Where to find your Wi-Fi password: all the methods for your router, phone, and computer

Have you suddenly forgotten your home Wi-Fi password and a guest is asking to reconnect? Or have you reinstalled your system and lost your saved networks? This situation sounds familiar to many, according to a survey. Kaspersky, 63% of users have needed to restore access to their wireless network at least once. Fortunately, there are several ways to regain control of your router—from viewing saved passwords on devices to resetting the router.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for all popular devices: Windows 10/11, macOS, Android And iPhoneAnd if the password is not saved on any gadget, learn how to extract it directly from the router settings (including models TP-Link, ASUS, Xiaomi And Keenetic). Plus, we'll figure out how protect the network after restoring access, so that the problem does not recur.

⚠️ Important: All methods in the article are intended only to restore access to your networkAttempting to hack someone else's Wi-Fi violates Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information") and may result in criminal liability.

1. How to view the Wi-Fi password on a connected computer (Windows)

If your PC or laptop is already connected to the network, you can extract the password in 30 seconds—without accessing the router. The method works on Windows 7/8/10/11.

Open Control Panel (click Win + R, enter control and press Enter). Go to the section Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterHere, click on the name of your Wi-Fi network (next to the inscription Connections).

In the window that opens, click the button Wireless network properties, then go to the tab Security. Check the box next to Show entered characters — in the field Network security key Your password will appear. Done!

Open Control Panel (Win + R → control)

Go to "Network and Internet" → "Network and Sharing Center"

Click on the name of your Wi-Fi network

Click "Wireless Network Properties" → "Security" tab

Check the box "Show entered characters" -->

⚠️ Attention: If the password field is empty or gray, it means the network is connected via WPS (button on the router) or the password isn't saved in the system. In this case, try the other methods in the article.

2. Where to find the Wi-Fi password on a MacBook or iMac

On devices Apple Network passwords are stored in the keychain Keychain AccessTo extract them:

1. Open the app Bunch of keys (find through Spotlight by combination Cmd + Space).

2. In the left menu, select Systemic or Local elements (depending on macOS version).

3. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.

4. Double-click on the found entry and check the box. Show password and enter the password for your account Mac.

If the password is not displayed, make sure you are searching for the network you are currently connected to. Sometimes macOS Saves data from old access points with similar names.

3. How to find out the Wi-Fi password on your phone (Android and iPhone)

Mobile devices also store network passwords, but extracting them is not so easy. Android you will need a license root (except devices Xiaomi And Huawei with branded shells), and on iPhone - computer with iTunes or Finder.

For Android (without root)

If you have a smartphone Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network.
3. Select Share password (you will need to enter your PIN or fingerprint).
4. A text password will be displayed under the QR code that appears.

On other devices (eg. Samsung or Realme) this method does not work - you will need root access or specialized applications like WiFi Password Viewer (requires superuser rights).

For iPhone (iOS)

Apple does not allow viewing passwords directly on the device, but they can be retrieved via a backup:

1. Connect iPhone To Mac or Windows PC With iTunes.
2. Create a backup (required) encrypted!).
3. Use the utility iBackup Viewer (free) or iMazing (paid) to open a copy and find the password in the section Wi-Fi.

Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, etc.)

iPhone (iOS)

Huawei/Honor

Another brand

I don't have a smartphone-->

4. Extracting the password from the router settings

If the password is not saved on any device, the only reliable way is to log in router web interfaceTo do this:

1. Connect to the router via cable (LAN) or via Wi-Fi (if the network does not have a password).

2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (less often) 192.168.8.1 For TP-Link).

3. Enter your username and password to log in. By default, this is usually admin/admin or admin/passwordFor exact data, see the router sticker.

4. Go to the section Wireless (or Wi-Fi, Wireless network) → Wireless Security (Protection). Here in the field Password/PSK The current password will be displayed.

⚠️ Attention: If you have never changed the default login details for your router, first change them in the "System" or "Administration" section - This will protect against hacking through vulnerabilities by default.

What should I do if I can't log into my router?

If standard admin/admin They don't fit and the sticker has worn off - try this:

1. Press the button Reset on the router (hold for 10-15 seconds) to reset to factory settings.

2. Use utilities like RouterPassView (Windows only) - They select standard combinations for popular models.

3. Check if the router's IP address has changed (using the command ipconfig V CMD on Windows or ifconfig V Terminal on macOS).

5. Reset the router to factory settings (if nothing helps)

If you can’t log into the router control panel (for example, you forgot your login/password), you still have to hard resetThis will reset all settings to factory defaults, including the network name (SSID) and password.

How to reset:

1. Find the small button on the back of the router. Reset (sometimes it is recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press and hold the button 10-15 seconds (until the indicators flash).
3. After rebooting, the router will create a new network with a default name (for example, TP-Link_1234) and the password indicated on the sticker.

⚠️ Attention: Reset will delete all settings, including:

• 🔄 Port forwarding (Port Forwarding)
• 📡 Guest network
• 🔒 Admin panel password
• 🌐 Settings IPTV or VPN

After the reset, we recommend:

1. Change the default Wi-Fi password to a complex one (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
2. Update the router firmware in the section System → Software Update.
3. Disable remote access (Remote Management) in the security settings.

6. How to secure Wi-Fi after access is restored

Got your password back? Great! Now let's make sure the problem doesn't happen again:

• 🔐 Use a strong password: Minimum 12 characters with capital letters, numbers and symbols (!@#$%). Example: Green$Tree7!Lamp.
• 📲 Save your password in a safe place: Password managers (1Password, Bitwarden) or an encrypted file on a flash drive.
• 🔄 Update your router firmware: Outdated versions are vulnerable to attacks like KRACK.
• 🚫 Disable WPS: This feature simplifies the connection, but makes the network vulnerable to brute-force attacks.
• 👥 Set up a guest network: For friends and smart devices (eg. Amazon Echo) use a separate network with limited access.

💡 Helpful tip: Come up with something mnemonic password - a phrase that is easy to remember but difficult to find. For example, Cat!Catches_3_Mice@Evening (based on "The cat catches three mice in the evening").

If you have smart home with multiple devices (Philips Hue, Xiaomi Mi Home etc.), consider creating a separate network IoT with limited access to key resources. This will protect your data even if one of your devices is compromised.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When recovering a password, users often encounter typical problems:

• 🔌 "Can't log into 192.168.0.1": Check if the cable is connected to the port. LAN (Not WAN!). Also try a different browser or clear your cache.
• 🔄 "The router won't reset": Hold Reset longer (up to 20 seconds). On some models (ASUS) you need to turn on the power first, then press the button.
• 📱 "There is no 'Share password' option on the phone": Update your smartphone firmware. Android 10+ And iOS 13+ The function works stably.
• 🔒 "The password in the router settings is displayed as asterisks": Copy it to the clipboard (if there is a button Copy) or temporarily change to another one to see the symbols.

🚨 Critical error: If the router doesn't distribute the Internet after a reset, check the settings. WAN (usually DHCP or PPPoE). It's possible that your ISP has assigned the MAC address of your old device. In this case, call support and provide the new MAC address (indicated on the router's sticker).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

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

No, it's illegal. According to Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, unauthorized access to someone else's network is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or imprisonment for up to two years. If you need internet, it's best to arrange for it with your neighbors or use a mobile hotspot.

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. Log in to the router's web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Go to section WAN or Internet.
3. Select connection type (PPPoE, DHCP or Static IP — check with your provider).
4. Enter your provider login/password (specified in the contract).

If you're not sure, call your provider's support team and ask for help setting it up.

How to create a strong Wi-Fi password?

Use these rules:

• Length: 12+ characters.
• Compound: uppercase + lowercase letters + numbers + special characters (!@#$%).
• Avoid: birth dates, names, dictionary words, repeating characters (1111, qwerty).

Examples of strong passwords:

• Purple$Dolphin9!Jump
• Coffee2026@Moon#Light

Check the strength of your password on the website Kaspersky Password Checker (do not enter your real password!).

Is it possible to change the Wi-Fi password via phone?

Yes, but only if you have access to the router's control panel. To do this:

1. Connect to the router's network (via Wi-Fi or cable via an adapter) USB-C/Lightning to Ethernet).
2. Open a browser on your phone and enter the router address (192.168.0.1).
3. Log in and go to the section Wi-Fi or Wireless network.
4. Change the password in the field Password/PSK and save the settings.

On some routers (Xiaomi, Keenetic) there are mobile applications for network management - this simplifies the process.

Why does the router ask for a login/password when I access the settings if I haven't changed it?

You're most likely trying to log in with an invalid address, or the router has already been configured. Try:

• Addresses: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, 192.168.8.1, 10.0.0.1.
• Default logins/passwords: admin/admin, admin/password, admin/(empty).
• Check the sticker on your router - it may contain unique information.

If nothing helps, reset the router using the button Reset (see section 5).