How to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network you're already connected to: all the methods

Are you connected to Wi-Fi but can't remember the password? This situation is familiar to many: you set up your router a long time ago, wrote down the password on a piece of paper (which then disappeared), and now you need to connect a new device or share the network with a guest. Luckily, there are several ways to find the saved password for your current network—without resetting the router or losing your settings.

In this article we will look at all working methods for different devices: from viewing the password in the settings Windows or macOS before retrieving it from memory Android-smartphone or iPhoneWe'll also explain why some methods may not work and what to do in such cases. Important: All instructions are intended for for your own network only — attempting to hack someone else's Wi-Fi is illegal.

If you're a network administrator (for example, at home or in a small office), these methods will help you regain access. However, if you're connected to a public network (at a cafe or airport), it's impossible to legally discover the password—it's usually hidden or changes automatically.

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

On computers with Windows The password for the current network is stored in the system and can be accessed through Settings or Control Panel. This method works if you've connected to the network from this device at least once.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

• 🖥️ Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 In the "Known networks" section, find the name of your network and click "Hardware properties".
• 📜 Scroll down to Properties and click Show characters next to the Network security key field.
• 🔑 The password will be displayed in plain text - copy or write it down.

If this path doesn't work (for example, due to old drivers), use the alternative method via Control Panel:

1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. Right-click on your Wi-Fi connection and select Status → Wireless Properties.
3. Go to the Security tab and check the box next to "Show entered characters".

Make sure you are connected to the correct network|Open settings as administrator|Make sure the "Security Key" field is not empty|Copy the password to a safe place-->

Why might the password not be displayed? Sometimes the password field is empty - this means that the network is saved without a key (for example, if the connection was made via WPS) or your account rights have been restricted. In this case, try other methods.

2. Retrieving a password on macOS (MacBook, iMac)

On Mac Wi-Fi network passwords are stored in the keychain (Keychain Access). You don't need administrator rights to view them—all you need is your account password.

Step-by-step instructions:

• 🔍 Open Programs → Utilities → Keychain (or find via Spotlight on request "Keychain").
• 🌐 In the left menu, select "System" or "Login", and in the right part, find the name of your Wi-Fi network (the "Type" field should be "AirPort Password").
• 🔓 Double-click on the network, check the "Show password" box and enter the password for your Mac.
• 📋 The password will be displayed in the "Show password" field.

If your keychain asks for a password and you don't remember it, reset it via Settings → Users and Groups → Change PasswordAfter resetting, access to old Wi-Fi passwords will be lost.

What to do if the keychain is damaged?

If Keychain Access gives an error or does not open, try:

1. Restart your Mac.

2. Delete the bundle file (~/Library/Keychains/login.keychain-db) - it will be restored automatically, but old passwords will be lost.

3. Create a new user in macOS and try again.

⚠️ Attention: On Mac with a chip Apple Silicon (M1/M2) Some system passwords may be hidden even to the administrator. In this case, use the router settings method.

3. How to find out the Wi-Fi password on Android (without rooting)

On smartphones with Android The situation is more complex: by default, the system doesn't display passwords for saved networks. However, there are workarounds, ranging from viewing configuration files to using third-party applications.

Method 1: Via configuration file (requires file manager)

• 📁 Install a file manager with access to root folders (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
• 🔍 Go to the folder /data/misc/wifi/ (the path may differ depending on your Android version).
• 📄 Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml and open it with a text editor.
• 🔑 Inside there will be lines with the network name (<string name="SSID">...) and password (<string name="PreSharedKey">...).

Method 2: Via app (without root)

Apps like WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery can extract passwords, but they don't work on all devices. For example, on Samsung With One UI or Xiaomi With MIUI They are often blocked.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ Access to configuration files is restricted. If you have a newer OS version, this method won't work—use the router settings.

Samsung|Xiaomi|Huawei|Google Pixel|Other-->

4. View your password on iPhone or iPad (iOS)

Apple strictly restricts access to system data, so iPhone or iPad It's impossible to view the password for your current network without jailbreaking. However, there are two legal workarounds:

Method 1: Via iCloud Keychain (if you have a Mac)

• 🍎 Make sure that on iPhone And Mac synchronization enabled iCloud Keychain (Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keys).
• 🖥️ On Mac open Bunch of keys (as in the macOS section) and find the Wi-Fi password there.

Method 2: Via a router (if you have access to its settings)

If you don't have Mac, all that remains is to go to the router's web interface with iPhone via a browser. Instructions are provided in the next section.

iOS doesn't allow you to export Wi-Fi passwords directly—this is a security limitation. If you frequently need to share your network, consider using this feature. Guest network in the router (it allows you to provide temporary access without disclosing the main password).

5. Universal method: password in the router settings

The most reliable method is to go to the router's web interface and look up the password there. This works regardless of the device (even if you have Linux, ChromeOS or smartwatch).

Instructions:

1. 🌐 Find out your router's IP address:
   • On Windows: Win + R → cmd → ipconfig (look for "Default Gateway").
   • On Mac/Linux: ifconfig or netstat -rn.
   • On Android/iOS: Look in the network information (next to the Wi-Fi name).

🔗 Enter this IP into the address bar of your browser (for example, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

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

📡 Go to the section Wi-Fi, Wireless network or Wireless (the name depends on the model).

🔑 Find the field Password, Security key or PSK — the current password will be there.

If you've never changed your router's login/password, use the information on the sticker on the bottom panel. If you've changed it but forgot it, you'll have to reset the router using the reset button. Reset (hold it for 10-15 seconds).

⚠️ Note: If your router displays an error when logging in, someone may have previously changed your login information. In this case, a factory reset is the only option (but then you'll have to set up the network again).

6. Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can try more complex options. These require technical skills and aren't always safe.

Method 1: Via Command Prompt (Windows)

Open Command line as administrator and enter:

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

Find the line in the results Key content - this is the password.

Method 2: Via Terminal (macOS/Linux)

On macOS execute:

security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

On Linux (if the network is saved in NetworkManager):

sudo grep psk= /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/"NETWORK_NAME"

Method 3: Via iPhone Backup (iOS Only)

If you have a backup iPhone V iTunes or Finder, you can extract passwords using the utility iBackupBot (paid) or iMazingInstructions:

1. Create a backup iPhone on the computer.
2. Open it in iBackupBot and find the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist.
3. Export it and open it with a text editor - it will contain the SSID and passwords in encrypted form.
4. Use an online decoder (eg. Base64) for decryption.

7. What to do if none of the methods worked?

If you've tried all the methods and still can't find the password, there are some drastic measures left:

• 🔄 Resetting the router: Press and hold the button Reset on the router for 10-15 seconds. After this, the network will be named by default (for example, TP-Link_1234), and the password is indicated on the sticker.
• 📞 Contact your providerIf your router was provided by your internet provider, call support—they can reset your password remotely (you'll need to verify your identity).
• 🛠️ Set up a new network: If the router is yours, it is easier to create a new network with a new password than to try to recover the old one.

If the router is rented from a provider (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS), resetting may block internet access. In this case Be sure to check with support, how to reset settings correctly.

⚠️ Please note: After resetting your router, all connected devices will be disconnected. Please prepare a list of devices that will need to be reconnected in advance.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi connection I'm connected to but am not an administrator?

Technically yes, but only if you have physical access to a device that is already connected to the network (like your laptop or smartphone). However, using other people's networks without permission is illegal — this violates Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Unauthorized access to computer information”).

Why can't I see the Wi-Fi password in my Android settings?

Starting from Android 10Google has tightened its security policy. Passwords are stored encrypted and only system apps have access to them. Workarounds (for example, through ADB) require root rights or special knowledge.

How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking after recovering your password?

Once you have learned the password, it is recommended to:

• 🔒 Change it to a more complex one (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
• 🔄 Update the router firmware (in the settings section System → Update).
• 🚫 Disable WPS (this is a vulnerable protocol).
• 📡 Enable filtering by MAC addresses (although this is not a panacea).

Is it possible to find out the password for public Wi-Fi (in a cafe, airport)?

No, this is not legally possible. Public networks typically use:

• Dynamic passwords (change every day).
• Portal authentication (browser login required).
• Encryption Enterprise (the password is not stored on the devices).

If you need access, ask the establishment administrator for the password.

What is WPS and why is it better to disable it?
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a feature for quickly connecting devices using a PIN code or a push-button. However, it has critical vulnerabilities:
• 🔢 An 8-digit PIN code can be guessed in a few hours.
• 🔄 Many routers do not block attempts after unsuccessful input.
• 🚨 Attackers can gain access to the network even without knowing the password.

Turn it off WPS in the router settings (Wireless Network → WPS).