How to find out a Wi-Fi password via a local network: all methods for Windows, Android, and a router

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has long since worn off? Or need to connect a new device but can't be bothered to fiddle with the settings? Find out the Wi-Fi password via a local network It's legal—no hacking or special software required. The main requirement is that you're already connected to the network on at least one device (PC, laptop, smartphone) or have access to the router's web interface.

In this article - 5 proven methods, from simply viewing a saved password in Windows to extracting data from router configuration files. We will not discuss hacking tools like Aircrack-ng or Wireshark — Only legal methods that don't violate the law or compromise network security. All instructions are valid for current OS and hardware versions (2023–2026).

If you're a network administrator (for example, at work or in your office), these methods will help you restore access without resetting the router. If you're trying to get the password for someone else's network, it's illegal and may entail liability under Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Unauthorized access to computer information”).

1. View the password in Windows settings (if the connection is saved)

The fastest way is if your PC or laptop is already connected to Wi-Fi. Windows stores all saved passwords in encrypted form, but they can be easily retrieved through the graphical interface or command line.

To do this:

  • 🖥️ Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
  • 📡 Find the section "Wireless network"** (your Wi-Fi name) and click on it.
  • 🔑 In the window that opens, select Wireless Network Properties → Security.
  • 👁️ Check the box Show entered characters — the password will be displayed in the field Network security key.

If you have Windows 11, the path is a little different: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networksSelect your network and click Properties, then scroll to the block "Security Information"** and press Show next to the password field.

Make sure you have administrator rights|Make sure your PC is connected to this network|Try the alternative method via command prompt-->

An alternative method is through command line (works in all versions of Windows):

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

In the execution results, find the line Key content — this is the password. Replace it YOUR_NETWORK_NAME to the actual name of your Wi-Fi (case sensitive!).

2. Retrieving the password via macOS (for Apple users)

On MacBook or iMac Wi-Fi passwords are stored in the keychain Keychain AccessTo view them:

  1. 🔍 Open Spotlight (combination Cmd + Space) and enter Keychain Access.
  2. 🔐 In the left menu, select System (or Local elements, if the password is saved for your user).
  3. 📡 Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
  4. 👁️ Double-click on the found entry and check the box Show password and enter the password for your macOS account.

If the password is not displayed, the network may have been added as corporate (with a certificate). In this case, you will have to use Terminal:

security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

The system will ask for your account password; once entered, the Wi-Fi key will be displayed.

What should I do if Keychain Access doesn't show my password?

If the network is added via a configuration profile (for example, in an office), the password can be stored in a file .mobileconfigTry to find it through Finder upon request kind:mobileconfig and open it in a text editor - sometimes the password is indicated there in encrypted form (you will need to decode it from Base64).

3. View password on Android (without root)

On smartphones with Android 10+ Obtaining the password for the current network is more difficult—the system hides this information by default. However, there are workarounds:

  • 📱 Method 1: Use QR code (if the router supports WPS). Open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on your network and select ShareThe system will generate a QR code that can be scanned with another device—the password will be encrypted within it.
  • 🔧 Method 2: Install a file manager with access to system files (for example, FX Explorer or Solid Explorer). Go to the folder /data/misc/wifi/ and find the file WifiConfigStore.xmlIt can store network data (requires understanding the XML markup).
  • 🛠️ Method 3: Connect your smartphone to your PC and use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Command to extract the password: 
    adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
    Please note: On newer versions of Android, this method may not work due to security restrictions.
📊 What smartphone do you have?
Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.)
iPhone (iOS)
Other (Huawei, Pixel, etc.)
No smartphone

Important: on devices with root rights The password can be seen in applications like WiFi Password Viewer, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and voids the warranty. Without root, such apps are useless.

4. Access via the router's web interface

If you have access to your router's settings (for example, you're a network administrator), you can view the password in its web interface. To do this:

  1. 🌐 Find out Router IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1You can check it via the command line: 
    ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (macOS/Linux)

    Look for the line Main gateway.

  2. 🔒 Enter your IP address in the browser's address bar. The system will ask for your login and password—by default, this is often admin/admin or admin/password (see sticker on the router).
  3. 📡 Go to the section Wireless (or Wi-Fi, Wireless network) and find the tab Security (Security). Field Password, Key or Passphrase contains the current password.

The process may vary for different manufacturers. Here's a quick chart for popular brands:

Manufacturer Password section Default login/password
TP-Link Wireless → Wireless Security admin/admin
ASUS Wireless Network → Security Settings admin/admin
Keenetic Wi-Fi → Hotspot admin/1234
MikroTik Wireless → Security Profiles admin/(empty)
⚠️ Attention: If the router gives an error 404 or the web interface does not open, the protocol may be disabled HTTPTry connecting via HTTPS (add https:// before IP) or check your firewall settings.

5. Alternative methods: configuration files and backups

If standard methods don't work, you can try extracting the password from backups or configuration files.

For Windows:

  • 💾 Wi-Fi passwords are stored in the registry at this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Interfaces\

    But they are encrypted - to decode them you will need utilities like WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft).

  • 📄 If you have a system backup (via Windows Backup), passwords can be extracted from files .wbcat by using ShadowExplorer.

For routers:

  • 📥 Download a backup copy of your router settings (section System Tools → Backup & Restore). The file usually has the extension .cfg or .bin.
  • 🔍 Open it in a text editor (for example, Notepad++) and find the lines with SSID And PSK (this is the network name and password respectively).
⚠️ Attention: Router configuration files may contain encrypted dataFor example, TP-Link passwords are stored in the format MD5, and to decode them you will need online services like MD5DecryptHowever, this doesn't always work—modern routers use dynamic encryption.

For Linux:

In distributions based on Debian/Ubuntu passwords are stored in a file /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/NETWORK_NAME.nmconnectionOpen it with superuser rights:

sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/NETWORKNAME.nmconnection | grep psk=

The password will be after psk= (sometimes in encrypted form).

6. If nothing helps: reset the router and set it up from scratch

When all methods have been exhausted, the last option remains - resetting the router to factory settingsThis will delete all personal data, including your Wi-Fi password, but will allow you to set up the network again.

How to reset:

  1. 🔄 Find the button on the back of the router Reset (sometimes it is recessed and requires a paper clip).
  2. 🕒 Press it on 10-15 seconds (until the indicators start flashing).
  3. 🔧 Connect to the router via cable and log in to the web interface (login/password are default, see the table above).
  4. 📡 Set up Wi-Fi again: enter the network name (SSID), security type (WPA2-PSK or WPA3) and a new password.

After reset:

  • 🔐 Use a strong password (minimum 12 characters, with letters, numbers and special characters).
  • 📋 Save it in a safe place (for example, in a password manager) KeePass or 1Password).
  • 🔄 Update your router firmware (section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade) - this closes the vulnerabilities.
⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, from providers like Rostelecom or Beeline) A reset may block internet access if the device is bound by MAC address. In this case, you'll need to call support for reactivation.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi password recovery

❓ Can I find out the password for the Wi-Fi I'm connected to at work?

Technically, yes (via Windows/macOS methods), but This violates corporate security policy.Most office networks use WPA2-Enterprise with certificates, and the password is stored not locally, but on the authentication server. Attempts to extract it may be considered a hack.

❓ Why is there no password field in the router settings?

Possible reasons:

  • The router is configured in mode bridge (bridge) and does not distribute Wi-Fi on its own.
  • Used WPS instead of a password (check the section Wi-Fi Protected Setup).
  • The password is generated automatically by the provider (for example, MTS or Megaphone). In this case, it can be indicated on the router sticker or in the subscriber's personal account.
❓ How can I protect my Wi-Fi from these types of password extraction methods?

To make your password more difficult to access:

  • 🔒 Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it).
  • 🚫 Turn it off WPS - This is a vulnerable protocol.
  • 🔄 Change your password regularly (every 3-6 months).
  • 📵 Hide SSID (turn off network name broadcast) - this will not protect against experienced users, but will reduce the number of accidental connections.
❓ Do Wi-Fi hacking programs like Aircrack-ng?

Technically yes, but:

  • ⚠️ This is illegally (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
  • ⏳ Modern networks with WPA3 It's almost impossible to hack - it would take years of brute force.
  • 🛡️ Providers and routers block suspicious activity (multiple connections).

Using such tools against your own network is also risky—you could accidentally block your router.

❓ Is it possible to find out the password from a phone without root rights?

On Android 10+ without root - NoThe only legal way is if you have access to a router or other device already connected to this network. iPhone The password can only be viewed through Keychain Access (see the section on macOS).

📖 Read also

How to hack someone else's WiFi: myths, reality, and protection An analysis of WiFi hacking methods, WPA2/WPS vulnerabilities, and ways to protect your network from hackers. How to Jam a Wi-Fi Router's Signal: Methods and Tips Learn how to jam your Wi-Fi router's signal at home. Effective methods for weakening coverage. How to hack Wi-Fi on an Asus router: myths and real-world protection methods We'll find out whether it's possible to hack Wi-Fi on Asus routers, what vulnerabilities exist, and how to actually protect them. How Wi-Fi Passwords Are Intercepted: Security Methods Learn how hackers steal passwords via Wi-Fi networks. Attack methods, risks, and data protection methods are covered in 202. How to reset the Wi-Fi password on a GoPro Hero 3: Instructions A detailed guide on how to restore access to your GoPro Hero 3 camera. Learn how to perform a hard reset. How to Find a Wi-Fi Password on a Mac: All the Methods Detailed instructions: how to view a saved Wi-Fi password on a MacBook using Keychain, Tera