We’ve all been there – you’ve got a shiny new phone, laptop, or tablet ready to connect, but you can’t remember your Wi-Fi password. Maybe it’s scribbled on a Post-It note that’s gone missing, or it’s that unmanageable string of characters printed on the back of your router. Don’t worry – you don’t have to go hunting or bugging someone else for access. Here’s how to quickly retrieve your Wi-Fi password across different devices.
It can initially feel like a complete pain to lose your Wi-Fi password, but it’s easier than you think to find it…
Android
On Android, finding your Wi-Fi password depends on your device model:
- Google Pixel: Go to Settings > Network and internet > Internet. Tap the gear icon next to the connected Wi-Fi network, select Share, and authenticate. A QR code will appear with the password displayed beneath it.
- Samsung Galaxy: Navigate to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Tap the gear icon for the current network, then tap the eye icon in the password field. Authenticate to view the password in plain text.
- Other Android Devices: Most Android phones have similar options in the Wi-Fi settings menu. Look for network configuration settings to find the password and explore other useful features like auto-reconnect and connection details.
iOS (iPhone)
On an iPhone, retrieving a Wi-Fi password is straightforward:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the blue “i” icon next to the connected network.
- Tap the Password field and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your PIN.
- The password will appear, and you can copy it using the Copy bubble for easy sharing. You’ll also find other useful options here, like enabling Low Data Mode or forgetting the network when you no longer need it.
Windows
Finding the Wi-Fi password on a Windows PC is simple:
Open Settings from the Start menu and go to Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
Click the connected network at the top of the screen to view its properties.
Select View next to Wi-Fi security key. The password will pop up in a dialog box.
Under Manage known networks, you can view all saved networks, edit their properties, or remove ones you no longer use.
macOS
If you’re on a Mac, retrieving Wi-Fi passwords involves a few steps:
- Open the Apple menu, select System Settings, and go to Wi-Fi.
- Scroll down to Known Networks, locate the network, and click the three dots next to it.
- Select Copy Password.
- To view the password, paste it into a text editor like Notes or TextEdit. You can also explore your Wi-Fi connection history under the Advanced section for more network options and settings.
What If the Password Has Changed?
These methods work for finding stored passwords, but if the Wi-Fi password has been updated, you’ll need to get the new password from whoever manages the network.
By familiarising yourself with these steps, you’ll never be stuck without Wi-Fi access again. Just remember – technology is here to make life easier, and knowing how to navigate your devices can save you time and hassle when you need it most!
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