How to view your Wi-Fi password if you're already connected to the network

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to connect a new device to your home Wi-Fi, but you've long forgotten the password and the sticker on the router has worn off? Or a guest requests network access, but you can't remember the password you entered six months ago? Fortunately, if at least one device is already connected to the network, you can recover the password in a few minutes—without resetting the router or losing your settings.

In this article we will look at all working methods View saved Wi-Fi password on different devices: from Windows 10/11 to Android smartphones and even MacBookYou'll learn how to extract passwords from system files, where security keys are stored, and what tools you'll need. And also— Why some methods stopped working in new versions of iOS and how to bypass the restrictions.

Important: All of the methods described are legal if you own the network or have the administrator's permission. Using them to hack into other people's networks is punishable by law.

1. How to find out the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 and 11

Operating systems Windows Store all saved wireless network passwords in encrypted form, but they can be easily retrieved through the graphical interface or command line. This method works regardless of the router model (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic etc.) and connection type (WPA2, WPA3).

The easiest way is through Control Panel:

• 🖱️ Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
• 📡 Click on the name of your Wi-Fi network (next to "Connections").
• 🔑 In the window that opens, select "Wireless Network Properties" → "Security" tab.
• 👁️ Check the "Show entered characters" box to make your password visible.

If you have Windows 11, the path is a little different:

• ⚙️ Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 📌 Click "Manage known networks" → select your network → "Properties".
• 🔍 Scroll down to the "Network Password" section and click "Show".

Check your PC for administrator rights|Make sure you are connected to the correct network|Restart your computer and try again|Try an alternative method (see below)

-->

For experienced users there is a way through command line (does not require administrator rights if you are already connected to the network):

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

In the execution results, find the line Key content - this is your password.

2. Retrieving the password on MacOS (MacBook, iMac)

On devices Apple Wi-Fi network passwords are stored in the keychain (Keychain Access). To see them, you don't need to install any third-party programs—the built-in tools are enough. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. 🔍 Open Spotlight (combination Command + Space) and enter "Keychain".
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 → check the "Show password" box.
4. 🔐 Enter your account password MacOS, when the system asks for confirmation.

If you use macOS Ventura or newer, the interface may be slightly different, but the principle remains the same. The main thing to remember is that you'll need to enter your data to view the password. computer administrator.

What to do if the keychain is damaged?

If Keychain Access If it gives an error or doesn't show saved networks, try:

1. Restart your Mac.

2. Reset the keychain via Utilities → Disk Utility → First Aid (select the volume and click "Recover").

3. As a last resort, create a new keychain in File → New Keychain, but this will delete all saved passwords.

On MacBook with a chip Apple Silicon (M1/M2) the process is identical but may require additional confirmation via Touch ID.

3. How to view the Wi-Fi password on an Android smartphone

WITH Android the situation is more complicated: starting with version 10Google has removed the ability to view passwords through default settings for security reasons. However, there are workarounds—from using ADB before viewing configuration files (requires root rights).

If you have Android 9 or later, try this method:

• ⚙️ Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 📌 Click on the name of your network → "Manage network" (or "Edit network").
• 🔑 The "Password" field may be hidden by dots; sometimes it can be revealed by clicking the eye icon (depending on the firmware).

For Android 10+ Without root rights only it will help ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Here are brief instructions:

1. 🖥️ Install ADB on the computer and turn it on USB debugging on the phone.
2. 📱 Connect your phone to your PC and run the command:

   adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

3. 🔍 Open the downloaded file in any text editor and find the line <string name="PreSharedKey">... - this is the password.

On some firmware (for example, MIUI on Xiaomi or EMUI on Huawei) there are hidden menus for viewing passwords. For example, on Xiaomi You can enter the code into the telephone dialer ##2664##to open the test menu with network information.

4. Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone or iPad?

Apple severely restricts access to system data on iOS, so you can view the saved Wi-Fi password using standard tools impossibleHowever, there are two workarounds:

1. 🍎 If you have MacBook, connected to the same network, extract the password through Keychain Access (see the section on MacOS).
2. 🔧 Use jailbreak (Not recommended due to security risks). After jailbreaking the system, install the tweak. WiFi Passwords from the repository Cydia.

For iPad With iPadOS the rules are the same - no legal methods without Mac Or there's no jailbreak. This is done for security reasons, but it creates inconvenience for users.

Important: Apple may block accounts for attempts to bypass iOS restrictions. If you're not willing to take the risk, consider using other methods (for example, Windows or router).

5. Viewing the password through the router settings

If none of the previous methods worked, there is a universal method left - go to router web interface. This works regardless of the device (even if you have Linux or ChromeOS).

Instructions:

1. 🌐 Find out your router's IP address. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (can be seen on the device sticker).
2. 🖥️ Enter the address in your browser and log in (default logins/passwords: admin/admin, admin/empty or see sticker).
3. 📡 Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless, Wireless network) → Security.
4. 🔑 Field Password (or PSK, Key) contains the desired combination.

The path may differ on routers from different manufacturers:

6. Alternative methods and precautions

If none of the methods worked, here are some more ideas:

• 📱 Check it out messages in instant messengers — perhaps you once sent a password to yourself or friends.
• 📧 Look for letters from your provider - some operators (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline) send connection data upon first connection.
• 🔄 If the router is rented from a provider, the password can be specified in personal account on his website.

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention: Don't use programs like WiFi Password Revealer or WirelessKeyView On work computers, they may be detected by antivirus software as potentially dangerous. It's better to use the OS's built-in tools.

⚠️ Attention: If you rent a place or use corporate Wi-Fi, extracting the password without permission may violate the network's terms of use. Check with your administrator for this information.

If you often forget your passwords, start using password managers (For example, 1Password, KeePass (or built into the browser). They allow you to securely store such data and sync it between devices.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi connection I've connected to before but am not connected to now?

On Windows And MacOS - Yes, if the password is saved in the system. Android 10+ and iOS - no, without special tools (ADB/jailbreak).

Why can't I see the Wi-Fi password in my Android 12 settings?

Starting from Android 10Google removed this feature for security reasons. The only working methods are ADB or root access.

I reset my router, but the internet isn't working. What should I do?

After resetting the router, you'll need to reconfigure your internet connection (enter your provider's information) and set a new Wi-Fi password. This information is usually included in your contract, or you can check with support.

Is it possible to find out my neighbor's Wi-Fi password?

Technically yes, but that's illegally (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code—unauthorized access to computer information). The most you can legally do is ask your neighbor for the password.

How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking?

Use WPA3 Instead of WPA2, set a complex password (12+ characters with numbers and special characters), disable WPS, regularly update your router firmware and hide the SSID (network name).