Check Settings if you're already connected to the network

If your iPhone is already connected to the WiFi network, you can see the password in Settings without needing any other device. Open Settings, tap WiFi, find the network name in the list, and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i") next to it. Scroll down to find the password field — it will show dots or asterisks instead of the actual characters at first.

To reveal the actual password, tap and hold on the password field, then select "Copy" from the menu that appears. You can now paste it elsewhere or read it character by character. This method works on iPhone running iOS 16 and later. On older versions, the password field may not appear in Settings at all.

Key Takeaways

  • If your iPhone is connected to the WiFi, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to the network name, and look for the password field.
  • The password appears as dots or asterisks — tap and hold the field to copy it or reveal the characters one at a time.
  • If Settings doesn't show the password, check your router's label, admin panel, or contact your internet provider for the original password.
  • You cannot view a WiFi password on iPhone for networks you are not currently connected to, even if you have connected before.
  • If you forgot the password and cannot access the router, resetting the router to factory settings will erase all custom settings and require you to set up WiFi again from scratch.

Find the password on your router if you can't see it in Settings

Most routers have the default WiFi password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Look for a field labeled "WiFi Password," "Network Key," "Passphrase," or sometimes just "Password." The sticker usually also shows the network name (SSID) so you can match it to the one you're looking for.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can log into the router's admin panel from any device with a web browser. Open a browser on your computer or another phone, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar, and log in with the admin username and password. These are often printed on the same sticker as the WiFi password, or they may be the defaults "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and "password." Once logged in, look for a WiFi settings or wireless settings section to find the current password.

Ask your internet provider for the password

If you cannot find the password on the router and Settings doesn't show it, contact your internet service provider. They have a record of the network name and password they set up when they installed your service. You will need to provide your account number or the phone number associated with your account to verify you own the service.

Most providers can tell you the password over the phone within a few minutes. Some also allow you to view it through their online account portal or mobile app — log in with your account credentials and look for a section labeled WiFi settings, network settings, or router information.

Reset the router if you cannot recover the password any other way

If the sticker is gone, you cannot access the admin panel, and your provider cannot help, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all custom settings including the WiFi password and network name, so use this only as a last resort.

Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen — the lights on the router will blink and it will restart. Once it comes back online, the network name and password will return to whatever the manufacturer set as defaults, which are usually printed on the router's label. You will then need to set up your WiFi again from scratch, choosing a new network name and password through the router's admin panel or setup app.

Understand why iPhone limits password visibility

iPhones do not show you the password for networks you have connected to in the past but are not currently connected to. This is a security feature — if someone gains access to your phone, they cannot see passwords for networks you no longer use or networks at other locations.

The password field in Settings only appears for the network your iPhone is actively using right now. If you need the password for a different network, you must either connect to that network first (if you remember the password) or find it through the router or your provider instead.

Use iCloud Keychain to share passwords with other Apple devices

If you have other Apple devices like a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch on the same iCloud account, they may already have the WiFi password saved in iCloud Keychain. When you connect one device to a network, the others can join automatically without entering the password again.

If you need to see the password on a Mac, open System Settings, go to WiFi, click Details next to the network name, and look for the password field. On a Mac running older versions, open System Preferences > Network > WiFi > Advanced, find the network in the list, and click Edit. A checkbox labeled "Show password" will reveal it. This works only if the devices are signed into the same iCloud account and have Keychain syncing turned on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password on iPhone for a network I used to connect to but am not on right now?

No. iPhones only display the password for the network you are currently connected to. If you need the password for a different network, you must find it on the router, in the router's admin panel, or by contacting your internet provider.

What if the password field is blank or missing in Settings?

This usually means your iPhone is running iOS 15 or earlier, which does not display passwords in Settings. Check the router's label, log into the router's admin panel from a computer, or contact your provider. You can also upgrade to a newer iOS version if your device supports it.

Will resetting the router delete my saved WiFi networks on my iPhone?

No. Resetting the router erases the router's settings, not your iPhone's saved networks. However, after the reset, the network name and password will change to the factory defaults, so your iPhone will not automatically reconnect. You will need to manually connect again using the new password.

Can I see the WiFi password if I am not the account holder?

If you are connected to the network on your iPhone, you can see the password in Settings the same way anyone else can. If you are not connected, you would need to ask the account holder or someone with access to the router or provider account.

What should I do if I forgot my router's admin password?

You can reset the router to factory settings using the reset button, which will restore the default admin password printed on the label. This will also erase any custom WiFi settings you created, so you will need to set them up again.