How to find your Wi-Fi password: all the methods for Windows, Android, iOS, and your router

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and need to connect a new device urgently? This situation is familiar to many: you've been entering the password automatically for years, but when you need to enter it manually, you find no one remembers it. Luckily, there are several ways to restore access to your network—without calling support or resetting your router.

In this article we will look at all current methodsHow to find your Wi-Fi password: through router settings, saved data on your computer or smartphone, or using specialized utilities. We'll cover the nuances for different operating systems separately (Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, iOS) and router models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik). Important: all methods work only for networks you already had access to — it is impossible to hack other people's passwords this way.

If you rent a place or are connected to a shared network, first check with the owner or administrator—trying to find the password yourself in these cases may violate the network's terms of use.

1. How to find out your Wi-Fi password through your router settings

The most reliable way is to access the router's web interface. This doesn't require internet access, only a physical connection to the device via a cable or an existing Wi-Fi connection (if one is saved on one of the devices).

The instructions are universal for most models, but the menu paths may differ slightly. For example, TP-Link the section with the password is called Wireless → Wireless Security, and at ASUS — Wireless Network → Security Settings.

• 🔌 Connect to the router via cable (recommended) or via Wi-Fi from a device where the network is already saved.
• 🌐 Open your browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1If you can't connect, check the IP address on the router's sticker (usually listed next to the model).
• 🔐 Enter your username and password to log in. By default, this is often admin/admin or admin/empty fieldIf the data has changed, look at it on the same sticker.
• 🔍 Go to the section Wireless (or Wi-Fi, Wireless network) → Security (Security). The password will be in the field Password, Key or PSK.

Check the cable connection to the LAN port (not WAN)

Disable VPN or proxy in your browser

Try a different browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

Reset the router using the Reset button (hold for 10 seconds) -->

Attention: If you reset your router to factory settings, the Wi-Fi password will also return to the default (indicated on the device's sticker). All personal settings, including SSID (network name), you will have to reconfigure it.

ipconfig

2. How to view saved Wi-Fi passwords on Windows 10 and 11

If your computer or laptop is already connected to the network, the password can be retrieved from the system settings. Windows This can be done without any additional programs.

For Windows 10/11 the order of actions is the same:

• 🖥️ Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter (a list of network connections will open).
• 📡 Find your Wi-Fi network, right-click on it → State → Wireless network properties.
• 🔑 Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters. The password will appear in the field. Network security key.

If the password field is empty or grayed out, it means the network is connected via WPS (button on the router) or the password is not saved in the system. In this case, try other methods.

For Windows 7 the path is a little different:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on your network name next to Connections.
3. In the status window, click Wireless network properties → tab Security.

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

The password will be in the line Key content-->

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

On computers Apple saved passwords are stored in the keychain (Keychain Access). To view them:

• 🔍 Open Spotlight (⌘ + Space), enter Bunch of keys and launch the application.
• 📂 In the left menu, select System → Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar at the top.
• 🔑 Double-click on the found network and check the box Show password and enter the password for your account Mac.

If the password is not displayed, the network may have been connected through WPS or the data is not saved. In this case, check your router settings (section 1) or use Terminal:

security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

Attention: on macOS Ventura and newer may require confirmation via Touch ID or your Apple ID password when first prompted for a password from your keychain.

4. How to find the Wi-Fi password on an Android smartphone

On Android There is no universal way to view the password - everything depends on the OS version and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS etc.). On clean Android 10+ and on most modern smartphones the password can be found through the settings:

• ⚙️ Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Network and Internet → Wi-Fi).
• 📶 Click on your network name → Share (or Share).
• 🔐 Confirm unlocking (PIN, fingerprint, or pattern). The password will appear as a QR code and text.

On devices with MIUI (For example, Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO):

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on your network → Show QR code.
3. The password will be under the QR code in text form.

⚠️ Attention: on older versions Android (up to 9.0) and some custom firmwares, this method may not work. In this case, use router settings or specialized applications (section 6).

5. How to view the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone or iPad

On devices Apple With iOS or iPadOS There's no built-in way to view your Wi-Fi password—the system hides this information "for security." However, there are workarounds:

• 🍎 Via MacBook: if you have Mac, connected to the same network, use the instructions from Section 3.
• 📱 Via iTunes backup: Passwords are stored in encrypted backups. Create a backup in iTunes, then use the utility iBackup Viewer (Windows/macOS) to extract data.
• 🔄 Via router: if not Mac, all that remains is to go to the router settings (section 1).

⚠️ Attention: applications from App Store, promising to show the Wi-Fi password, either do not work or require jailbreak (which voids the warranty and creates safety risks). We do not recommend using them.

For owners iPhone With iOS 16+ There is a partial solution: you can generate QR code to connect other devices. To do this:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on your network → Password.
3. Log in via Face ID/Touch ID — a QR code will appear that can be scanned with another gadget.

6. Programs for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities. They are suitable for Windows And Android (with root access). Important: Download software only from official websites to avoid viruses.

Warning: programs for Android without root access (WiFi Password Show, WiFi Password Hack (and similar) are scams. They either display random symbols or demand payment to "unlock" non-existent features.

7. How to recover a Wi-Fi password through your provider

If none of the methods work, the only option left is to contact your internet service provider. Most operators (Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS, Megaphone) The default Wi-Fi password is specified in the contract or personal account.

What to do:

• 📄 Check your paper contract—the password is often listed next to your personal account login information.
• 🌐 Log in to your personal account on the provider's website (section Services → Internet or My devices).
• 📞 Call support (the number is usually listed on the website or in the contract). You will need your passport or code word for identification.

⚠️ Attention: If you purchased your router yourself (not from a provider), its factory password can be found on a sticker on the back panel. It's usually a combination of 8-12 characters, for example, 12345678 or admin1234.

8. What to do if nothing helps

If all other methods have failed, the only option left is to reset the router to factory settings. To do this:

1. Find the small button on the back of the router. Reset (sometimes it is recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds.
3. Wait for the reboot (all indicators will light up).

After reset:

• Network Name (SSID) and the password will return to the factory settings (indicated on the sticker).
• You will have to reconfigure your internet connection (data from your provider usually comes via SMS or email).
• All personal settings (eg. DMZ, Port Forwarding, Guest network) fly off.

Important: If you rent a router from a provider, resetting it may block internet access. In this case, first contact support—they'll tell you how to restore the settings correctly.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords