A situation where you need to connect a new device to a wireless network, and I forgot my WiFi password, happens quite often. It's saved in the memory of a phone or an old laptop, but it's impossible to re-enter it on a friend's device or tablet. Fortunately, operating systems and routers store this data in protected partitions that can be accessed again.
There are several proven ways to restore access, and the method you choose depends on the device you currently have. If your Windows laptop is already connected to the network, the task is solved in a couple of clicks. For mobile devices or no connected devices at all, you'll need to access the router's settings. Below, we'll cover all the current options.
Don't panic if the sticker on the bottom of your device has worn off or you've changed the default security settings. Logical structure The recovery process is the same for most models: either we read the saved key from an authorized client or we log into the router's admin panel. The main thing is to have physical access to the equipment and administrator rights on one of the devices.
How to view your WiFi password on a Windows computer
The Windows 10 and 11 operating system automatically saves profiles of all networks your computer has ever connected to. Even if you Forgot your Wi-Fi codeThe system stores it in encrypted form, but allows you to view it in plain text through standard network settings. This is the simplest and most secure method, requiring no third-party software.
First, you need to open your network settings. Right-click the internet icon in the system tray (near the clock) and select "Network and Internet Settings." Next, find the "Network and Sharing Center" link or go to "Advanced network settings." In the window that opens, click the name of your active wireless network.
In the status dialog box that appears, click the button Wireless network propertiesSwitch to the "Security" tab. You'll see the "Network Security Key" field, where the characters are hidden behind asterisks. Check the "Show entered characters" box, and the hidden password will become visible.
⚠️ Note: If the "Security" tab is missing or the fields are grayed out, your account may not have administrator rights. If this is the case, ask the computer owner to perform these steps or log in using an administrator account.
An alternative method for advanced users is to use the command line. Run cmd as administrator and enter the command to display the profile:
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearPassword recovery on Android and iOS devices
Smartphone owners often face the problem of sharing the Internet, and Wi-Fi code Unknown. On modern versions of Android (starting with version 10) and iOS 16+, this is resolved natively. The system allows not only connection but also sharing via QR code or text.
On Android, go to Settings → Wi-FiTap the gear icon next to the active network or select "Share" (sometimes confirmation via fingerprint or Face ID is required). A QR code will appear on the screen, often with a text password underneath. If there is no text, any third-party QR code scanner (or another phone's camera) will read the code from the image.
iPhone users with the updated iOS 16 can now see saved passwords directly. Open Settings → Wi-Fi, click the blue "i" button to the right of the network name. In the "Password" field, click the hidden dots. The system will request biometric authentication (FaceID or TouchID), after which the password will be displayed and copied to the clipboard.
- 📱 On Android: Use the Share feature to generate a QR code with your access details.
- 🍏 On iOS 16+: the password is available in the settings of a specific network after biometrics.
- 🔄 On older Android devices: Root access or third-party WiFi manager apps may be required.
What to do if there is no share button on Android?
Some skins (such as older versions of MIUI or EMUI) hide this feature. Try installing the "WiFi QR Code" app from the Play Store, which can read saved system networks without root access, if your OS version allows it.
Viewing saved networks via the command line
For system administrators and hardware enthusiasts, the Windows command line provides powerful tools for managing network profiles. If the graphical interface is buggy or you want precise information about all networks ever used, this method is the most informative.
The first step is always to list all profiles. Enter the command netsh wlan show profilesYou'll see a list of all the networks your computer "remembers." Find the desired name (SSID) in the list. Then use the command with the parameter key=clear, to see the key in clear text, as shown in the first section.
This method also allows you to delete old or unnecessary profiles, which can be useful if your computer constantly tries to connect to a weak network instead of your primary one. The delete command looks like this:
netsh wlan delete profile name="Network_Name"| Team | Description of action | Result |
|---|---|---|
show profiles |
List all networks | SSID list |
show profile name="X" key=clear |
View details and key | Password in the "Key Contents" field |
delete profile name="X" |
Deleting a network profile | The network is forgotten by the system |
How to find out the password through the router settings
If you don't have any devices with a saved password handy, the only option left is to look inside the router itself. To do this, you'll need to connect your computer or phone to the router using any method: cable (LAN) or WiFi (if automatic connection is still enabled).
Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address, as well as the username and password for accessing the control panel (usually admin/admin), are written on a sticker on the bottom of the device. If you've changed them previously and forgotten, you'll need to reset the device.
After logging in, find the section related to wireless network. It may be called Wireless, WLAN, Wi-Fi Settings or "Wireless Mode." Inside, look for the "Security" or "Wi-Fi Settings" subsection. There will be a "Password" (Passphrase, Key) field, which you can view or change to a new one.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces from different manufacturers (TP-Link, Asus, Keenetic, D-Link) vary significantly. Look for tabs with names containing the words "Wireless," "WLAN," or an antenna icon. Don't confuse your WiFi password with the password for accessing your router's settings.
☑️ Check before logging into the router
In modern routers such as Keenetic or MikroTikThe interface can be more complex. In Keenetic, for example, you need to go to the "My Networks and WiFi" menu, then select the primary network and look at the "Password" field. In Asus, the path is usually "Wireless Network" -> "General." Just remember to save the changes if you decide to set a new password by clicking "Apply" or "Save."
Using mobile apps for recovery
There are many Android apps that market themselves as password recovery tools. However, it's important to understand how they work. Apps like WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery They don't "hack" the network, but simply read the system file where Android stores saved keys.
On devices without root access, the functionality of such programs is limited. They can display a QR code for connection, but they won't always display the text password. If superuser (root) access is obtained, these utilities can display a list of all networks ever connected, along with their cleartext passwords. Be careful: gaining root access may void your warranty and disrupt the functionality of banking apps.
- 🔓 Root rights give full access to WiFi system files.
- 🛡️ Without root access, apps often only show QR codes.
- ⚠️ Download such utilities only from trusted sources (Google Play).
What to do if nothing helps: reset the router
In case you Forgot your WiFi password?If you don't remember the router settings password, and none of your devices can connect automatically, the only drastic solution is a hard reset. This will return the router to factory settings, where the password will match the one on the sticker.
Find a small hole with the inscription on the router body Reset or RestorePress it with a paperclip or toothpick and hold it there for 10-15 seconds until the lights blink simultaneously. After rebooting, the router will operate with the factory network name and password (indicated on the sticker).
After the reset, you'll need to reconfigure your internet (PPPoE, L2TP, or dynamic IP), as all provider settings will be deleted. Make sure you have a contract with your provider or know your connection type before performing this operation.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting your router will delete all your personalization settings: network name, password, port settings, parental controls, and provider settings. Use this method only as a last resort, if you are confident you can reconfigure your internet access.
How to configure a router after a reset?
After the reset, connect to an open network with the factory name. The browser will usually automatically redirect you to the quick setup page. Follow the wizard: select your country, provider (or connection type), and set a new WiFi name and password.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the WiFi password if I have never connected to this network from this device?
No, the operating system does not store passwords for networks the device has never connected to. The password can only be found from a device that has already successfully connected, or through the router's settings.
Where can I find the password on my router if the sticker has worn off?
If the sticker is illegible, try the standard combinations: admin/admin, admin/1234, or admin/password. If these don't work, a full reset using the Reset button will help, after which the password will reset to the factory default (specified in the instructions or on the manufacturer's website).
Are password recovery programs safe to use?
Using reputable programs from official stores is safe. However, programs that require root privileges or downloaded from dubious sites may contain malicious code. Always scan your files with an antivirus.
Why doesn't the router allow access to the settings at 192.168.0.1?
The default gateway IP address may have changed. Check the default gateway address in your computer's network adapter settings (run the ipconfig command in CMD, and look for "Default Gateway"). Also, make sure you're connected to this specific router.