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

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and need guests to connect urgently? Or reinstalled the system and lost your saved networks? This situation is familiar to many, according to a survey. Kaspersky63% of users have needed to restore access to their own network at least once. Fortunately, there are several legal ways to find out a Wi-Fi password without hacking or using third-party software.

In this article we will look at all current methods — from viewing saved passwords on devices to extracting data directly from the router. Important: all instructions only work for networks you're connected to. have already connected before or have physical access to the equipment. Attempts to hack someone else's network are illegal and punishable under the article Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Unauthorized access to computer information").

Let's start with the simplest methods and gradually move on to more technical ones. If you need it urgently, use quick solution for your operating system.

⚡ Quick way: how to find out a password in 30 seconds

If you're connected to Wi-Fi right now, the fastest method depends on your device:

• 🖥️ Windows 10/11: Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi, click on your network name and select "View network properties." The password will be in the "Network security key" field.
• 📱 Android 10+: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap your network, and select "Share." The system will display a QR code or the password itself (PIN/fingerprint confirmation will be required).
• 🍎 iPhone/iPad: There are no native methods, but if you have a Mac synced with this iPhone, you can view the password in Keychain.

Not suitable? Read on—we'll discuss alternative methods for each situation below.

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

Operating systems Windows Stores all passwords for Wi-Fi networks you've ever connected to. You can retrieve them in two ways: through a graphical interface or a command line.

Method 1: Through "Network Settings"

1. Click Win + Ito open Settings.
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
3. Click on the name of your network (under "Linked Networks").
4. Select Network Properties (in Windows 11) or View network properties (in Windows 10).
5. Scroll down to field Network Security Key - this is your password.

⚠️ Attention: If the "View network properties" button is grayed out, you are connected via Ethernet or VPN. In this case, use command line method.

Method 2: Via Command Prompt (CMD)

This method works even if you are not connected to the network right now, but have connected to it before.

1. Open Command line as administrator (click Win + X and select the appropriate item).
2. Enter the command to view all saved networks:

   netsh wlan show profiles

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

   netsh wlan show profile name="TP-Link_1234" key=clear

   (replace TP-Link_1234 to the name of your network).

4. Find the line in the results Key Contents - this is the password.

💡 Advice: If you often forget your passwords, export them to a file using the command:

netsh wlan export profile name="NETWORK_NAME" folder="C:\WiFi_Passwords\"

The files will be saved in the format .xml on disk C:.

Administrator rights in the command line|Correct network name (case-sensitive!)|No spaces in the command (use quotation marks)|Previously connected to the network (if you haven't connected, this method won't work)-->

📱 How to find your Wi-Fi password on Android (without rooting)

Starting from Android 10Google added a Wi-Fi sharing feature via QR code, which indirectly allows you to see the password. However, on some firmware versions (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or One UI from Samsung) there is also direct viewing.

Method 1: Via "Share Network" (Android 10+)

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network.
3. Select "Share" (or "Share" on English firmware).
4. Confirm the action with your fingerprint/PIN.
5. The system will show a QR code and password under it (On some devices you may need to click "Show Password").

🔹 Exceptions: On Huawei and some models Sony The password is not displayed - only the QR code. In this case, use router method.

Method 2: Via configuration files (requires root)

If you have root access, passwords are stored in a file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlTo read it:

1. Install a file manager with root support (e.g. Root Explorer).
2. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/.
3. Open the file WifiConfigStore.xml any text editor.
4. Find the line <string name="PreSharedKey">PASSWORD</string>.

⚠️ Attention: Modifying files in a folder /data/ This may cause a system crash. Do not edit the file—view it only!

🍎 How to view your Wi-Fi password on an iPhone or iPad

Apple strictly protects confidentiality, therefore iPhone or iPad There's no direct way to see your Wi-Fi password. However, there are two workarounds:

Method 1: Via Mac (if devices are synced)

If your iPhone And Mac tied to one Apple ID, the password can be extracted from Keychains:

1. On Mac open the application Bunch of keys (through Spotlight or folder Utilities).
2. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
3. Double-click on the found entry.
4. Check the "Show password" box and enter your account password. Mac.

Method 2: Via iTunes Backup (Requires PC)

This method is more complicated and is only suitable if you have iPhone backup V iTunes:

1. Connect iPhone to your computer and create a backup copy in iTunes.
2. Download the program iBackup Viewer (free version is enough).
3. Open the backup copy in the program and find the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist.
4. Passwords will be encrypted, but they can be decrypted using a utility WiFi Password Revealer.

⚠️ Attention: Programs for extracting passwords from backups may be recognized by antivirus software as potentially dangerous. Use them at your own risk!

📡 How to find the password directly from the router

If the password isn't saved on any device, the last reliable option is to view it in the router settings. To do this, you'll need:

• 🔌 Physical access to the router (to connect via cable or see the sticker).
• 💻 Any device (PC, laptop, smartphone) to access the web interface.
• 🔑 Login and password from the admin panel (usually admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).

Step 1: Find your router's IP address

To access the settings, you need to know IP address router. Usually this is:

• 192.168.0.1 (at TP-Link, D-Link)
• 192.168.1.1 (at ASUS, Zyxel)
• 192.168.8.1 (at Huawei)

If the standard addresses don't work, find out the exact IP:

• 🖥️ On Windows: open CMD and enter ipconfig. Look for the line Main gateway.
• 📱 On Android: In the Wi-Fi settings, tap your network → "Network Management" → "Advanced" → "Gateway".

Step 2: Login to your admin panel

Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. Log in using the information on the sticker (usually admin/admin or admin/password). If the password has been changed and you have forgotten it, you will need resetting the router.

Step 3: Find the Wi-Fi password

The location of the settings depends on the router model. Here are the paths for popular brands:

🔹 Note: On some routers (for example, Keenetic) The password can only be seen if the "Show password" mode is enabled. Look for the check mark next to the input field.

What should I do if my router returns a 404 error when I log in?

This means the web interface is disabled or a non-standard port is being used. Try:

1. Connect via Telnet/SSH (if you are an experienced user).

2. Use proprietary software (for example, Tether for TP-Link).

3. Reset the router to factory settings (see section below).

Step 4: Reset the router (if you forgot the admin password)

If you can't access your router settings because you forgot your administrator login/password, you'll have to do hard reset:

1. Find the button on the back of the router. Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press the button on 10-15 seconds.
3. Wait for the reboot (the indicators should blink).
4. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (the network will have a default name, for example, TP-Link_1234).
5. Enter the settings with the data from the sticker (usually admin/admin).

⚠️ Attention: A reset will return the router to factory settings. You'll need to reconfigure your internet connection (PPPoE, L2TP) and Wi-Fi! If you're unsure, contact your ISP.

🔒 Alternative methods: QR code and specialized programs

If standard methods don't work, you can try less obvious options.

Method 1: Generate a QR code to connect

Many modern routers and smartphones support QR code connection. This won't reveal the password itself, but it will allow you to connect new devices without entering it:

• 📱 On Android: Open Wi-Fi settings → select a network → "Share" → scan the QR code with another device.
• 📡 On the router: In the Wi-Fi settings, look for the "QR code for connection" section (there is one ASUS, Huawei, Keenetic).

Method 2: Password viewer programs (only for your own networks!)

There are utilities that extract saved passwords from the system. We recommend only legitimate and verified ones:

• 🖥️ Windows: WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - shows all saved Wi-Fi passwords.
• 📱 Android: WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).
• 🍎 Mac: Built-in "Keychain" (see the section about iPhone).

⚠️ Attention: Don't download programs from unknown sources! Many "Wi-Fi hackers" contain viruses or spyware. Use only official developer websites.

🚨 Security: How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking

Once you know your network password, don't forget to check its security. According to research Avast48% of home networks are vulnerable to attack due to weak passwords or outdated protocols.

Wi-Fi Security Checklist

Use WPA3 (or WPA2 if WPA3 is not available)|Disable WPS (vulnerable to brute force)|Set a password longer than 12 characters (with numbers and special characters)|Hide SSID (do not show the network name)|Update the router firmware to the latest version-->

How to create a strong Wi-Fi password

The ideal Wi-Fi password:

• 🔢 Length: 12-16 characters (short passwords can be cracked in hours).
• 🔤 Combination: letters different registers, numbers and special characters (!@#$%).
• 🧠 Easy to remember: Use a phrase like, MyCatLovesEatFish! 2026.

🚫 Do not use:

• Dates of birth, pet names, phone numbers.
• Simple sequences (12345678, qwerty).
• Standard passwords from the router sticker (your neighbors know them!).

If your router supports WPA3, be sure to enable it! This protocol protects against dictionary attacks and password guessing.

❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords

Is it possible to find out the password for my neighbors' Wi-Fi?

No, it's illegal. According to the article Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian FederationUnauthorized access to computer information (including Wi-Fi networks) is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or correctional labor. If the network is unsecured (without a password), using it may also be considered a violation.

I reset my router, but the internet isn't working. What should I do?

After the reset, you'll need to reconfigure your connection to your provider. Typically, you'll need to:

1. Enter the router settings (see the IP on the sticker).
2. In the section Internet or WAN select the connection type (usually PPPoE).
3. Enter your provider login/password (specified in the contract or via SMS when connecting).
4. Save settings and reboot the router.

If you don’t know the data, call your provider’s support team.

My Wi-Fi password changed on its own. Why?

Possible reasons:

• The router was reset (for example, after a power surge).
• The provider updated the router firmware (relevant for rental equipment).
• There was a virus on the network (some malware changes Wi-Fi settings).
• Someone at home changed the password via the web interface.

Check your router settings or contact your ISP.

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 retrieve the password. In this case:

1. Buy a new router and set it up from scratch (your ISP may rent you the equipment).
2. If your old router was rented, return it to your provider and get a replacement.
3. Try connecting to the network through a device on which the password is saved (see sections about Windows/Android).

How to share Wi-Fi with guests without sharing the password?

There are several safe ways:

• 📱 QR code: On Android or generate a QR code for connection in the router settings.
• 🔄 Guest network: Set up a separate network for guests in the router (limit the speed and access to local devices).
• ⏱️ Temporary access: Some routers (eg. ASUS) allow you to issue temporary passwords for several hours.