Every smart home owner is familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new gadget to their home network but completely forgetting the Wi-Fi password. Fortunately, if at least one device, be it a laptop or smartphone, is already successfully authorized on the network, restoring access to the security key is easy. Modern operating systems store this data in special secure vaults, which can be accessed using standard tools.
In this article, we'll cover the detailed steps for the most popular platforms, including Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, and iOS. You'll learn how to retrieve saved keys through the graphical interface and command line, as well as how to access the router's settings if you don't have a computer handy. Restoring access — the process is safe if you follow the instructions, and does not require the installation of questionable software.
Password recovery on Windows 10 and 11
The Windows operating system automatically saves the profiles of all networks your computer has ever connected to. This is done for user convenience, so you don't have to re-enter the long key each time. To view the hidden characters, you'll need to access the wireless network properties window, where the key display is blocked by default.
Right-click the network icon in the system tray and select "Network and Internet settings." Then go to "Advanced network settings" or "Network and Sharing Center." In the window that opens, find your active connection and click the link. Wireless network propertiesIn the new dialog box, switch to the Security tab.
Here you'll see the "Network Security Key" field, where characters are replaced with periods. To make them visible, simply check the "Show entered characters" box. The system may request administrator privileges, which is a standard security measure to prevent unauthorized access to confidential information.
⚠️ Note: If you don't have administrator rights on this computer, you won't be able to view the password using the standard method. In corporate networks, these rights are often limited by security policies.
An alternative and faster method for experienced users is to use the command line. Open the terminal with administrator rights (press Win + X and select "Terminal (Administrator)" or "Command Prompt." Enter the following command to display all saved profiles:
netsh wlan show profilesOnce the list is displayed, find the name of your network and use the following construction, replacing “Network_Name” with the exact name of your Wi-Fi:
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearIn the "Security Settings" section, find the "Key Contents" line. The password you're looking for will be displayed there in clear text. This method is universal and works even when the Windows graphical interface isn't working correctly.
How to view your password on macOS
Apple Mac users can also easily find saved passwords, as the system stores them in iCloud Keychain or local Keychain storage. The interface may differ depending on the macOS version, but the logic remains the same.
In newer versions of macOS (Ventura and later), the process is simplified. Open System Preferences and go to Wi-Fi. Find the network you need the password for and click the information icon (three dots or the letter "i"). Next to the "Password" field, click the "Copy" button or the eye icon.
The system will ask you to confirm the action using Touch ID or your Apple ID account password. After successful authentication, the password will be copied to the clipboard or displayed on the screen. This is the most safe method, integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
For older versions of macOS, use the Keychain Access utility. You can find it in Spotlight (click Cmd + Space and enter a name). In the list on the left, select the "Passwords" category, then find the name of your Wi-Fi network in the general list.
- 🔍 Double-click on the network name to open its properties.
- 👁️ In the window that opens, check the box “Show password”.
- 🔑 Enter your Mac administrator password to confirm.
After entering the password, the desired character combination will appear in the field next to the checkmark. Please note that if you use iCloud Keychain, the password can be synced across all your Apple devices, allowing you to find it even from your iPhone via iCloud settings.
Restoring access to Android devices
Android device owners may encounter different interfaces depending on the operating system version and the manufacturer's user interface (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI/HyperOS, etc.). Starting with Android 10, viewing saved passwords is built into the system by default.
Go to "Settings" → "Wi-Fi" (or "Connections"). Tap the gear icon next to the active network name or select "Manage networks." If you see a "Share" button or a QR code, the system allows you to view data. The password itself is often written in small print below the QR code.
If the password isn't written in text but only displays a QR code, you can use the code scanning feature in Google Lens or another phone's default camera app. However, there's a way to find the code without using another device. Take a screenshot of the QR code, then open it in Google Photos and use the Lens feature. The system will recognize the text within the image and display the password.
⚠️ Note: On devices running Android 9 and below, it's impossible to view saved passwords using native tools without root access. The key files are stored in the system partition, which is inaccessible.
For advanced users with root rights, there is the option to view the file /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confThis text file stores all SSIDs and their corresponding passwords in plaintext. Editing it requires superuser privileges and a root-enabled file manager, such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer.
It's also worth mentioning that the process may differ on Xiaomi and Samsung smartphones. On Xiaomi smartphones, you tap the QR code, and the password is often displayed directly below it. On Samsung smartphones, the "Share" menu sometimes requires fingerprint authorization, after which the password is displayed as text below the QR code.
iOS Specifics: iPhone and iPad
For a long time, iPhone users couldn't view their saved Wi-Fi password without jailbreaking. However, with the release of iOS 16, Apple introduced the long-awaited feature to view security keys directly in Settings.
To use this feature, make sure your device is updated to iOS 16 or later. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi. Find the network whose password you want to know and tap the blue information icon (the letter "i" in a circle) to the right of the network name.
In the menu that opens, find the "Password" line. Initially, the characters will be hidden by dots. Tap this line. The system will require biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) or entering the screen unlock passcode.
After successful verification, you'll see your password in plain text. You can copy it or use it to sign in on another device. This feature only works for networks your iPhone has previously connected to or is currently connected to.
What to do if you don't have iOS 16?
If updating the system is not possible, the only legal way is to view the password on a connected Mac via Keychain (provided that iCloud sync is enabled) or access the router settings from any browser.
It's important to note that this feature is also available on iPads with the appropriate version of iPadOS. If you have an older iPhone that doesn't support iOS 16, you won't be able to recover your password through your phone's settings. In this case, you'll need to use a router or another device.
Checking via the router's web interface
If you don't have any devices with saved passwords handy, or you want to know the security key for a guest, the most secure way is to access the router's settings. This requires a Wi-Fi connection (even without internet) or a cable connection.
Open any browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.31.1The exact address is usually indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device. You will need to enter your username and password to access the admin panel (the default is often admin/admin).
The interface varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the search logic is the same. You need to find the section related to wireless mode. Look for tabs labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Network," or "WLAN."
Within this section, find the "Security" or "Wi-Fi Settings" subsection. This is where you'll find the "Password," "WPA/WPA2 Key," or "PSK Password" field. Here, you can not only view the current password but also change it to a more complex one.
| Manufacturer | Standard address | Menu section | Path to password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless | Wireless Security → Password |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | Wireless network | General → WPA Pre-Authentication Key |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wi-Fi | Security Settings → PSK Key |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | My Networks and Wi-Fi | Home Network → Password |
Please remember that if you change the password in your router settings, all connected devices will lose internet connection and will require re-authorization with the new key. Therefore, be careful when making changes.
☑️ Check before logging into the router
Third-party programs and utilities
There are many Windows programs that allow you to manage wireless connections and view saved keys. One of the most popular and time-tested utilities is WirelessKeyView from NirSoft.
This program requires no installation, runs immediately after launch, and displays a list of all networks ever connected to the computer. The "Key (ASCII)" column displays the password in readable format. This is a great tool for system administrators.
However, caution is advised. Antivirus programs often label such utilities as "HackTool" or "RiskWare," as they rely on access to system password storage. This is a false positive, but the risk of downloading an infected version from an unofficial site remains.
⚠️ Warning: Download utilities only from the developers' official websites. Using cracked versions of password recovery programs is a surefire way to get a stealer that will steal your real passwords.
There are also mobile applications that require Root rights (for example, WiFi Password Viewer). They scan system files and display a list of networks. Without superuser rights, such applications are generally useless and only display advertising banners.
Using third-party software is justified when the OS's built-in tools are inoperable or damaged. In most cases, the built-in functions of Windows or macOS are sufficient to solve the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if I have never connected to this network?
No, it's impossible to hack a network password that none of your devices have connected to and that isn't stored on the router (to which you don't have access). The password is stored only on the client device or the router.
What should I do if I forgot my router admin password?
If the default admin/admin keys aren't working, and you've changed them and forgotten, resetting the router to factory settings will help. To do this, press the button Reset on the device's body (usually you need to hold it down for 10-15 seconds with a paperclip). After this, the router will be as good as new, and the Wi-Fi password will be the one written on the sticker.
Is it safe to store passwords in your browser?
Modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari) securely encrypt saved passwords, linking them to your user account. However, if an attacker with access to your account gains access to your computer, they will be able to see these passwords. Use a master password for your browser for additional security.
Why isn't the password displayed on Android, even though the version is new?
Some smartphone manufacturers (for example, Huawei or Honor in certain versions) may hide this feature or move it to the "Privacy" → "Passwords" section. Also, make sure your phone doesn't have any enterprise security profiles that block browsing.