Connecting to WiFi is an essential part of our tech-driven lives. But what happens when you need to log into a new device and realise you don’t know the WiFi password? Don’t panic – with the right methods, finding your WiFi password is usually quick and simple.
This complete guide will walk you through all the up-to-date techniques to locate your current WiFi network password in 2024 on Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad, and Android devices. We’ll also cover what to do if you’ve forgotten the password completely. Follow our clearly explained steps below to get back online fast.
Main Methods to Find WiFi Password
Here’s a quick overview of the main methods we’ll cover to find your WiFi password on all types of devices:
- On Windows 10 and 11
- Use the Network and Sharing Center
- Check your router admin page
- Use command prompt
- Check saved networks on other devices
- On MacOS
- Open Keychain Access
- View your router admin page
- Check System Preferences > Network
- Check other devices
- On iPhone and iPad
- View current WiFi network password in Settings
- Check the router admin page
- Use keychain to see saved passwords
- Check other devices signed into the network
- On Android
- Go to Wi-Fi in Settings
- Check the router admin web page
- Use a third party password viewer app
- Check for saved networks on other devices
If none of those options work because you’ve forgotten the password completely, we also explain how to reset your router to set a new passphrase.
Now let’s get into the step-by-step instructions for each method on every operating system and device type.
How to Find WiFi Password on Windows 10 and 11
Finding your WiFi password on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer is simple using several handy built-in tools. Here are the best ways.
Use the Network and Sharing Center
The Network and Sharing Center offers the fastest way to view your WiFi network name (SSID) and password in one place. Just follow these quick steps:
- Click the Windows Start icon or press the Windows key and type “Network and Sharing Center”, then press Enter.
- On the left menu, click your current WiFi network name highlighted in blue.
- In the Wi-Fi Status section on the right, next to Security type you’ll see the WiFi network password displayed.
Check Your Router Admin Page
Your router’s admin console stores your WiFi name and password. To access it:
- Launch any browser and enter your router’s IP address in the URL field. Common options are:
- 192.168.0.1
- 192.168.1.1
- 10.0.0.1
- Enter your admin username and password if prompted. The default username is usually “admin” and the password “password” or blank.
- Navigate to any page showing your wireless settings, usually listed under “Basic” or “Wireless”.
- Here you’ll see your network name (SSID) and password in full.
If you’re using a router from your internet service provider (ISP), the process to access admin settings may differ. Check their support site for details.
Use the Command Prompt
Finding saved Wi-Fi passwords with Command Prompt is fast if you’re comfortable using Windows CMD tools.
Here’s how:
- Type “cmd” into the Windows search bar and press Enter.
- Type the following command and hit Enter: netsh wlan show profile
- Scan the list of network names that appears for the WiFi network needed.
- Enter the following with your WiFi name in place of “networkname”:
netsh wlan show profile “networkname” key=clear - The password will now be visible below “Key Content”.
Check Saved Networks on Another Device
If your Windows PC is linked to your Microsoft account, WiFi network passwords may sync across devices.
Go to another Windows computer or mobile device signed into the same Microsoft or Outlook account and check saved networks there.
Can’t access those? Let’s move onto finding WiFi passwords on MacOS next.
How to Find WiFi Password on Mac
MacOS also stores WiFi passwords for easy access when joining networks. Here are the best ways to find passwords on a MacBook, iMac, or other Apple computer.
Use Keychain Access
The Keychain Access app allows checking saved WiFi passwords in just a few clicks.
- Click the Launchpad icon in your dock and type “Keychain” to launch the Keychain Access app.
- Click System under System Keychains in the sidebar.
- Next click Passwords at the top of the window.
- Search for your WiFi network name in the search bar.
- Double click the password entry.
- Check the box next to “Show password” and enter your login password if prompted.
- Your WiFi network password will then display in full.
Check Your Router Admin Page
As with Windows devices, accessing your router admin dashboard also displays your current WiFi name and password info:
- Open any web browser and go to your router’s IP address, usually 192.168.1.1 or similar.
- When prompted enter your router admin username and password. Common defaults are “admin” and “password”.
- Navigate to the Basic or Wireless section.
- Look for your SSID (network name) and WiFi password details.
View in System Preferences > Network
You can also find password info through your network settings:
- Got to Apple Menu > System Preferences
- Click Network
- Select your WiFi connection on the left sidebar and click Advanced
- The Wi-Fi tab will display your network name, password, and more wireless details.
Check Saved Passwords on Another Device
If you have Keychain enabled to sync across Apple devices signed into your Apple ID, check saved WiFi passwords on another Mac, iPhone, or iPad connected to your account.
Next let’s go over locating WiFi passwords on mobile devices – iOS first.
How to Find WiFi Password on iPhone and iPad
Apple has made it just as easy to find your current WiFi password on iPhones and iPads too.
Whether you use an iPhone 14 Pro Max or iPad Pro 12.9 5th generation, or any model in between, here are the best methods for recovering saved WiFi passwords.
Check Current WiFi Network Password in Settings
See your current WiFi network password quickly through Settings:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Wi-Fi and locate your connected network.
- Tap the blue info icon next to it.
- Tap the arrow icon next to “Password”.
- Enter your device passcode if prompted to view the password.
This displays the current WiFi password without having to dig through your keychain.
View Saved Passwords in Keychain
The Keychain is where iPhone and iPad securely store all saved website, app, and WiFi passwords.
To check for multiple saved network credentials:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Passwords & Accounts > Website & App Passwords
- Enter Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to unlock
- Search for your WiFi network name to show the password
For really old wireless network credentials, you may need to log directly into iCloud Keychain instead from a Mac or Windows device.
Check Router Admin Page
As with other devices, your router admin page displays the active WiFi network name (SSID) and password which can be handy to lookup as needed.
Just enter your router’s gateway IP address into any web browser to access.
View Passwords Synced From Other Devices
If you have iCloud Keychain enabled across devices signed into your Apple ID, WiFi passwords saved on one device may be viewable on another.
Check other iPhones, iPads, or Macs linked to your account for saved networks if needed.
Up next are the best ways to find WiFi passwords on Android phones and tablets.
How to Find WiFi Password on Android
Android devices also make locating stored WiFi passwords simple if you know where to look.
On phones or tablets like Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or tablets like the OnePlus Pad, here are the best methods.
Go to Wi-Fi in Settings
To find your currently connected WiFi network password:
- Launch Settings
- Tap Network & internet > Wi‐Fi
- Tap the name of your connected WiFi network
- Tap Share to view the QR code or password in full
Check Router Admin Page
As with all other devices, accessing your router admin dashboard shows the active WiFi SSID and password:
- Launch any web browser and go to your router’s IP gateway. Common ones are 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1
- When prompted, enter your router’s admin username (probably “admin”) and password (try “password” or leave blank)
- Navigate to the Basic or Wireless section to find your network name (SSID) and WiFi password
Use a Third Party Password Viewer App
Unlike iOS which has a centralized keychain, Android’s handling of saved passwords varies by device manufacturer.
Using a dedicated WiFi password viewer app can help expose all your locally saved network credentials.
- WiFi Passwords is a popular free app that scans your device to reveal saved WiFi SSIDs and passwords.
- Panda Dialer & Contacts is another app that includes WiFi password viewing among other tools.
Be cautious only using reputable apps that don’t request unnecessary device permissions though.
Check Synced Device Passwords
If you use cloud backup like Google One or Samsung Cloud across your Android devices, WiFi network credentials may backup and sync across phones and tablets connected to the same account.
Check other Android gadgets signed into the same account if onsite options failed to display the WiFi info needed.
What to Do If You Forgot Your WiFi Password Completely
Sometimes finding your WiFi password fails not because the network is hidden or unsupported – but because you as the owner have completely forgotten it!
Don’t worry, fixing this common issue is still straightforward enough:
Reset Your Router to Set a New Password
When all else fails, resetting your router will wipe the current WiFi password, allowing you to set a fresh one you can easily recall next time.
Here’s how to reset and choose a new password on any router brand and model:
- Either wirelessly or via ethernet cable, access your router’s IP address with a connected device as outlined above.
- Log into your admin console with the default username “admin” and password “password” or leave blank in most cases.
- Locate the Factory Reset or Reboot section (usually under Advanced settings).
- Initiate a factory restore – be patient as this process takes 5-10 minutes.
- Once your router finishes resetting and broadcasting anew WiFi network, reconnect to the default SSID which is usually the router brand and model.
- Access the admin dashboard again if prompted to set up a new network name and password you can easily remember, which will now broadcast for all devices.
Be aware a reset may not retain previous router customization, but don’t worry – any modern router can be reconfigured in the admin portal.
Use PIN or Password Recovery Method
Some but not all modem router combos provide alternate password recovery methods that may help regain access after a forgotten passphrase:
For example:
- Entry of the 8-digit PIN printed on a sticker somewhere on the device.
- Answering your account security question if you set one up.
Consult your ISP or router manufacturer’s product documentation to see if these kinds of password recovery options are supported on your model.
Call Your Internet Provider
As a last resort, calling your internet service provider or ISP may offer another route to regaining access with a new wireless password.
Be prepared to verify details only the ISP account holder would know. Internally they can usually reset the modem router combo’s authentication method or defaults remotely or simply set up fresh credentials usable however you join WiFi going forward.
Now you know everything there is to getting back online by finding lost WiFi passwords on any device!
How to Change your WiFi Password
Here are the steps to change your Wi-Fi password:
- Access your Wi-Fi router’s administration page. This is typically by opening a web browser and entering the router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or similar) into the address bar.
- Log into your router’s admin page. The default username is usually “admin” and the default password is often “password” or blank. Check your router documentation if you don’t know the creds.
- Find the wireless or Wi-Fi settings section. This may be under a “Basic” or “Wireless” menu option.
- Look for the security or encryption settings. You should see fields related to setting a Wi-Fi password or passphrase.
- Enter your new Wi-Fi password in the available field. Make sure it’s at least 8 characters long, uses capital and lowercase letters, numbers and special symbols.
- Save the settings. Your router should now broadcast your Wi-Fi network with the new password.
- Connect your devices to the Wi-Fi using the new password when prompted. Make sure to update any saved password entries on your wireless devices.
That’s the basics! Let me know if you have any other specific questions on changing your Wi-Fi passphrase. Reaching out to your internet provider for router assistance is also an option if you get stuck.
How to Share WiFi Password
Here are a few easy ways to share your Wi-Fi password with others:
- Verbally tell the password to people you want to allow on your network. This works for a small number of people but isn’t great for larger groups.
- Write down the password and hand out copies. Make sure to retrieve any written passwords later for security.
- Take a screenshot of the password details from your router admin page and text or email it to them. Again, ask them to delete it afterward.
- Use a QR code generator to create a scannable QR code containing your network name and password. People can then scan the QR code with their phones to connect instead of typing it in.
- Temporarily disable your network security and make the Wi-Fi network visible for anyone to freely join if you’re granting access to lots of temporary visitors. Re-enable encryption once done.
- For frequent trusted visitors, consider permanently adding their devices’ MAC addresses to your router’s list of approved devices so they can seamlessly join.
I don’t recommend openly broadcasting your main home SSID and Wi-Fi password at all times. But selectively using one of these approaches makes granting access simple enough when required. Let me know if any other Wi-Fi sharing questions come up!
Troubleshooting Common WiFi Password Issues
Although the above methods should allow retrieving your wireless network password easily, you may encounter some hitches like these along the way:
Can’t Access Router Admin Page
Some routers may use obscure default gateway URLs or credentials unknown to you, especially if managing someone else’s network. But fret not – there are workarounds:
- Try ALL the most common default IP addresses like 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 10.0.0.1 in your browser. One should work.
- Reset your router via hardware buttons to force it back to factory settings with default login access if still struggling.
- Use a router admin page lookup tool by maker/model providing ISP router defaults.
- Use a WiFi analyzer app to locate gateway IPs on your network.
SAP Error When Showing Password on iPhone
Seeing an SAP error when trying to reveal a password in iPhone settings is related to enterprise managed networks that intentionally conceal credentials even from owners.
In that case, consult your workplace IT staff instead for WiFi access help.
Keychain Showing Old Deleted Network
You may find your keychain still displays passwords from WiFi networks you no longer use and don’t want cluttering up results.
To remove:
- Carefully check it’s a retired network you won’t need to re-access.
- Right click and delete the unwanted password entry.
This keeps only relevant credentials for networks you want keys to in the future.
New Phone Not Syncing Passwords from iCloud/Google Cloud
Sometimes brand new devices don’t automatically download synced passwords from your cloud account, requiring manual refreshing.
Check settings for Google Sync, iCloud Keychain, Samsung Cloud, or similar services to confirm backups occurring. Toggle features off/on to force a credentials refresh if needed.
Protecting Your WiFi Network Going Forward
Once you’ve regained access to your WiFi, follow these tips to keep details secure and avoid future password predicaments for you and housemates:
Change Default Admin Credentials
Keep router dashboard access restricted by ensuring default user IDs and passwords have been updated with unique credentials only you know. Never use manufacturer out of the box defaults.
Avoid Broadcasting SSID
The more discreet your WiFi network name is, the lower risk of unauthorized access. Toggle stealth settings so the SSID doesn’t appear for all to see during public scans.
Enable Strong Encryption
Secure your network’s data transmissions by enabling modern WPA3 or at least WPA2 encryption versus outdated WEP protection.
Create a Password Manager
Using a dedicated password manager app like LastPass or 1Password removes the strain of remembering growing credential sets. Let the vault securely store and autofill WiFi and everything else when needed.
Write Down Somewhere Safe
As a backup, physically writing down WiFi, router admin, and other vital passwords to keep somewhere 100% secure like a lockbox is an analog approach still wise today.
Final Thoughts
We hope this complete guide has given you all the tools needed to finally locate that pesky WiFi password on whatever device type.
Finding wireless credentials is often quicker than thought whether on Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad, or Android gear. But even fully forgotten passphrases can still be recovered with router resets or new credentials from your ISP.
Going forward, be sure to catalog and protect all WiFi and other authentication keys using the practices outlined. Doing so will mean much less time spent searching for passwords, and more time enjoying faster connectivity.