How to find out your Wi-Fi router password using a computer on a local network: a step-by-step guide

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, or is the sticker on your router worn off or missing? Don't rush to reset your router to factory settings—this will disable all your devices and require reconfiguration. If your computer is already connected to the network (via cable or wirelessly), you can recover the password over the local network in just a few minutes. In this article, we'll cover how. 5 proven methodsHow to find out your Wi-Fi password on a PC Windows 10/11, macOS And Linux, and we'll also explain why some methods may not work on modern routers.

It is important to understand: all the described methods work only if the computer already logged in to the network (connected via cable or previously saved the Wi-Fi password). If you are trying to hack someone else's network, it is illegal and technically impossible without specialized equipment. We consider only legal scenarios for restoring access to to his own router.

Also note: on some router models (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or TP-Link Archer C5400X) The password may be encrypted in configuration files, requiring additional steps to extract it. If standard methods don't work, check the alternative solutions section at the end of the article.

📊 What kind of router do you have?
TP-Link
ASUS
Xiaomi
Keenetic
D-Link
Another

1. View the password through the Network and Sharing Center (Windows)

The easiest way for users Windows — Use the system's built-in tools. This method works if the computer has connected to a Wi-Fi network at least once and saved the password.

Instructions:

  • 🖱️ Right-click on the icon Wi-Fi in the tray (bottom right on the taskbar) and select Open Network & Internet Settings.
  • 📋 In the window that opens, go to the section Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
  • 🔍 Find your network in the list, click on its name and select Properties.
  • 👁️ In the field Network password A hidden line will be displayed - check the box Show signsto see the password.

If this option is missing or the password isn't displayed, it means the network is connected via cable and the Wi-Fi data isn't saved. In this case, proceed to the next method.

⚠️ Attention: On Windows 11 the path may be different - instead of "Network Settings" look for Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networksIf the network is not listed, try connecting to it again.

Make sure your computer is connected to the target network (via Wi-Fi or cable)

Make sure you have administrator rights

Open Network Settings from the taskbar or Start menu.

If the network is not displayed, try connecting to it again-->

2. Using Command Prompt (CMD) to extract the password

If the GUI does not show the password, try to get it through command lineThis method is universal and works even on older versions of Windows.

Steps:

  1. Launch Command line as administrator (click Win + X and select the appropriate item).
  2. Enter the command to display all saved networks: 
    netsh wlan show profiles

    Remember the exact name of your network (case is important!).

  3. Display the details of a specific network by replacing NETWORK_NAME to its real name: 
    netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear
  4. Find the line Key content - this is your password.

If the command returns an error The operation failed., Means:

  • 🔌 The computer is not connected to the network (check the connection).
  • 🔒 You do not have administrator rights.
  • 📡 The network is connected via cable, but Wi-Fi data is not saved.

3. View the password in the router settings via a browser

If the previous methods did not work, you can go to router web interface and view the password there. To do this, the computer must be connected to the router. via cable or via Wi-Fi (if the password is still valid).

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Find out Router IP address:
    • 🪟 In Windows: Win + R → enter cmd → do it ipconfig → find the line Main gateway (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
    • 🍎 On macOS: System Preferences → Network → Advanced → TCP/IP → Router.
  • Open your browser and enter the IP address in the address bar (e.g. http://192.168.0.1).
  • Enter your login and password to log in (usually admin/admin, admin/1234 or look at the router sticker).
  • Go to the Wi-Fi settings section (names may vary):
    • 📡 TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Security → field Password.
    • 📡 ASUS: Wireless Network → Authentication Settings → WPA Pre-Shared Key.
    • 📡 Keenetic: Wi-Fi → Access Point → Password.
      • ⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, Zyxel Keenetic or MikroTik) The password may be displayed as dots. To view it, click the eye icon (if present) or copy it into a text editor.
      Router brand Wi-Fi password path Default login/password
      TP-Link Wireless → Wireless Security admin/admin
      ASUS Wireless Network → Authentication Settings admin/admin
      Xiaomi Wi-Fi → Security Settings Indicated on the sticker
      Keenetic Wi-Fi → Hotspot admin/1234 (or from a sticker)

      4. Retrieving the password via macOS (Keychain Access)

      On computers MacBook or iMac Wi-Fi network passwords are stored in a bunch of keys (Keychain Access). To view them:

      Step-by-step instructions:

      1. Open Programs → Utilities → Keychain (or find via Spotlight upon request Keychain Access).
      2. In the left menu, select System or Login (depending on where the password is saved).
      3. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
      4. Double-click on the found entry and check the box. Show password and enter the password for your account macOS.

    If the password is not displayed:

    • 🔄 Try reconnecting to the network and repeating the steps.
    • 🔐 Make sure you have administrator rights on your Mac.
    • 📡 Check that your computer is connected to the correct network (via the Wi-Fi menu in the upper right corner).
      • What to do if the keychain is damaged?

      If Keychain Access gives an error or does not open, try resetting it through Terminal:

      1. Open Terminal (through Spotlight or Programs → Utilities).
      2. Enter the command: security delete-keychain login.keychain (will delete the current link).
      3. Restart your Mac and the system will create a new key pair automatically.
      4. Please reconnect to Wi-Fi to save the password.
      Warning: This will delete all saved passwords (including websites and apps)!

      5. Alternative methods for Linux and advanced users

      If you use Linux (For example, Ubuntu, Debian or Fedora), Wi-Fi passwords are stored in configuration files NetworkManager or wpa_supplicantHere's how to extract them:

      Method 1: Via NetworkManager (most distributions)

      sudo grep psk= /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/*

      Find the line in the output psk=YOUR_PASSWORD.

      Method 2: Via wpa_supplicant (for older systems)

      sudo cat /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

      Look for the block with ssid="NETWORK_NAME" And psk="PASSWORD".

      If there are no files or they are empty:

      • 🐧 Make sure the network is connected through NetworkManager (team nmcli connection show).
      • 🔌 Try connecting to the network again.
      • 📂 Check file permissions (may be required) sudo).
      ⚠️ Attention: On some distributions (for example, Arch Linux) configurations can be stored in other folders (for example, /etc/netctl/). Use the command find /etc -name "wpa" for search.

      1. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel).

      2. Contact your provider - some operators (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline) can recover the password using the contract number.-->

      6. Why might some methods not work?

      Not all methods are guaranteed to work on your router. Here are the main reasons:

      • 🔒 Configuration encryption: Some routers (eg. MikroTik or Ubiquiti) store passwords in encrypted form, and additional utilities are required to extract them.
      • 📡 Connection via cable: If your computer is connected to the router via Ethernet, Wi-Fi data may not be saved in the system.
      • 🔄 Reset settings: If the router was previously reset and the computer did not connect to the new network, the old password will not be available.
      • 🛡️ Security Policies: On corporate routers (for example, Cisco or Fortinet) passwords can be hidden by the administrator.

      Critical detail: on routers with firmware OpenWRT or DD-WRT passwords are stored in a file /etc/config/wireless, and to view them you will need access SSH (team cat /etc/config/wireless | grep 'key').

      If you are experiencing one of these issues, try:

      • 🔍 Use alternative method from this article.
      • 📞 Contact your provider's support team (they may have a backup copy of the configuration).
      • 🔧 Update your router firmware - this sometimes solves password display issues.

      7. Security: How to protect your Wi-Fi after password recovery

      Once you have restored network access, we recommend taking steps to protect your router:

      • 🔐 Change your Wi-Fi password complex (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
      • 🔄 Update your router firmware to the latest version (patches vulnerabilities).
      • 🚫 Disable WPS - This feature makes it easier to hack the network.
      • 📜 Create a backup copy of the configuration router (there is usually an option in the web interface Backup Settings).

      Also, check to see if any unauthorized devices are connected to your network. To do this:

      1. Go to the router's web interface (as in Section 3).
      2. Find the section DHCP Clients, Connected Devices or List of devices.
      3. Check all connected gadgets - if you see any unfamiliar ones, change your Wi-Fi password and reconnect your devices.

      FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Password Recovery

      Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the computer is connected only via cable?

      Yes, but only if the password is saved in the router settings. In this case, use web interface method (Section 3). If your computer has never connected to this network's Wi-Fi, you won't be able to recover the password without resetting the router.

      I reset my router, but forgot my login and password to access the settings. What should I do?

      By default, most routers are assigned standard combinations:

      • TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link: admin/admin.
      • Zyxel Keenetic: admin/1234.
      • Xiaomi: login and password are indicated on the sticker.

      If there is no sticker, try to find the router model in database of standard passwords (will open in a new tab).

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

      No, it's illegal. All methods described in this article only work on networks to which your computer is already legally connected. Hacking into other people's networks is punishable under Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information").

      The password is displayed as dots or asterisks. How can I see it?

      The router's web interface sometimes has a button Show password (eye). If it is not there:

      1. Copy the field with dots (Ctrl + C).
      2. Insert in Notebook or another text editor.
      3. The password will be displayed in clear text.

      On macOS V Keychain you need to tick the box Show password and enter your account password.

      I changed the password on my router, but my old devices won't connect. What should I do?

      After changing the password, all devices are automatically disconnected from the network. Here's what you need to do:

      1. On every gadget (phone, tablet, laptop) delete the old network from the list of saved ones.
      2. Reconnect by entering a new password.

      If the device does not see the network, reboot the router (turn off the power for 30 seconds).

    • 📖 Read also

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