Unmasking Hidden Passwords: How to Reveal Passwords Behind Dots or Asterisks

When passwords are entered on websites or applications, they typically appear as dots or asterisks. This provides a layer of security, making it harder for others to steal your password. However, there are times when you may need to reveal a hidden password, such as when it’s saved in your browser but you’ve forgotten it.

Browsers offer a convenient option to save and automatically fill in passwords on websites. While this is useful, it can lead to situations where you remember saving the password but forget what it actually was. In this blog, we’ll explore several methods to unmask your password hidden behind asterisks or dots, so you can retrieve it easily.

Native Solutions to View Passwords Hidden Behind Asterisks/Dots

Let’s explore some native, manual methods to reveal hidden passwords in web browsers. These methods are free, straightforward, and can be performed by any user without additional tools.

1. Reveal Saved Passwords in Web Browsers

Most modern browsers, such as Google Chrome, save login credentials to make accessing frequently visited websites easier. Here’s how you can view your saved passwords in Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and click the three dots in the top-right corner, then go to Settings.
2. Scroll down to the Autofill section and click Passwords.
3. Under Saved Passwords, you’ll see the websites and usernames with passwords hidden behind dots.
4. To reveal the password, click the eye icon next to the dots. Chrome will ask for your computer’s system password for security purposes. Once entered, your saved password will be displayed.

This method works well for any saved passwords, and it’s a quick and easy way to recover forgotten credentials.

2. Editing Code to Unmask Passwords

If your password isn’t saved in the browser but is visible as dots on a website’s login form, you can use your browser’s developer tools to reveal the password.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the website’s login page where the password is masked.
2. Right-click on the password field and select Inspect (or Inspect Element in some browsers).
3. The browser’s developer tools will open, highlighting the password field in the code. Look for an attribute named type="password".
4. Change type="password" to type="text" in the code.
5. Once you press Enter, the password will be visible in plain text in the login field.

This method doesn’t require saving the password in the browser, making it useful for one-time retrievals.

Conclusion

While manual methods such as browser settings and coding can help reveal hidden passwords, they may be time-consuming for some users. For those who need a quicker solution or regularly forget their passwords, using third-party tools like Windows Password Recovery can be a more efficient option. These tools can retrieve passwords quickly, without the need for coding or browser inspections.

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FAQs

1. Is it safe to reveal passwords saved in a browser?
   • Yes, as long as you are the authorized user of the system. Browsers ask for the system password to confirm your identity before revealing any saved password.
2. Can I reveal passwords on any website using the Inspect Element method?
   • You can use this method on most websites, but some websites have security measures in place to prevent such actions.
3. What should I do if my browser doesn’t save my passwords?
   • Check your browser’s settings under the Autofill or Passwords section and ensure that saving passwords is enabled. Alternatively, use a password manager for secure storage.
4. Are there any risks in editing the website code to reveal passwords?
   • There are no risks when using the Inspect Element method to view your password, as the changes you make are temporary and only affect the display of the password.
5. Can third-party tools recover passwords from browsers?
   • Yes, third-party tools like Windows Password Recovery can recover both system and application passwords. These tools are ideal for users who forget their credentials often and need a quicker solution than manual methods.