Forgetting your Wi-Fi password can be frustrating, especially if you have several passwords to remember. It can be challenging to remember each unique password. Moreover, it can be challenging to recover it once you’ve lost or forgotten it. But do not despair. There are several ways to retrieve your Wi-Fi password, and this article will provide you with some of the most effective methods. Here, we explore how to see entered Wi-Fi passwords, and this guide works across a wide range of devices and operating systems.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to See Entered Wifi Passwords
There are several reasons why you may need to see your Wi-Fi password. Maybe you just got a new device that you want to add to your wireless network, or you want to share your password with a guest. Or you’re troubleshooting a Wi-Fi network problem, and the first thing you need to do is verify the password. Moreover, there are numerous occasions when you’re in a location, and it has password-protected Wi-Fi, and you do not remember it. Whatever your reasons are for wanting to see your Wi-Fi password, there are ways to do it, and this guide will uncover some of the best methods.
Method 1: Using the Router’s Configuration Page
The easiest way to recover your Wi-Fi password is from your router’s configuration page. This method works for all routers and devices. Here are the steps for you to see entered WIFI passwords via Router’s Configuration Page:
- Open a web browser on your device and type your router’s IP address in the search bar. Suppose you’re unsure what your router’s IP address is; it is also on the bottom or back of your router.
- Enter your router’s username and password. If you haven’t changed it, use the default username and password that came with your router. It’s essential to note that you need to be connected to your router’s network to access the configuration page.
- Once you’re logged in, locate the wireless settings or wireless security tab.
- From here, you should be able to see your Wi-Fi password. It might be hidden, so you’ll need to click on the password box to reveal it. You can copy the password and paste it in a secure location for future needs.
Pros:
– This method works for all routers.
– It is fast and easy to do.
Cons:
– The router’s IP address and default username and password, if unchanged, make it easier for someone else to obtain your Wi-Fi password.
– You need to be connected to your router’s network to access the configuration page.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt (CMD) on Windows
Windows operating system users can use the command prompt option to reveal their Wi-Fi passwords. Follow the steps below to see entered WIFI passwords via Command Prompt on Windows:
- Press the ‘Windows + R’ keys simultaneously to open the ‘Run’ dialog box.
- Type ‘cmd’ in the search box, and then press the ‘Enter’ key.
- Type ‘netsh wlan show profile’ command, and then press the ‘Enter’ key. This command lists all the Wi-Fi networks you have connected to.
- Select the network for which you want the password to appear and type ‘netsh wlan show profile [SSID name] key=clear’ command. Ensure you replace the ‘[SSID name]’ with the name of the network you want to see the password for without brackets around it.
- You will then see various details about your Wi-Fi network, including the password, which will be displayed under ‘Key Content.’
Pros:
– You do not require an external program.
– This method works well with most Windows versions.
Cons:
– Command Prompt is only available to Windows users.
– Some users may find the commands challenging to remember.
Method 3: Using Keychain Access on macOS
For macOS users, the best method to retrieve Wi-Fi passwords is via the Keychain Access app. Keychain Access is macOS’s password management system that stores your passwords for applications, Wi-Fi, and more. Here’s how to see entered WIFI passwords via Keychain Access:
- Search for ‘Keychain Access’ in applications or use ‘Spotlight Search’ to open the app.
- Select ‘System’ keychains from the ‘Keychains’ list on the left-hand side of the window. Then select ‘Passwords’ from the list of ‘Category’ options.
- Search and select the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to check.
- Double-click the selected Wi-Fi network and select the ‘Show Password’ checkbox.
- Authenticate the change by entering your user account’s password in the pop-up box that appears. The Wi-Fi password is now visible in the password box.
Pros:
– Keychain Access is an in-built password management system.
– It is fast and straightforward to use
Cons:
– This method only works for macOS users.
– If the user account password has never been created or authenticated, you cannot access the Wi-Fi password.
What to Do If You Can’t See Your Enterted Wifi Password
In some instances, you may complete all the steps but fail to reveal your Wi-Fi password. If this corresponds to you, there are other methods you can try to reset or retrieve your wifi password:
- Reset your router to the factory default settings.
- Check your email history for the welcome letter from your ISP, which should have the Wi-Fi password.
- Contact your ISP support team. They should be able to assist you in retrieving or resetting your Wi-Fi password.
- If you’re using a work or company laptop, ask your IT department to reset the Wi-Fi password for you.
Bonus Tip
Ensure you keep your Wi-Fi network secure by regularly changing your password and creating a complex one. Avoid using personal details or sequences that are easy to guess, and make sure you use a password manager to keep track of all your passwords securely.
5 FAQs on How to See Entered Wifi Passwords
Q1: Can I view forgotten Wi-Fi passwords on my phone device?
A: Yes. You can view your forgotten Wi-Fi passwords over your mobile device using third-party programs coded for the specific purpose.
Q2: Can I see my Wi-Fi password on my router box?
A: Yes. Sometimes, your Wi-Fi password is printed on a sticker located on the underside or rear of your Wi-Fi router.
Q3: Is it safe to reset my router?
A: Yes. resetting your router is safe, but it erases all your Wi-Fi network settings, including passwords and active sessions. You will have to re-configure and insert new passwords again.
Q4: How long is the Wi-Fi password?
A: Wi-Fi passwords are typically 8 – 63 characters and a mixture of special characters, symbols, and numbers to make them complex.
Q5: Can I retrieve my Wi-Fi password without resetting my router?
A: Yes. You can retrieve your Wi-Fi password without resetting your router. You can see the Wi-Fi password from your router’s configuration page, using command prompt on Microsoft Windows, or via Keychain Access of your macOS device.
Final Thoughts
Forgetting your Wi-Fi password can be frustrating. However, with a few simple steps that can reveal forgotten passwords, you can recover your Wi-Fi password in no time. This article shows how to see entered Wi-Fi passwords using three methods, all of which are free and straightforward. Each method comes with its pros and cons, and you can select which method suits you best. If you’ve attempted the troubleshooting process and none of that seems to work, the last resort is to contact your Internet Service Provider or IT team for more information.