How to View the Password of a Wi-Fi Network You're Already Connected To

Tap the device you're using right now to see how to check it.

iPhone

Open Settings, then Wi-Fi, tap the info icon next to the network you're connected to, and reveal the password under the password field after authenticating with Face ID or your passcode.

Android

Open Settings, then Network & internet, then Internet, tap the connected network, and many phones will show the password directly beneath a QR code you can also share.

Windows

Open Network and Sharing Center from Control Panel, click Wireless Properties on the connected network, go to the Security tab, and check the box to reveal characters to see the password.

Why this is useful

If you forgot the password or need to connect a new device, checking it directly on a device that's already connected is faster than logging into the router's admin panel.

The device in your hand is the fastest lookup

As long as you have one device that's already connected, you don't need the router's admin login at all to retrieve the password. This is especially handy when you're in a hurry to connect a new device or simply can't remember what you set the password to.

Want to share it instead of typing it out?

If you'd rather not read a long password aloud, turning the network name and password into a QR code lets a guest join just by scanning it with their camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPhone ask for authentication before showing the password?

It's a security measure -- the password is only revealed after you verify with Face ID or your device passcode, so someone who picks up your unlocked phone for a moment can't casually read it off.

Can I see the password for a network I've never connected to?

No, this method only works for networks already saved on your own device. If you've never joined a network, your device has no record of its password to show you.