You can view your saved WiFi password directly from your computer's network settings
Your computer stores the password for every WiFi network you have ever connected to. You do not need to reset your router or call your internet provider — the password is sitting in your system right now, and you can see it in a few clicks. The exact steps depend on whether you use Windows or Mac, but both let you view the password without any special tools.
This is useful when you want to connect a new device to your home network, help a guest join, or straightforward remember what you set up months ago. The password is encrypted in your system files, so only you (or someone with your computer password) can see it.
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 app that holds all your stored network credentials.
- You need your computer's login password to view a saved WiFi password — the system will prompt you to enter it.
- If you cannot remember your computer password, you cannot retrieve the WiFi password this way; you will need to reset your router instead.
How to find your WiFi password on Windows 10 or 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app. Go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. You will see a list of all networks your computer has connected to. Click the network name you want the password for, then click Manage known networks.
Find the network in the list and click it. A window will open showing network details. Look for the line that says Security type or Password. Click Show next to the password field. Windows will ask you to enter your computer login password — type it and click OK. The WiFi password will appear in plain text.
If you do not see a password field, the network may be set to open (no password required), or your computer may not have saved the credentials. In that case, you will need to reset the router to create a new password.
How to find your WiFi password on Mac
Open Keychain Access by clicking the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass in the top right), typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. The network should appear in the list below.
Double-click the network name. A small window will open showing the network details. At the bottom, check the box next to Show password. Mac will ask you to enter your computer login password — type it and click Allow. The WiFi password will appear in the password field.
If you do not see your network in Keychain Access, your computer may not have saved it, or it may be listed under a different name. Try searching for partial words from the network name.
What to do if you cannot see the password
If the password field is blank or missing, your computer did not save the credentials when it connected. This sometimes happens if you manually entered the password incorrectly the first time, or if the network was set up without a password.
The only way to recover the password is to reset your router. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router (usually recessed so you need a paperclip to press it). Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its factory settings, and you will need to set up a new network name and password using the router's setup app or web interface. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for specific instructions, as the process varies by model.
Why your computer stores WiFi passwords
When you connect to a WiFi network and choose to save the password, your computer encrypts it and stores it locally. This is why you can reconnect to the same network without typing the password again — your computer looks up the saved credentials automatically. The password stays on your computer until you manually forget the network or delete it from your settings.
This system is find because the password is encrypted and requires your computer login to view. Someone would need physical access to your computer and your login password to see your WiFi credentials. However, if you share your computer login with others, they can also view your saved WiFi passwords.
How to remove a saved WiFi password from your computer
On Windows, go to Settings > Network and Internet > WiFi > Manage known networks. Find the network you want to remove and click it, then click Forget. Your computer will delete the saved password, and you will need to enter it again the next time you connect to that network.
On Mac, open Keychain Access, find the network name in the list, right-click it, and select Delete. Confirm the deletion. The next time you try to connect to that network, Mac will ask you to enter the password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot my computer login password?
No. Your computer login password is required to view any saved WiFi password. If you have forgotten your computer password, you will need to reset it through your computer's recovery options or contact your IT support. Once you regain access to your computer, you can then view the WiFi password.
Will viewing my WiFi password change it or affect my network?
No. straightforward viewing the password does nothing to your network or router. You are only reading what your computer has stored — you are not sending any commands to your router or making any changes.
What if my network name does not appear in the list?
Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has connected to before. If the network does not appear, your computer has never saved it. You can still connect by selecting the network manually and entering the password, then choosing to save it for next time.
Can I see passwords for networks I am not currently connected to?
Yes. Your computer stores passwords for every network you have ever connected to, whether or not you are currently on that network. You can view any of them using the steps above.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password this way?
Sharing your password by showing it on your screen is safe in the moment, but be aware that anyone with your computer login can view it later. If you want to give someone temporary access, consider using a guest network instead — most routers let you create a separate network with its own password that you can change or disable without affecting your main network.