Forgetting passwords is a common problem faced by everyone. And sometimes, it can be quite frustrating to find or reset the password of a Wi-Fi network that you are connected to but don’t remember the password. If you’re in such a situation, you might be wondering if there’s any way to see WiFi passwords once connected. The answer is yes! In this blog post, we’re going to discuss different methods that can help you to view the WiFi password once you’re connected.
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The Challenge of How to See Wifi Password Once Connected
When it comes to finding a WiFi password, there are a few challenges that you may face. The primary challenge is that the password is usually masked in the system, and Windows doesn’t offer an option to view it directly. Also, if you don’t have the admin rights to the network, it can be challenging to retrieve the password. Nonetheless, there are ways to overcome these challenges, and we will talk about them in the upcoming sections.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods, let’s discuss some things that you should prepare before trying any of the methods.
- You should be connected to the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to see.
- Make sure that you have admin rights to the system.
- In some methods, you may need to install third-party software, so make sure you have permission to install software on the system.
Method 1: Using the Command Prompt
One of the easiest and straightforward ways to see the WiFi password once connected is by using the Command Prompt.
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt by typing "cmd" in the search bar or press the Windows key + R and type "cmd" in the run dialogue box, then hit Enter.
Step 2: Once the Command Prompt opens, type "netsh wlan show profile" in the command prompt and hit Enter.
Step 3: Select the WiFi network for which you want to see the password. Type "netsh wlan show profile [SSID name] key = clear" and hit Enter.
Pros:
- The method is free and built-in on Windows.
- It’s the easiest and quickest way to see the WiFi password.
Cons:
- You’ll need admin rights to run the Command Prompt.
- This method only works if you’ve previously connected to the network.
Method 2: Using the Router Configuration Page
Another way to see the WiFi password is by accessing the router’s configuration page. This method is especially useful if you can’t access the Command Prompt or don’t have admin rights.
Step 1: Open your web browser and type the IP address of the router in the address bar. The IP address is usually written on the router or can be found in the user manual.
Step 2: Enter the username and password to log in to the router configuration page. If you don’t know the username and password, try the default username and password that can be found online using the router’s make and model.
Step 3: Once you’re logged in, go to the Wireless or WLAN settings page. Here, you should find an option to view the WiFi password in plain text.
Pros:
- This method works even if you don’t have admin rights on the system.
- You can see the password of any WiFi network you have connected to using the router.
Cons:
- You need to know the IP address and login credentials of the router.
- This method is not suitable if you don’t have access to the router.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
If you’re not comfortable using the Command Prompt or accessing the router configuration page, you can use third-party software to see the WiFi password.
Step 1: Download and install any WiFi password recovery software, such as PassFab Wifi Key or SterJo Wireless Passwords.
Step 2: Open the software and let it scan for the WiFi networks that you have connected to.
Step 3: Once the scan is complete, select the network whose password you want to see, and the software will display it on the screen.
Pros:
- With third-party software, you don’t need any technical skills to retrieve the password.
- These software programs often come with a user-friendly interface.
Cons:
- You need to download and install the software, which could be time-consuming and risky if you download from an untrusted source.
- The software may not be free, and some of the features may require payment to use.
Why Can’t I See My WiFi Password Once Connected, and How to Fix It?
Sometimes, there may be a few reasons why you can’t see your WiFi password once connected. Below are some of the reasons and fixes:
1. You don’t have admin rights to the network – If you don’t have admin rights to the network, you won’t be able to view the password directly. In this case, try using the other two methods mentioned earlier.
2. The password is not saved on the computer – If you’ve never saved the password on the system, you won’t be able to see it. In this case, you can try asking the network administrator to provide you with the password.
3. Incorrect password – If you’re entering the wrong password, the system won’t connect to the network, and you won’t be able to see it. Double-check your password and try again.
Additional Tips
– You should be cautious while using third-party software to avoid downloading malware.
– If you’re using someone else’s network, remember to ask for permission before retrieving the password.
– Changing the router’s default username and password improves security.
5 FAQs About How to See Wifi Password Once Connected
Q1: Is it ethical to retrieve a WiFi password without permission?
A: No, it’s not ethical to retrieve a WiFi password without the network owner’s permission. It’s always better to ask them for the password or respectfully decline from using their network.
Q2: Can I retrieve a WiFi password I have not connected to?
A: No, you can only retrieve the password of WiFi networks that you have connected to previously.
Q3: What if I still can’t see my WiFi password using the methods mentioned above?
A: If you can’t see your WiFi password, you can either contact the network administrator or reset your router to its default settings.
Q4: Can I see my neighbour’s WiFi password?
A: No, it is considered illegal and unethical to access someone else’s WiFi without their permission. Always ask for the network owner’s permission before using their WiFi.
Q5: Can I retrieve a saved WiFi password on my phone?
A: Yes, you can retrieve the saved WiFi password on your phone using the same methods mentioned above. However, the steps may vary depending on your phone’s operating system.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, forgetting a WiFi password is a common problem, but there are several methods that you can use to see WiFi passwords on your computer or mobile devices. Make sure you have permission to access the network whose password you want to see and be careful while using third-party software. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure the safety and security of your network by changing the router’s default credentials and regularly updating your password.