Wi-Fi Security Code: How to Find It on Your Router, Phone, and PC

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and can't connect a new device? Or do you urgently need to share the security code with guests, but the sticker on the router has long since worn off? This situation is familiar to many – according to surveys, 63% of users have lost access to their own network password at least once.Fortunately, there are several ways to recover your security code—and it doesn't require calling your ISP or resetting your router.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for all popular devices: from Windows 10/11 And macOS before smartphones on Android And iOSWe'll also look at where the security code is physically stored on the router itself, how to change it, and why it's sometimes easier to create a new network instead of resetting the old password. If your router supports WPS — you can connect without entering any characters!

Let us warn you right away: some methods require administrative rights on the device or access to the router's web interface. If you're renting and don't know the login details for the router's control panel, it's best to ask the landlord for them—otherwise, you risk messing up your network settings.

1. Where is the Wi-Fi security code stored on the router?

The most reliable way to find out your Wi-Fi password is to look at it on the router itself. Manufacturers usually indicate network name (SSID) And security code (Password/Key) on the sticker, which is located:

• 📋 On the bottom panel of the router (for models TP-Link Archer C6, ASUS RT-AX55, Keenetic Giga)
• 🖼️ On the back wall (for vertical devices like Zyxel Keenetic Ultra or MikroTik hAP ac²)
• 📦 In the device box (if the sticker is not damaged)
• 🔖 In the router's data sheet (rare, but found in older models) D-Link DIR-300)

If the sticker is worn off or stained, try wiping it with alcohol—sometimes this helps you read the symbols. Please note: on some routers (for example, Huawei WS5200) the password is specified in the form QR codeIt can be scanned with a smartphone using the standard camera application.

Important: The security code on the sticker is default passwordIf you or your provider changed it through the web interface, this method won't work. In that case, proceed to the next methods.

2. How to find out the Wi-Fi password through the router settings

If you have access to your router's web interface, you can view the current security code in the settings. To do this:

1. Connect to the router via cable (LAN) or via Wi-Fi (if the device is already online).
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or tplinkwifi.net (depending on the model).
3. Enter your username and password to log in. By default, this is often admin/admin or admin/password.
4. Go to the section Wireless (or Wi-Fi → Security).
5. Find the field Password, Key or Pre-Shared Key — the current security code is displayed here.

The path to settings may vary depending on the manufacturer. Here's a quick table for popular brands:

If you don't remember your control panel login details, try the default combinations for your model. They can be found in default password database (opens in a new tab).

⚠️ Attention: If the router is rented from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), access to settings may be restricted. In this case, please contact support; they will provide a security code over the phone after verifying your personal information.

3. How to view the Wi-Fi security code on Windows 10 and 11

If your computer or laptop is already connected to Wi-Fi, you can retrieve the saved password through the system. Windows 10/11 This can be done without any additional programs:

1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. Find your wireless connection, right click on it and select State.
3. Click Wireless network properties → go to the tab Security.
4. Check the box Show entered characters — in the field Network security key a password will appear.

Alternative way through Command line:

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

Replace NETWORK_NAME to yours SSIDIn the command results, find the line Key content - this is the security code.

Open "Network Connections" (ncpa.cpl)|Find your active wireless connection|Go to "Properties" → "Security"|Enable display of password characters-->

If you have Windows 7, the path is a little different: Start → Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Manage wireless networksThe further steps are similar.

⚠️ Attention: In corporate networks (e.g., in offices), passwords may be hidden by security policies. In this case, they can only be obtained from the IT department administrator.

4. How to find the Wi-Fi password on a Mac (macOS)

On computers Apple the security code is stored in the keychain Keychain AccessTo find it:

1. Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and enter Keychain Access.
2. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
3. Double-click on the found entry and check the box. Show password.
4. Enter your account password Macto unlock access.

If you use macOS Ventura or newer, the path may be slightly different: System Preferences → Wi-Fi → Advanced → PasswordsAll saved networks and their security codes will be displayed here.

Important: If you connected to the network via WPS (button on the router), the password may not have been saved in the keychain. In this case, use the other methods in this article.

5. How to find the Wi-Fi security code on Android

On smartphones with Android 10 and newer you can view the password for the current network without root rightsTo do this:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network (it must be connected).
3. Click Share (or Share).
4. Confirm unlocking with PIN code, fingerprint or graphic key.
5. Under the field with QR code A text password will appear.

On older versions Android (8-9) You may need to install third-party applications, such as WiFi Password Viewer (requires root). An alternative is to connect to the router via a browser, as described in Section 2.

What should I do if the Share button is grayed out?

If the "Share" option does not work, it means that the smartphone manufacturer (for example, Xiaomi or Samsung) has restricted access to passwords. In this case, use one of the alternative methods:

1. View the password on another device (PC, tablet) already connected to this network.

2. Recover the code through the router's web interface.

3. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds) - but this will delete all personal settings!

On some firmware (for example, MIUI on Xiaomi) the path may differ: Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Saved Network Passwords.

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

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

• 🔄 Reset network settings: Go to Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network SettingsAfter rebooting, connect to Wi-Fi again - the system will prompt you to enter the password, and you will be able to see it (if it is saved in iCloud Keychain). Minus: All saved networks will be deleted.
• 💻 Via Mac: If you have MacBook, connected to the same network, extract the password through Keychain Access, as described in Section 4.
• 📱 Via jailbreak: Installing the tweak WiFi Passwords from Cydia Allows you to view all saved passwords. Risk: Jailbreaking voids the warranty and reduces the security of the device.

The easiest way for users iOS - use another device (for example, Windows PC or Android smartphone), which is already connected to the network. Or ask someone in the household to share the password via QR code (on Android This can be done in 2 clicks).

7. Alternative ways to connect without a password

If you can't recover your security code, you can connect to Wi-Fi without entering it. Here are some working methods:

• 🔄 WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): Click the button WPS on your router (usually marked with a 🔄 icon), then select the network on your device and confirm the connection. This feature only works if it's enabled in your router settings.
• 📱 QR code: On Android Open Wi-Fi settings, tap on network → Share → scan the code with another device. iPhone it works through camera (point at the QR from the router or other gadget).
• 🖥️ Guest network: Many routers (for example, ASUS or Keenetic) allow you to create a separate guest network with a different password. Configure it through the web interface and connect new devices to it.
• 🔧 Resetting the router: The last resort is to press the button Reset for 10 seconds to restore factory settings. The password will be reset to the default (indicated on the sticker). Minus: You will have to configure the network again.

If your router supports the standard Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz), make sure the device you're connecting to is compatible with this frequency. Otherwise, the network may not appear in the list of available networks.

8. How to change your Wi-Fi security code

If you've recovered your password, but it's too simple or someone else has discovered it, it's best to change it. To do this:

1. Go to the router's web interface (instructions in Section 2).
2. Go to the section Wi-Fi or Wireless.
3. Find the field Password/Key and enter a new password.
4. Save settings (button Apply or Save).
5. Reconnect all devices with the new code.

Recommendations for choosing a strong password:

• 🔐 Length not less than 12 characters (optimally 16+).
• 🅰️ Letter combination (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9) and special characters (!@#$%).
• 🚫 Avoid obvious combinations: dates of birth, names, words from the dictionary.
• 🔄 Use password managers (KeePass, 1Password) for generation and storage.

Example of a strong password: 7H#pK9!mQ2$vL5*To avoid forgetting it, write it down on paper and store it in a safe place (not on the router!).

⚠️ Attention: After changing the password, all devices will be disconnected from the network. Prepare a list of devices that need to be reconnected (smartphones, smart speakers, IP cameras, etc.) in advance.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Wi-Fi security code

Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password?

Technically yes, but that's illegally (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code – unauthorized access to computer information). If you have the network owner's permission, ask them for the password. For public networks (cafes, hotels), the security code is usually listed on the receipt or can be obtained from the staff.

Why doesn't the router accept the correct password?

The reasons may be as follows:

• 🔤 Typo while entering (check letter case and special characters).
• 📶 The device does not support the encryption type (e.g. WPA3 on older smartphones).
• 🔄 The router has a filter enabled MAC addresses.
• 🔌 Problems with the router firmware (try rebooting it).

Solution: Reset the network settings on your device and try connecting again.

How to connect to Wi-Fi without a password if you forgot it?

Use alternative methods from Section 7:

• Button WPS on the router.
• QR code from another connected device.
• Reset the router to factory settings (the password will be the same as on the sticker).

If nothing helps, contact your provider - they can reset your password remotely.

What should I do if the password sticker has worn off?

Try:

1. View the password on the connected device (Windows, Mac, Android).
2. Recover the default password using the router's serial number (on the manufacturer's website).
3. Reset the router using the button Reset (the factory password will return).

If you have a router from a provider, call support—they will tell you the standard code.

Is it possible to hack your Wi-Fi if you forgot your password?

Technically possible, but inappropriateHacking your own router would take hours (or days), while resetting it takes 10 seconds. Furthermore, modern encryption standards (WPA3) make brute force attacks virtually impossible without specialized equipment.

It's better to use the legal methods in this article or contact your provider.