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

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and need to connect a new device urgently? Or is a guest requesting network access, but the sticker on the router is long gone? This situation is familiar to many – according to surveys, 68% of users have had to recover their Wi-Fi password at least once.Fortunately, there are several proven ways to restore network access without completely resetting your router.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for all popular devices: from classic routers TP-Link, ASUS And Keenetic before smartphones on Android/iOS and computers with Windows or macOSWe will also tell you how change password, if it's too simple, and what to do if the router returns an authorization error. All methods have been tested on current firmware versions from 2026–2026.

Let us warn you right away: if you are trying to hack someone else’s network, this is illegally (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Our instructions are intended only for restoring access to own network, the password for which was lost.

1. How to view the Wi-Fi password on a router

The most reliable way is to access your router's settings through the web interface. This method works on all models, regardless of the manufacturer, but requires physical access to the device.

You will need:

• 🔌 A router connected to power and a network (via cable or Wi-Fi).
• 💻 A device with a browser (PC, laptop, smartphone).
• 🔐 Login and password to enter the admin panel (usually admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).

Instructions:

1. Connect to your router via cable (recommended) or Wi-Fi (if your device is already connected to the network).
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1For routers Keenetic use my.keenetic.net.
3. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/empty).
4. Go to the section Wireless network (or Wi-Fi, Wireless).
5. Find the field Password, Key or PSK — the current security key will be displayed here.

What should I do if I can't access my router settings?

If standard admin/admin don't fit, try:

1. Look at the login/password on the sticker on the back of the router (sometimes unique data is indicated there).

2. Reset the router to factory settings using the button Reset (Hold for 10-15 seconds) ⚠️ Warning: This will delete all settings, including the network name and password!

3. Use the manufacturer's application (eg. TP-Link Tether or ASUS Router), if the router supports mobile control.

On some models (eg, Xiaomi Mi Router) The password may be hidden behind asterisks. To see it, click the eye icon 👁️ or copy the characters into a notepad—they often appear in plain text when pasted.

Check the cable connection to the WAN/Internet port

Make sure the power indicator is green/blue

Disable VPN or proxy in your browser

Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)

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2. How to find out the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 and 11

If your computer or laptop is already connected to the network, you can retrieve the password from the saved settings. Windows without access to the router. This method also works on Windows 10, and on Windows 11.

Method 1: Via Network Settings

1. Click Win + I, select Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on your network name, then click Properties.
3. Scroll down to the section Security parameters and press Show symbols next to the field Network security key.

Method 2: Via the command line

1. Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
2. Enter the command:

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

   Replace NETWORK_NAME to the name of your Wi-Fi.

3. Find the line Key content - this is the password.

Method 3: Via PowerShell (for advanced users)

(netsh wlan show profiles) | Select-String "\:(.+)$" | %{$name=$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); $_} | %{(netsh wlan show profile name="$name" key=clear)} | Select-String "Key contents\W+\:(.+)$" | %{$pass=$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); [PSCustomObject]@{PSWiFiName=$name; PSWiFiPass=$pass}} | Format-Table -AutoSize

This command will output a table with all saved networks and their passwords.

Via Windows Settings

Via the command line

Via PowerShell

Another option

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3. How to find your Wi-Fi password on a Mac (macOS)

On computers Apple Network passwords are stored in the keychain Keychain AccessTo see them, follow these steps:

1. Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and enter Bunch of keys (or Keychain Access (in the English version).
2. In the left menu, select System → Passwords.
3. Find the name of your Wi-Fi network in the list and double-click on it.
4. Check the box Show password and enter the password for your account Mac.

If the password is not displayed, make sure you are logged in with the account that connected to this network. macOS Ventura and newer may require confirmation via Touch ID.

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

On smartphones with Android the situation is more complicated: starting with version Android 10By default, the system doesn't display passwords for saved networks. However, there are workarounds.

Method 1: Via settings (only for Android 9 and below)

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on your network name and select Network management or Share.
3. The password will be displayed below the QR code (you may be required to enter your device PIN).

Method 2: Via configuration file (requires root)

If you have root access, use any file manager (for example, Root Explorer) and open the file:

/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

Find the line <string name="PreSharedKey">...</string> — there will be a password between the tags.

Method 3: Via apps

• 📱 WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).
• 📱 WiFi Key Recovery (works on some firmware without root).
• 📱 ES File Explorer (older versions could show passwords).

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

Apple strictly protects confidentiality, therefore iPhone or iPad There's no direct way to see the password for the current network. However, there are two working workarounds:

Method 1: Via Mac (if the devices are in the same iCloud connection)

1. Open A bunch of keys on Mac (see the macOS section).
2. Find the network and copy the password.
3. Send it to yourself via AirDrop or Messages.

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

Use the method from first section This article will help you access your router's web interface and view your password.

Method 3: Via jailbreak (not recommended)

You can install a tweak on jailbroken devices WiFi Passwords from Cydia, but this violates the warranty terms and system security.

6. How to change your Wi-Fi password to a more secure one

If you have recovered your password but it turned out to be too simple (for example, 12345678 or qwerty), we recommend changing it to a more secure one. This will protect your network from hacking and unauthorized access.

Requirements for a secure password:

• 🔐 Length not less than 12 characters.
• 🔤 A combination of letters (upper and lower case), numbers and special characters (!@#$%).
• 🚫 Lack of personal information (date of birth, names, addresses).
• 🔄 Regular change (every 3–6 months).

How to change your password:

1. Enter the router settings (see Section 1).
2. Go to Wireless network → Security (or Wi-Fi → Security).
3. In the field Password (Password, PSK) enter the new key.
4. Select encryption type WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK (don't use outdated WEP!).
5. Save the settings and reconnect all devices.

Examples of strong passwords:

7. What to do if nothing works?

If none of these methods help, the problem may lie deeper. Here's what you can do:

Check:

• 🔌 Is the router connected to power and is the Wi-Fi indicator on?
• 📡 Were the settings lost after the firmware update?
• 🔄 Is the mode turned on? AP Isolation (client isolation), which blocks access to settings.

Extreme measures:

1. Resetting the router: Press and hold the button Reset (10-15 seconds) until the indicators flash. After this, the settings will be reset to factory defaults, and you will be able to log in using the default username and password (see the sticker on the router).
2. Firmware updateDownload the latest software version from the manufacturer's website and flash the router via the web interface.
3. Contacting your providerIf your router returns an authorization error, it may be blocked by your carrier. Call support and check the device's status.

How do I reset my router if the reset button doesn't work?

If the button Reset does not respond:

1. Disconnect the router from power.

2. Press and hold the button Reset and, without releasing it, connect the power supply.

3. Hold the button for 20-30 seconds.

4. If the indicators do not flash, the router may be faulty.

8. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When recovering a password, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

Another common problem is The router distributes the Internet, but does not open the settings page.This may occur due to:

• 🔌 IP address conflict (try disconnecting all devices except one).
• 🛡️ Blocked by antivirus or firewall (temporarily disable protection).
• 🔄 Incorrect DNS settings (try using 8.8.8.8 from Google).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out my neighbor's Wi-Fi password?

No, it's illegal. According to Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, unauthorized access to computer information (including other people's Wi-Fi networks) is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or correctional labor. If the network is not password-protected, using it may also be considered a violation (Article 13.11 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

Why doesn't the router save the new password?

This may be due to:

• Firmware failure - try updating the router software.
• Low memory - reset to factory settings.
• Provider restrictions - some operators block password changes (for example, for routers from Rostelecom or Beeline).

If the problem persists, please contact your provider's support.

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

There are several safe ways:

1. QR code: Generate it in the router settings or through applications like WiFi QR Generator.
2. Guest network: Set up a separate network for guests in the router (limit the speed and access to local devices).
3. WPS: Click the button WPS on the router, and the guest will connect without a password (works for 2 minutes).

Is it possible to recover the password if the router burns out?

If the router is physically faulty, but you have a backup copy of the settings (configuration file), you can:

1. Buy the same router and load the saved configuration into it.
2. Contact your provider - sometimes they store connection data.

If there is no backup, you will have to set up a new router from scratch (you will need your provider's login/password to connect to the Internet).

How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking?

To minimize risks:

• Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it).
• Turn it off WPS - This protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
• Hide the SSID (network name) in your router settings.
• Enable MAC address filtering (although this is not a panacea).
• Update your router firmware regularly.