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If you mean the password for your home or office Wi-Fi, check a device that has already joined the network: Windows, Apple devices, and Android can reveal or share saved network access in different ways. These steps are for networks you own or are authorized to use. A Wi-Fi password is not the same as the router administrator password.
Choose the device that already has access
| Device | What you can do | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Show the current or another saved network password | Access to Settings on a device connected to, or with credentials saved for, the network |
| Windows 10 | Reveal the current network’s security key | Access to the connected Wi-Fi network’s properties |
| iPhone or iPad | View or copy the current or saved password | iOS 16 or later, or iPadOS 16.1 or later, and device authentication |
| Mac | Copy the password for a known network | macOS Ventura or later |
| Android | Share access as a QR code for another device to scan | Menu labels vary by device; some steps require Android 12 or later |
If you can use a device that has joined the network, start there. The steps differ by operating system, and Android’s documented option is QR-code sharing rather than a guaranteed readable password. Microsoft’s Windows instructions, Apple’s iPhone and iPad instructions and Mac and recovery guidance, and Google’s Android instructions describe the platform-specific routes.
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Find it on Windows
Windows 11: current or saved network
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Properties.
- Beside Wi-Fi network password, select Show.
- To check a different saved network, open Manage known networks, select the network, and choose Show beside its password.
Windows 10: reveal the connected network’s key
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center.
- Select the Wi-Fi connection, then open Wireless Properties > Security.
- Select Show characters to reveal the Network security key.
Windows labels and available steps depend on the version. Microsoft also documents scanning a Wi-Fi QR code with a supported Windows camera to connect without typing the details. See Microsoft’s Windows Wi-Fi guide.
Find it on an iPhone or iPad
On iOS 16 or later and iPadOS 16.1 or later, authenticate with the device passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID to view or copy a Wi-Fi password.
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For the current network
- Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the information button beside the connected network.
- Tap Password, authenticate, then view or copy it.
For a previously saved network
- Open Settings > Wi-Fi and tap Edit.
- Authenticate, then tap the information button beside the network.
- Tap Password to view or copy it.
On iOS 18, saved network passwords are also available in Passwords > Wi-Fi. Apple’s saved Wi-Fi password guide gives the version-specific steps.
Find it on a Mac
On macOS Ventura or later, open Apple menu > System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced. Open the More menu beside the known network and choose Copy Password; paste it where needed to view or use it. See Apple’s Wi-Fi password help.
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Share access from Android
Google’s documented Android method creates a QR code another device can scan to join the network. Open Settings > Network & internet > Internet, select the Wi-Fi network, then tap Share. Menu wording can differ by Android device, and Google notes that some steps work only on Android 12 or later. Because this method shares access by QR code, do not assume every Android device will display the password as readable text. See Google’s Android Wi-Fi guide.
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For a home or office router you administer
- Sign in to the router’s administrator webpage or app and look for the Wi-Fi or wireless settings; an authorized administrator may be able to view or change the network password.
- Check the router label or its documentation for the default network name and password. These details may not work if someone changed them.
- Contact the person or internet service provider who configured the router, or the router manufacturer, for help.
The router administrator password controls access to router settings; it is separate from the Wi-Fi password used to join the network. Apple describes these recovery options in its Wi-Fi password guidance.
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For public Wi-Fi
Ask staff or check posted information. Some public networks require a separate login after you connect to Wi-Fi.
When a saved password does not work
Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive. If the network owner changed the password, a device may still have the old saved entry. Apple advises forgetting that network on the device and joining again with the current password; ask the network owner for the updated one if you do not administer the router. See Apple’s guidance on changed Wi-Fi passwords.
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Keep the router’s credentials secure
If you administer the router, change default router credentials rather than leaving them unchanged. Microsoft recommends WPA3 when both the router and PC support it. Its wireless-network setup guidance explains these security recommendations.
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