Where to find your saved WiFi password

If you are already connected to a WiFi network on your iPad, you can see the password in the Settings app under WiFi. Open Settings, tap WiFi, find the network name you want, tap the information icon next to it, and look for the password field. The password appears as dots by default, but you can tap the eye icon to reveal it in plain text.

This method only works if your iPad is already connected to that network. If you have never connected to the network before, or if you are trying to find a password for a network someone else set up, you will need a different approach.

Key Takeaways

  • Connected networks show their password in Settings > WiFi > network name > information icon, revealed by tapping the eye icon next to the password field.
  • If you forgot the password and cannot see it on your iPad, you will need to access the router itself or ask the network owner for the password.
  • The router's default password is printed on a sticker attached to the device, usually on the back or bottom.
  • Resetting the router to factory settings erases all custom passwords and returns it to the manufacturer's default, which you can then change.

Finding the password on your router

If you cannot see the password on your iPad, the next step is to check the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that shows the default WiFi network name and password. Look for a label that says "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Key." Write down exactly what you see, including capital letters and numbers.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, you can log into the router's admin panel from any device on the network. Open a web browser, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and press Enter. You will be asked for a username and password — these are usually admin and admin, or admin and the password on the sticker. Once you log in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Security to find the network password.

Resetting the router if you cannot remember anything

If you cannot find the sticker, cannot log into the admin panel, and do not remember the password, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all custom passwords and returns the router to the state it left the factory. Find the small reset button on the back of the router, press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen, and release it. The router will restart and return to its default name and password, which you can then find on the sticker or in the manual.

Resetting the router means everyone on the network will be disconnected, and you will need to reconnect all devices using the default password. After reconnecting, you can log into the admin panel and create a new custom password that is harder to guess than the default.

Finding a password for a network you do not own

If the network belongs to someone else — a family member, roommate, or workplace — the simplest path is to ask them directly for the password. They can tell you what it is, or they can look it up themselves using the same steps in the first section of this guide.

If you cannot reach the owner and you need to reconnect, you can forget the network on your iPad and ask the owner to share it with you. On your iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon next to the network name, and tap "Forget This Network." When the owner shares the network with you from their device, you will receive a notification that lets you join without typing the password manually.

Why your iPad might not show the password field

On some networks, particularly those set up by schools or workplaces, the password field may not appear even if you are connected. These networks often use enterprise security settings that hide the password from individual devices. In this case, you will need to contact the network administrator or IT department to find out what the password is.

If you are connected to a guest network, the password field may also be hidden or grayed out. Guest networks are usually temporary and managed by the main network owner, so ask whoever set up the network if you need the password for a different device.

Connecting a new device without knowing the password

If you have an iPad already connected to the network and you want to connect a different device — a phone, computer, or tablet — you do not need to type the password manually. On the iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon next to the network name, and tap "Share Password." Hold the new device's camera up to the code that appears on your iPad screen, and it will automatically join the network.

This method works between iPhones, iPads, and Macs that are signed into the same iCloud account. If the new device is not an Apple device, or if it is not signed into your account, you will need to type the password manually or ask the network owner for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password for a network I was connected to months ago?

Only if your iPad is still connected to that network. Once you forget a network or your iPad loses the connection, the password is deleted from your device. You will need to check the router or ask the network owner for the password again.

What if the password field is blank or says "unknown"?

This usually means the network uses enterprise security or a special setup that does not store the password on individual devices. Contact the network administrator or IT department for the password. If it is your own network, check the router's admin panel or the sticker on the device.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Sharing your password with someone who needs to use your network is safe. If you want to remove their access later, you can change the password in the router's admin panel, and they will be disconnected. All other devices will also need to reconnect with the new password.

Can I change my WiFi password from my iPad?

Yes, if you log into the router's admin panel from your iPad's web browser. Go to the WiFi or Security settings in the admin panel and look for an option to change the password. After you save the new password, you will need to reconnect your iPad and all other devices using the new one.