by The Computing Australia Group | 5-Min Wi-Fi
Password Help
When a new laptop or phone needs to join your home network, it is easy to draw a blank when asked for the Wi‑Fi password. In 2025 the process is much simpler on most devices than a few years ago thanks to improvements in Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Use the steps below to retrieve a forgotten password and get back online quickly.
Windows 10 & 11
Method 1 – Control Panel (Windows 10 & 11)
1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right‑click your Wi‑Fi adapter > Status > Wireless Properties.
3. In the Security tab, tick Show characters to reveal your password.
Method 2 – Windows 11 23H2 and later
1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi.
2. Select your connected network and choose View Wi‑Fi security key.
3. Your saved Wi‑Fi password is displayed directly.
macOS (Ventura / Sonoma)
Keychain Access
1. Open Keychain Access (Applications > Utilities).
2. Search for your Wi‑Fi network name.
3. Double‑click it, tick Show password, and enter your Mac credentials.
System Settings (Sonoma)
1. Open System Settings > Network > Wi‑Fi.
2. Click the “…” beside the network > Copy Password.
iPhone / iPad (iOS 16 – iOS 18)
1. Go to Settings > Wi‑Fi.
2. Tap the “i” beside the connected network.
3. Tap Password, authenticate with Face ID / Touch ID, and view or copy it.
Android (10 – 15)
Stock Android (Pixel etc.)
1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Internet.
2. Tap your Wi‑Fi network > Share (lock icon).
3. Authenticate, then view or copy the password under the QR code.
Samsung One UI 6/7
1. Settings > Connections > Wi‑Fi.
2. Tap your network, then QR Code option.
3. The password is displayed below the QR code.
Tips
- Use a password manager to store Wi‑Fi credentials safely.
- Share via QR codes for quick, secure connections.
- Update your router password regularly for security.
Jargon Buster
SSID – Stands for Service Set Identifier and, in simple terms, is the name of a Wi-Fi network
Password Manager – A software application to create, store, recall and manage passwords online.
Wi-Fi router – An electronic device that acts as a wireless access point, turning the internet connection into a Wi-Fi signal.
