Connecting to the internet is a crucial component of our daily lives. We’re surrounded by devices that require internet access, whether it be posting on social media or sending a work email. However, with so many devices in the home and office using Wi-Fi, it’s very easy to forget the password. Forgetting your Wi-Fi password can be frustrating, especially when you have multiple devices that need to be connected. Fortunately, there are several ways to retrieve the password after you are already connected to the network. In this blog, we’ll discuss what’s needed to find your Wi-Fi password, what you should pay attention to, 3 different methods with detailed steps for each, why you can’t find your password, some suggestions, and 5 frequently asked questions.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To check the Wi-Fi password of the network you are currently connected to, you will only need a device that is currently connected to the Wi-Fi network and has administrative rights on the network. Most of us connect our devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets, to Wi-Fi networks regularly. We may not even realize that we’ve stored the password in our devices. However, if you are using a different device or looking to connect a new device, the Wi-Fi password will be needed.
What Should I Pay Attention to?
Before you try checking the password of your Wi-Fi network, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you have administrative rights on the network. You won’t be able to see the password without these rights. Also, there are several ways in which you can find the Wi-Fi password, and it’s essential to choose the right method that fits your situation. Some methods require physical access to the router/modem, while others might need a computer or other specific software.
Method 1: Using the Router’s Default Password
Before proceeding with this method, ensure that you are connected to the network.
1. Open your preferred web browser.
2. Type in the default address of your router (usually http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.0.1) into the address bar and hit Enter.
3. Enter the default username and password. If you haven’t changed these before, check the manufacturer’s manual or search online for the default login credentials. Otherwise, use your custom login details for the router.
4. Find the Wi-Fi settings and click to access.
5. Locate the password field and check if it is visible in plain text or masked.
Method 2: Using the Command Prompt (Windows)
1. Open Command Prompt on your PC.
2. Type the command ‘netsh wlan show profile’ and hit Enter.
3. You will see a list of all previously connected Wi-Fi networks.
4. Note the network name for which you want to check the password.
5. Type the command ‘netsh wlan show profile name=[network name] key=clear’ and hit Enter.
6. In the output, search for ‘Key Content.’ This will show the Wi-Fi password in plain text.
Method 3: Using the Keychain Access (Mac)
1. Open the Keychain Access application on your Mac.
2. Type in the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
3. Double-click on your Wi-Fi network to open its details.
4. Check the box next to ‘Show password.’
5. Enter your computer password when prompted.
6. The Wi-Fi password will appear in plain text.
Why Can’t I Find My Password?
1. No Administrative Rights: To find the Wi-Fi password, you must have administrative rights on the network. Without these rights, you won’t be able to see the password.
2. Changed Wi-Fi Password: If someone changed the Wi-Fi password, the information stored on your device will no longer be valid. You will need to connect a device with administrative rights to the network and then change the Wi-Fi password.
3. Never Entered the Wi-Fi Password: If you’re trying to connect for the first time or are using a new device, you will need to enter the Wi-Fi password, which can be found on the back of the router or in the manual.
Suggestions
1. Keep a record: To avoid forgetting your Wi-Fi password, it’s a good idea to keep a record of it in a safe place. You can write it down or store it in a password manager app. This will save you from the trouble of finding the password every time you need to connect a new device.
2. Change the password periodically: Changing the Wi-Fi password periodically is an excellent way to secure your network. A unique and complicated password will make it difficult for malicious users to access your network.
FAQs
Q. Can I find my Wi-Fi password on my device without using any additional software?
A. Yes, you can find your Wi-Fi password saved in your device’s configurations. However, there are several ways to retrieve it without the need for extra software.
Q. Can I check my Wi-Fi password if I am not on the Wi-Fi network?
A. No, you can only check the Wi-Fi password of a network you’re currently connected to. If you’re not on the network, you will have to physically access the router/modem.
Q. Can I retrieve my Wi-Fi password if I am not the network administrator?
A. No, you must have administrative rights on the network to retrieve the Wi-Fi password.
Q. Why is it important to change my Wi-Fi password periodically?
A. Changing your Wi-Fi password periodically is an excellent way to keep your network secure. If you don’t change your password regularly, your Wi-Fi network may be vulnerable to cyber threats.
Q. Can I retrieve my password if I don’t have physical access to the router?
A. Yes, you can use the methods listed above to retrieve the password without the need for physical access to the router. However, some methods may require you to connect to the router with a cable, while others require administrative rights on the network.
Conclusion
Forgetting your Wi-Fi password can be a frustrating experience. However, with the right methods, finding your password is easy. Our advice would be to keep your Wi-Fi password in a safe place, change the password periodically, and always keep administrative rights on the network. We’ve discussed three ways to retrieve your Wi-Fi password, along with some useful suggestions, FAQs, and important things to keep in mind before attempting to retrieve the password. So, next time you forget your Wi-Fi password, have no fear; we’ve got you covered.