Where to find your saved WiFi password
Your computer stores the password for every WiFi network you have connected to before. You can retrieve that password from your system settings without needing to reset your router or contact your internet provider. The steps differ between Windows and Mac, but both let you view the password in plain text once you confirm you are the account owner.
The password is stored locally on your device, encrypted by your operating system. When you connect to a network, your computer saves the credentials so you do not have to type them in every time. This same storage is where you can look up a password you have forgotten.
Key Takeaways
- Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, and you can view them by right-clicking the network name and selecting "Manage known networks".
- Mac users can find saved passwords in System Settings under WiFi, then click "Details" next to the network name to see the password.
- You must be logged into your computer with an account that has administrator rights to view saved passwords.
- If you cannot see the password field, your account does not have permission to view network credentials on that computer.
Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11
Open Settings and go to Network and Internet. On the left sidebar, click WiFi. Scroll down and select Manage known networks. You will see a list of every network your computer has connected to.
Find the network name (SSID) you want the password for and click it. Select Forget if you want to remove it, or click Properties to view details. In the Properties window, scroll down to the Security type section. You will see a field labeled Security key with dots or asterisks hiding the password. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text.
If you do not see an eye icon or the password field is grayed out, your user account does not have administrator rights on this computer. Ask the person who set up the computer to log in and retrieve the password for you.
Finding your WiFi password on Mac
Click the Apple menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Go to WiFi on the left sidebar. Find the network you want the password for in the list and click the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to it. Select Details.
In the window that opens, look for the Password field. The password will be hidden by default. Check the box next to Show password and your Mac will ask you to confirm your identity using your login password or Touch ID. Once confirmed, the WiFi password appears in plain text.
If the password field is not visible or is grayed out, your user account does not have permission to view network credentials. Only accounts with administrator access can retrieve saved passwords on a Mac.
What to do if you cannot find the network in your list
If the network you are looking for does not appear in your saved networks, your computer has never connected to it before, or the connection was forgotten. In this case, you will need to get the password from the router itself or from whoever set up the network.
To find the password on your router, look for a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Most routers have a default WiFi name and password printed there. If the network has been customized, you will need to log into the router's admin panel using a web browser. Go to your router manufacturer's website for instructions on how to access the admin panel and reset the password if needed.
Common reasons the password field is hidden or missing
The most common reason you cannot see a saved password is that your user account lacks administrator rights. Windows and Mac both restrict access to network credentials as a security measure. Only the person who set up the computer or another administrator can view these passwords.
Another reason the password field might be missing is if the network uses a different security method, such as enterprise authentication or a captive portal (like a hotel or coffee shop WiFi that requires you to log in through a web page). These networks do not store a straightforward password the way home or office networks do.
If you recently updated your operating system, your saved networks may not have transferred properly. In rare cases, a corrupted network profile can prevent the password from displaying. Forgetting the network and reconnecting to it fresh usually fixes this issue.
How to reconnect if you forget the password again
If you view the password but forget it before you can write it down, you can retrieve it again using the same steps. There is no limit to how many times you can view a saved password on your computer.
For future reference, consider writing the password in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password managers in Windows and Mac. These tools store passwords securely and let you retrieve them whenever you need them, without having to dig through system settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the WiFi password if I am not the computer owner?
No, unless the computer owner gives you an administrator account. Network credentials are protected by your operating system, and only accounts with admin rights can view them. Ask the owner to log in and retrieve the password for you.
Will viewing the password change or reset it?
No. Looking up a saved password on your computer does not affect the password itself or the router. The password remains the same, and other devices will continue to work on the network.
What if the password field shows asterisks instead of the actual password?
Click the eye icon (Windows) or check the "Show password" box (Mac) to reveal the actual characters. If no eye icon or checkbox appears, your account does not have permission to view the password.
Can I find the password if I have never connected to the network before?
No. Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has connected to. If you have never joined the network, check the router itself for a sticker with the default password, or contact the network owner.
Does finding a saved password on my computer mean my WiFi is insecure?
No. The ability to view your own saved passwords is a normal feature of Windows and Mac. Your router and internet connection security depend on the password strength and your router settings, not on whether passwords can be viewed on your computer.