-Fi without logging into the router?

Yes, using utilities like Fing (mobile version) or Advanced IP Scanner (for Windows). They scan the local network and display all connected devices with their IP and MAC addresses. However, some devices may be hidden if they block ICMP requests (ping).

What should I do if my router doesn't show a list of connected devices?

Check if it is enabled DHCP server in your router settings. If devices are connected with static IP addresses, they may not appear in the list. Also, try updating your router firmware—new versions often improve monitoring functionality.

How do I know which Wi-Fi standard (802.11n/ac/ax) my router supports?

Check the sticker on your router - it usually indicates the supported standards (for example, 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 5). This information can also be found in the web interface in the section Wireless or Wi-FiIf the router is new, it most likely supports 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).