It's quite common to need to connect a new device to your home network but lose or forget the password. The security code is a key element in protecting your internet connection from unauthorized access. It's usually hidden behind asterisks in the operating system settings or not displayed at all in the smartphone interface after the first connection.
Fortunately, there are proven methods that can help restore access access this data without resetting the hardware. In most cases, operating systems store encryption keys for automatic reconnection, and they can be retrieved. You don't need to be a networking expert to perform these steps.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the algorithms for various platforms: from Windows computers to Android and iOS mobile devices. We'll also cover access via the router's web interface, which is a universal method for any device. It's important to understand that modern encryption protocols, such as WPA2 And WPA3, provide a high level of protection, so storing passwords in clear text is limited by system security policies.
Finding a saved password on a Windows computer
The Windows operating system automatically saves the profiles of all networks you've ever connected to. This is done for user convenience, so you don't have to re-enter the data each time. However, you can't easily view this code in the regular network properties menu—the field is hidden.
The easiest way to find a forgotten key is to use the Control Panel graphical interface. This method works on all current versions of the operating system, including Windows 10 and 11. You'll need access to a computer that's already connected to the desired network or has previously connected to it.
To get started, open the Settings menu and go to the Network & Internet section. Next, select Change adapter settings or enter the command ncpa.cpl In the Run window, find your wireless connection in the list that opens, right-click it, and select "Status."
⚠️ Caution: If you're using a public computer or device that doesn't belong to you, obtaining passwords may violate your organization's security policy. Use these methods only for private networks.
In the status window, click "Wireless Network Properties." Switch to the "Security" tab. This is where the "Network Security Key" field is located, hidden by default. Check the "Show entered characters" box to reveal the hidden code.
If the graphical interface isn't available or you prefer the command line, you can use the console. This method is faster and allows you to list all saved profiles. Open the command prompt (cmd) as administrator and enter the following command to display a list of networks:
netsh wlan show profilesOnce you see the name of the network you want, enter the following command, replacing "Network_Name" with the actual name of your Wi-Fi:
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearIn the resulting report, find the "Key Content" line. It will contain the password you're looking for in cleartext. This method is especially useful if the graphical interface isn't working correctly.
How to find the security code on an Android smartphone
Owners of Android devices often need to share their password with guests. In modern versions of the operating system (Android 10 and later), this feature is built-in and doesn't require superuser (root) privileges.
To view your saved password, go to your device's settings and select "Wi-Fi" or "Connections." Find the network you're currently connected to, or tap the gear icon next to the saved network in the list. On some smartphone models (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) the interface may differ slightly, but the logic remains the same.
Click the "Share" or "QR Code" button. The system may require identification via a PIN or fingerprint. A QR code will then appear on the screen for guests to scan. Below this code is often (but not always) a text password.
- 📱 If the password is written under the QR code, simply copy it or rewrite it.
- 📸 If there is no text, take a screenshot of the QR code.
- 🔍 Open the screenshot using Google Lens or any QR code scanner to see the text string containing the data.
For devices with Root rights, there are specialized applications such as WiFi Password Viewer, which can display all saved keys from the system file wpa_supplicant.confHowever, on standard, non-rooted devices, this file is not readable by regular applications.
Restoring access to iPhone and iPad
For a long time the ecosystem Apple prevented users from viewing saved Wi-Fi passwords in plaintext. With the release of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, this changed, and the ability to view security keys is now built into system settings.
To view the code, make sure your device is updated to the latest version. Go to "Settings" and select "Wi-Fi." Find the network whose password you want to find. Next to the network name, there should be a blue button with the letter "i" in a circle.
Tap this button. In the menu that opens, find the "Password" line, which is currently hidden by dots. Tap this line. The system will prompt you for biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) or a device unlock code. Once verified, the password will be displayed in text format and can be copied.
⚠️ Note: On devices running iOS versions earlier than 16, there is no built-in way to view the password. The only option is to view it in the router settings or on a Mac computer with key syncing enabled.
If you have a Mac with the same iCloud account and Keychain enabled, you can find the password using the Keychain Access app on macOS. Find the network name in the list, open its properties, and check the "Show password" box.
Viewing the key through the router's web interface
The most universal method, regardless of the client's device type (phone, laptop, tablet), is to access the router's settings. The router is the center of the network and stores all security settings, including the current encryption key.
To log in, you need to know the gateway IP address. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter this address in your browser's address bar. You'll be asked to enter your administrator username and password. If you haven't changed them, they're located on a sticker on the bottom of the device (often admin/admin).
Interfaces from different manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link, Keenetic) are different, but the menu structure is similar. You need to find the section related to wireless mode. It may be called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Network," or "WLAN."
Within this section, look for the "Security" or "Wireless Settings" subsection. This is where you'll find the "Wireless Password," "PSK Password," or "WPA Key" field. This field displays the current password, which you can change or simply rewrite.
☑️ Checking access to the router
The table below shows typical settings paths for popular brands:
| Router brand | Path to the menu | Field name |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless -> Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
| ASUS | Wireless Network -> General | Authentication Method / WPA Pre-Shared Key |
| D-Link | Wi-Fi -> Security Settings | PSK encryption key |
| Keenetic | My Networks and Wi-Fi -> Home Network | Password |
If you change the password in this menu, all devices will immediately lose connection to the network. You'll have to reconnect each device using the new security code. Be careful when making changes.
Using third-party software and commands
There are many wireless connection management programs that can extract saved passwords. One popular tool is the utility WirelessKeyView from NirSoft. It scans the Windows registry and displays a list of all networks with keys.
Use such programs with caution. Antivirus programs may flag them as potentially unwanted programs (HackTools), as they are designed to extract sensitive data. Such programs should only be downloaded from the developers' official websites.
There are also cross-platform password managers such as KeePass Or built-in browser storage if you've ever saved a password there. Check the "Passwords" section in Google Chrome or Yandex Browser settings by searching for your network name.
⚠️ Note: Router and operating system interfaces are updated regularly. The location of menu items may change. If you don't find an exact match, look for synonyms (Security, WLAN, Wireless).
For advanced Linux users, there is the ability to view passwords in configuration files located in the directory /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/However, root privileges are required to read these files.
What to do if nothing helps
In rare cases, none of the devices remember the password, access to the router is lost (the admin password has been changed), and there's no way to see the sticker on the bottom (for example, because the router is located high up). In this situation, a radical yet effective method remains.
You can perform a factory reset (hard reset) on your router. There's a small hole marked "Reset" on the device's casing. Press it with a paperclip and hold for 10-15 seconds until the lights blink. This will return the router to its out-of-the-box state.
Your Wi-Fi password will be the one written on the sticker. However, you'll have to reconfigure your internet connection (enter your ISP login and password) if these details weren't automatically assigned. This is a last resort and will require time to reconfigure.
What is the difference between a reset and a reboot?
A reboot (power cycle) simply restarts the device, preserving all settings. A reset completely erases user settings and returns them to factory defaults, including Wi-Fi and admin passwords.
Remember that the security of your network is directly dependent on the strength of your password. Using simple combinations puts you at risk of being a "neighbor" or becoming a victim of attacks. After regaining access, it's recommended to set a strong key using mixed-case letters and numbers.
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if I'm not connected to the network?
From a mobile phone – no, unless it's previously connected. From a computer – yes, if the network profile is saved in the system, even if you're currently out of range of the router. Via the router – yes, if you have physical access to it and can connect via cable or Wi-Fi (with the admin password).
What is WPS and can I use it to find out the password?
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a simplified connection technology. Some older routers had vulnerabilities that allowed someone to brute-force the WPS PIN and discover the password. Modern routers often block this feature or require a physical press of a button. Specialized PIN-bruteforcing programs (for example, WPS Connect) work only on devices with root rights and a specific Wi-Fi module.
Where is the password sticker on the router?
It's usually located on the bottom of the case or on the back panel. Look for the words "WPS PIN," "Wireless Key," "Wi-Fi Password," or "WPA Key." If the sticker is worn off, try searching for your router model online—sometimes (rarely) the default passwords can be the same for a particular model, but it's best not to count on it.
Are password recovery programs safe to use?
Official utilities from reputable developers (like NirSoft) are safe, but antivirus programs may complain about their operating methods. Download software only from official websites. Avoid dubious "crackers" from unverified sources, as they may contain viruses.