Where to find your saved WiFi password on iPhone

Your iPhone stores WiFi passwords in the Keychain, Apple's built-in password manager. To see a password you've already connected to, open Settings, tap WiFi, find the network name, tap the info icon (the small circle with an "i"), and look for the password field. On iOS 16 and newer, the password appears directly. On older versions, you may need to tap Show Password and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

This method only works for networks your iPhone has connected to before. If you've never joined that network, or if you're trying to find the password for a network someone else set up, you'll need a different approach — either ask the person who created the network, check your router's settings, or look for documentation from your internet provider.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap WiFi, select your network's info icon, and view the password field to see passwords you've already saved.
  • On iOS 16 and newer, the password displays automatically; on older versions, tap Show Password and use Face ID or your passcode.
  • This method only retrieves passwords for networks your iPhone has previously connected to, not new networks.
  • If you can't find the password this way, check your router's label, log into your router's admin panel, or contact your internet provider.

Viewing the password on your home WiFi network

If you're looking for your own home WiFi password, the fastest route is usually your router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default network name and password printed on it. If you've changed the password since setup, you'll need to log into your router's admin panel instead.

To access your router's settings, open a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and log in with the admin username and password. These are often printed on the same sticker as your WiFi credentials. Once logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network — the exact name depends on your router model. The current password will be displayed there, and you can change it if needed.

Retrieving a password you've forgotten

If you've forgotten your WiFi password and can't find it on the router sticker or in your router's admin panel, contact your internet service provider. They can confirm your account and either reset your password to the default or help you create a new one. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready when you call.

If you're trying to reconnect to a network after forgetting the password, you can "forget" the network on your iPhone and rejoin it. Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to the network, and select Forget This Network. When you rejoin, you'll be prompted to enter the password again — this is your chance to type it correctly or look it up before attempting to connect.

Sharing your WiFi password with guests on iPhone

If you want to give someone your WiFi password without typing it out, iOS has a built-in sharing feature. When a guest tries to join your network from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac, a prompt appears on your device asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password, and their device receives it automatically — no typing required.

This only works if both devices are nearby and the person joining is in your contacts. If they're not a contact, or if they're using an Android phone or older device, you'll need to tell them the password directly or show them where it's written down.

Checking passwords for networks you don't own

If you're trying to find the password for a network at work, school, or a friend's house, you'll need to ask the person who manages that network. Your iPhone won't display passwords for networks you don't have admin access to, even if you're connected to them.

If you're the guest and need to reconnect later, ask the network owner to share the password with you using the method above, or ask them to write it down. Some public networks don't use passwords at all — they use a login page instead, which appears automatically when you open a browser.

Troubleshooting when you can't see the password

If you're looking at the WiFi network info but the password field appears blank or shows dots instead of characters, your iPhone may not have permission to display it. Make sure you're using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode when prompted. If you're still seeing a blank field, try restarting your iPhone and checking again.

If the password field doesn't appear at all, the network may not have a password — some open networks don't require one. You can still use the network to browse, but no password is needed to join. If you believe the network should have a password and it doesn't, contact the network owner or your internet provider to confirm the security settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see WiFi passwords for networks I'm not currently connected to?

No. Your iPhone only displays passwords for networks you've previously joined and saved. If you've never connected to a network, the password won't appear in your settings. You'll need to ask the network owner or check the router directly.

What if I see a password field but it shows only dots?

The dots are a security feature hiding the actual characters. Tap Show Password and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. The actual password will then display in plain text.

Can I change my WiFi password from my iPhone?

Not directly from the WiFi settings. You'll need to log into your router's admin panel using a web browser. Type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), sign in, find the WiFi settings section, and change the password there. Changes take effect when ready.

Why does my iPhone ask to share my password when someone joins my WiFi?

This is a security feature that lets you share your password securely without typing it out. The other person must be in your contacts and nearby for the prompt to appear. You can tap Share Password or Don't Share depending on whether you want to give them access.

What should I do if I've forgotten my password and can't access my router?

Contact your internet service provider with your account information. They can reset your WiFi password to the default or help you set a new one. You may also be able to reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, though this erases all your custom settings.