Your Wi-Fi password is the password devices use to join the network. It is different from the router admin password, which protects the router settings page. Mixing those up is common.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you need to connect a new phone, laptop, smart device, or guest device but cannot remember the Wi-Fi password.
Check a connected Windows or Mac computer
A computer that already joins the network often has the password saved.
- Windows: open Network and Sharing Center, click the Wi-Fi connection, open Wireless Properties, go to Security, and enable Show characters.
- Mac: open Keychain Access, search the network name, open it, choose Show password, and enter the Mac login password when asked.
Check a connected phone
Recent phones can show or share saved Wi-Fi credentials.
- iPhone: on iOS 16 or later, open Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the info button beside the network, tap Password, and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
- Android: open Wi-Fi/network settings, tap the connected network, and choose Share to show a QR code and often the password text.
No device remembers it
Use the router, but understand what reset means.
- Check the router sticker for the original Wi-Fi name and password. It works only if the password was never changed.
- Log into the router admin page and open Wireless settings to view or set a new Wi-Fi password.
- If you do not know the admin login either, factory reset may be the only way back in.
- After reset, use the label defaults and set up the network again.
More control
Factory reset erases router settings
A reset removes the Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password, admin password, and custom settings. Every device must reconnect afterward.
Store it somewhere safe
Use a password manager or secure note, and consider a QR code for trusted household devices.
Use guest Wi-Fi for visitors
A guest network lets visitors connect without learning your main Wi-Fi password or seeing main-network devices.
Sources
- FCC Consumer Guide – Wireless Network Troubleshooting (2024)
- Microsoft Support – Find Your Wi-Fi Network Password in Windows (2025)
- Apple Support – See or Share a Wi-Fi Password on Your iPhone (2025)