How to view your Wi-Fi password if your computer is connected via cable: all working methods

Have you forgotten your home Wi-Fi password, but your computer is connected to the network via Ethernet? This situation is familiar to many: you've set up your router for a long time, entered the password on your phones and laptops, but when you need to connect a new device, you can't remember the combination. Luckily, there are several ways to retrieve a saved password., even if your PC is not directly connected to Wi-Fi.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods — from viewing passwords in Windows or macOS settings to extracting data from a router. All instructions are valid for modern OS versions and most router models. You won't need third-party programs or resetting your router—just standard tools.

⚠️ Important: All methods only work for networks you already have access to via cable. If you're trying to hack someone else's network, it's illegal and punishable under Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information").

1. View the password in Windows settings (if the PC has previously connected to Wi-Fi)

If your computer has ever connected to this Wi-Fi network over the air, the password may have been saved in the system. Even if it's currently connected to the router via cable, the data remains in wireless network manager.

To extract them:

1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter. The Network Connections window will open.
2. Find the adapter Wireless network (Wireless Network Connection), right-click on it and select Status → Wireless Network Properties.
3. Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters. The password will be displayed in the field. Network security key.

⚠️ Attention: If your computer has never connected to this Wi-Fi network over the air, this method won't work. In that case, proceed to the next steps.

The PC has connected to this Wi-Fi network at least once|You have administrator rights|The Wi-Fi adapter is enabled in Device Manager|The system has not been reinstalled since the last connection-->

If the "Wireless Network Properties" item is missing, your connection history has been erased. This happens after:

• 🔄 Reinstalling Windows without backing up settings.
• 🧹 Clearing network cache via netsh wlan delete profile name="*".
• 🖥️ Replacement of the Wi-Fi adapter (physically or via drivers).

2. Extracting the password via the command line (for advanced users)

Windows stores all saved Wi-Fi passwords in encrypted form. They can be retrieved via command line with administrator rights. This method works even if the PC is not currently connected to Wi-Fi.

Open Command line as administrator (click Win + X → Terminal (Administrator)) and run:

netsh wlan show profiles

You'll see a list of all saved networks. Copy the name of the one you want (including the case!) and run:

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

In the section Security parameters find the line Key content - this is the password.

⚠️ Attention: if you see a message "Profile not found", Means:

• 🖥️ The computer has never connected to this network via Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 The profile was deleted manually or after a system reset.
• 🛡️ You don't have administrator rights (run CMD as administrator).

3. Viewing your password on macOS (for Mac users)

On computers Apple Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a bunch of keys (Keychain Access). To retrieve them:

1. Open Programs → Utilities → Keychain.
2. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
3. Double-click on the found entry and check the box. Show password.
4. Enter your account password Mac (required for confirmation).

⚠️ Attention: if you don't remember your account password Mac, you can reset it through Password reset utility (booting into recovery mode - Cmd + R when turned on).

If the network is not in the keychain:

• 🍎 Mac never connected to it via Wi-Fi.
• 🗑️ The entry was deleted manually.
• 🔄 The system has been reinstalled.

Windows|macOS|Linux|Other-->

4. Login to the router's web interface (universal method)

The most reliable way is go to the router settings via a browser. To do this:

1. Find out Router IP address:
   • In Windows: Run the command in CMD ipconfig and find the line Main gateway (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
   • On Mac: Open System Preferences → Network → Advanced → TCP/IP.

Enter this IP into the address bar of your browser (for example, http://192.168.0.1).

Enter your username and password to log in. This is usually:

• admin/admin (For TP-Link, D-Link)
• admin/password (For ASUS)
• Empty password field (for some Zyxel)

If it doesn’t fit, look at the sticker on the back of the router.

• Go to the Wi-Fi settings section (usually Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless network).
• Find the field Password, Key or PSK — the current key will be there.

⚠️ Attention: If you or your provider changed the default login/password for the router and the data was lost, you will need factory reset (button Reset on the back panel). After this, the Wi-Fi password will also be reset!

What should I do if I can't access my router?

1. Check that the computer is connected to the router via cable (the LAN indicator should be on).

2. Try a different browser (for example, Firefox or Edge).

3. Disable your VPN or proxy—they may be blocking access to your local network.

4. If the gateway IP address 169.254.x.x — DHCP problem (reboot the router).

5. Make sure you enter the address without https:// (only http://192.168.0.1).

Router model	Standard IP	Login/Password
TP-Link (Archer, TL-WR)	192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1	admin/admin
ASUS (RT-AC, RT-AX)	192.168.1.1	admin/admin
D-Link (DIR)	192.168.0.1	admin/empty or admin/admin
Zyxel (Keenetic)	192.168.1.1	admin/1234 or empty
MikroTik	192.168.88.1	admin/empty

5. Using the WPS button (if your router supports it)

If your router has a button WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect a new device without entering a password. This method won't reveal the password itself, but it will allow you to bypass it:

1. Click the button WPS on the back of the router (usually marked with a 🔄 or 🔒 symbol).
2. Within 2 minutes, on the device you want to connect, select a Wi-Fi network and wait for it to connect automatically.

⚠️ Attention: WPS is considered unsafe — Attackers can guess your PIN code in a few hours. If security is critical, disable WPS in your router settings (Wireless → WPS → Disable).

WPS only works with devices that support this protocol (most modern smartphones and laptops). On iPhones and some Android devices, the feature may be disabled by default.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If none of the methods work, there are radical measures left:

• 🔧 Resetting the router to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds). After this, the password will be the default one (indicated on the router sticker), but all network settings will be reset.
• 📞 Contact your providerIf the router was provided by the provider (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline), they can provide the password over the phone (identity verification will be required).
• 🔍 Use specialized programs like WirelessKeyView (only if the PC has previously connected to the network).

⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router will result in:

• Loss of all settings (including PPPoE-logins, port forwarding, parental control).
• Change the Wi-Fi name and password to the default ones.
• Disconnect all devices from the network until reconnected.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out my neighbors' Wi-Fi password if my PC is connected to their network via cable?

No. All the methods in this article only work for networks that you have access to. legitimate access (for example, a home router). Trying to extract the password from someone else's network without permission is hacking and is prosecuted by law.

I reset my router, but the default password on the sticker doesn't work. What should I do?

Possible reasons:

• The sticker has been erased or the data is incorrect (try entering it manually, taking into account the case).
• Your provider has changed your router firmware (please contact support).
• The router is faulty (try connecting via cable and updating the firmware).

Is it possible to view the Wi-Fi password on an Android phone if it is connected to a PC via a cable?

No. Android does not allow you to extract the Wi-Fi password via a USB connection to a PC. However, if the phone connected to this network over the air, you can see the password:

1. On Android 10+: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Network name → Share (device PIN required).
2. On older versions: use applications like WiFi Password Viewer (root rights required).

The password in the router settings is displayed as asterisks. How can I see it?

Most routers hide their password by default. To view it:

• Try clicking on the password field - sometimes an option appears Show.
• Copy the asterisks, paste them into a notepad and count the number of characters (this may help you remember your password).
• Use a browser extension ShowPassword (does not work on all router models).

If nothing helps, change the password to a new one in the router settings.

My ISP is blocking access to my router settings. What should I do?

Some providers (eg MTS, Beeline) restrict access to the router's web interface. Solutions:

• Try logging in through a different browser or incognito mode.
• Use an alternative IP (eg. 192.168.100.1 for some models).
• Contact your provider's support team and ask them to provide access or provide you with your Wi-Fi password.