In a world where connectivity is essential, the ability to retrieve Wi-Fi passwords can be a game changer, especially when you find yourself in familiar surroundings with devices that need access to the network. Windows laptops often remember the SSID and password of previously connected networks, allowing for seamless reconnections. However, when it comes to smartphones and tablets, or even a colleague’s laptop that hasn’t been here before, the challenge of forgotten passwords can arise. Thankfully, both Windows 10 and 11, as well as Android devices, keep a record of stored network connections, making it possible to share access with ease.
Find the password for your current connection in Windows
To retrieve the password for the network you are currently connected to, begin by searching for “View Network Connections” in the Windows search bar. This will lead you to a screen displaying all your network adapters, including any Ethernet or virtual adapters used for virtual machines. Your Wi-Fi adapter will be prominently listed, showing its connection to the current network’s SSID.
Right-click on the active network connection and select Status. A new window will appear; from here, click on the Wireless Properties button. Navigate to the Security tab, where you can check the box labeled Show characters. The Wi-Fi password will now be visible in the Network security key field, ready to be copied for sharing or entered into another device.
Finding SSIDs and passwords for older networks
What if you need to provide a Wi-Fi password for a network you’re not currently connected to? Windows offers a straightforward solution. Open a command prompt by searching for “cmd” in the Windows search bar. Once the command prompt is open, type the command
netsh wlan show profile
to display a list of all Wi-Fi profiles saved on your device.
Identify the specific network name for which you need the password. Enter the command
netsh wlan show profile [NETWORK NAME] key=clear
, ensuring to enclose the network name in quotes if it contains spaces. For instance, to retrieve the password for a network named “ValHallan Huntington,” you would type:
netsh wlan show profile "ValHallan Huntington" key=clear
The password will be revealed in plain text under Security Settings -> Key Content. You can easily copy this text by highlighting it and pressing Enter.
Get forgotten Wi-Fi passwords from your Android device
Android devices also provide a means to view stored Wi-Fi SSIDs and passwords, though the method may vary slightly depending on the version and manufacturer. For example, on a Google Pixel 8a running Android 15, you can access this information by swiping down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu and selecting Internet.
If you need the password for the current network, simply tap its name at the top of the menu. For networks you are not currently connected to, scroll down and select See All, then navigate to Saved networks. Tap on the desired network name, and on the next screen, click Share.
You may be prompted to verify your identity, either through facial recognition or a PIN. Once verified, you will see both a QR code and the actual Wi-Fi password displayed in text. This allows for easy sharing; you can either have another Android device scan the QR code or simply copy and paste the password into an email or message for someone who needs it.
