Many users are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new device to a wireless network but forgetting or losing the password. It often happens that a smartphone or laptop is successfully connected, but remembering the password for a guest device or smart device is impossible. Fortunately, modern operating systems and routers store this data in a readily accessible format if you have physical access to the device.
Restoring access to security key There are several possible methods, depending on which device is already connected to the network. We'll cover options for Windows computers, Android and iOS mobile devices, and direct access to router settings. It's important to understand that all of the described steps are only legal if you own the network or have permission to do so.
Before moving on to complex manipulations, it's worth checking out simple options. Sometimes WPA2-PSK The key is written on a sticker under the router body or saved in your cloud account if you used sync. In this article, we'll walk you through each step in detail so you can quickly restore internet access without calling a technician.
Finding a password through the router settings
The most reliable way to find a forgotten key is to look into the "brains" of your router. To do this, you'll need to connect your computer to the router using LAN cable or via Wi-Fi, if one of the devices is already authorized. Open any browser and enter the device's IP address in the address bar, which usually looks like this: 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
After entering the address, the system will ask for your username and password to access the admin panel. If you've never changed these details, they're located on the same sticker on the bottom of the router as the factory Wi-Fi password. Default combinations are often admin/admin or admin/password, however, for the purposes of security It is better to change them during the first setup.
⚠️ Note: If you reset your router to factory settings (press the Reset button), all user settings, including the PPPoE connection type and network name, will be deleted. Be prepared to re-enter your ISP information.
Once you're in the interface, you need to find the section related to wireless mode. Depending on the model and firmware, it may be called Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless network. Inside this section, look for the subsection "Security" or "Wireless Security". It's there in the field Wireless Password or PSK Key The current key is displayed.
Interfaces vary significantly across different manufacturers, but the logic remains the same. Below is a table with sample paths for popular brands to help you navigate the menu.
| Router brand | Path to the menu | Field name |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless -> Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
| Asus | Administration -> System | WPA Pre-Shared Key |
| Keenetic | My Networks and Wi-Fi -> Home Network | Wi-Fi network password |
| D-Link | Wi-Fi -> Security Settings | PSK encryption key |
How to find out the password on a Windows computer
If you already have a computer or laptop running Windows 10 or 11 connected to your network, the operating system stores the access key in its records. This is the fastest method, as it doesn't require logging into the router settings. However, the interface may vary depending on the OS version.
In Windows 10, right-click the network icon in the system tray and select "Network and Internet settings." Then go to "Network and Sharing Center" (sometimes you need to scroll down or look for the link in advanced settings). In the window that opens, click the name of your wireless connection.
In the status window that appears, click the button Wireless network properties. Go to the tab SecurityHere you'll see the "Network Security Key" field, where the characters are hidden behind asterisks. To see them, simply check the "Show entered characters" box.
☑️ Check on Windows
For Windows 11 users, the process is a bit simpler, but more complex. Go to "Settings" -> "Network & Internet" -> "Advanced network settings." At the very bottom of the list, find "Advanced sharing settings," or use the command prompt for a more advanced approach.
Open Command Prompt (cmd) as administrator. Enter the command netsh wlan show profile name="Your_Network_Name" key=clearIn the "Security Settings" section, find the "Key Contents" line. This is your password. This method is universal and works even if the graphical interface freezes.
⚠️ Important: The command line requires precision. If the network name contains spaces, be sure to enclose it in quotation marks, otherwise the command will not execute correctly.
What to do if the command doesn't work?
Make sure you're running the console as an administrator. Also, verify the exact profile name by running the command netsh wlan show profiles to view a list of all saved networks.
Viewing the key on Android smartphones
Android device owners can find their password directly in their phone's settings, but there's a caveat depending on the operating system version. On Android 10 and later, Google has implemented a convenient network sharing feature via QR codes.
Go to "Settings" -> "Wi-Fi" (or "Connections"). Tap the name of the network you're connected to or the gear icon next to it. Select "Share" or "QR code." A code will appear on the screen. Scan it with another device to connect. The password is often written directly below the QR code.
If the text below the code isn't visible, take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code. Then open the Google Lens app (or any similar scanner) and select the screenshot from your gallery. The system will recognize the code and display network details, including SSID and the password in plain text.
On devices with permissions Root (superuser) the process is even simpler. You can use file managers with access to system folders by following the path /data/misc/wifi/ and opening the file wpa_supplicant.confThis file stores all saved networks and their keys in clear text.
Instructions for iPhone and iPad users
For a long time, iOS hid Wi-Fi passwords from users, but starting with iOS 16, Apple allowed users to view stored keys. This was made possible thanks to improved security and biometric authentication. Unfortunately, this method doesn't work on older versions of iOS without jailbreaking.
Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. Go to Wi-Fi. Find the network whose password you want to find out and tap the blue information icon. (i) To the right of the title. In the menu that opens, find the line "Password."
The password characters will be hidden by dots. Click on this line. The system will ask you to confirm your identity using Face ID, Touch ID or entering your screen unlock password. After successful authentication, the dots will turn into readable text that can be copied.
⚠️ Note: The password viewer feature is only available on iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. If you have an older version, updating the system is required to access this information.
For macOS devices synced with iCloud Keychain, the password can also be found in the keychain. Open Spotlight Search (Cmd+Space) and type "Keychain Access." Find your Wi-Fi network name in the list, double-click it, and check "Show password," confirming the action with your fingerprint or administrator password.
Using third-party software and utilities
There are many programs that claim to "hack" or reveal passwords. However, most of them are either viruses or simply display data already in the system. One proven solution is the utility WirelessKeyView from NirSoft.
This program doesn't require installation and works immediately after launch. It reads all Wi-Fi profiles saved in Windows and displays them in a table. You need to find the column Key (Hex) or Key (Ascii), where the key you're looking for will be displayed. This program is useful when standard Windows tools aren't available.
Also popular are apps like WiFi Password ViewerThey operate on a similar principle: they request administrator privileges and extract saved keys from the system registry. Be careful when downloading such programs—use only the official developer websites to avoid infecting your computer with malware.
Are password viewers safe?
Most of them are safe, as they don't hack the network but merely read local Windows settings. However, antivirus programs may detect them as hacking tools (HackTools) because they disclose sensitive data.
What to do if none of the methods helped
If you don't have a single device that remembers the password and you can't access the router settings (you've forgotten the administrator password), the last, but radical, option is to reset the router to factory settings. This will return the device to its "out of the box" state.
On the back of the router, find a small hole labeled Reset or RestoreTake a paperclip or needle, press the button inside the hole, and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the indicators blink simultaneously. After rebooting, the router will operate with the factory password indicated on the sticker.
After the reset, you will have to reconfigure your internet connection. If your provider uses tethering, MAC address or requires PPPoE/L2TP configuration, you will need to re-enter this information. Make sure you have a contract with your provider or access to your personal account where these parameters are specified.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting your router is a last resort. Make sure you have your internet service provider's technical information (username, password, connection type), otherwise you may be without internet for an extended period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if I'm not connected to the network?
Without a network connection or a previously saved profile on the device, it's impossible to find the password programmatically. The only option is physical access to the router (sticker) or logging into its admin panel via cable.
Where can I find the password if the router was provided by my ISP?
The password is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the device. If there's no sticker, call your provider's support team—they can provide the password or reset the device remotely.
Why does Windows say I don't have permission to view the password?
Viewing security keys requires administrator privileges. Make sure you're logged in with an account with full privileges or running the command prompt as an administrator.
Is it possible to recover a password using Android apps without root?
Without root access, apps can't access system files where passwords are stored. However, on Android 10+, you can use the QR code feature to display passwords in plain text without the need for third-party software.
I changed the password on my router, but my phone won't connect. What should I do?
You need to "forget" the network on your phone. Go to Wi-Fi settings, select your network, and tap "Delete" or "Forget." Then reconnect using the new password.