Where to find your saved WiFi password

Your computer stores the WiFi password you entered when you first connected to your network. You can retrieve it without resetting your router or calling your internet provider. The steps differ between Windows and Mac, but both systems keep this information in network settings you can access directly.

You will need administrator access to your computer to view the password. If you do not have that access, you will need to contact whoever set up the computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network & Internet, where you can view them in plain text after confirming your identity.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, a built-in tool that holds all stored network credentials.
  • Both methods require you to be logged in as an administrator on your computer.
  • If you cannot remember your computer password, you will need to reset it through your operating system before you can view WiFi credentials.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click Network & Internet on the left side of the window.

Select WiFi, then scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find the network name (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 Password with dots or asterisks hiding the actual characters. Click the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it in plain text. Windows may ask you to confirm your identity before showing the password — enter your computer login password if prompted.

Write down the password or take a screenshot before closing the window. The password shown here is exactly what you entered when you first connected to this network.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access", and pressing Enter. The Keychain Access window will open.

In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network (the SSID). A list of results will appear. Look for an entry that matches your network name and shows "AirPort network password" or similar in the Kind column. Double-click that entry.

A details window will open. Check the box labeled Show password at the bottom. Mac will ask you to confirm your identity — enter your computer login password. The password will then appear in plain text in the password field. You can now copy it or write it down.

What to do if you cannot see the password

If Windows or Mac will not show you the password, the most common reason is that you do not have administrator rights on your computer. Contact the person who manages the computer and ask them to retrieve the password for you, or ask them to give you administrator access.

If you have administrator access but the password field remains blank or shows nothing when you click the eye icon, the network may have been set up using a method that does not store the password locally. This sometimes happens with enterprise networks or networks that use certificate-based authentication. In that case, you will need to contact your network administrator or internet service provider.

If you forgot your own computer login password, you will need to reset it through your operating system before you can access network settings. Windows and Mac both have password recovery options on the login screen, though the exact steps vary by version.

Viewing passwords for networks you are not currently connected to

Both Windows and Mac will show you passwords for networks you have connected to in the past, even if you are not connected right now. This is useful if you want to reconnect to a network you used weeks or months ago.

On Windows, the "Manage known networks" list shows every network your computer has ever remembered. On Mac, Keychain Access stores all past network passwords, so you can search for any network name you have ever used.

If you want to remove a network from your computer's memory so it will not automatically reconnect, you can delete it from this same location. On Windows, click the network name and select Forget. On Mac, select the network entry in Keychain and press Delete.

Sharing your WiFi password safely

Once you have the password, you can share it with guests or other devices. Write it down exactly as it appears — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different. A password of "MyNetwork123" is not the same as "mynetwork123".

If you want to change your WiFi password instead of sharing the current one, you will need to log into your router's settings. This is different from your computer settings and usually requires you to open a web browser and enter your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Your router manual or the sticker on the back of the router will show the correct address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am not connected to the network right now?

Yes. Both Windows and Mac store passwords for all networks you have connected to before, even if you are not currently connected. The steps are the same whether you are online or offline — your computer keeps the password in its local storage.

What if the password field shows nothing even after I click the eye icon?

This usually means the network was set up with a special type of authentication that does not store a traditional password on your computer. Enterprise or business networks sometimes work this way. Contact your network administrator or IT support for that network.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is safer than using a weak password you can remember. Keep the written password in a find place, just as you would a credit card number. If you are concerned about security, you can change your WiFi password through your router settings at any time.

Do I need to know my computer password to see my WiFi password?

Yes. Both Windows and Mac require you to enter your computer login password before revealing stored network passwords. This is a security feature to prevent others from accessing your accounts.