How to find out your Wi-Fi password if you're connected to your router via cable

Are you connected to the internet via a network cable, but need to connect your smartphone, tablet, or another computer to the same network via Wi-Fi? The problem is, you don't know your wireless network password—either you forgot it or never wrote it down. Luckily, there are several ways to recover it, even if you don't have access to the sticker on your router or documents from your ISP.

In this article we will look at 5 working methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi password when connected via cable: through the operating system settings (Windows, macOS, Linux), the router's web interface, specialized utilities, and even mobile devices. We'll also find out why some methods may not work and what to do in such cases.

Important: all methods described legal, if you are trying to access his own Networks. Using these instructions to hack into other people's networks is punishable by law.

1. View your Wi-Fi password through Windows settings

If your computer or laptop has ever connected to this Wi-Fi network (even if you're currently using a cable), the password is saved in the system. Windows 10 And Windows 11 It can be easily extracted without any third-party programs.

Instructions:

• 🖥️ Open Control Panel (click Win + R, enter control and press Enter).
• 🔍 Go to the section Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
• 📡 Click on the link Managing wireless networks (in the left menu).
• 🔑 Find the desired network in the list, right-click on it and select Properties.
• 👁️ In the window that opens, go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

If in Network and Control Center no section Managing wireless networks, try an alternative route:

1. Click Win + X and select Terminal (Administrator).
2. Enter the command:

   netsh wlan show profiles

   Find your network name in the list (for example, MyWiFi_2.4G).

3. Run the command to view the password:

   netsh wlan show profile name="MyWiFi_2.4G" key=clear

   The password will be in the line Key content.

Make sure you have administrator rights|Make sure the network is actually saved on the system|Try another method (e.g. through a router)|Restart your computer and try again-->

Limitations of the method: If the computer has never connected to this Wi-Fi network over the air, the system will not have a password. Also, some corporate networks may use certificates instead of passwords, in which case this method won't work.

2. Retrieving a password on macOS

On MacBook or iMac Wi-Fi network passwords are stored in the keychain (Keychain Access). To view them:

• 🔍 Open Spotlight (click Cmd + Space) and enter Bunch of keys.
• 📋 In the left menu, select System → Passwords.
• 🔎 Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
• 👁️ Double-click on the found entry and check the box Show password.
• 🔐 Enter your account password Macto confirm access.

If your keychain asks for a password but you don't remember it, you can reset it through Password reset utility (booting into recovery mode). However, this is a last resort - usually users Mac remember their system password.

security find-generic-password -wa "Network_Name"

(replace Network_name to the real name of your Wi-Fi network).-->

Important: if your Mac If you're connected to the network via cable but have never used its Wi-Fi, there won't be a password in your keychain. In this case, proceed to the router settings methods.

3. Viewing the password through the router's web interface

The most universal way is to access your router settings. You don't need a Wi-Fi connection to do this: cable access and login information for the admin panel (usually a username) are sufficient. admin and password admin or an empty string).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Find out Router IP address:
   • On Windows: Win + R → cmd → enter ipconfig and find the line Main gateway (For example, 192.168.1.1).
   • On macOS: System Preferences → Network → Advanced → TCP/IP (look for Router).

Open your browser and enter this IP into the address bar (for example, http://192.168.0.1).

Enter your login and password to log in (usually indicated on the router sticker or in the documentation).

Go to the Wi-Fi settings section (the name depends on the model):

• TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Security.
• ASUS: Wireless Network → Authentication Settings.
• Keenetic: Wi-Fi → Hotspot.
• MikroTik: Wireless → Security Profiles.
• Find the field Password, Network key or PSK — the current password will be there.

What should you do if you don't know your router login/password?

If standard admin/admin don't fit, try:

1. Look at the data on the sticker on the back of the router.

2. Use combinations like admin/1234, user/user or leave the password field blank.

3. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds) - but this will delete all settings, including the Wi-Fi password!

4. Call the provider - some operators (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline) can provide login details using the contract number.

Router manufacturer	Standard IP address	Default login/password
TP-Link	192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1	admin/admin
ASUS	192.168.1.1	admin/admin
Keenetic	192.168.1.1	Without password (login) admin)
D-Link	192.168.0.1	admin/admin or an empty password
Zyxel	192.168.1.1	admin/1234

📊 What kind of router do you have?

TP-Link

ASUS

Keenetic

D-Link

Zyxel

MikroTik

Another

Don't know

Warning: if the router is provided by the provider (for example, MTS, Megaphone or Dom.ru), its settings may be blocked. In this case:

⚠️ Attention: Some providers restrict access to Wi-Fi settings on rented routers. If you see the message "Access Denied" or "Read-Only," call support—they can send you the Wi-Fi password via SMS or call you (you'll need to provide your contract details).

4. Using a mobile device (Android/iOS)

If you have a smartphone or tablet that has ever connected to this Wi-Fi network, you can extract the password from it too. Android for this you will need root rights or special utilities, and on iPhone - only access to the backup copy iTunes.

For Android (with root rights):

• 📱 Install the application WiFi Password Viewer (available in Google Play).
• 🔓 Launch it and grant root access.
• 📋 In the list of saved networks, find the one you need and copy the password.

For iPhone (without jailbreak):

• 🖥️ Connect iPhone to the computer with iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and newer).
• 🔄 Create a backup (required) encrypted - otherwise the passwords will not be saved).
• 🔍 Use the program iBackup Viewer or iExplorerto view the backup data. Passwords are stored in the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist.

Without root/jailbreak: on modern versions Android And iOS Wi-Fi passwords are not accessible without additional permissions. If the device is not rooted, this method will not work.

5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If standard methods don't work, try these options:

• 📞 Call the provider. Many operators (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, Third Transport Ring) The Wi-Fi password is specified in your personal account or can be provided by phone after the subscriber has been identified.
• 📄 View documentation. The password may have been specified in the Internet connection agreement or in an email from the provider (check the email associated with the service).
• 🔧 Reset the router. If access to settings is blocked, you can reset to factory settings using the button Reset (hold for 10-15 seconds). After resetting, the Wi-Fi password will become the standard one (indicated on the router sticker), but all personal settings (including PPPoE, IPTV, ports) will have to be configured again.
• 🛠️ Use recovery utilities. Programs like WirelessKeyView (For Windows) or Wifi Password Revealer Scan your system for saved passwords. Download them only from official sources!

Router reset warning:

⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router to factory settings will disconnect all users from the network, including IPTV, VoIP-telephony and other provider services. If you are unsure of the settings PPPoE/L2TP, it’s better to first call support and clarify the connection parameters.

6. Why might some methods not work?

Not all methods are universal. Here are the main reasons why you might not see your password:

Problem	Cause	Solution
The password is not displayed in the settings. Windows/macOS	The computer has never connected to this Wi-Fi network.	Use the router or mobile device method
Unable to access the router's web interface	Incorrect IP address, login/password, or blocked by your ISP	Check IP via ipconfig, reset your router or call your provider
On Android/iPhone no saved password	The device was not connected to the network or was reset	Try a different gadget or method with the router
The password in the router is displayed as asterisks and cannot be copied.	Web interface limitations for some models	View the page source code (Ctrl+U) and find the line with password

If you rent a router from a provider, some settings may be hidden. For example, MTS And Megaphone Changes to Wi-Fi settings in the subscriber's personal account are often blocked. In such cases:

• Check the sticker on your router - sometimes it says SSID and password.
• Log in to your provider's personal account (for example, lk.rt.ru For Rostelecom) - there may be a section with Wi-Fi data.
• Call support and ask them to send you your password via email or SMS.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if I am only connected via cable and have never used a wireless network?

Yes, but only through the router settings (method 3) or by contacting your ISP. If the router isn't yours (for example, at your office or at a friend's), the network owner will have to look up the password themselves and share it with you.

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

The sticker may have worn off or the password may have been changed previously. Try:

1. Connect to the router via cable and go to the settings (the default login/password is usually admin/admin).
2. View the password in the Wi-Fi section (it may be generated automatically after the reset).
3. If access is blocked, call your provider (especially if the router is theirs).

Is it possible to hack someone else's Wi-Fi if I'm connected to it via cable?

No. All the methods described work only for yours A network to which you have legal access. Hacking into other people's networks violates Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information") and is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or imprisonment.

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

Most routers have a "Show Password" button or a "Show Characters" checkbox. If you don't see one:

• Click Ctrl+U in the browser to open the page's source code.
• Find the line with type="password" — the password value will be next to it.
• Or copy the asterisks to the clipboard and paste them into Notepad - sometimes the symbols are displayed.

I changed my router password, but my internet connection is gone. What should I do?

You've probably changed not only your Wi-Fi password, but also your ISP connection settings (for example, PPPoE). To restore access:

1. Check if the indicator light is on Internet on the router.
2. Go to your router settings and restore the old settings. WAN (or check with your provider).
3. If you are not sure, reset the router using the button Reset and configure it again.