How to Find Any WiFi Password: Complete Guide
Have you ever been in a situation where you connected to a WiFi network once but now forgot the password?
Or maybe you want to retrieve the WiFi password to share with a friend or connect another device?
Don’t worry — in this guide, we’ll show you how to find any WiFi password legally and easily.
Whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, Android phone, or iPhone, this guide covers all the methods you need to know. Let’s get started!
Important Note Before We Begin
This article is intended for educational purposes only.
Accessing WiFi networks without permission is illegal and a serious offense.
Only use these methods to recover WiFi passwords for networks you own or have authorization to access.
Why You Might Need to Find a WiFi Password
- Forgot your home WiFi password
- Need to connect a new device
- Share WiFi access with guests
- Troubleshooting network settings
- Switching to a new router
Having access to your WiFi password can save you time, money, and frustration.
Method 1: Find Saved WiFi Password on Windows
If you’ve previously connected to a WiFi network on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, you can retrieve the password easily.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
ncpa.cpl
and hit Enter. - Right-click your connected WiFi network and select Status.
- Click Wireless Properties.
- Go to the Security tab.
- Check the box Show characters to reveal the saved password.
Tip:
You can also use Command Prompt:
netsh wlan show profile name="WiFi-Network-Name" key=clear
Replace "WiFi-Network-Name"
with your actual network name.
Look under Key Content — that’s your password.
Method 2: Find WiFi Password on Mac
Mac users can easily find saved WiFi passwords through the Keychain Access app.
Steps:
- Open Keychain Access from Applications → Utilities.
- In the search bar, type your WiFi network name.
- Double-click the network.
- Check the box Show password (you’ll need to enter your Mac password).
- The password will be displayed.
Method 3: Find WiFi Password on Android (Without Root)
If your Android device is on Android 10 or higher, you can see saved WiFi passwords without rooting.
Steps:
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → WiFi.
- Tap the connected network (or Saved Networks).
- Click Share (you might need to verify via fingerprint or PIN).
- The QR code will appear, and under it, the WiFi password will be displayed.
Older Android versions may require root access to retrieve WiFi passwords.
Method 4: Find WiFi Password on iPhone (iOS 16 and Above)
Starting from iOS 16, Apple has finally made it easy to see saved WiFi passwords.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → WiFi.
- Tap the (i) info button next to your network.
- Tap Password.
- Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or Passcode.
- The password will be revealed.
Method 5: Find WiFi Password from Router Settings
You can always retrieve the WiFi password directly from your router admin panel.
Steps:
- Connect to the WiFi network.
- Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (commonly
192.168.0.1
or192.168.1.1
). - Log in using the router’s username and password (default credentials are usually printed on a sticker on the router).
- Navigate to Wireless Settings → Wireless Security.
- Here, you’ll see the WiFi password (often labeled Pre-Shared Key or Passphrase).
Pro Tip:
Change your WiFi password here if you think it’s too weak or shared with too many people.
Method 6: Using WiFi Password Recovery Tools (Optional)
There are software tools designed to help you recover saved WiFi passwords:
- WirelessKeyView (for Windows)
- WiFi Password Viewer (for rooted Android devices)
- iBackup Extractor (for iOS backups)
Always download such tools from trusted sources to avoid malware.
Best Practices for Managing WiFi Passwords
- Use Strong Passwords: Combine letters, numbers, and symbols for better security.
- Save Passwords Securely: Use a password manager app.
- Change Passwords Regularly: Especially if you share your network frequently.
- Enable Network Encryption: Always use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption protocols.
Common FAQs About Finding WiFi Passwords
Q1: Can I find WiFi passwords without connecting to the network first?
A: No. You need to be previously connected or have admin access to the router.
Q2: Is it illegal to retrieve WiFi passwords?
A: It’s legal if you are the owner or have permission. Unauthorized access is illegal.
Q3: My router sticker is faded. What should I do?
A: Reset your router to factory settings and set a new password manually.
Q4: How do I prevent others from finding my WiFi password?
A: Disable “Save Password” options on public/shared devices and use strong router passwords.
Final Thoughts
Retrieving a WiFi password is much easier today than it used to be, thanks to improvements in Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS.
Whether you’re recovering your forgotten password, setting up a new device, or helping a friend, the methods shared above are simple, fast, and secure.
Just remember: with great power comes great responsibility.
Always use these techniques ethically and only on networks where you have permission.
If you follow these steps, you’ll never have to worry about being locked out of a WiFi network again!