How to Find the Wi-Fi Password of Your Current Network

Finding the Wi-Fi password of your current network can be essential for various reasons, such as sharing it with others or connecting a new device. This guide will show you how to retrieve the Wi-Fi password on different devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Windows

Method 1: Using Network Settings

1. Open Network and Sharing Center:
   • Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
   • Alternatively, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. View Active Connections:
   • Click on your active Wi-Fi connection to open the Wi-Fi Status window.
3. Access Wireless Properties:
   • In the Wi-Fi Status window, click on the Wireless Properties button.
4. Show Password:
   • Go to the Security tab.
   • Check the box next to Show characters to reveal the Wi-Fi password.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt:
   • Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
   • Make sure to run Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. View Wi-Fi Profile:
   • Type the following command and press Enter:

     cmd

     Copy code

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

   • Replace "YOUR_WIFI_NAME" with your actual Wi-Fi network name.
3. Find the Password:
   • Look for the Key Content line under Security settings. The value next to it is your Wi-Fi password.

macOS

Using System Preferences

1. Open Keychain Access:
   • Go to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.
   • Alternatively, press Command + Space, type Keychain Access, and press Enter.
2. Find the Wi-Fi Network:
   • In Keychain Access, search for your Wi-Fi network name in the search bar.
3. Show Password:
   • Double-click on your Wi-Fi network to open its properties.
   • Check the box next to Show password.
   • Enter your macOS username and password when prompted. The Wi-Fi password will then be displayed.

Android

Using Settings (Rooted Devices)

For non-rooted devices, it’s not possible to view saved Wi-Fi passwords directly through the system settings. However, for rooted devices:

1. Install a File Explorer with Root Access: Apps like ES File Explorer or Root Explorer can be used.
2. Navigate to Wi-Fi Configuration File:
   • Open the file explorer and go to /data/misc/wifi/.
3. Open the File:
   • Open the wpa_supplicant.conf file. This file contains network details, including SSIDs and passwords.
4. Find the Password:
   • Look for the network block that corresponds to your Wi-Fi SSID. The password will be listed under psk.

Using Apps (Rooted Devices)

1. Install Wi-Fi Password Viewer:
   • Download and install an app like WiFi Password Viewer from the Google Play Store.
2. Grant Root Access:
   • Open the app and grant it root access when prompted.
3. View Saved Passwords:
   • The app will display all saved Wi-Fi networks along with their passwords.

iOS

Using iCloud Keychain (Mac Required)

1. Sync with iCloud Keychain:
   • Ensure your iOS device is using iCloud Keychain and is synced with a Mac.
2. Open Keychain Access on Mac:
   • Go to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.
3. Find the Wi-Fi Network:
   • In Keychain Access, search for your Wi-Fi network name in the search bar.
4. Show Password:
   • Double-click on your Wi-Fi network to open its properties.
   • Check the box next to Show password.
   • Enter your macOS username and password when prompted. The Wi-Fi password will then be displayed.

Router Settings

If the above methods do not work, you can always retrieve the Wi-Fi password from your router’s settings.

1. Access Router Settings:
   • Open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address in the address bar. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
2. Login:
   • Enter the router’s username and password. If you haven’t changed these, they are often found on a sticker on the router or in the user manual.
3. Find Wi-Fi Settings:
   • Navigate to the wireless settings section. The exact location varies by router model.
4. View Password:
   • Look for the SSID (network name) and the WPA2 or Wi-Fi Password. The password will be displayed there.

Conclusion

Finding your current network’s Wi-Fi password can be straightforward with the right steps. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS, this guide covers various methods to help you retrieve your Wi-Fi password easily. Remember to keep your passwords secure and share them only with trusted individuals.