It's quite common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but lose or forget the password. Fortunately, operating systems and routers store security keys in special protected memory areas. This information can be accessed even without knowing the current access code, as long as you already have a connected device or physical access to the router's admin panel.
There are several proven methods for recovering lost data, each depending on the type of device you plan to use. This could be a Windows computer, an Android smartphone, or the router's web interface itself. It's important to understand that these methods vary in complexity and required access rights, but they all allow you to resolve the issue without resetting your network settings.
In this guide, we'll cover the steps for various platforms in detail. You'll learn where encryption keys are stored in the system and how to extract them correctly. Data security It won't be affected, since we will be using the standard tools of the operating systems.
Viewing your password through the Windows 10 and 11 interfaceThe Windows operating system automatically saves profiles for every network your computer has ever connected to. This is designed for user convenience, so you don't have to re-enter your data each time you connect. To view the hidden code, you'll need access to an account with administrator rights.
The first and easiest method is suitable for cases where the device is already connected to the network or has been connected before. You need to open the network connections control panel. To do this, press the following key combination: Win + R and enter the command ncpa.cpl.
In the window that opens, find the icon Wireless networkRight-click on it and select "Status." In the dialog box that appears, click "Wireless Network Properties."
⚠️ Note: In some enterprise versions of Windows, access to the Security tab may be restricted by Group Policy. If you don't see the Properties button or the Security tab, contact your organization's system administrator.
Next, go to the "Security" tab. Here you'll see the "Network Security Key" field, where the characters are hidden behind dots. Check the "Show entered characters" box. Immediately after doing this the hidden key will be displayed in clear text, and you can copy or record it.
Using the command line to recover the keyFor more advanced users or in cases where the graphical interface isn't working correctly, using the command line is ideal. This method displays a list of all saved profiles and their passwords in plain text.
To begin, launch the Command Prompt as administrator. Right-click the Start button and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)." In the terminal window, enter the following command to display all saved profiles:
netsh wlan show profilesThe system will display a list of all networks that have ever been accessible to this computer. Find your network name in the list. To view the password for this specific network, use the following command, replacing "NetworkName" with the exact name of your profile:
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearIn the command output, scroll down to the "Security Settings" section. There you'll find the "Key Contents" line, which contains the password you're looking for. This method is especially useful if you need to quickly access data without unnecessary menu clicks.
☑️ Check before entering a command
Receiving data via the router's web interfaceIf you don't have a computer that's already connected to Wi-Fi, your only option is to access the router's settings. To do this, you'll need to connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (if the device already knows the password but you want to share it with others).
Open any browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is always indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device. You will be asked to enter your username and password to access the admin panel.
After successful authorization, locate the section responsible for your wireless network. It may be called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN." Within this section, look for the "Security" or "Wi-Fi Settings" subsection.
The table below shows typical settings paths for popular manufacturers:
| Router brand | Menu section | Subsection | Password field |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless | Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
| D-Link | Wi-Fi | Security settings | PSK encryption key |
| Asus | Wireless network | General | WPA-PSK key |
| Keenetic | My Networks and Wi-Fi | Home network | Network password |
In this menu, you can not only view the current password but also change it to a more complex one. After making changes, be sure to click "Save" or "Apply" for the new settings to take effect. All connected devices will need to be reconnected with the new key.
How to view your password on an Android smartphoneAndroid smartphone owners can also retrieve their saved password, but the procedure varies depending on the operating system version. On Android 10 and later, this feature is built into the standard settings menu and does not require root access.
Go to your device's "Settings," then go to "Wi-Fi" or "Connections." Find the network you're connected to or select a saved network from the list. Tap the gear icon next to the network name.
Detailed connection information will appear on the screen. Look for the "Share" button or the QR code icon. When you tap it, the system may request identification (fingerprint, face, or PIN).
⚠️ Note: On some smartphone models (e.g., Xiaomi or Samsung), the password may be hidden behind a QR code. In this case, simply take a screenshot of the code and open it with Google Lens or any QR scanner to see the text string with the password after the "S:" symbol.
If you have an older version of Android (below 10), you won't be able to view your password using standard tools without root access. In this case, you'll need specialized apps from the Google Play Store, such as WiFi Password Viewer, but their operation is not guaranteed on all devices.
What to do if there is no button?
If the button or QR code is missing, try installing the WiFi Key Recovery app. However, for it to work properly on older versions of Android, root access is often required, which may void the device's warranty.
Restoring access to Apple devices (iOS and macOS)Apple ecosystem users face stricter security restrictions. In iOS (iPhone and iPad), before iOS 16, it was impossible to view a Wi-Fi password in plaintext without jailbreaking.
Starting with iOS 16, Apple added a password viewer. To do this, open "Settings" and go to "Wi-Fi." Tap the blue "i" icon next to the network you're connected to. In the "Password" field, tap the hidden dots. The system will prompt you to authenticate with biometrics (Face ID or Touch ID), after which the password will become visible and can be copied.
On Mac computers, the situation is simpler, as all passwords are stored in iCloud Keychain. To find your password, open Keychain Access using Spotlight search or in the Applications → Utilities folder.
In the list on the left, select the "Passwords" category. Find the name of your Wi-Fi network in the list. Double-click it to open its properties. Check the "Show password" box. The system will ask for your Mac administrator password or Touch ID. After confirming, you will see the code you were looking for.
Access issues and router resetSometimes it happens that none of the devices remember the password, and the default password for the router's admin panel has been changed and lost. In this case, finding the current Wi-Fi password through the settings won't work, as the security system won't allow access without authorization.
The only solution is to completely reset the router to factory settings. On the body of every router there is a small button or hole with the inscription Reset or DefaultTo reset, you need to press this button (often a paperclip is required) and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash simultaneously.
After this procedure, the router will return to its "out of the box" state. The Wi-Fi network will be named as indicated on the sticker and will either have no password or will use the default key, also printed on the sticker.
- 📉 Resetting will delete all user settings, including PPPoE connection type and static IP addresses.
- 📉 You will have to reconfigure your internet if your provider requires specific settings.
- 📉 All previously connected devices will lose connection and require you to re-enter the new (factory) password.
Use this method only as a last resort, after all other options have been exhausted. Before resetting, make sure you have your contract with your ISP or the internet setup information (PPPoE/L2TP login and password), if required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password through their settings?
No, this is impossible. The methods described only work for networks your device has previously connected to, or if you have physical access to the router's settings. Hacking into other people's networks is prohibited by law.
What should I do if the netsh command says "Access denied"?
This means the command prompt is running as a standard user. Close the window and right-click "Command Prompt" or "PowerShell" and select "Run as administrator."
Where can I find the password if my router is sharing a guest network?
Guest networks often have a separate password. Look for it in the same sections of your router settings, but in subsections labeled "Guest Network," "Guest Network," or "Guest Access."
Why isn't the QR code for my password displayed on Android?
The ability to generate a QR code with a password was introduced in Android 10. This feature is not available on older versions of the system. Also, on some operating systems (MIUI, OneUI), the code may be hidden and must be scanned with a QR code scanner or a screenshot.