Recovering forgotten Wi-Fi password

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Recovering forgotten Wi-Fi password. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Quick Methods

Method 1: Find on Your PC (If Previously Connected)

Windows saves Wi‑Fi passwords for networks your computer has previously connected to. You will need to run Command Prompt as an administrator, and the computer must currently be within range of the network with the wireless profile stored on the machine.

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, right‑click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Enter the following command, replacing YOUR_NETWORK_NAME with the SSID you want to check:

   netsh wlan show profile name="YOUR_NETWORK_NAME" key=clear

3. In the output, locate the line labelled Key Content. The value next to it is the Wi‑Fi password.

If the Key Content line is missing, the network profile may not be stored on this computer, or the device may not be within range of the network.

To view all saved network names, run:

netsh wlan show profiles

Method 2: Check Your Router

Many routers have the default Wi‑Fi password printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the device.

1. Locate the sticker on the router.
2. Look for fields labelled “Wi‑Fi Password”, “Wireless Key”, or “WPA/WPA2 Key”.
3. If the router is still using its factory settings, this will be the current password.

Method 3: Log in to the Router Admin Panel

Access the router’s web interface to view or change the Wi‑Fi password.

1. Find the router’s IP address. On Windows, open Command Prompt and run:

   ipconfig | findstr Default Gateway

   The address listed next to Default Gateway is typically the router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Open a web browser and enter the IP address in the address bar.
3. Log in using the administrator credentials. These are often printed on the router sticker; default combinations are usually admin/admin or admin/password.
4. Navigate to the Wireless or Wi‑Fi settings page.
5. Locate the field for the password or security key. You may need to reveal it.

Method 4: Ask a Colleague or Your IT Administrator

If another staff member has connected to the network, they may be able to share the password through their own device, provided company policy permits it. Otherwise, contact your internal IT team or your MSP for assistance.

Method 5: Use an Android Phone

If you have an Android device that is already connected to the Wi‑Fi network, you may be able to view the password.

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi‑Fi.
2. Tap the name of your connected network.
3. Select Share or Show password. You may be prompted for the device PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication.

Method 6: Use an iPhone (iOS)

If you have an iPhone that is already connected to the Wi‑Fi network, you can view the saved password.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Wi‑Fi.
3. Tap the information icon (i) next to your connected network.
4. Tap Password.
5. Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode to reveal the password.

Method 7: Use a Mac

macOS stores Wi‑Fi passwords in Keychain Access, and recent versions also expose them through System Settings.

Using System Settings (macOS Ventura and later)

1. Open System Settings.
2. Select Network from the sidebar.
3. Click Wi‑Fi, then click Details next to the network name.
4. Click Password.
5. Authenticate with Touch ID or your Mac password to reveal the Wi‑Fi password.

Using Keychain Access

1. Open Keychain Access (search using Spotlight or find it in Applications > Utilities).
2. Select System from the Keychains sidebar, then select Passwords from the Category sidebar.
3. Search for the Wi‑Fi network name (SSID).
4. Double‑click the network entry.
5. Tick Show password and enter your Mac administrator password when prompted.

If You Changed the Password and Forgot It

Your options:

• Log in to the router admin panel and view the current password (see Method 3).
• Reset the router to its factory defaults.
• If the router is supplied and managed by your ISP, contact them for assistance.

Resetting the Router to Factory Defaults

1. Locate the small reset button on the back of the router.
2. With the router powered on, press and hold the button for 10–30 seconds.
3. Release the button; the router will reboot with factory settings.
4. Use the default Wi‑Fi password from the router sticker, then re‑configure your network.

Troubleshooting Unknown Admin Credentials or ISP‑Managed Routers

• If you do not know the router administrator username or password, check the router sticker or any documentation provided by your ISP or MSP.
• If default credentials do not work and the password has been changed, you may need to contact the person who originally configured the router.
• For ISP‑supplied routers, contact your internet service provider before attempting a reset, as they may manage the device remotely.
• For business‑grade access points managed by your MSP, password recovery methods described here may not apply. Contact your MSP or Open a Ticket.

Security Considerations

Treat your Wi‑Fi password like any other credential. Keep it confidential and avoid sharing it in plain text. Modern networks typically use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Business‑grade access points may use WPA3‑Enterprise or 802.1X/RADIUS authentication, where individual users sign in with their own credentials rather than a shared pre‑shared key. In these environments, personal password recovery methods do not apply, and you should contact your IT administrator or MSP for access.

Prevent Forgetting Again

• Save the password in a reputable password manager.
• Take a photo of the router sticker and store it securely, only if company policy permits.
• Consider using the How to connect to Wi‑Fi guide to re‑connect devices without manually typing the password each time.

Still Having Issues?