A Wi-Fi network password, also known as a network security key, is a string of characters that is used to encrypt data transmitted over a wireless network. This password is required to connect to a Wi-Fi network, whether it is your home network or a public network.
If you’ve changed the default password on your router, it’s important to know what it is in order to connect new devices to your network or troubleshoot connection issues. Additionally, if you are visiting someone else’s home and want to connect to their Wi-Fi network, you’ll need to know the password in order to do so.
Fortunately, it is easy to find the password for a Wi-Fi network that you’ve previously connected to. The process will vary depending on the device you are using, but most modern devices allow you to view the password in the network settings.
On a Windows PC, you can access the password by opening the Control Panel, clicking on “Network and Sharing Center,” selecting the network you’re connected to, and then clicking on “Wireless Properties.” On a Mac, you can access the password by opening the “Keychain Access” app and looking for the name of the network. On an iPhone or iPad, you can access the password by going to the device’s settings and selecting “Wi-Fi.”
It is also possible to find the password on the router itself, usually it is located on a sticker on the bottom or back of the router.
It’s important to note that if the network is password protected by the network administrator, you may not be able to view the password.
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How to Find Your Wi-Fi Router’s Password.
- Check the router: Look for the default password on the router itself. It’s usually located on a sticker on the bottom or back of the router.
- View connected devices: On a Windows PC, Mac, Android device, iPhone, or iPad that’s previously connected to the network, you can view the password in the network settings.
- Windows PC: On a Windows PC that’s connected to the network, open the Control Panel and click on “Network and Sharing Center.” Click on the name of the network you’re connected to and then click on “Wireless Properties.” Click on the “Security” tab and you’ll see the password under “Network security key.”
- Mac: On a Mac that’s connected to the network, open the “Keychain Access” app. Look for the name of the network in the list and double-click on it. Enter your Mac’s admin password when prompted and the password will be revealed.
- Android: On an Android device, go to the device’s settings and select “Wi-Fi.” Press and hold on the name of the network you’re connected to and select “Forget.” Then reconnect to the network and enter the password when prompted.
- iPhone or iPad: On an iPhone or iPad, go to the device’s settings and select “Wi-Fi.” Tap on the “i” icon next to the name of the network you’re connected to and the password will be displayed.
Note: If the network is password protected by the network administrator, you may not be able to view the password.
What if you have done everything we recommend above and you still can’t find your Wi-Fi Password?
If you can’t find your Wi-Fi network’s password and don’t have access to your router’s web interface, you can reset your router and force it to use the default Wi-Fi passphrase. To do this, locate the “reset” button on the router, which is usually a pinhole button. Press the button for about ten seconds and the router’s settings will be erased and reset to the defaults, restoring the Wi-Fi network name and password to the default ones on the router. You can find the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) by checking the Wi-Fi settings on any device connected to the network or by looking at the router itself or its documentation.