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Wi-Fi Password Forgotten? How to Find or Reset It
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Wi-Fi Password Forgotten? How to Find or Reset It

Internet & Wi-Fi • 4 min read

Forgetting your Wi-Fi password is more common than you think. Whether you need to connect a new phone, tablet, or guest device, or simply want to share the network, recovering it doesn't have to be stressful. This guide covers the easiest ways to find your password, reset it, and troubleshoot issues, so you can get back online quickly. For a related guide, see Lost Your Phone? How to Find, Lock, and Erase It Remotely.

Common Reasons for Forgotten Wi-Fi Passwords

  • The password was never saved on your device, or the device was reset.
  • Your router was restarted or reset to factory defaults, changing the password.
  • Someone updated the password, but not all devices were informed.
  • You're trying to connect to a guest network with a separate password.

How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password on a Connected Device

If you have a device already connected to the Wi-Fi, you can often view the saved password. Here's how on different platforms:

On Windows 10 or 11

  1. Click the Start menu and go to Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Select Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
  3. Click on your network name, then choose Properties.
  4. Under Network profile, toggle Show characters to reveal the password.

Note: This only works if the device is currently connected or has the network saved.

On macOS

  1. Open Finder and go to Applications > Utilities.
  2. Launch Keychain Access.
  3. In the search bar, type your Wi-Fi network name (SSID).
  4. Select the network from the list, right-click, and choose Show Password.
  5. Enter your Mac's administrator password when prompted.

On Android

Methods vary by device. For Android 10 or higher:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap on your connected network, then tap Share or QR code.
  3. The password may appear on screen or be encoded in the QR code, which you can scan with another device.

Older Android versions might require root access or third-party apps, which can be risky. Check your device's specific guide.

On iPhone or iPad

iOS does not allow direct viewing of saved Wi-Fi passwords without workarounds. The easiest method is:

  1. Ensure your iPhone is connected to the Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap the i icon next to your network name.
  4. Toggle Auto-Join off and on—this doesn't reveal the password but can help re-connect devices. For the actual password, you may need to use a iCloud-synced device like a Mac, where the password is saved in Keychain.

Access Your Router Settings to View or Change the Password

If no device is connected or you want to change the password, log into your router's admin panel. This requires knowing the router's IP address and admin credentials.

  1. Find your router's IP address: On a connected device, check the network settings. On Windows, type ipconfig in Command Prompt and look for the "Default Gateway." On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > TCP/IP.
  2. Log in: Open a web browser and enter the IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1). Use default credentials like admin/password if you haven't changed them—check the router label or manual.
  3. Navigate to wireless settings: Look for tabs like Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Network. Here, you can view the current password or enter a new one.
  4. Save changes: Apply the new password, and reconnect all devices.

Warning: If you forget the admin credentials, you may need to reset the router, which will erase all settings.

Other Methods to Recover the Password

  • ISP Apps or Customer Support: Many internet service providers offer apps that display your Wi-Fi details. Check your provider's website or call support for assistance.
  • Password Managers: If you use a tool like LastPass or Bitwarden, search for saved Wi-Fi passwords there.
  • Router Label: Some routers have the default password printed on a sticker—useful if you haven't changed it.

When to Reset Your Router

Resetting the router should be a last resort, as it restores factory settings and erases custom configurations like port forwarding.

  1. Locate the reset button on the router (usually a small hole).
  2. Use a paperclip to press and hold for 10-15 seconds until the lights blink.
  3. After reset, use the default password from the label to connect, then log in to set a new password.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Can't access router settings: Ensure you're connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Try a different browser or clear cache. If the IP address doesn't work, confirm it with your device's network details.
  • Device not showing the password: On Windows, if "Show characters" is grayed out, the network might not be saved—reconnect first. On Mac, Keychain may require permissions; restart your device.
  • Forgot router admin password: Perform a factory reset as described above, but be prepared to reconfigure your network.
  • Still stuck? Contact your ISP for model-specific help or consider a professional if you're uncomfortable with technical steps.

Final Recommendations

Start with the easiest method: check a connected device or log into your router. If that fails, use ISP tools or a password manager. Only reset the router if necessary, and always note down new passwords in a secure place. If you're still unable to recover the password, your ISP can often assist directly.

By following these steps, you can quickly regain access to your Wi-Fi network without unnecessary hassle.