How to find out the password for a connected Wi-Fi network: all methods for a PC, phone, and router

Forgot your Wi-Fi password, but your device is already connected to the network? This situation is familiar to many: you set up your router a long time ago, wrote the password down on a piece of paper that's long since been lost, and now you need to connect a new device. Luckily, there are a few legal methods Restore access without hacking or breaking the law.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for all popular devices: computers on Windows And macOS, smartphones on Android And iOS, as well as a universal method through the router settings. We'll also explain why You shouldn't use Wi-Fi hacking programs. — and what the risks are. All methods have been tested on current OS versions (2026–2026), but interfaces may vary slightly depending on the device model.

⚠️ Attention: Extracting the password is only possible from a device that already connected to the target network. If you try to access someone else's access point without permission, this violates Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information"). All methods in the article are designed to restore access to his own networks.

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

If your PC or laptop is connected to the network, you can extract the password from the system settings without any additional software. This method works on Windows 10 And Windows 11, as well as on most assemblies Windows 8.1.

Step 1. Open Control PanelTo do this, click Win + R, enter the command control and press EnterAlternatively, search for "Control Panel" in the search menu. Start.

Step 2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center. In the right part of the window, find the block Connections and click on the name of your Wi-Fi network (there will be an inscription next to it) Wi-Fi).

Step 3. In the window that opens, click the button Wireless network properties, then go to the tab "Safety"Here you will see a field Network security key — this is the password. By default, the characters are hidden: check the box next to Show entered charactersto see it.

Open Control Panel (Win + R → control)

Go to "Network and Internet" → "Network and Sharing Center"

Click on the name of your Wi-Fi network

Open "Wireless Network Properties" → "Security" tab

Check the box "Show entered characters" -->

⚠️ Attention: If the field Network security key empty or the password does not work when connecting a new device, perhaps the router is using WPA3 dynamic key (for example, in networks with Wi-Fi 6). In this case, the password can only be recovered through the router settings (see section 5).

2. Extracting the password via the command line (CMD)

For experienced users, there is a faster way - through command lineIt is useful if the Windows graphical interface does not work correctly or you prefer console commands.

Step 1. Open Command prompt as administratorTo do this, click Win + X and select Terminal (Administrator) or Command Prompt (Administrator).

Step 2. Enter the command to view all saved networks:

netsh wlan show profiles

Find your network name in the list (for example, TP-Link_1234).

Step 3. Display information about a specific network by replacing [NETWORK_NAME] to its real name:

netsh wlan show profile name="[NETWORK_NAME]" key=clear

The password you are looking for will be in the line Key content (chapter Security Settings).

⚠️ Attention: If the command returns an error "The operation failed.", check if the command prompt is running as an administrator. Also, make sure the device currently connected to the target network - otherwise the data may not be displayed.

3. How to find the Wi-Fi password on a Mac (macOS)

On computers Apple The password for the current network can be viewed through the system utility "Bunch of keys" (Keychain Access). This method works on macOS Ventura, Monterey and earlier versions (starting with macOS Mojave).

Step 1. Open Spotlight (combination Command + Space) and enter Bunch of keys. Launch the application.

Step 2. Select a category in the left part of the window System, then - PasswordsOn the right side, find the name of your Wi-Fi network (you can use the search in the upper right corner).

Step 3. Double-click on the network name and check the box. Show password and enter the password for your account Mac (the one you use to log in). Your network security key will then be displayed.

If the password field is empty, the network may be using enterprise authentication (for example, in offices or universities). In this case, the password can only be recovered through the network administrator.

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

If your password is not displayed even after entering your account details, try:

1. Reconnect to the network (disconnect and reconnect Wi-Fi).

2. Check if the network is being used in "Guest" mode (limited access).

3. Update macOS to the latest version—older versions had bugs with password display.

4. View Wi-Fi password on Android smartphone

On phones with Android The situation is more complicated: by default, the system does not show passwords for saved networks. However, there are two workarounds: router settings (if you have access to its control panel) or using file manager with root rights.

Method 1: Through the router settings (without root)

If you are connected to the network and know the IP address of the router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), you can access its web interface through your phone's browser. More details are in Section 5.

Method 2: Using a file manager (root required) Attention: This method only works on phones with obtained root rights and may void the device's warranty.

Step 1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).

Step 2. Follow the path:

/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

Open the file in a text editor and find the line with the name of your network (SSID). There will be a field nearby. PreSharedKey - this is the password.

⚠️ Attention: Modifying system files without root may result in reset Wi-Fi settings or errors in the wireless module. We recommend using this method only as a last resort.

5. Universal method: password in the router settings

The most reliable method is to log in router web interface and view the password in your wireless network settings. This works regardless of the device (PC, phone, tablet) and operating system.

Step 1. Find out Router IP addressTo do this:

- On Windows: open command prompt and type ipconfig — look for the line Main gateway.

- On Mac: System Preferences → Network → Advanced → TCP/IP - field Router.

- On Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → [your network] → Advanced - field Gateway.

Step 2. Enter this IP address into your browser's address bar (e.g. 192.168.0.1). The authorization window will open. The standard login/password is usually indicated on the router sticker (for example, admin/admin or admin/1234). If you changed them, use your data.

Step 3. After logging in, find the section Wireless Network (Wireless), "Wi-Fi" or "WLAN"The path may vary depending on your router model:

- TP-Link: Basic → Wireless

- ASUS: Wireless → General

- Keenetic: Wi-Fi network → Access point

- MikroTik: Wireless → Security Profiles

The password will be in the field Wireless Password, Pre-Shared Key or Network key.

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, Zyxel Keenetic or Tenda) The password may be hidden behind asterisks. In this case, you can change it to a new one in the same settings section.

⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces may be updated. If your model isn't listed in the table or the menu looks different, check user manual on the manufacturer's official website.

6. How to find the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone or iPad

On devices Apple With iOS or iPadOS There is no built-in way to view the password for the current network. However, there are two workarounds: router settings (section 5) or using the function Share Password (if there is another device nearby Apple).

Method 1: Share the password with another Apple device

1. Make sure that both devices are enabled. Bluetooth And Wi-Fi, and also that they are tied to one Apple ID.

2. Bring the second device (iPhone, iPad or Mac) to the current one and try to connect to the same network.

3. A pop-up window with an offer will appear on the screen. Share Password. Click Send — the password will be automatically transferred and saved on the second device.

Method 2: Via iTunes Backup (Advanced)

If you have iPhone backup V iTunes (on Windows or Mac), you can extract the password using the utility iBackup Viewer or iMazingThese programs scan the backup and display saved Wi-Fi keys.

⚠️ Attention: Using third-party utilities to extract passwords from backups may violate Apple's privacy policyDo this only with your own data and at your own risk.

7. Why you shouldn't use Wi-Fi hacking software

You can find dozens of programs online that promise to crack the password to any Wi-Fi network in a few minutes: Aircrack-ng, Wireshark, Reaver and others. However, their use is not only illegally, but it is also fraught with serious consequences:

Legal risks:

- In Russia, hacking into other people's networks is classified under the article Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Unauthorized access to computer information") and carries a fine of up to 500,000 rubles or imprisonment for up to 4 years.

- Even if you are "just testing" your network, using such tools can be seen as preparation for a cyber attack.

Technical risks:

- Most modern routers use WPA3 protection, which cannot be cracked by brute force in a reasonable time.

- Hacking programs often contain viruses or mining software that will steal your data.

- Inept actions can disable the router (for example, when attempting an attack on WPS).

Alternatives:

If you forgot your password his own networks, use the methods in this article. If we are talking about stranger Networks - ask the owner to share access. In many cafes, hotels, and airports, you can get the password from the administrator.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi password recovery

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the device is not connected to the network?

No, if the device is not connected to the network and has not saved its password previously, access can only be restored through router settings (section 5) or resetting the router to factory settings (button Reset).

I reset my router, but the factory password doesn't work. What should I do?

The manufacturer may have changed the default login credentials. Try this:

• 🔍 View the current login/password on the manufacturer's official website (support section).
• 📞 Contact support, providing your router model and serial number.
• 🔄 Repeat the reset while holding the button Reset not 10, but 30 seconds (on some models this is a full reset).

The password in the router settings is displayed as asterisks. How can I see it?

Most routers allow you to change the password to a new one in the same window. If you just need to see the current one:

• 🖥️ On Windows open the router page in your browser Google Chrome, click F12 (Developer Tools), find the password field and change its type from password on text.
• 📱 On your phone, use a browser that supports JavaScript console (for example, Kiwi Browser For Android).

⚠️ Attention: This method requires knowledge of HTML and may not work on some router models.

Is it possible to recover a Wi-Fi password if the router is broken?

If the router is physically damaged (doesn't turn on, doesn't respond to a reset), it's impossible to recover the password. In this case:

• 🛠️ Buy a new router and set it up from scratch.
• 📄 Check your provider's documents—sometimes the password is included in the contract.
• 📞 Contact your internet service provider's support team: they may know the default password for your router model.

How to protect your Wi-Fi password from being stolen?

To minimize risks:

• 🔒 Use WPA3 instead of the outdated one WPA2 (settings in the router menu).
• 🔑 Set a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers, letters, and special characters).
• 📵 Turn off WPS - This function is easy to hack.
• 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly (every 3–6 months).
• 👥 Create guest network for friends, it is isolated from the main one.