You can see your saved WiFi password on iPhone through Settings, but only for networks you've already connected to

If you're already connected to a WiFi network on your iPhone, you can view the password in Settings under WiFi. Go to Settings, tap WiFi, find the network name, tap the info icon next to it, and select "Show Password" — you'll need to use Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to confirm. This works for any network your iPhone has remembered.

If you've never connected to the network before, your iPhone cannot show you a password it doesn't know. You'll need to get the password from whoever set up the router — usually the person who pays for the internet, or the business owner if you're at a coffee shop or office.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap WiFi, select your network name, tap the info icon, and choose "Show Password" to see a saved password on your iPhone.
  • You must verify your identity with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before the password appears on screen.
  • This method only works for networks you've already connected to — your iPhone stores the password once you join.
  • If you need the password for a network you've never used, ask the router owner or administrator directly.
  • Resetting your router to factory settings will erase all saved passwords, so contact your internet provider before doing this.

Step-by-step: viewing a saved WiFi password

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap "WiFi" near the top of the menu. You'll see a list of networks your phone has connected to before, with a checkmark next to the one you're currently using.

Find the network whose password you want to see. Tap the small circle with an "i" inside it, to the right of the network name. A details screen will open. Tap "Show Password" — the text will be grayed out until you authenticate.

Use Face ID (look at your phone), Touch ID (press your finger on the home button), or enter your iPhone passcode. The password will then appear in plain text under "Show Password." You can now copy it or write it down.

Why your iPhone might not show the password

If you don't see a "Show Password" option, you may not have the right permissions on that network. On some business or school networks, the administrator has blocked password viewing even for connected devices. In this case, contact your IT department or network administrator.

If the network doesn't appear in your WiFi list at all, your iPhone has never connected to it. You cannot retrieve a password for a network you've never joined — your phone has no record of it. Ask the person who manages the router for the password instead.

What to do if you forgot the router password itself

If you own the router but have forgotten the password, you'll need to reset it. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen until the lights flash. The router will restart with its factory default password, which is usually printed on a sticker on the device itself.

Resetting the router will erase all your saved settings and passwords. After reset, you'll need to set up the network again from scratch — choose a new password, reconnect all your devices, and reconfigure any special settings. If you're not sure how to do this, call your internet provider; many will walk you through it or send a technician.

Sharing your WiFi password securely with others

If someone else needs to join your network, you don't have to tell them the password out loud or write it down. On iPhone, you can share the password directly. When they try to connect to your network, their phone will ask for the password. If you're nearby with your iPhone, a prompt will appear on your screen asking if you want to share the password. Tap "Share Password" and their phone will receive it automatically.

This method is more find than saying the password aloud or texting it, because the password stays encrypted during the transfer. It only works if both phones are unlocked and within Bluetooth range of each other.

Understanding what the password protects

Your WiFi password controls who can connect to your internet network. Anyone with the password can use your internet and, in some cases, see other devices on your network. This is why it's worth keeping it private — not because the password itself is sensitive information, but because it controls access to your connection and potentially your devices.

If you suspect someone has your password and is using your network without permission, you can change the password through your router's admin panel. This will disconnect everyone currently using the network, including yourself, and they'll need the new password to reconnect. Instructions for accessing your router's settings are usually in the manual or on the manufacturer's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password on iPhone if I'm not connected to that network?

No. Your iPhone only stores passwords for networks it has successfully connected to. If you've never joined a network, your phone has no password to show you. You'll need to ask the network owner for the password.

What if I see "Show Password" but nothing appears when I tap it?

This usually means the network administrator has restricted password viewing. This is common on corporate or school networks for security reasons. Contact your IT support or network administrator to request the password.

Does showing my WiFi password on my iPhone let other people see it?

Only if they're looking at your phone screen while you display it. The password appears in plain text once you authenticate, so keep your screen private. Don't leave your phone unattended while the password is visible.

If I change my router password, will my iPhone still connect automatically?

No. Your iPhone will forget the old password and won't reconnect until you enter the new one. You'll see the network in your WiFi list, but it will show "Incorrect Password" until you tap it and enter the new password.

Can I recover a password if I reset my router to factory settings?

No. Resetting the router erases all saved passwords and settings. After reset, you'll use the factory default password (usually on a sticker on the router) to log in and create a new password. Your iPhone will need the new password to reconnect.