It's quite common to need to connect a new device to your home network but have forgotten the password. The key is automatically saved in your phone or old laptop, but for a new device, you need to enter the password manually. There's no need to panic, as operating systems and network equipment store this information in secure but accessible locations.
There are several proven methods for restoring access, and the method you choose depends on which devices you already have connected to the network. You can retrieve the saved key from Windows settings, view it in the interface of an Android or iOS smartphone, or access the router's administrative panel. Each of these methods has its own specific features and requires specific steps.
In this article, we'll cover all possible troubleshooting options in detail so you can choose the most convenient one. We'll cover standard operating system tools, command line operations, and accessing the router's web interface. It's important to proceed consistently and carefully check the data you enter to avoid errors.
Finding a password in Windows 10 and 11 settings
The Windows operating system has built-in functionality that allows you to view saved security keys for networks your computer has previously connected to. This is the easiest method and doesn't require installing any third-party software. If your laptop or PC is currently connected to Wi-Fi, the process takes just a minute.
First, you need to open your network settings. Right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (near the clock) or open "Settings" from the Start menu. You need to go to the "Network Settings" section. Network and Internet, then select "Properties" for your active network. Scroll down to "Wi-Fi Properties."
In the window that opens, you'll see the "Network Security Key" field. By default, the characters are hidden behind asterisks. To see them, check the "Show characters" box. This will display your password in plain text.
⚠️ Attention: If the "Properties" button is grayed out or you can't change the settings, your account may not have administrator rights. In this case, contact the computer owner.
An alternative path for older versions of the interface (Control Panel) is: go to Network and Sharing Center, click on the name of your wireless network, select “Wireless Network Properties”, go to the “Security” tab and check the “Show entered characters” box.
How to find out the password on Android and iPhone
Modern versions of mobile operating systems allow you not only to connect to networks but also to share access, revealing the password. On Android, this feature has been standard since version 10, and on iOS, it was introduced in iOS 16.
On Android smartphones, follow these steps: go to "Settings" and select "Wi-Fi" or "Connections." Tap the network you're connected to or the gear icon next to it. Look for the "Share" button or QR code. The password is often written in small print below the QR code. If there's no text, take a screenshot of the code and scan it with Google Lens or any QR code reader—the password will be in the notification.
iPhone owners need to:
- 📱 Open “Settings” and go to the “Wi-Fi” section.
- ℹ️ Click on the blue information icon (the letter i in a circle) next to the network name.
- 🔑 Tap the "Password" field hidden by dots.
- 👁️ Complete biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID), after which the password will become visible and can be copied.
It's worth noting that the iPhone only displays the password for the network it's currently connected to or has previously connected to. If the network is deleted from memory, you won't be able to restore the key through the phone's settings without reconnecting.
What to do if the QR code is not visible on Android?
On some operating systems (for example, older versions of MIUI or OneUI), the QR code generation feature may be hidden. In this case, try installing Wi-Fi Analyzer or a similar app that can read system keys, but this will require root access. Without root access, you can try taking a screenshot of the Wi-Fi settings screen and recognizing the text in the image using Google Photos or Yandex.Translate.
Login to the router's web interface
If none of the connected devices can display the password (for example, you want to connect a PC, but your phone doesn't display the code), the "gold standard" solution is to access the router settings. The encryption key is always stored in the router's wireless module configuration.
To log in, you will need a browser and knowledge of the gateway IP address. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address, as well as the username and password for accessing the admin panel, are written on a sticker on the bottom of the device. If the sticker has worn off, try the standard combinations: admin/admin or admin/password.
After successful authorization, find the section related to wireless network. It may be called Wireless, Wi-Fi, Wireless mode or "WLAN Settings." Inside, look for the "Security" or "Security Settings" subsection. That's where the field WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK or "Password" (Password) is where you find your desired key.
| Router brand | Entrance address | Password path (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | tplinkwifi.net / 192.168.0.1 | Wireless -> Wireless Security |
| ASUS | router.asus.com / 192.168.1.1 | Wireless Network -> WPA-PSK |
| Keenetic | my.keenetic.net / 192.168.1.1 | My Networks and Wi-Fi -> Home Network |
| D-Link | dlink.ru / 192.168.0.1 | Wi-Fi -> Security Settings |
Interfaces may vary between manufacturers, but the logic remains the same: look for the Wi-Fi section and then the security subsection. If you've changed the router's password and forgotten it, you'll need to reset the device to factory settings, after which the Wi-Fi password will be reset to the one on the sticker.
Using the Command Prompt in Windows
For advanced users or in cases where the graphical interface isn't working correctly, there's a method for viewing passwords via the command line. This method is universal and works on all versions of Windows starting with XP, although the syntax may vary slightly.
First, you need to find out the exact network profile name. Open the command prompt (cmd) as administrator. Enter the command:
netsh wlan show profilesFind your network name in the list. Then use the following syntax, substituting the network name:
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearIn the command output, find the line "Key Content." This is where the password will be displayed in cleartext. This method is especially useful if you need to quickly find the password without unnecessary menu clicks.
⚠️ Attention: When entering the network name in quotation marks, be sure to maintain capitalization. If the name contains spaces, the quotation marks are required, otherwise the command will return an error.
Third-party programs and utilities
There is specialized software that can extract saved Wi-Fi keys from the Windows registry. One of the most popular and secure utilities is WirelessKeyView from NirSoft. It requires no installation and works immediately after launch.
The program scans the WLAN AutoConfig database and displays a list of all known networks, their SSIDs, encryption types, and keys in hexadecimal and ASCII formats. This is convenient if you need to recover passwords for multiple networks your computer has connected to in the past.
- 💻 Download the utility from the developer's official website.
- 🚀 Run the executable file as administrator.
- 🔍 Find your network in the list (SSID column).
- 📋 Copy the value from the Key (Ascii) column.
Be careful when downloading such programs. Many antivirus programs may detect them as data-stealing tools (HackTools), as their operating principle is similar to that of stealer viruses. Download software only from trusted sources.
☑️ Check before using the software
What to do if nothing helps
There are situations when access to the router settings is lost, no device remembers the password, and the command line fails. In this case, the final, radical option is to completely reset the router to factory settings.
There is a hole with an inscription on the router body Reset or DefaultPress it with a thin object (like a paperclip or toothpick) and hold it there for about 10-15 seconds until the indicators blink simultaneously. The router will reboot, and the Wi-Fi settings will be reset to factory defaults.
After this, you'll be able to connect using the password from the sticker on the bottom of the device. However, keep in mind: this method will reset not only your Wi-Fi password but also your provider settings (PPPoE, L2TP, etc.), if they were entered into the router. You'll have to reconfigure your internet connection or call a provider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password?
Technically, brute-force password cracking programs exist, but using them without the network owner's permission is illegal and violates computer security regulations. You can only legally obtain a password if you've previously connected to the network and saved it on your device.
Where can I find the password if my router is distributing Wi-Fi without a password?
If the network is open (without a lock), then there's simply no password. Anyone can connect to it. For security, we recommend going into your router settings and setting the encryption type to WPA2-PSK, creating a strong key.
Why does Windows say "Can't connect to this network"?
This most often occurs due to an incorrect password or a security settings conflict. Try selecting "Forget" for this network in the list of networks, then reconnecting by entering the key again.
How to view password on Mac (macOS)?
Open Keychain Access via Spotlight. Find your network name in the list, double-click it, check the "Show password" box, and enter your Mac account password.