Forgetting your Wi-Fi password can be frustrating, especially when you need to connect a new device to your network. Fortunately, there are several methods to retrieve your Wi-Fi password, whether you're using a Windows PC, Mac, router, or mobile device. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to recover your Wi-Fi password easily.
Method 1: Retrieving Wi-Fi Password on Windows
If you have a Windows PC that is already connected to the Wi-Fi network, you can retrieve the password through the network settings.
Open Network Settings
Right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray and select "Open Network & Internet settings."
Access Network and Sharing Center
In the settings window, click on "Network and Sharing Center."
Open Wi-Fi Status
In the Network and Sharing Center, click on your Wi-Fi network name to open the Wi-Fi Status window.
Access Wireless Properties
Click on the "Wireless Properties" button.
View Wi-Fi Password
In the Wireless Network Properties window, go to the "Security" tab. Check the box next to "Show characters" to reveal your Wi-Fi password.
Method 2: Retrieving Wi-Fi Password on Mac
If you have a Mac that is connected to the Wi-Fi network, you can retrieve the password through the Keychain Access utility.
Open Keychain Access
Go to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.
Find the Wi-Fi Network
In the Keychain Access window, search for your Wi-Fi network name in the search bar.
View Wi-Fi Password
Double-click on your Wi-Fi network name to open its properties. Check the box next to "Show password" and enter your Mac's administrator credentials when prompted. Your Wi-Fi password will be displayed.
Method 3: Retrieving Wi-Fi Password from the Router
If you have access to your router, you can retrieve the Wi-Fi password by logging into the router’s web interface.
Connect to the Router
Ensure you are connected to the router via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.
Open a Web Browser
Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. Common IP addresses include 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
Log In to the Router
Enter the router’s admin username and password. If you haven’t changed these credentials, the default username is often admin and the password is either admin or password. You can find the default credentials in the router's manual or on a sticker on the router.
Navigate to Wireless Settings
Once logged in, navigate to the wireless settings section. The exact location will vary depending on your router model.
View Wi-Fi Password
Look for the field labeled "Wi-Fi Password," "Security Key," or "Passphrase." Your Wi-Fi password will be displayed here.
Method 4: Retrieving Wi-Fi Password on Mobile Devices
If you have an Android device or iPhone that is already connected to the Wi-Fi network, you can retrieve the password using specific apps or settings.
On Android (Requires Root Access for Older Versions)
For devices running Android 10 or later, you don't need root access:
Open Settings
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
Access Saved Networks
Tap on the Wi-Fi network you're connected to and then tap on "Share." You may need to authenticate using your fingerprint or password.
View Wi-Fi Password
A QR code will appear. Below the QR code, you will see the Wi-Fi password.
For older Android versions, root access is required, and you can use an app like "WiFi Password Viewer" from the Google Play Store.
On iPhone (Requires iCloud Keychain and a Mac)
Enable iCloud Keychain
Ensure iCloud Keychain is enabled on your iPhone by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Keychain.
Access Passwords on Mac
On your Mac, open System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud. Ensure Keychain is enabled.
Open Keychain Access
Go to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access on your Mac.
Find the Wi-Fi Network
Search for your Wi-Fi network name and double-click on it.
View Wi-Fi Password
Check the box next to "Show password" and enter your Mac’s administrator credentials when prompted. Your Wi-Fi password will be displayed.
Retrieving your Wi-Fi password can be simple if you know the right steps. Whether you're using a Windows PC, Mac, router, or mobile device, the methods outlined in this guide should help you recover your Wi-Fi password quickly and efficiently. Remember to keep your passwords secure and consider using a password manager to avoid future issues.
Contact Support.Com
If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.
1. Introduction
Wi-Fi passwords can be difficult to remember, especially when your devices have been successfully connected for a very long time. If you've forgotten your Wi-Fi password and need to connect a new device, or reconnect an existing device, this guide will take you through ways to retrieve the credentials you need.
Sometimes routers have their Wi-Fi passwords stored on a sticker. Other times, computers or devices that were previously connected to your Wi-Fi network can allow you to retrieve the Wi-Fi password from them. In some cases, you can even access your router's web interface to retrieve the information you need.
2. Credentials
In order to connect to a wireless network, you must have the required credentials. These are:
Wireless Network Name (SSID)
Wireless Network Key (Password)
Finding Network Credentials
Most wireless routers/gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, look in the devices documentation.
If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.
3. Show Wi-Fi Password
You need to be logged on as an administrator and you have to be connected to a Wi-Fi network in order to retrieve its password.
Click or tap the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray area, at the bottom right corner of the screen, then go to Network & Internet Settings.
Go to Network and Sharing Center. You may need to scroll down or look to the right to find it.
Click or tap on the Wi-Fi connection.
Click or tap on Wireless Properties.
Go to the Security tab and you'll find the Wi-Fi password in the Network security key field.
Put a checkmark in the Show characters box to reveal the Wi-Fi password.
4. Show Wi-Fi Password
You need to be logged on as an administrator in order to retrieve Wi-Fi password.
Launch Finder.
Select Go from the menu then Utilities.
Open Keychain Access.
Select the Passwords category on the lower left.
You can scroll down through the list to look for the Wi-Fi network name or you can type in the search field at the top right.
Once you found it, double click on it.
You will get a pop-up showing the Wi-Fi connections details. Put a checkmark in front of Show password to reveal the Wi-Fi password.
After that type in the administrator user name and password.
5. Get Router IP
To access any router's web-based administrative interface, you need to have a device connected to the router in question. This can be a connection via Wi-Fi, or via a direct ethernet connection to the back of the router itself. Computers that are typically only used wirelessly can normally be plugged directly into your router temporarily, provided that your machine came equipped with an ethernet port. Once you have a device that is connected to your router, we can determine how to log in and attempt to retrieve the Wi-Fi credentials we need.
In order to provide you with the most specific steps, please specify the type of device you are currently using.
6. Get Router IP
To get your router's IP address:
Tap Settings.
Tap Connections.
Tap Wi-Fi.
Tap your network - It should indicate Connected.
Take note of the value under or next to Manage Router.
It should be a string of numbers separated by 3 periods, E.g. 192.168.1.1
7. Login
Now that you know your router's IP address, you can attempt to access the web interface.
To access the router's web interface
Open a web browser of your choice.
Type the Default Gateway you noted in the previous step into the address bar and hit Enter on your keyboard.
Login using your router's username and password.
If you do not know the username and password for your router's web interface, chances are it is still set to the default. In most cases the default credentials are listed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router. If they are not, consult your router's user manual, search on the support site or contact the manufacturer.
8. Show Wi-Fi Password
Your router's interface will vary depending on the make and model, but this general process should be the same on most routers.
Locate and click on the option/menu that says Wireless (Wi-Fi). From here, you may need to go to another submenu such as Wireless Settings or Wireless Security.
The Wireless (Wi-Fi) password may have other names, such as passphrase, network key, security key, pre-shared key, but they all mean same the same thing.
9. Get Router IP
To get your router's IP address
Tap Settings.
Tap Wi-Fi.
Find your network - It should indicate Connected by a check mark.
Tap the Info icon to the right of your network's name.
Take note of the value next to Router.
The IP address will be a string of numbers separated by 3 periods, E.g. 192.168.1.1
10. Get Router IP
To get your router's IP address
On your keyboard, simultaneously press the Windows key and R to bring up the Run Window.
In the Run window type: cmd and click OK or hit Enter on your keyboard.
In the Command Prompt window type: ipconfig
Hit Enter on your keyboard.
In the ipconfig results, look for the value next to Default Gateway.
Take note of the Default Gateway.
It should be a string of numbers separated by 3 periods, E.g. 192.168.1.1
11. Get Router IP
To get your router's IP address
Click the Apple logo in the upper left corner of your desktop.
Click System Preferences.
Click Network.
In the left pane, select the network with the green status indicating Connected.
Take note of the value next to Router.
It should be a string of numbers separated by 3 periods, E.g. 192.168.1.1
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