Forgotten Your Wi-Fi Password? How to Find It
2 October 2026 · By Ethan Fernandes
Forgotten your Wi-Fi password and seeing "Incorrect password" or "Can't connect to this network"? Find it on your router, Windows PC, Mac, iPhone or Android.
A guest asks for the Wi-Fi password, a new device needs setting up, or your laptop has started saying "Can't connect to this network" or "Incorrect password", and nobody can remember what it is. On an iPhone you might see "Incorrect password" under the network name, and on Android, "Authentication problem" or "Check password and try again".
The good news is that if any device in the house is already connected, the password is almost certainly saved on it. Here's how to find it, starting with the easiest place.
Quick answer
If you've never changed it, the Wi-Fi password is printed on a sticker or pull-out card on the back of your router. Otherwise, find it on a device that's already connected: in Settings > Wi-Fi on an iPhone, through the Share option on Android, in the network properties on Windows, or in Wi-Fi settings or Keychain on a Mac.
Why This Happens
Devices remember Wi-Fi passwords so you only type them once, which is exactly why they're so easy to forget. Common moments when it comes up are a new phone or laptop, a guest visiting, a smart device or printer setup, and after a router change where the old password no longer works.
Method 1: Check the Router
If the password has never been changed, it's printed on the router.
- BT Smart Hub and Smart Hub 2: on the back of the hub and on a pull-out card, labelled Wireless key.
- Virgin Media Hub: on a sticker on the hub, labelled as the Wi-Fi password or key.
- Sky Hub: on a sticker or card on the back, labelled as the wireless network password.
- EE, TalkTalk and Vodafone: on a sticker or card on the hub.
If that password doesn't work, it's been changed at some point. Try one of the methods below.
Router passwords often use letters that look alike, such as a lower-case l and a capital I, or a 0 and an O. Type carefully, and remember Wi-Fi passwords are case sensitive.
Method 2: iPhone or iPad
On iOS 16 and later:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the blue i next to your network.
- Tap Password and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.
- The password is shown and you can tap Copy.
On newer iOS versions, the Passwords app also lists saved Wi-Fi networks under its Wi-Fi section.
If you're connecting another Apple device, there's an even easier way: bring it near your unlocked iPhone, select the network on the new device, and your iPhone will offer to Share Password. Both devices need to have each other in their contacts.
Method 3: Android
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet (on Samsung, Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi).
- Tap the gear icon (or the network name) for the network you're connected to.
- Tap Share or the QR code icon, and confirm with your fingerprint or PIN.
- A QR code appears. On many phones, including Google Pixel, the password is shown in text underneath. Otherwise, another phone can scan the QR code with its camera to join.
Method 4: Windows 11
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
- Click your connected network's properties.
- Look for View Wi-Fi security key and click View.
If that option isn't there (it depends on your version of Windows), you can use Command Prompt. This also works for networks you're not currently connected to, as long as the PC has joined them before.
- Click Start, type
cmdand open Command Prompt. - Type
netsh wlan show profilesand press Enter to list saved networks. - Type
netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing YourNetworkName with the exact name. - Look for Key Content. That's the password.
Method 5: Mac
On macOS Ventura and later:
- Open System Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Click Advanced at the bottom of the page.
- Find the network, click the ... button next to it and choose Copy Password. Paste it into a note to read it.
On newer versions of macOS, the Passwords app also shows saved Wi-Fi networks. On any version, you can use Keychain Access (search for it with Spotlight), search for the network name, double-click it, and tick Show password. You'll need your Mac password.
Method 6: The Router's Settings Page
If no device is connected, but you can plug a laptop into the router with an ethernet cable, you can see or change the Wi-Fi password from the router's settings:
- BT and EE Smart Hubs: go to
192.168.1.254and log in with the admin password on the back of the hub. Look under the Wireless settings. - Sky and Virgin Media hubs: go to
192.168.0.1and log in with the details on the hub sticker. Look for the Wireless or Wi-Fi settings.
Most providers' apps (such as My BT and the Virgin Media Connect app) also let you view or change the Wi-Fi password once you're signed in.
A factory reset will restore the original password from the sticker, but it also wipes all router settings, and every device in the house will need reconnecting. Use it only as a last resort.
When to Get Help
If you're locked out of the router, or changing the password means reconnecting a houseful of smart devices, printers and TVs, we can take care of it. Our home Wi-Fi and networking service can reset and secure your router and reconnect everything, and simple fixes can often be done through remote support. Senri Home engineers visit across West and South West London seven days a week, 8am to 9pm. Book a visit or call or WhatsApp 07826 399715.
Related Reading
Common questions
On iOS 16 or later, go to Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the i next to your network, then tap Password and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode. You can then copy it.
It's printed on the back of the hub and on a pull-out card, labelled Wireless key. If it has been changed, you can find it on a connected device or in the My BT app.
Yes. Open your Wi-Fi network's properties in Settings and look for View Wi-Fi security key. Alternatively, run netsh wlan show profile with the network name and key=clear in Command Prompt.
Still stuck? We can fix it for you
Most problems like this can be fixed remotely today, anywhere in the UK, or with a home visit across West London. DBS checked, insured, 7 days a week until 9pm.
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