It's quite common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but lose or forget the access key. Router owners often change the default settings for security reasons, only to later be unable to remember the password they used. Fortunately, modern operating systems and network equipment offer several ways to restore access without requiring complex code modification.
First of all, it is worth clarifying what is under security code This usually refers to the password requested when you first connect your device. This key encrypts your traffic, protecting your data from prying eyes. If you're a network administrator or have physical access to an already connected computer, recovering the coveted keys won't be difficult.
In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for retrieving saved passwords from various devices, as well as how to reset your router to factory settings. It's important to understand that hacking into someone else's network without their permission is illegal, so all the methods described below apply only to your personal networks or networks you're authorized to administer.
Finding a password on Windows devices
The Windows operating system automatically saves profiles of all networks your computer has ever connected to. This is the easiest way to find a forgotten password if your laptop or PC already has Wi-Fi access. First, open the list of available networks by clicking the corresponding icon in the system tray.
Next, go to your network settings. The path may be slightly different in Windows 10 and 11, but the logic remains the same: find your active connection and open its properties. In the window that opens, look for the button Wireless network properties or a similar menu item that displays the connection status.
In the properties window, go to the tab Security. This is where the encryption key is stored. By default, the field Network security key Hidden by asterisks. To see the symbols, you need to check the box next to the item. Show entered characters.
⚠️ Attention: Accessing the Security tab may require administrator privileges. If prompted, enter your account password or allow changes.
If you can't find the desired option through the graphical interface, you can use the command line. This method is especially convenient if you need to find the password for a network your computer has previously connected to but is currently not connected to.
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearIn the received report, find the line Key content (Key Content). This is where the password you're looking for will be located. Note that the network name in the command must be enclosed in quotation marks if it contains spaces.
How to view the code on Android and iOS smartphones
Mobile devices also store data about connected networks, but access to this information depends on the operating system version. On Apple devices with iOS 16 and later, as well as Android 10 and later, the process is significantly simplified thanks to key exchange functionality via QR codes.
On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings → Wi-FiFind the network whose password you need to know and click on the blue information icon (i) to the right of the title. In the menu that opens, tap the line Password, hidden by dots.
The system will prompt you to authenticate biometrically via Face ID or Touch ID, or enter your screen unlock code. Once verified, the dots will turn into readable text that can be copied. On Android, the process is similar: select the desired network in the Wi-Fi menu and press the button. Share or a gear icon.
- 📱 On Android, a QR code will appear, under which the password is often (but not always) written in text.
- 🔑 If there is no text, scan the QR code with another phone - the key will be visible in the connection notification.
- 🔒 On older versions of Android, it's impossible to view saved passwords using system tools without root access.
⚠️ Attention: On devices without root access, viewing system files containing passwords is impossible using standard methods. Using third-party apps from untrusted sources can lead to data theft.
Owners of Samsung, Xiaomi, or Huawei devices should pay attention to cloud syncing. Passwords are often stored in the manufacturer's account (Mi Account, Samsung Account) and can be accessed through the web interface or on another device of the same brand.
What should I do if the QR code is not displayed?
On some Android versions (for example, stock Android 10), the password isn't displayed in plain text underneath the QR code. In this case, you can take a screenshot of the code and open it using Google Lens or any QR scanning app. The system will recognize the code and display the network details, including the password, in plain text.
Restoring access via the router's web interface
The most reliable way to find or change your security code is to access your router's settings. This method works whether you're currently connected to Wi-Fi or not (if you're connected via cable). You'll need the default gateway address to log in.
Open your browser and enter your router's IP address into the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.31.1The exact address is usually written on a sticker on the bottom of the device next to the Login and Password fields.
After entering your login and password (often admin/admin), you will be taken to the control panel. The interface varies from manufacturer to manufacturer (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link, Keenetic) is different, but the menu structure is similar. You need to find the section related to wireless networking.
| Manufacturer | Menu section | Subsection | Password field |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless | Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
| ASUS | Additional settings | Wireless network | Authentication method |
| D-Link | Wi-Fi | Security settings | PSK encryption key |
| Keenetic | My Networks and Wi-Fi | Home network | Wi-Fi network password |
In the section that opens, find the field Wireless Password, WPA Pre-Shared Key or "Password." If there are dots there, there's often a "Show Password" checkbox next to it. If the field is empty or hidden, you can simply enter a new code there and click the button. Save or Apply.
☑️ Check before logging into the router
Using the sticker and factory settings
If you've never changed your router's settings since purchasing it, the password is likely still the factory default. Manufacturers print a unique combination for each model on a special sticker located on the bottom or back of the router.
Look for the inscription WPA/WPA2 Password, Wireless Key or simply PasswordThis character combination is case-sensitive, so check your uppercase and lowercase letters carefully. The sticker also contains the network name (SSID), which by default may match the model name.
However, if the default password on the sticker doesn't work, it means the settings have been changed previously. In this case, the last resort is a factory reset. There's a small hole on the router's body with the following inscription: Reset or Default.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting (holding the button for 10-15 seconds while the power is on), the router will return to its out-of-the-box state. All provider settings (PPPoE, L2TP) will be deleted, and the internet will be disabled until you reconfigure the connection.
Use this method only if you're confident you can re-enter your internet service provider credentials. After rebooting, the password will be the same as the one on the sticker.
Third-party programs and utilities
There are many wireless connection management programs that can display saved keys. One popular tool is the utility WirelessKeyView from NirSoft. It requires no installation and operates at the system level, reading data from the Windows registry.
When launched, the program automatically scans the WLAN database and displays a list of all known networks. In the column Key (Ascii) The password is displayed in clear text. This is convenient if standard Windows tools are not available.
You can also use the command line functionality in conjunction with PowerShell for a more detailed analysis. However, when using third-party software, always verify its digital signature and download source to avoid infecting your system with viruses.
- 💻 WirelessKeyView — a lightweight utility that displays all saved keys at once.
- 🛡️ WiFi Password Decoder — allows you to recover forgotten passwords from backup copies.
- 📡 NetPass — an analogue from NirSoft, works in a similar way, but with a different interface.
Add utilities to exceptions only if you downloaded them from the developer's official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if I'm not connected to the network?
It's impossible to directly "pick" a password out of thin air without a connection. However, if your computer or phone has ever been connected to that network, the password is stored in the device's memory. You can retrieve it using the methods described above for Windows or macOS, even from a different location.
What should I do if I forgot my router admin password?
If you changed your router's settings password (not your Wi-Fi password) and forgot it, it can't be recovered. The only solution is to perform a hard reset using the button on the device. Then, use the username and password found on the sticker.
Is it safe to use simple Wi-Fi passwords?
No, this is extremely risky. Simple combinations (for example, 12345678) can be easily brute-forced in a few minutes. Use complex passwords of at least 12 characters long, containing mixed-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
Why doesn't the router accept the password even though it's correct?
Check your keyboard layout and letter case. Also, make sure the correct encryption type is selected (usually WPA2-PSK). If your device is very old, it may not support modern security standards, and you'll need to temporarily enable promiscuous mode in your router settings.