If one of your devices is already connected to a Wi-Fi network, the password may be saved on that device. Current versions of Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and iPadOS all provide legitimate ways to view or share saved Wi-Fi credentials, although the exact menu names vary by release.

Windows 11

Open Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi and open the properties for the relevant network. Current Windows 11 builds can display the Wi-Fi security key after you authenticate. On systems where that option is not present, Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → the Wi-Fi connection → Wireless Properties → Security → Show characters is the traditional route.

For networks saved on the computer but not currently connected, Windows command-line tools can also display profiles and keys when you have appropriate local permission.

macOS

On current macOS versions, the Passwords app or Wi-Fi settings can provide saved network credentials after user authentication. Keychain Access remains useful on older systems. Search for the network name, open the matching password item, and authenticate with your Mac account or Touch ID when prompted.

Android

Android 10 and newer generally let you share a saved Wi-Fi network from Settings. Open the connected or saved network, choose Share, and authenticate with the device PIN or biometrics. Android normally displays a QR code; many device versions also show the password in text.

iPhone and iPad

On iOS 16/iPadOS 16 and newer, open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap the information button beside a network, tap the password field, and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode. Apple devices can also share Wi-Fi access directly with another nearby Apple device without revealing the password to the person typing it.

Find it in the router

If you administer the network, the router or mesh app is usually the source of truth. Find the router gateway, sign in with the router administrator account, and look for Wireless, Wi-Fi, WLAN, or Guest Network settings. Some modern systems are app-only, and ISP gateways may use a provider app instead of a full local web interface.

Wi-Fi password vs. admin password

The Wi-Fi password lets a device join the wireless network. The admin password allows someone to change router settings. They should not be treated as interchangeable, and sharing a guest network does not require sharing the router administration credential.

Share access without typing the password

For a network you control, the Wi-Fi QR Code Generator can create a scannable code in the browser. Consider a separate guest network when visitors do not need access to computers, storage, printers, or smart-home equipment on the primary LAN.

Only recover or share credentials for a network you own or are authorized to use.

Password sources in order of trust

For your own saved Wi-Fi network, prefer the operating system’s authenticated credential viewer, then the router/app where authorized, then the device setup documentation. Avoid third-party “password reveal” software that asks for excessive permissions.

Enterprise/managed networks

802.1X enterprise Wi-Fi may use per-user credentials/certificates rather than a shared passphrase, so there may be no single network password to reveal. Guest captive portals can also authenticate separately from Wi-Fi encryption.

After recovering a shared password

If it has been exposed widely, rotate it, update trusted devices and consider a separate guest network instead of repeatedly sharing the primary LAN credential.