How to find your Wi-Fi password: all the methods for your router, phone, and computer

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and your guests need to connect urgently? Or bought a used router with saved settings? Situations where you need to know your own network access code occur more often than you think. Luckily, there are several reliable ways to recover your password—and most of them don't require any complicated technical manipulation.

In this article we will look at all current methodsHow to view your Wi-Fi password: through router settings, Windows/macOS system tools, mobile devices, and even using alternative programs. We'll cover the nuances for popular router brands separately (TP-Link, Asus, Xiaomi, Keenetic) and we'll explain why some methods may not work on modern cloud-based models.

Let us warn you right away: if you are trying to hack someone else’s network, this is illegally (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). All methods in the article are intended solely for restoring access to his own network to which you have already connected before.

1. How to find out your Wi-Fi password through your router settings

The most universal way is to go to the router's web interface and view the current security key. This method works on any device, regardless of the model, if you have physical access to the router.

Step-by-step instructions:

• 🔌 Connect your computer or phone to the router via cable (via port LAN) or via Wi-Fi (if the device was already connected before).
• 🌐 Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. For Xiaomi And Keenetic can be used miwifi.com or my.keenetic.net.
• 🔑 Enter your username and password to log in. By default, this is often admin/admin, but if you've changed the data, use your own. The sticker with the factory data is usually located on the bottom of the router.
• 🔍 Go to the wireless network settings section. The path may vary:
  • For TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Security
  • For Asus: Wireless Network → Security Settings
  • For Xiaomi: Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Settings
• 📝 In the field Wi-Fi password (or Key, Pre-Shared Key) you will see the current key. You can copy it or change it if necessary.

If you have never changed the factory password of the router, you can find it on the sticker on the device body (field Wi-Fi Password or Network Key). However, this method will not work if the network has been reconfigured.

Is the cable connected correctly to the LAN (not WAN) port?

Is VPN/proxy disabled in your browser?

Have you tried another browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)?

Have you cleared your browser cache (Ctrl+F5)?

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⚠️ Note: On some routers with cloud management (e.g. Keenetic or Tenda (New series) The web interface may require authorization through the manufacturer's account. If you haven't linked the device to an account, a factory reset will be required.

2. View saved Wi-Fi passwords on Windows 10/11

If your computer or laptop is already connected (or has previously connected) to the desired network, Windows stores the password in the system settings. You can retrieve it without any additional software.

Method 1: Via Network Settings

1. Click Win + I, select Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of your network, then - Wireless network properties.
3. Scroll to the block Security parameters and press Show symbols next to the field Network security key.

Method 2: Via the command line

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

Replace NETWORK_NAME the name of your Wi-Fi. The password you're looking for will be in the line Key content.

Method 3: Via the Network and Sharing Center (for Windows 7/8/10)

• Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray → Open Network and Internet settings.
• Select Network and Sharing Center → Changing adapter settings.
• Right-click on your connection → Status → Wireless Network Properties → Security.
• Mark Show entered characters.

Via Windows settings|Via command line|Via Network and Sharing Center|I don't know, I haven't tried it-->

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a corporate network with certificates (for example, WPA2-Enterprise), these methods will not reveal the password - it is stored in the domain settings or on the authentication server.

3. How to view your Wi-Fi password on MacOS

On computers MacBook or iMac Saved Wi-Fi passwords are stored in your keychain (Keychain Access). To extract them:

1. Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and enter Bunch of keys.
2. In the left menu, select System → Passwords.
3. Find the name of your Wi-Fi network in the list and double-click on it.
4. Mark Show password and enter the password for your account MacOS.

If you have forgotten your keychain password, you can reset it through Password reset utility (booting into recovery mode). However, this will result in the loss of all saved passwords.

An alternative way is through Terminal:

security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

Replace NETWORK_NAME to your Wi-Fi SSID. The system will ask for your account password.

4. Recovering Wi-Fi password on Android and iOS

On mobile devices, retrieving a saved password is more difficult due to security restrictions. However, there are workarounds.

For Android (root required):

• 📱 Install a file manager with access to system files (for example, Root Explorer).
• 📂 Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/ and open the file WifiConfigStore.xml.
• 🔍 Find the line with the name of your network (SSID) - there will be a field nearby PreSharedKey with a password.

Without root rights you can try:

• 🔄 Connect to the router via a browser (as in the first method).
• 📱 On some firmware (for example, MIUI on Xiaomi) the password is displayed in the Wi-Fi settings: go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on your network and select Share password (PIN or fingerprint required).

For iPhone/iPad (without jailbreak):

• 🍎 On iOS It is impossible to extract the password without hacking the system. The only option is to use Mac with a synchronized keychain (see MacOS section).
• 🔌 Or connect to the router via cable and look for the password in its settings.

5. Alternative methods: programs and utilities

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party tools. Important: download software only from official sources to avoid viruses.

For Linux you can use the command:

sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/NETWORK_NAME | grep psk=

⚠️ Attention: Programs like Aircrack-ng or Wifite, often mentioned on forums, are intended for security testing own networks with the owner's permission. Using them to hack other people's access points is punishable by law.

6. What to do if nothing helps: reset the router

If you can't remember your router password and don't have access to its settings, there's only one option left: full reset to factory settings. Please note that after this:

• 🔄 All settings (including network name, password, port priorities) will be reset.
• 📡 You will have to set up your internet connection again (enter your provider's information).
• 🔐 The Wi-Fi password will become the default one (indicated on the router sticker).

How to reset a router:

1. Find the button on the back panel Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press and hold the button 10-15 seconds.
3. Wait for the reboot (all indicators will light up).
4. Connect to the network with the factory name (eg. TP-Link_1234) and the password from the sticker.

After the reset, go to the router settings (as in first section) and reconfigure your internet connection. The details for this are usually specified in your contract with your provider (or you can check with technical support).

How to avoid losing your password in the future?

1. Create a text file with passwords and store it in an encrypted archive (for example, 7-Zip with a password).

2. Use password managers (KeePass, 1Password) to store data from the router.

3. Stick a sticker with the password on the inside of the router (if it is in a place inaccessible to outsiders).

4. Set up a backup of the router configuration (in Asus And Keenetic there is such a function).

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to find a Wi-Fi password, users often encounter common problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

• 🚫 The router page won't open.:
  • Make sure you are connected to the correct network (not the guest network).
  • Try a different browser or clear your cache (Ctrl + Shift + Del).
  • Make sure that the IP address of the router is entered correctly (check in ipconfig for Windows or ifconfig for Mac/Linux).
• 🔒 I forgot my router password.:
  • Try standard combinations: admin/admin, admin/password, or look at the sticker.
  • If the router is from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), the password may match the login for your personal account.
• 📵 No access to Wi-Fi settings:
  • On some routers (for example, Zyxel Keenetic) Wi-Fi settings may be hidden behind cloud authentication. In this case, a reset will help.

If the router gives an error 404 Not Found When trying to access settings, the web server may be disabled. In this case, try:

• Connect via Telnet (if enabled).
• Use proprietary software from the manufacturer (for example, TP-Link Tether or Asus Router App).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password without accessing the router?

Yes, but only if your device (laptop, phone) has connected to this network before. Use the methods for Windows, MacOS or Android/iOSIf there was no connection, the only legal option is to ask the network owner for the password.

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

After the reset, you'll need to reconfigure your connection to your provider. You'll need:

• Connection type (PPPoE, DHCP, Static IP and others).
• Username and Password (for PPPoE).
• VLAN ID (if used).

This information is usually specified in the contract or can be clarified by contacting the provider's support team by phone.

How do I find out the password for the guest network on my router?

The guest network is configured separately from the main network. To view its password:

1. Go to your router settings (as in first section).
2. Find the section Guest network (or Guest Network).
3. The password will be specified in the guest Wi-Fi security settings.

On some routers (Asus, Netis) the guest network can be disabled or use the same password as the main one.

Is it possible to hack your neighbors' Wi-Fi if they have a weak password?

No, it's illegal. According to Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, unauthorized access to computer information (including Wi-Fi networks) is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or correctional labor. Even if the network is protected by a weak password (for example, 12345678), hacking it is considered an offense.

If you really need internet, it's better to sign up for a mobile plan with unlimited traffic or arrange network sharing with your neighbor (many providers allow you to connect multiple devices under one contract).

Is it true that you can find out your Wi-Fi password using a QR code?

Yes, but only if your router or phone supports this feature. For example:

• On Xiaomi and some TP-Link You can generate a QR code to connect to Wi-Fi in your router settings.
• On Android (For example, Samsung or Xiaomi) there is an option in the Wi-Fi settings Share password, which shows a QR code.
• Apps like WiFi Map allow you to create QR codes for saved networks.

However, the QR code itself does not reveal the password explicitly; it only makes it easier to connect new devices.