It's quite common to need to connect a new device to your home network but lose or forget the password. This could be due to purchasing a new smartphone, having guests over, or needing to reconfigure a printer. Fortunately, modern operating systems and routers store saved access keys, making it easy to recover the necessary information without complex manipulations.
There are several proven methods that allow restore access to your wireless network. The specific method you choose depends on which device you already have connected to Wi-Fi and whether you have physical access to the router itself. We'll cover options for Windows operating systems, Android and iOS mobile devices, and a method for logging into the router's admin panel.
Restoring network data is a standard administration procedure that doesn't require any specialized programming knowledge. The key is to follow the instructions carefully and carefully enter commands or navigate through the indicated menu paths. Forgetting your password doesn't mean you'll lose internet access as long as at least one device is still connected.
How to view your Wi-Fi password in Windows 10 and 11
The Windows operating system automatically saves the settings of all networks your computer has ever connected to. This makes it easy to extract the security key through a graphical interface, without the need for third-party software. You'll need a device that is currently or has previously successfully connected to the desired access point.
To get started, open the Start menu and go to "Settings" by selecting the gear icon. Next, under "Network and Internet," find the "Network and Sharing Center" link (in Windows 11, this may be under "Advanced network settings"). In the window that opens, find your active connection and click the name of your wireless network.
A small status window will appear with a "Wireless Network Properties" button. Click it and go to the "Security" tab. This is where the field you're looking for is located. By default, characters are hidden behind asterisks to protect them from prying eyes. Simply check the box next to "Show entered characters."
After removing the mask, your password will appear in the "Network Security Key" field. Copy it or rewrite it. If your computer isn't currently connected to the network but has connected previously, you can use the command prompt in Windows 10 and 11 to view saved profiles.
⚠️ Attention: Performing actions through the command line may require administrator privileges. Make sure you run the console as an administrator, otherwise the system may deny access to saved profiles.
Using the Command Prompt to View Saved Networks
The graphical interface isn't always convenient, especially if you need to find the password for a network your computer is currently connected to, or if the system interface isn't working properly. In such cases, a built-in utility comes to the rescue. netshThis method is considered more professional and allows you to see a list of all profiles ever saved.
Open the command prompt. To do this, press Win+R, enter cmd and press Enter. To avoid access rights issues, it's best to launch the console as an administrator using the Start menu search. First, list all saved profiles with the command:
netsh wlan show profilesFind your network name (SSID) in the list. If the name contains spaces or special characters, enclose it in quotation marks. Next, use the command to display detailed information about a specific profile by adding the parameter key=clear, which is what opens the hidden key:
netsh wlan show profile name="Your_Network_Name" key=clearIn the resulting report, look for the "Security settings" section. The "Key Content" line will display your password in clear text. This method is universal and works on most versions of Windows, starting with Windows 7.
What to do if the command returns an error?
The "Network not found in profile" error means the computer has never connected to this access point. In this case, you won't be able to recover the password from this PC; you'll need to find another device that has previously connected to the router.
How to find out the password through the router's web interface
The most reliable method, which always works regardless of the connected devices, is to access the router's settings. The Wi-Fi password is stored in the router's configuration, and with access to the admin panel, you can not only view it but also change it. To do this, you'll need any device (PC, laptop, phone) connected to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
Open any browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address, as well as the login and password, are usually located on a sticker on the bottom of the device. If you've changed your admin login details previously, use them. Default combinations are often admin/admin or admin/password.
After successful authorization, the interface may look different depending on the manufacturer (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link, Keenetic). You need to find the section related to wireless networking. Look for tabs named "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN." Within this section, there will be a subsection called "Security" or "Security Settings."
The "Wireless Password" (WPA Pre-Shared Key) field is located in the security section. Here you'll see the current key. If the field is hidden by dots, there's often a "Show" or "Display" button next to it. If there's no such button, you can simply enter a new password here and click "Save" or "Apply." Keep in mind that after changing the password, all devices will be disconnected and will need to be reconnected with the new key.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces are constantly being updated. The menu layout may differ from the one described. If you can't find the item you need, consult the official manual for your router model or look for screenshots of the interface for your firmware version.
Viewing Wi-Fi password on Android and iOS
Mobile devices also store connection data, but access to it is limited by operating system security policies. On Android, the situation changed with the release of version 10. On older versions, viewing saved passwords without root access was virtually impossible, but modern smartphones allow this to be done using built-in tools.
On Android 10 and above, go to "Settings" → "Wi-Fi" (or "Connections"). Tap the name of the network you're connected to, or select "Saved Networks" if you need to view the password for another network. A QR code for quick connection will appear on the screen. The password is often written in plain text underneath the code. If there's no text, take a screenshot of the QR code and scan it with any scanner app (such as Google Lens or your camera's built-in scanner). The scan will reveal the password.
On an iPhone with iOS 16 or later, the process is even simpler. Open "Settings" → "Wi-Fi." Tap the blue "i" icon next to your network name. In the menu that appears, find "Password." Tap the hidden dots, and the system will ask you to verify your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. Once confirmed, the password will be displayed and can be copied.
For devices running older versions of iOS or Android (without root access), there's no built-in way to view the password. In such cases, the only options are logging into the router or using a computer already connected to the network.
Resetting the router to factory settings
If none of the above methods help (you don't remember the router admin password, no devices are connected, and the data on the sticker has been erased), the last resort is a hard reset. This will return the router to its out-of-the-box state.
There is a small hole with an inscription on the router body. Reset or RestoreTo activate the function, press it with a thin object (such as a paperclip or toothpick) and hold the button for about 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash simultaneously. After rebooting, the router will operate with factory settings.
The Wi-Fi password will be reset to the one on the sticker on the bottom of the device (often the WPA Key or Wireless Key field). However, keep in mind: after resetting, your ISP settings (PPPoE, L2TP, etc.) will also be reset. Your internet connection may not work until you reconfigure the router using the quick setup wizard.
☑️ Checklist before resetting your router
Table of standard addresses and passwords for popular routers
Default login details are often required to access router settings. Below is a table of the most common combinations. Please note that if you or your technician changed these details during setup, the default combinations will not work.
| Manufacturer | IP address | Login | Password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | (empty) |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | admin | 1234 |
| Tenda | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
Using default passwords is risky. Attackers know these combinations. Be sure to change the password for the router's web interface (admin) to something complex and unique. Immediately after the initial equipment setup. This will protect your network from unauthorized changes to settings.
If the default passwords don't work and you haven't changed them, your ISP may have blocked access to your settings or installed their own credentials. In this case, you should contact your ISP's technical support.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router with the Reset button deletes all user settings, including your ISP connection type. Be prepared to re-enter your contract details with your internet service provider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if I have never connected to this network from this device?
No, this is impossible. The device doesn't store passwords for networks it hasn't connected to. You'll need to find another device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) that already has a saved connection to that network, or gain physical access to the router.
What should I do if the password on the router sticker has been erased?
If the sticker is unreadable and you cannot log into the admin panel, the only solution is to reset the router to factory settings using the button ResetAfter resetting, the password will become the default for this model, which can be found online using the router model name.
Is it safe to use password cracking or viewing programs?
Most programs that promise to "hack" Wi-Fi are scams or contain viruses. Legitimate utilities (like WirelessKeyView) simply read keys already stored in the Windows system. "Hacking" someone else's network without the owner's permission is illegal.
Why does the computer say "Incorrect password" even though I'm entering it correctly?
Check your keyboard layout and capitalization (Caps Lock). Users often confuse numbers and letters (e.g., 0 and O, 1 and l, I). Also, make sure you're trying to connect to the correct network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) for which you're entering the key if your router has separate network names.
Is it possible to view a password using the command line on a Mac?
Yes, on macOS this is done through Keychain Access. Find the app in Spotlight, select "System" from the list on the left, find your network name in the list, double-click it, and check "Show password." You'll be prompted to enter your Mac account password.