Where your computer stores your WiFi password

Your computer keeps the password for every network you've connected to before, stored in your operating system's network settings. You don't need the router or the original setup paperwork — Windows and Mac both let you view saved passwords directly from your machine. The steps differ between the two systems, but both take less than a minute.

The password is encrypted in your system files, which is why you need to be logged into your computer as an administrator to see it. If you're on a shared computer and don't have admin rights, you won't be able to retrieve it this way.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view any saved network's password in plain text.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, a built-in tool that holds all your system passwords and login information.
  • You must be logged in as an administrator on your computer to view saved WiFi passwords.
  • If you've forgotten which network name matches your password, check your router's label or your internet bill for the network name.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the Settings app. Go to Network and Internet, then click WiFi on the left side. Scroll down and select Manage known networks.

Find the network name (called the SSID) you want the password for and click it. Select Forget, then go back and click the same network name again. A window will pop up asking you to enter your password — but instead of entering it, look for the option that says Show next to the password field. Click that box and your password will appear in plain text.

If you don't see the network listed under "Manage known networks," it means your computer has never connected to it before, and you'll need to get the password another way — from the router itself or from whoever set up the network.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Spotlight by pressing Command and Space, type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. In the Keychain Access window, make sure you're on the Passwords tab at the top. Search for your network name in the search box at the top right.

When you find your network, double-click it. A small window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to Show password at the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to confirm your login password — enter it, and your WiFi password will appear on screen.

If the network doesn't show up in Keychain Access, your Mac has never connected to it, or it was connected under a different user account on the same computer.

What to do if you can't find the password this way

If the network doesn't appear in your computer's saved networks, you'll need to retrieve the password from your router instead. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually has the network name and password printed on it. If the sticker is missing or worn away, you can reset the router to its factory settings, though this will disconnect all devices and require you to set it up again from scratch.

Another option is to check your internet bill or account page with your internet provider. Many providers print the default network name and password there, or let you view it in your online account.

Resetting your WiFi password if you want to change it

If you want to set a new password instead of just viewing the old one, you'll need to access your router's settings page. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar — one of these will take you to your router's login page. Log in with the admin username and password (usually printed on the router itself or in your setup paperwork).

Once you're logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security. You'll see a field for the network password (sometimes called the "passphrase"). Change it to something you'll remember, save the changes, and your router will restart. All your devices will disconnect and you'll need to reconnect using the new password.

If you've forgotten your router's admin password, you can reset the entire router by holding down the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings and returns the router to factory defaults, so you'll have to set everything up again.

Why your computer remembers your password

When you connect to a WiFi network, your computer saves the password so it can reconnect automatically the next time that network is in range. This is convenient for home networks and networks you use regularly, but it also means anyone with access to your computer could potentially view those passwords. If you're concerned about security on a shared computer, you can delete saved networks from the "Manage known networks" menu on Windows or remove them from Keychain Access on Mac.

Removing a saved network doesn't change the actual WiFi password — it just means your computer will ask you to enter it again the next time you want to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not the administrator on this computer?

No. You need administrator rights to view saved passwords on Windows or Mac. If you're on a shared computer and don't have admin access, ask the person who set up the computer to retrieve the password for you, or access the router settings directly if you know the admin password.

What if I see the network name but the password field is blank?

This usually means the network doesn't have a password set (it's an open network). Some public WiFi networks and guest networks work this way. If you're trying to connect and it's asking for a password, the network may have been updated since your computer last connected.

Will viewing my saved password change anything on my computer or network?

No. straightforward viewing a saved password doesn't affect your network, your devices, or your connection. You're only reading information that's already stored on your computer.

Can I find my WiFi password on my phone instead of my computer?

On Android 10 and newer, you can view saved passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, then WiFi, then select the network and tap the Share button. On iPhone, you cannot view saved WiFi passwords directly, but you can share your WiFi with another Apple device using the automatic share feature.