You can retrieve Wi-Fi passwords for any network you've logged in to before using your laptopIf you're bad about writing down Wi-Fi passwords of places you frequent -- like coffee shops, libraries, school, work -- don't worry, we'll help you find them. Your computer should have saved any network Wi-Fi passwords you've signed into.
The first time you connect to a Wi-Fi network on a Mac or Windows PC, both the network name and password are stored. That's why your computer is able to automatically connect to the network the next time you're in the area. And if you need that same password to connect your iPad Air or Pixel 6 Pro, you can easily find it in your computer's settings.Operating systems like Mac OS and Windows make it easy to find Wi-FI passwords.
How to find Wi-Fi passwords on MacOS
Every password you've entered and saved on a Mac is stored in Keychain Access, the password management system for MacOS. And that includes Wi-Fi network passwords.
To start, use the search feature to open the Keychain Access app and do the following:1. Click onSystemunderSystem Keychainsin the sidebar.
2. Next, click on Passwords at the top of the window.
3. Find the Wi-Fi network you want the password for and double-click on it.
4. Finally, check the box next to Show password and enter your password when prompted.The blank password field will then show the password you used to log in to that Wi-Fi network. You can then double-click in the password field to select the password and copy it to your clipboard, if needed.
How to find Wi-Fi passwords on Windows
Finding the password to the Wi-Fi network you're currently connected to is simple on Windows, but getting your hands on all stored Wi-Fi passwords takes a bit of work, so we'll discuss both methods below.
To find the password to the Wi-Fi network you're currently connected to on Windows:
1. Click the Start button and then go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center (Windows 11) or Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center (Windows 10).2. Next toConnections, click your Wi-Fi network name highlighted in blue.
3. In the Wi-Fi Status page that opens, click WirelessProperties and then on the Security tab.
4. Finally, check the box next to Show characters to display your Wi-Fi network password above it.
