Where to find your saved WiFi password

Your computer stores the password for every WiFi network you have connected to. On Windows, this information lives in your network settings. On Mac, it is stored in the Keychain, which is the system's password manager. Both operating systems let you view these passwords without special tools — you just need to know where to look and have administrator access to your computer.

The steps differ between Windows and Mac, so find your operating system below and follow the exact sequence. The process takes about two minutes either way.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view them by opening Network Status and selecting Manage Known Networks.
  • Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain Access, which you can open from Applications > Utilities, then search for your network name and click Show Password.
  • You must have administrator access to your computer to view saved passwords on either system.
  • If you cannot remember which network name matches your router, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router for the SSID and default password.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click Network and Internet in the left sidebar. Select WiFi, then scroll down and click Manage Known Networks.

Find the network name (called the SSID) you want the password for and click it. A window will open showing network details. Click Security to expand that section. You will see a field labeled Security Key with dots or asterisks hiding the password. Click Show next to it. Windows will ask you to confirm your identity — enter your computer password if prompted. The actual WiFi password will then appear in plain text.

Write down the password or take a screenshot before closing the window. If the network you are looking for does not appear in the Manage Known Networks list, your computer has never connected to it, so the password is not stored locally.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Finder and navigate to Applications > Utilities. Double-click Keychain Access to open it. In the top-left corner, make sure Keychain is set to "login" and the search category is set to All Items.

Type the name of your WiFi network into the search box at the top right. When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will pop up showing network details. Check the box next to Show password. Mac will prompt you to enter your computer password — do this, and the WiFi password will appear in the password field. You can now copy it or write it down.

If your network does not appear in Keychain Access, your Mac has never connected to it. You can also search for networks by typing "airport" in Keychain Access to see all wireless networks your computer has ever joined.

What to do if you cannot find the network

If the network you are looking for does not show up in either Windows or Mac settings, your computer has not saved it. This usually means you have never connected to that network before, or you connected using a guest account that did not save the password.

Check the physical router itself — most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the default network name (SSID) and password. If you have changed the password since setting up the router, you will need to reset the router to factory settings to see the default password, or contact your internet provider for help.

If the network is yours and you have forgotten the password, you can log into your router's admin panel using a web browser. Type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar, then log in with your router's admin username and password. From there you can view or change the WiFi password. Your router's manual or the sticker on the device will show the default admin login if you have not changed it.

Why your computer might not show the password

If you follow the steps above and the password field is blank or grayed out, the most common reason is that you do not have administrator rights on your computer. Ask the person who set up the computer to log in and retrieve the password for you, or contact your IT department if this is a work computer.

Another reason the password might not appear is if you connected to the network using a certificate or enterprise authentication method instead of a straightforward password. This is common on corporate or school networks. In that case, contact your network administrator — they manage the authentication system and can help you reconnect.

Viewing passwords for networks you are currently connected to

If you are already connected to a WiFi network and just want to see its password, the process is slightly faster. On Windows, you can right-click the WiFi icon in the system tray, select Show available networks, find your network, and click Properties. Then follow the same steps as above to view the security key.

On Mac, you can open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions), go to Network, select your WiFi connection, and click Advanced. Then look for the WiFi tab and the network name — from there, open Keychain Access as described above and search for that network name.

Keeping your WiFi password find

Once you have found your password, be careful who you share it with. A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. If your current password is weak or you think someone has used it without permission, change it by logging into your router's admin panel and updating the WiFi settings.

If you share your password with guests, consider setting up a separate guest network on your router instead. Most routers let you create a guest network with its own password, so visitors can connect without accessing your main network or the devices on it. This keeps your personal files and devices safer while still being hospitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password if I am not the admin on this computer?

No. You need administrator access to view saved WiFi passwords on either Windows or Mac. If you are using a work or school computer, contact your IT department. If it is a personal computer, ask whoever set it up to retrieve the password for you.

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

This usually means you connected to that network using a certificate or enterprise login instead of a regular password. This is common on corporate or university networks. Contact your network administrator to reconnect or get the authentication details you need.

Can I see passwords for networks I have never connected to?

No. Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has actually joined. If you want the password for a network you have never used, you need to get it from the person who set up that network or the router itself.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is safer than using a weak password you can remember. Store the written password somewhere find, like a locked drawer or a password manager app. Change your password if you think someone has seen it or if you have shared it with someone who no longer needs access.

How do I change my WiFi password after I find it?

Log into your router by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser, then enter your router's admin username and password. Look for WiFi settings or wireless settings, find the password field, and change it to something new. Save the changes and reconnect your devices using the new password.