How to find a saved Wi-Fi password: all methods for a PC, phone, and router

Forgot your Wi-Fi password and your guests need to connect urgently? Or reset your phone and can't remember the 20-character combination you created a year ago? This situation sounds familiar to many. Luckily, saved Wi-Fi password can be easily extracted - if you have access to at least one device that has previously connected to this network.

In this article we will look at all current methodsHow to view your Wi-Fi password Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, iPhone and even directly through router settingsEach method is illustrated with screenshots (where possible) and accompanied by security warnings. Important: If you attempt to hack someone else's network, it is illegal. This article is intended only for restoring access to your own networks.

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

Operating systems Windows Store all connected networks in a dedicated settings section. To view the saved password, you don't need to install any third-party programs—just a few clicks.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

  1. Open Control Panel (can be found through the search in the menu) Start).
  2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
  3. Select on the left Managing wireless networks (V Windows 11 path may be slightly different: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks).
  4. Find the required network in the list, right-click on it and select Properties.
  5. In the window that opens, go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters.

The password will be displayed in the field. Network security keyIf the button is inactive, it means your account does not have administrator rights.

  • 🔹 Quick way: Enter in the command line (Win + R → cmd) command: 
    netsh wlan show profile name="NAZVANIE_SETI" key=clear

    Replace NAZVANIE_SETI to the name of your network. The password will be in the line Key content.

  • 🔹 For Windows 7: The path is almost identical, but instead Managing wireless networks look for Network and Sharing Management.
⚠️ Note: If you are using a corporate network with certificates (e.g. WPA2-Enterprise), this method will not work - the password is stored in the system certificate store.

Make sure your device is connected to the correct network|Check your administrator rights|Use the exact network name (case sensitive)|Try both methods (graphical and command line)

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2. Finding a Wi-Fi password on macOS (MacBook, iMac)

On Mac Network passwords are stored in the system storage Keychain Access (Keychain). To view them, you need to know your account login and password. Apple ID.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and enter Keychain Access.
  2. In the left menu, select System or Logins (depending on macOS version).
  3. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
  4. Double-click on the found entry and check the box. Show password and enter the password for your account.

If the password is not displayed, the network may have been connected through a different profile (for example, a guest profile). Try searching in the section All elements.

  • 🍎 For older versions (before macOS Mojave): The path may be slightly different, but the principle is the same - look in Keychain.
  • 🔒 If the password is not saved: Try connecting to the network again - the system will offer to save it.
Device Where is the password stored? Do I need admin rights?
Windows 10/11 Network and Sharing Center Yes
macOS Keychain Access Yes (account password)
Android (root) /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml Yes (root access)
iPhone (no jailbreak) Can't see —

Smartphone (Android)|Smartphone (iPhone)|Laptop (Windows)|Laptop (macOS)|Tablet|Other

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3. How to view your Wi-Fi password on Android (previously saved)

On Android The situation is more complex: by default, the system doesn't display saved passwords. However, there are several workarounds, ranging from simple to those requiring technical skills.

Method 1: Through the router settings (if you have access)

If you can access the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), you can find the password there. The login and password are usually indicated on a sticker on the router itself (for example, admin/admin).

Method 2: Using root rights (for advanced users)

If your phone has root access, you can view the passwords in the file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml using any file manager (for example, Root Explorer). Look for the line <string name="PreSharedKey">PASSWORD</string>.

  • 🤖 For Xiaomi/Redmi phones: In some firmware MIUI the password can be seen in Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap a network → Share password (device PIN required).
  • 📱 For Samsung: On some models (eg, Galaxy S22 With One UI 5) the password is displayed as a QR code when you click on Share in the network menu.
⚠️ Attention: Viewing files with root privileges may damage your system. Back up before making changes!
What to do if you don't have root rights?

Without root access, you can't view your password using standard Android tools. Alternatives:

1. Reconnect to the network and select "Save password" (if your phone prompts you to do so).

2. Use another device (laptop, tablet) where the password is saved.

3. Reset the password through the router settings (if you have physical access to it).

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

Unfortunately, Apple severely restricts access to system data, and iPhone or iPad without jailbreak It is impossible to view the saved Wi-Fi password. Even through Settings or iCloud This information is not available.

What can be done:

  • 🔄 Share password: If there is another one nearby Apple-device (for example, MacBook), bring it to iPhone — the system will offer to share the password via AirDrop or Handoff.
  • 🖥️ Using a Mac: If your iPhone synchronized with Mac, the password can be found in Keychain Access (see the section on macOS).
  • 🔧 Reset the password on the router: If you have access to the router, you can reset it to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel) and set a new password.

For devices with jailbreak There are tweaks like WiFi Passwords (from the repository BigBoss), but their installation violates the warranty and security of the system.

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5. Viewing the password through the router settings

The most universal method is to access the router's web interface. This works regardless of the device, as long as you have access to the local network (for example, via a cable or an existing Wi-Fi connection).

How to access router settings:

  1. Find out the IP address of your router. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1You can find it on the sticker on the device or via the command: 
    ipconfig (for Windows) or ifconfig (for macOS/Linux)

    Look for the line Main gateway.

  2. Enter this address in your browser. A login window will open.
  3. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/password).
  4. Go to the section Wireless (or Wi-Fi, Wireless network) and find the field Password, Key or Pre-Shared Key.

If you changed your router login/password and don't remember them, you'll have to do it reset settings (press and hold the button Reset for 10 seconds). After this, the Wi-Fi password will also be reset to the factory default (indicated on the sticker).

  • 📡 For TP-Link routers: Chapter Wireless → Wireless Security.
  • 🌐 For ASUS: Wireless Network → Security Settings.
  • ⚙️ For Keenetic: Wi-Fi → Access Point → Security Settings.
⚠️ Attention: If the router is rented from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), the factory password may be linked to the contract. In this case, resetting the settings will result in loss of internet access and will require reconfiguration by a specialist.

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6. Alternative methods: backups and third-party programs

If standard methods don't work, you can try less obvious options. These are suitable for users who regularly back up their data or are willing to use third-party software.

Method 1: Restore from a backup

  • 💾 Windows: If you have used utilities like Acronis True Image or built-in File histories, try restoring system files from a backup (look for folders with network configurations).
  • ☁️ Android: In backups Google Drive (If syncing is enabled), network data is sometimes saved. It can't be viewed directly, but passwords may be restored when restoring the phone from a backup.

Method 2: Specialized programs

For Windows There are utilities like WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft), which displays all saved Wi-Fi passwords in a single window. The program is portable (no installation required), but may be blocked by antivirus software as "potentially dangerous" (a false positive).

For Android It will work with root rights WiFi Password Viewer (available in Google Play).

⚠️ Attention: Download such programs only from the developers' official websites. Counterfeit versions often contain mining viruses or spyware.
What should I do if the program doesn't show the password?

1. Make sure the program is running as administrator (for Windows).

2. Check if you have connected to this network before (the password may not have been saved).

3. Update the program to the latest version - older versions may not support new encryption standards (for example, WPA3).

7. Security: How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking

Now that you know how to easily extract a Wi-Fi password, it's time to think about your network's security. Here are some tips to make life more difficult for potential hackers:

  • 🔐 Use WPA3 instead of WPA2: The new encryption standard is harder to crack. If your router supports it, WPA3, enable it in the settings.
  • 🎲 Complex password: Don't use birth dates or simple combinations like 12345678. Optimally, 12+ characters with letters, numbers, and special characters (for example, kL9#pQ2!xY7$mN1).
  • 📵 Disable WPS: Function Wi-Fi Protected Setup It's vulnerable to brute-force attacks. It's best to disable it in your router settings.
  • 👤 Guest network: If you frequently grant access to guests, create a separate network with limited rights (without access to local devices).
  • 🔄 Change your password regularly: At least once every six months. This will protect against password leaks if someone accidentally reveals your password.

It is also worth disabling remote access to the router settings (option Remote Management) and update your device's firmware to the latest version—manufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities.

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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords

Is it possible to find out the password for the Wi-Fi that someone else's device connected to?

No, this is not possible without physical access to the device and unlocking it. Android without root rights or iPhone Without jailbreaking, you can't extract the password. Even if the device is connected to the network, you won't be able to view the password using external programs.

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

If you rented your router from a provider, it will require re-linking to your account after a reset. Contact your provider's support team and provide the router's MAC address (found on the sticker). They will send you new settings or activate the device remotely.

The Wi-Fi password is saved on the TV. Is it possible to retrieve it?

On the majority Smart TV (For example, Samsung, LG, Sony) there is no built-in function for viewing saved passwords. The exception is some models with Android TV, where you can try methods for Android (See Section 3). Alternatively, connect a keyboard to the TV and enter the new password manually.

I changed the password on my router, but my old devices won't connect. How do I fix this?

After changing the password, all devices are automatically disconnected from the network. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Forget the network on each device (in Wi-Fi settings, select the network → "Forget").
  2. Reconnect by entering a new password.

If the device doesn't ask for a password (such as a smart speaker), reset its network settings.

Is it possible to hack my neighbor's Wi-Fi if I know the network name?

No, and there's no point in trying. Hacking other people's networks:

  • Violates Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Unauthorized access to computer information").
  • This may result in your MAC address being blocked by your ISP.
  • Modern encryption standards (WPA3) make brute force attacks virtually useless.

If your neighbor has a weak signal, it is better to agree with him on sharing the network or install a repeater (repeater).

📖 Read also

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