Forgot your Wi-Fi router password: How to find it on your computer in 5 minutes

Forgetting your home Wi-Fi password is easy—especially if you connected to the network months or years ago. Fortunately, if your computer is already connected to the network, you can retrieve the saved password without resetting the router or calling your ISP. In this article, we'll cover how. all working methodsHow to find a Wi-Fi password Windows 10/11, macOS and even through command line — with explanations for beginners and a table of method compatibility.

Important: The methods only work if the computer was already connected to this network beforeIf you've never logged into it from this PC or laptop, you'll need to use an alternative approach (such as resetting the router or accessing its web interface). Also, keep in mind that some methods may require administrator rights.

Before you begin, check the obvious: is the password written down in a notepad, is it saved in browser password manager (For example, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox), check if it's stuck on the back of the router (on the sticker with the serial number). If not, read on.

1. The easiest way: through Windows Settings (without programs)

This method is suitable for Windows 10 and 11 and doesn't require any additional software. Just a few clicks are enough to view the password in plaintext.

Instructions:

  • 🖱️ Open Start → Settings (gear icon).
  • 📶 Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
  • 🔍 In the block "Related Options"** click Additional network settings (or Managing known networks V Windows 11).
  • 📋 Find your Wi-Fi network in the list and click on its name.
  • 👁️ In the window that opens, click Wireless Network Properties → Security.
  • 🔑 Check the box Show entered characters — the password will appear in the field Network security key.

If the button Show entered characters is inactive or the field is empty, it means the password is not saved in the system (or you connected through WPS (or another authentication method). In this case, try the following method.

☑️ What to check before searching for a password

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2. How to find out the password via the command line (CMD)

This method is for advanced users, but it's actually easier than it seems. The command prompt will reveal the password in 30 seconds—the key is to enter the command correctly.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Launch Command line as administrator:
    • 🔍 Type in Windows search cmd.
    • 🖱️ Right-click on the result and select Run as administrator.
  • Enter the command to view all saved networks: 
    netsh wlan show profiles

    Find your network name in the list (for example, TP-Link_1234).

  • Enter the command to extract the password (replace NETWORK_NAME to your own): 
    netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear
  • 🔍 Find the line in the results Key content - this is your password.

    • If the command returns an error The operation failed., check:

    • 🔄 Is the network name spelled correctly (case is important!).
    • 🛡️ Is the command prompt running as administrator?
    • 📡 Is the computer connected to this network right now?

    3. View the password in the Network and Sharing Center (alternative method)

    This method works in Windows 7/8/10/11 This works if the previous options didn't work. Here, the password is hidden behind an extra click, but it's easy to retrieve.

    How to do:

    • 🖱️ Right-click on the icon Wi-Fi in the tray (bottom right on the taskbar).
    • 📋 Choose Open Network and Internet settings (or Network and Control Center... V Windows 7/8).
    • 🔗 Click on Changing adapter settings (or Changing adapter settings in new versions).
    • 📡 Find your Wi-Fi network, right-click on it and select Status → Wireless Properties.
    • 🔑 Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters.

    Note: If the password field is empty, it means that Windows did not save the security key when you connected (for example, if you used the WPS button on your router).

    ⚠️ Attention: In Windows 11 The path to the settings may differ. If you don't find it Network and Sharing Center, use the system search with the query view network connections.

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

    On computers Apple The process is even simpler than on Windows. All saved passwords are stored in Keychain** is a built-in password manager.

    Instructions for macOS:

    • 🔍 Open Spotlight (keyboard shortcut Command + Space) and enter Bunch of keys.
    • 📋 In the left menu, select System (or Local elements).
    • 🔎 Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
    • 👁️ Double-click on the found entry and check the box Show password.
    • 🔑 Enter your account password Macto see the security key.

    If the password is not displayed, check:

    • 📡 Whether your Mac is currently connected to this network.
    • 🔄 Have the network settings been reset? (System Preferences → Network → Advanced).
    📊 What kind of computer do you have?
    Windows 10/11
    Mac (macOS)
    Linux
    Another

    5. Using third-party programs (if nothing helps)

    If standard methods don't work, you can use specialized utilities. They scan the system and extract all saved Wi-Fi passwords. Popular programs:

    Program OS support Peculiarities Link (official)
    WirelessKeyView Windows 7–11 Shows all saved passwords, portable version (no installation required) nirsoft.net
    WiFi Password Revealer Windows 10/11 Simple interface, export passwords to a file magicaljellybean.com
    Wifi Password macOS Works through Terminal, shows passwords from Keychain GitHub

    Warning: Download programs only from official websitesMany "Wi-Fi hackers" on the internet contain viruses or spyware. WirelessKeyView Some antivirus programs may generate false positives—this is normal (the program is legitimate, but it works with system data).

    ⚠️ Warning: Using programs to extract passwords on other people's computers Without the owner's consent, this may violate the law (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code - unauthorized access to computer information). Use them only for your own devices.

    6. What should I do if my password is not saved on my computer?

    If none of these methods work, the password isn't saved in the system. In this case, the following options remain:

    • 📋 View password on another device, which is connected to this network (phone, tablet, second computer).
    • 🔄 Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel) and configure it again. The default password is usually located on the router's sticker.
    • 📡 Log in router web interface (via browser at the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and view/change the password in the settings.
    • 📞 Contact to the provider - some operators (for example, Rostelecom, MTS, Beeline) can provide the password over the phone if you confirm your personal information.

    If you decide to reset your router, please note:

    • 🔧 All settings (including IP address, DNS, port forwarding) will be reset to factory settings.
    • 📡 You will have to reconfigure your internet connection (you may need your provider's login/password).
    • 🔑 The new Wi-Fi password will be the same as the one on the router sticker (usually it is a combination like admin1234 or TP-LINK_XXXX).
    How to access router settings?

    To access the router's web interface, open your browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The default login and password are usually admin/admin or admin/emptyThe exact data is indicated on the device sticker.

    7. How to avoid losing your password in the future

    To avoid searching for your Wi-Fi password every time you need to connect a new device, follow these simple tips:

    • 📝 Save your password in a safe place: write it down in a notepad, send it to yourself by email, or save it in a password manager (KeePass, 1Password, Google Password Manager).
    • 🔄 Change the default router password to something more memorable (but not too simple!). Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, for example: HomeWiFi_2026!.
    • 📱 Take a photo of the router sticker with factory data (the default password is indicated there).
    • 🔗 Use the function WPS or QR code for quick connection of guests (many modern routers support this option).

    If you often have guests who ask for your password, you can:

    • 📲 Create guest network with a separate password (this setting is available in most routers).
    • 🔄 Enable the feature Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) and connect devices using the button on the router (without entering a password).

    FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords

    ❓ Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network I've never connected to?

    No, if the computer hasn't connected to this network before, it's impossible to extract the password using standard methods. You'll need:

    • 🔍 Ask the network owner for the password.
    • 📡 Connect via WPS (if the function is enabled on the router).
    • 🔄 Hack the network (illegally and technically difficult for the average user).
    ❓ Why is there no Security tab in Windows Settings?

    This means that:

    • 📡 You are connected to a network without a password (for example, via WPS or an open access point).
    • 🔧 Network settings are managed by third-party software (for example, Wi-Fi adapter driver or antivirus).
    • 🖥️ You do not have sufficient administrator rights to view the password.

    Try other methods from the article or check your network connection.

    ❓ How do I find the Wi-Fi password on an Android or iPhone?

    On mobile devices, extracting the password is more difficult, but possible:

    • 📱 Android (rooted): use a file manager (eg Root Explorer) and open the file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml.
    • 🍎 iPhone (no jailbreak): passwords are synchronized with iCloud KeychainYou can see them on Mac through A bunch of keys.
    • 🔄 No root/jailbreak: Connect your phone to your computer and use the PC methods (if your phone has connected to this network before).
    ❓ Is it possible to recover the password after resetting the router?

    Yes, but it will return to the factory value, which is indicated:

    • 📋 On sticker on the back of the router (usually under the inscription Wi-Fi Password or Key).
    • 📄 In instructions for the device (if the box is still there).
    • 🔍 In router web interface (chapter Wireless → Security).

    If the sticker has worn off, try the standard combinations for your model (for example, for TP-Link this is often admin or 12345678).

    ❓ Why doesn't the command prompt show the password?

    Possible reasons:

    • 📡 Computer not connected to the network at the moment.
    • 🔧 Password not saved in the system (for example, if the connection was through WPS).
    • 🖥️ Command prompt launched not as administrator.
    • 🔍 The network name is specified in the command with an error (check the register!).

    Try connecting to the network again and repeat the command.

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