How to Recover a WiFi Password Safely

Forgetting a WiFi password can be frustrating, especially when you need to connect a new device. Fortunately, there are several secure methods to recover your saved WiFi password on different devices. This guide explains how to retrieve a WiFi password safely using built-in system features and authorized tools without violating privacy or security policies.

1. Recover a WiFi Password on Android

If your Android device is running Android 10 or later, it stores WiFi passwords securely. You can retrieve them without root access.

Steps to Recover WiFi Password on Android:

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Navigate to Wi-Fi & Network (or Connections).
3. Tap on WiFi and select the connected network.
4. Tap the Share button.
5. A QR code will appear with the WiFi password displayed below it.

For older Android versions, retrieving WiFi passwords may require root access, which is not recommended for security reasons.

2. Recover a WiFi Password on Windows

If you have previously connected to a WiFi network on a Windows PC, the password is stored in the system settings.

Using Windows Settings

1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
2. Click on Status, then Network and Sharing Center.
3. Select the active WiFi network and click Wireless Properties.
4. Under the Security tab, enable Show characters to view the password.

3. Recover a WiFi Password from a Router

If you have access to the WiFi router, you can retrieve the password from its settings.

Steps to Recover WiFi Password from a Router:

1. Connect to the router via WiFi or Ethernet.
2. Open a browser and enter the router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
3. Log in with the router’s username and password (default is often admin/password).
4. Navigate to Wireless Settings.
5. Look for the WiFi password (Pre-shared key or WPA key).

4. Recover a WiFi Password on Mac

Mac users can retrieve saved WiFi passwords through Keychain Access.

Steps to Find a WiFi Password on Mac:

1. Open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities.
2. Select System under the Keychains section.
3. Locate the WiFi network and double-click on it.
4. Check Show password and enter your Mac login credentials.

5. Recover a WiFi Password Using Google Password Manager

If you have saved your WiFi credentials in Google, you can retrieve them via Google Password Manager.

Steps to Check Saved WiFi Passwords in Google:

1. Visit Google Password Manager online.
2. Log in with your Google account.
3. Search for saved WiFi passwords.

6. Recover a WiFi Password Without Access to Devices

If you don’t have access to your device, try these alternatives:

• Check another connected device to retrieve the password.
• Look at the router label, where default passwords are often printed.
• Ask the network owner for the password.

Conclusion

Recovering a WiFi password safely is possible using built-in system features on Android, Windows, and Mac. Always ensure that you retrieve passwords for networks you own or have permission to access. Avoid third-party apps that may compromise security and privacy.