What to do if you forget your Wi-Fi password: 5 easy ways

If you have forgotten your Wi-Fi password, don't worry. SSPDaily has collected several simple ways to help you recover it on your phone or computer.

Look at the router label

First, check the label on the router. It usually contains the network login and password next to the SSID. You can also refer to the router's manual or packaging box to find the login credentials. However, this method only works if you haven't changed the default password.

Recover a password in Windows

If you are using a Windows computer, follow these steps:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the lower right.
2. Select Network settings - Wi-Fi - Change adapter settings. A toolbar appears.
3. Click View connection status - Wireless properties - Security. Find the line "Secure network key" where the password is hidden.
4. Click Show characters under Network security key to reveal the Wi-Fi password and make the necessary changes.

If you prefer to use an app, follow these steps:

1. Download WirelessKeyView from the NirSoft website.
2. Unzip the program and run the exe file.
3. The program will display the previously connected Wi-Fi points along with their passwords.

Recover a password on macOS

• Open the Finder by clicking on the Finder icon.
• Go to the menu and click "Go".
• Select Utilities from the list that opens.
• Double-click on the Keychain icon in the Utilities folder that looks like a key.
• Find your network name and click "Show Password" at the bottom of the window to display the Wi-Fi password.

Recover a password on Android devices

If you have an Android phone, there are two ways to find out your Wi-Fi password:

1. Go to the data folder, then to the "misc" folder, and finally to the "Wi-Fi" folder. In the text file named wpa_supplicant.conf, you will find a list of previously used passwords.
2. Download the free WiFi Key Recovery app from the Play Store. This app requires superuser access and will show you the Wi-Fi networks with the corresponding passwords.

Recover Wi-Fi password on iPhone

Method 1: iOS 16 and later

1. Go to Settings and select Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the name of the connected network.
3. Find the "Password" option to view or copy the Wi-Fi password.

Method 2: iOS 15 and earlier

In previous versions of iOS, you can determine the password using the router code:

1. Go to the Access Control Center and tap the Wi-Fi icon.
2. Tap the information icon (i) next to your connection.
3. Tap "Router" and copy the URL.
4. Paste the URL into your browser and follow the link.
5. You will be prompted for a username and password; enter "admin" in both fields.
6. Find the "Wi-Fi Connection" tab or similar and access your network information, including your Wi-Fi name and password.

Alternatively, you can use the Qrafter app from the App Store. Note, however, that you need to register your network's username and password in the app before you can share it using the QR code.

If you're using iCloud Keychain on your MacBook, it can work in conjunction with iOS to sync and retrieve your password.

What to do if nothing works

If all else fails and you can't find your Wi-Fi password, you can try resetting your router to factory settings. Please note that this drastic step will delete all user settings. After the reset, you can refer to the label on the back of the router to get the default credentials to reconnect to the Internet.