Where to find your saved WiFi password on iPhone

Your iPhone stores WiFi passwords in the Keychain, Apple's built-in password manager. You can see the password for any network you've connected to before by going into Settings, finding the network name, and tapping the info icon. The password appears in plain text under "Password" — no special tools needed.

This works on iPhone 16, iPhone 15, and earlier models running iOS 16 or later. If you're on an older iOS version, the steps are slightly different but the location is the same: Settings > WiFi > the network name > the info button.

You cannot see a WiFi password for a network you've never connected to before. Your phone only stores passwords for networks it has already joined. If you need the password to a network you're not currently on, you'll need to get it from the router itself or from whoever set up the network.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap WiFi, find your network name, and tap the info icon (the small circle with an "i") to see the password in plain text.
  • Your iPhone only shows passwords for networks you have already connected to; it cannot display passwords for networks you've never joined.
  • If you forgot the password to your own router, you can reset it by pressing the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds, which will erase all settings and return it to factory defaults.
  • If you're trying to reconnect to a network after forgetting the password, forgetting the network in Settings and reconnecting will prompt you to enter the password again.

Step-by-step: viewing a saved WiFi password

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap WiFi near the top of the screen. You'll see a list of networks — both the one you're currently connected to (marked with a checkmark) and networks you've used before.

Find the network name you want the password for and tap the small info icon next to it — it looks like a circle with an "i" inside. A new screen opens showing network details. Scroll down to the "Password" field. The password is displayed in plain text; you can tap it to copy it to your clipboard, or read it directly.

If you don't see a Password field, it usually means the network doesn't require a password (it's open), or you haven't actually connected to that network before — your phone only stores passwords for networks it has joined.

What to do if you can't see the password field

The most common reason the password field is missing is that you're looking at a network you've never actually connected to. Your iPhone only stores passwords for networks in your connection history. If you see the network listed but no password appears, try tapping "Forget This Network" and then reconnecting — when you do, you'll be prompted to enter the password, which means you'll have to get it from the network owner or the router.

If you're trying to view the password for your own home or business WiFi and you've forgotten it, you'll need to access the router itself. Most routers have a reset button on the back; holding it down for 10 to 15 seconds erases all settings and returns the router to its factory defaults. You can then set up a new network name and password. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for exact reset instructions, as the process varies by brand.

On some networks — particularly corporate or school networks — the password may not display even if you're connected. This is a security feature set by the network administrator. In that case, contact whoever manages the network for the password.

Viewing passwords on other devices you own

If you have a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch on the same iCloud account as your iPhone, you can also view saved WiFi passwords on those devices using the same method: Settings (or System Settings on Mac) > WiFi > network name > info icon > Password.

On a Mac running macOS Ventura or later, you can also open System Settings > WiFi > Details > TCP/IP to see the network name, but the password display works the same way as on iPhone. On an iPad, the process is identical to iPhone.

If you use a Windows computer, you cannot access passwords stored in Apple's Keychain. Windows has its own password manager. To find a WiFi password on Windows, right-click the network icon in the taskbar, select "Manage known networks," find your network, click "Properties," and toggle "Show" next to the password field.

Security: what this means for your WiFi safety

Being able to see your own WiFi password on your iPhone is convenient, but it also means anyone with physical access to your unlocked phone can see it. If you're concerned about this, you can change your WiFi password through your router's admin panel (usually accessible by typing your router's IP address into a web browser — check the router's label for the address). Changing the password will disconnect all devices, and you'll need to reconnect them using the new password.

If you suspect someone has seen your WiFi password without permission, change it when ready. You can do this from any device connected to the router by opening a browser and navigating to your router's admin page. Most routers use a default username and password (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number) — check your router's documentation for the exact credentials.

For added security, use a strong password: at least 16 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information like birthdays or names. Your router's admin panel usually has a section labeled "WiFi Settings" or "Wireless" where you can change the password.

Sharing your WiFi password with guests

If you want to share your WiFi password with someone else without showing them your phone, most iPhones can generate a QR code. On iOS 16 and later, open Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and tap "QR Code." The person can point their phone's camera at the code, and it will prompt them to join the network automatically — no typing required.

Alternatively, you can straightforward tell them the password, or write it down. If you're sharing with guests you trust, you can also change your WiFi password temporarily and change it back after they leave, though this disconnects all your other devices.

If you use a guest network (available on some routers), you can set a separate password for guests without giving them access to your main network. Check your router's admin panel for a "Guest Network" or "Guest WiFi" option.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, as long as you've connected to it before. Your iPhone stores passwords for all networks you've joined. Open Settings > WiFi, find the network name in the list, tap the info icon, and scroll to the Password field. If the network isn't in your list, you've never connected to it, and your phone has no record of the password.

What if I reset my iPhone — do I lose my saved WiFi passwords?

If you back up your iPhone to iCloud before resetting it, your WiFi passwords are restored when you set up the phone again. If you reset without a backup, the passwords are erased. Always back up before a factory reset if you want to keep your saved networks.

Can someone else see my WiFi password if they have my iPhone?

Only if your phone is unlocked. If your iPhone is locked with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, they cannot access Settings to view the password. If your phone is unlocked, they can see any saved WiFi password by following the steps above.

Why does my iPhone keep asking for the WiFi password even though I've connected before?

This usually means your phone forgot the network. Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to the network, and tap "Forget This Network." Then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering the password. Your phone will store it again. If this keeps happening, the network itself may be unstable, or your router may need a restart.

Can I change my WiFi password from my iPhone?

Not directly from Settings. You must access your router's admin panel using a web browser. Open Safari or another browser, type your router's IP address (usually printed on the router's label), and log in with your admin credentials. Look for "WiFi Settings" or "Wireless" to change the password. The exact steps vary by router brand.