How to find a Wi-Fi network code: all methods for PCs, phones, and routers

Have you forgotten your Wi-Fi password and can't connect to a new device? Or do you need to share your network with guests, but the code sticker on your router has long since worn off? This situation is familiar to every second user, according to surveys. 47% of people have lost their home network password at least once.Fortunately, you can restore it in a few minutes without resetting your router.

In this article you will find 5 proven methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi network code on any device: from a laptop with Windows 11 to the smartphone on Android 14We'll explore hidden system commands, router menus, and even methods for devices that are already disconnected from the network. And if you're renting and worried about the landlord changing your password, there's a tip at the end. A unique life hack for maintaining access without their knowledge..

1. How to view your Wi-Fi password on Windows (7/10/11)

Operating systems Windows Store all saved network passwords in encrypted form. They can be accessed through the graphical interface or the command line—both methods work even if you're not currently connected to the network.

The easiest way:

  • 🖥️ Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center (or right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray and select "Network settings").
  • 🔗 Click on the name of your network (it will say "Connected" next to it).
  • 🔑 In the window that opens, select "Wireless Network Properties" → "Security" tab → check "Show entered characters".

If this method does not work (for example, due to security policy restrictions), use command line:

  1. Launch CMD as administrator (click Win + X → "Terminal (administrator)").
  2. Enter the command:
    netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear

    Replace NETWORK_NAME the name of your Wi-Fi (case sensitive!).

  3. Find the line Key content - this is your password.

⚠️ Attention: On corporate laptops with domain policies, these methods may be blocked. In this case, contact your network administrator.

2. Recovering the Wi-Fi code on MacOS (Ventura/Monterey/Sonoma)

On MacBook or iMac Network passwords are stored in the keychain Keychain AccessTo extract them:

  1. Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and enter "Keychain".
  2. In the left column, select "System" → enter the name of your network in the search bar at the top.
  3. Double-click on the found entry → check the "Show password" box.
  4. Enter your account password MacOS (the one you use to log in).

If your keychain is damaged or your password is not displayed, use Terminal:

security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

🔹 Important: On MacOS Sonoma (2023+) may require confirmation via Touch ID or Apple Watch.

📊 What Mac do you have?
MacBook Air
MacBook Pro
iMac
Mac mini
Another

3. How to find out the Wi-Fi password on Android (without rooting)

On smartphones with Android The situation is more complicated: manufacturers hide passwords "for security reasons." However, there are workarounds.

Method 1. Via the router settings (if connected to the network):

  • 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings on your phone.
  • 🔍 Click on the name of your network → "Manage network" (or "Edit").
  • 👁️ On some firmware (for example, MIUI on Xiaomi) the "Password" field is displayed here with the "Show" button.

Method 2. Via configuration file (file manager required):

  1. Install Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
  2. Go to /data/misc/wifi/ (root or ADB access required).
  3. Open the file WifiConfigStore.xml — it will contain SSID and passwords in encrypted form.
How to decrypt a password from WifiConfigStore?

Use an online Base64 decoder or a Python script. Example decoding code:

import base64

encoded = "ENCRYPTED_TEXT_FROM_FILE"

decoded = base64.b64decode(encoded).decode('utf-8')

print(decoded)

⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ Google has tightened security: without root or ADB access, it's virtually impossible to extract the password. In such cases, it's easier to access the router settings.

4. View the Wi-Fi code on iPhone and iPad (iOS 15/16/17)

Apple It fundamentally prevents users from viewing saved Wi-Fi passwords through the default settings. However, there are two working workarounds:

Method 1. Via iCloud Keychain (if you have a Mac):

  • 🍎 On Mac Open Keychain Access (as in the MacOS section).
  • 🔎 Find your network → show the password.
  • 📱 On iPhone sync passwords via Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Passwords & Keys.

Method 2. Through the router settings (universal):

  1. Connect iPhone to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open Settings → Wi-Fi → Click on the "i" symbol next to the network name.
  3. Copy Router IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  4. Enter this address in Safari → log in (login/password is usually on the router sticker).
  5. Go to the section Wireless → Security (names may differ).

Look at the sticker on the bottom of the router | Try the standard admin/admin | Reset the router with the Reset button (hold for 10 seconds) | Call your provider to clarify the data-->

5. How to find the Wi-Fi password in the router settings

This is the most reliable method that works on 100% of devices — whether it be TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic or a router from a provider (Rostelecom, MTS, Beeline). The instructions are universal, but the names of the menu items may differ slightly.

Steps to log in:

Action TP-Link/ASUS Keenetic Provider routers
IP address for login 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.1 Indicated on the sticker
Default login/password admin / admin admin / 1234 Indicated on the sticker
Wi-Fi password section Wireless → Wireless Security Home Network → Access Point Wi-Fi → Security Settings

🔹 If you can't log in:

  • 🔄 Check that you are connected to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
  • 🔧 Try resetting your password using the button Reset (hold for 10-15 seconds).
  • 📞 Check your login details with your provider's technical support.

⚠️ Attention: On routers from providers (for example, Sagemcom from Rostelecom) The menu may be simplified. In this case, the password section is usually called "Wi-Fi" or "Wireless Network."

6. Alternative methods: if nothing helps

When standard methods don't work, help comes advanced techniques:

For PC:

  • 🖥️ Use programs like WirelessKeyView (shows all saved passwords).
  • 🔧 Recover your password from a backup Windows (if there is one).

For Android with root:

  • 📱 Install WiFi Password Viewer from Play Market.
  • 🔍 View file /data/wifi/bcm_supp.conf through Root Explorer.

For all devices:

  • 📡 Connect to your router via cable and use WPS (button on the router) to connect a new device without a password.
  • 📞 Call your provider - according to the contract, they are obliged to provide access to the network (if you pay for it).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords

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

Technically yes, but that's illegally (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Unauthorized access to computer information"). The exception is if your neighbor has given you permission. In some routers (for example, Keenetic) There is a "Share Wi-Fi" function that generates a temporary QR code for guests.

Why is the password displayed as asterisks in the router settings?

This is a standard security measure. To see the actual password, look for the "Show Password" option (usually next to the entry field). On some routers (e.g., Zyxel) you need to click on the password field for it to be displayed.

How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking after recovering your password?

Use WPA3 (instead of the outdated WPA2), set a complex password (12+ characters with numbers and special characters) and disable WPS in the router settings. It's also recommended to regularly update your router firmware, as vulnerabilities in older versions are often exploited by hackers.

What should I do if my router gives me an error when I log in?

Please try a different browser first (eg. Firefox instead of Chrome). If it doesn't help:

  1. Clear your browser cache.
  2. Try logging in from another device.
  3. Reset the router using the button Reset (hold for 10-15 seconds).

Is it possible to recover a Wi-Fi password if the router burns out?

If you have a backup of your router settings (configuration file), you can extract the password from it using a text editor. Otherwise, you can't, as the password is stored only in the router's memory. In this case, you'll need to call your ISP to obtain a new password.

Now you know all the possible ways to find the Wi-Fi network code on any device. If none of these methods work, check to see if someone else (for example, a family member or your ISP) has changed the password. As a last resort, you can always reset the router and set up the network again.