It's quite common to need to connect a new device to your home network but forget your access key. This can happen after reinstalling the operating system on your computer or when buying a new smartphone. Fortunately, most modern devices automatically save the passcode. encryption keys in its memory, which makes it easy to restore information without resetting the router settings.
There are several proven ways to find out Wi-Fi password, and the specific method you choose depends on the device you currently have on hand and which has an active network connection. We'll cover options for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS mobile platforms, as well as access to the router's administrative panel. It's important to understand that to implement most of the methods described, you'll need to be connected to the network or have physical access to a device that has previously been successfully authenticated.
Password recovery through Windows settings
Windows 10 and 11 operating systems store profiles of all networks a computer has ever connected to in a special vault. If your laptop or PC is currently connected to Wi-Fi, you can find the access code in just a few clicks through the graphical interface. This method is the simplest and safest for the average user, as it doesn't require the command line.
To get started, open the Start menu and go to the section Parameters, then select "Network and Internet." In the list of available options, find "Network and Sharing Center" or simply click on the name of your active network. In the status window that opens, click the button Wireless network propertiesA dialog box will appear where you need to go to the "Security" tab.
At the bottom of the tab, you'll see the "Network Security Key" field, where the symbols are hidden by asterisks. To see them, you need to check the box next to the item. Show entered charactersAfter this, the system will ask you to confirm the action by entering administrator rights or your account password. Once you do this, encryption key will become visible in text form, and you will be able to copy or rewrite it.
⚠️ Attention: If you don't have administrator rights on this computer, the system won't allow you to view saved passwords. In corporate networks, access to these settings is often blocked by security policies.
Using the Command Prompt in Windows
For more advanced users or in situations where the graphical interface isn't working correctly, the command line is a great tool. This method not only allows you to view the password for the current network but also displays the keys for all networks the device has previously connected to. To use this method, you'll need to run the terminal as an administrator.
Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). In the window that opens, enter the following command to view all saved profiles:
netsh wlan show profilesOnce the list is displayed, find the exact name of your network. Then, use the command to display the details of a specific profile, adding the key parameter. The syntax will look like this:
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearIn the command output, find the "Security settings" section. The line Key content (Key Content) will contain the password you're looking for in clear text. This method is universal and works even on older versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 and 8, providing quick access to network credentials.
How to view your password on macOS
Apple computer owners will need access to iCloud Keychain or the system's local password storage to view saved passwords. In the latest versions of macOS, the process has become even more intuitive thanks to integration with the Keychain app. This centralized storage location where the system stores logins, passwords, and Wi-Fi keys.
Open Finder, go to the "Applications" folder, then "Utilities," and launch "Keychain Access." In the left column, select the "Passwords" category. Find the name of your wireless network in the list. Double-clicking on the name will open the properties window, where you need to check the box. Show passwordThe system will require you to enter your Mac account password or use Touch ID to verify your identity.
An alternative method for macOS Monterey and newer users is via System Preferences. Go to System Preferences → Wi-Fi, find your network in the list and click the "More" button or the information icon. There will also be an option to copy the password after biometric or password authentication. This ensures a high level of data protection, since it is impossible to see the code without confirmation from the device owner.
⚠️ Attention: The Wi-Fi settings interface in macOS is regularly updated. The button layout may vary depending on the operating system version (Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia). If you can't find the item you need, use the settings search.
Viewing passwords on Android smartphones
With the release of Android 10 and later, Google has significantly simplified the process of sharing Wi-Fi access and viewing saved passwords. Root access is no longer required. However, on older versions of Android (9 Pie and below), viewing passwords in plain text using standard tools was impossible without third-party software.
On a modern smartphone, go to Settings → Wi-FiTap the name of the network you're connected to or the gear icon next to it. In the menu that opens, find the "Share" button or QR code. Often, the password is displayed in text directly under the QR code. If there's no text, take a screenshot of the QR code and scan it with any QR code reader or Google Lens—the password will be displayed in the scan results.
In some shells, for example MIUI from Xiaomi or OneUI from SamsungThe process may differ slightly. After tapping the (Share) button, the system may require you to unlock the screen with your fingerprint or PIN. After successful authorization, a QR code and a password string will appear on the screen, which can be copied. This is especially convenient for quickly granting access to guests.
For devices with Android versions below 10, the only option is to root and use specialized apps like WiFi Password Viewer. However, this reduces the overall device security and may void your warranty, so this method is only recommended for experienced users.
☑️ Check before resetting your router
Restoring access to iPhone and iPad
For a long time, iOS didn't allow users to view saved Wi-Fi passwords in plain text, which caused a lot of inconvenience. This changed with the release of iOS 16. Now, iPhone and iPad owners can easily access their passcodes directly in Settings, as long as their device is updated to the latest software version.
To view the password, open Settings → Wi-FiFind the network you need to find the password for in the list and tap the blue information icon (the letter "i" in a circle) to the right of the name. In the menu that opens, find the "Password" line. Initially, the characters will be hidden by dots. Tap this line, and the system will ask you to authenticate with biometrics via Face ID or Touch ID, or enter your device passcode.
After successful confirmation, the password will be displayed in plain text and can be copied. This feature syncs via iCloud Keychain, so if you have a Mac with the same account, the password will also be available there. It's important to note that this method doesn't work on devices running iOS 15 and below, and the only other solution is to use a Mac to view it via Keychain or reset the router.
If you don't have access to any of your previously connected devices and iOS doesn't allow you to view the password, the only solution is to physically access the router to reset it or view the sticker. This emphasizes the importance of storing backup copies of your passwords in a secure location, such as a password manager.
Finding a password through the router's web interface
If none of your devices are connected to the network, or you want to find out the password for the guest network, you can use the router's administrative panel. To do this, connect your computer to the router via an Ethernet cable or, if possible, via Wi-Fi (if you know the guest network password). The login address is usually located on a sticker on the bottom of the device.
Enter the IP address of the router (often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) in the browser's address bar. You will be asked to enter your administrator login and password. By default, this is often admin/admin, but if you've changed them previously, use your own details. After entering the interface, find the section responsible for wireless networking. It may be labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN."
Within this section, in the "Security" or "Basic Settings" subsection, you'll find a "Password," "PSK" (Pre-Shared Key), or "WPA Passphrase" field. This will display the current access key. You can view it or change it to a more complex one if you don't think the current one is secure enough. Be sure to save your changes by clicking "Save" or "Apply."
| Router brand | Standard IP | Default login | Default 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 |
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you can't find the section you need, consult the official manual for your model, as menu item names may vary.
What should I do if I've lost my router admin password?
If you changed the administrator password and forgot it, you won't be able to access the settings. The only solution is to perform a full reset of the router to factory settings by holding the Reset button on the router for 10-15 seconds. This will reset the router to the factory username and password (indicated on the sticker), but you'll have to reconfigure your ISP and Wi-Fi settings.
Resetting the router as a last resort
When none of the software methods work and network access is urgently needed, a radical yet effective solution remains: resetting the router to factory settings (hard reset). This will return the device to its out-of-the-box state, restoring the default Wi-Fi password printed on the sticker on the device.
To perform a reset, locate the small hole marked on the back of the router. Reset or RestorePlug in the router and press the button inside the hole with a thin object (paperclip or toothpick). Hold it for 10-15 seconds until the indicators on the front panel blink simultaneously or turn off. This means the reset process has begun.
After rebooting, the router will create a network with the factory name (SSID) and password indicated on the sticker. You can connect to it using these details. However, keep in mind that all your personal settings, including PPPoE/VPN settings for your ISP, will be deleted. You will need to reconfigure your internet connection, which may require calling your ISP or obtaining a contract with technical data.
⚠️ Attention: Before resetting, make sure you have a contract with your provider or access to your personal account, which includes your connection type and authorization details. Without these details, your internet may not work after the reset, even if your Wi-Fi is working.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a neighbor's Wi-Fi password using software?
Security auditing programs (such as Aircrack-ng) theoretically exist, but using them to hack into other people's networks without their permission is illegal in most countries. Furthermore, modern WPA2 and WPA3 encryption protocols are extremely difficult to crack by brute-force attacks. Legal methods only work on networks to which your device has previously connected.
Where can I find the password if the sticker on my router has worn off?
If the sticker is illegible, try finding your router model (usually written on the nameplate) and searching online for "default password [router model]" to find the default password. If the default password isn't correct and you haven't changed it yourself, a hard reset will fix the issue, after which you can set a new password.
Is it safe to save passwords in the cloud (iCloud/Google)?
Yes, it's secure. Data in iCloud Keychain and Google Password Manager is encrypted end-to-end. This means that even your service provider can't read your passwords. They can only be accessed from devices authorized under your account and that have passed security checks.
Why does Windows say "Cannot display characters"?
This happens if your account doesn't have administrator rights on the computer. On corporate networks or shared PCs, access rights are intentionally restricted. You'll need to ask the system administrator for the password or use another device where you have full rights.
Does the password change when you flash the router?
When updating the firmware, settings, including the Wi-Fi password, are usually preserved. However, a full reset (Reset to Factory Defaults) or a reflash via Recovery Mode with NVRAM cleared will reset the password to the factory value indicated on the sticker.