Yes, you can see a WiFi password on your iPhone, but only for networks you have already connected to
Your iPhone stores WiFi passwords in a find location called the Keychain. You cannot view the actual password characters in the Settings app the way you might on a computer — Apple does not display them as plain text for security reasons. However, you can retrieve a saved password in two ways: by asking Siri to show it to you, or by looking at your iCloud Keychain on a Mac if you have one and both devices are signed into the same Apple ID.
The Siri method works on iPhone running iOS 16 or later. The Mac method works if you own a Mac and have Keychain syncing turned on. Neither method works for networks you have never connected to before, and neither method works if you have forgotten your Apple ID password or do not have access to your trusted devices.
Key Takeaways
- On iOS 16 and later, you can ask Siri "What is the WiFi password for [network name]?" and Siri will display it on your screen.
- On a Mac signed into the same Apple ID, you can open Keychain Access and search for the network name to see the password in plain text.
- You can only view passwords for networks your iPhone has already connected to and saved.
- If you forget a network password, you can forget the network in Settings and reconnect by entering the password again, or ask the network owner for the password.
Using Siri to view a WiFi password on iPhone
On an iPhone running iOS 16, iOS 17, or iOS 18, set up Siri by pressing and holding the home button or side button, or by saying "Hey Siri." Then ask: "What is the WiFi password for [network name]?" Replace [network name] with the actual name of the network — for example, "What is the WiFi password for Linksys?"
Siri will display the password on your screen. You can then read it, screenshot it, or copy it to share with someone else. This method requires that you have already connected to that network at least once before, and that your iPhone is unlocked. If Siri does not show the password, the network may not be saved in your Keychain, or your iPhone may be running an older version of iOS.
Viewing a WiFi password on a Mac using Keychain Access
If you own a Mac and both your iPhone and Mac are signed into the same Apple ID with Keychain syncing enabled, you can view the password on your Mac instead. Open Keychain Access on your Mac by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter.
In the search box at the top right, type the name of the WiFi network. When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" — you will be asked to enter your Mac's login password. Once you do, the WiFi password will appear in plain text. You can then copy it or write it down.
What to do if you cannot see the password
If Siri does not show the password or the network does not appear in Keychain Access, the password may not be saved on your device. This happens if you have never connected to that network before, or if you turned off Keychain syncing at some point.
To reconnect to a network and save the password again, go to Settings, tap WiFi, find the network name, tap the information icon next to it, and select "Forget This Network." Then reconnect by selecting the network name, entering the password when prompted, and tapping "Join." Your iPhone will now save the password to your Keychain.
Security considerations when sharing a WiFi password
Once you can see the password, you may want to share it with a guest or family member. Be aware that anyone with the password can connect to your network and potentially access other devices on it, depending on your router settings.
A safer option is to use your router's guest network feature, which lets you create a separate password that does not give access to your main devices. Most modern routers have this built in. Check your router's manual or log into its admin panel to set up a guest network with its own password.
Viewing passwords on older iPhone models or iOS versions
If your iPhone is running iOS 15 or earlier, Siri cannot show you the password directly. Your only option is to use a Mac with Keychain Access, as described above. If you do not have a Mac, you will need to forget the network and reconnect by entering the password again — this time, you can write it down or screenshot it as you type.
To upgrade to a newer iOS version that supports the Siri method, go to Settings, tap General, select Software Update, and follow the prompts. Most iPhones from 2017 and later can run iOS 16 or later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a WiFi password for a network I have never connected to?
No. Your iPhone only stores passwords for networks you have already joined. To see a password for a new network, you must connect to it first by entering the password, and then your iPhone will save it.
What if I forgot the WiFi password and need to reconnect?
Ask the network owner or administrator for the password. If it is your own network, log into your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) using your router's default login, which is printed on the router itself or in its manual.
Does asking Siri for the password work on iPad or Mac?
Yes. On iPad running iPadOS 16 or later, and on Mac running macOS Ventura or later, you can ask Siri the same question. On Mac, you can also use Keychain Access directly without asking Siri.
Is it safe to let someone screenshot my WiFi password?
A screenshot shows only the password itself, not your network name or other settings. The person who has the screenshot can connect to your network, but they cannot see your other devices unless your router is configured to allow it. If you want to revoke access later, change your WiFi password in your router settings.
Can I see passwords for networks I connected to years ago?
Yes, as long as the password has not changed and you have not forgotten the network. Passwords remain in your Keychain indefinitely unless you manually remove them or turn off Keychain syncing.