Where to find your saved WiFi password
Your iPhone stores WiFi passwords in the Keychain, Apple's built-in password manager. You cannot see the password directly in the WiFi settings menu — Apple hides it for security. Instead, you retrieve it through Settings by viewing the network details, or you can see it in Keychain Access on a Mac connected to the same WiFi network.
The fastest method on iPhone itself is to open Settings, go to WiFi, tap the network name you want, and look for a password field. On iOS 16 and newer, you can tap "Show Password" if you set up Face ID or Touch ID on your device. On older iOS versions, the password field appears blank and cannot be revealed directly from the iPhone.
If you cannot see the password on your iPhone, you have two other options: ask whoever set up the network, or retrieve it from a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch that is already connected to that WiFi.
Key Takeaways
- On iOS 16 and newer, open Settings, tap WiFi, select the network name, and tap "Show Password" to reveal it after Face ID or Touch ID verification.
- On iOS 15 and older, the password field in WiFi settings stays blank and cannot be revealed from the iPhone itself.
- You can view any saved WiFi password on a Mac by opening Keychain Access, searching for the network name, and checking the password field.
- If you cannot retrieve the password, contact whoever set up the router, or reset the router to factory settings and create a new password.
Steps to reveal the password on iOS 16 and newer
Open the Settings app and tap WiFi. Find the network name you want the password for and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i" inside it) next to the network name. A details screen appears showing the network name and security type.
Look for the Password field on this screen. Tap "Show Password" and your iPhone will ask you to verify with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. After verification, the password appears in plain text. You can now read it, write it down, or copy it to share with someone else.
This method only works if you are already connected to that WiFi network or have connected to it before. If the network does not appear in your WiFi list, you will need to connect to it first before you can view its password.
How to find the password on a Mac
If your iPhone is running iOS 15 or older, or if you prefer to view the password on another device, use a Mac that is connected to the same WiFi network. Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter.
In the Keychain Access window, make sure you are in the "Passwords" category on the left side. Use the search box in the top right to search for the WiFi network name. When the network appears in the list, double-click it to open its details.
A window opens showing the network information. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your login password to reveal it. After you enter your password, the WiFi password appears in the password field. You can now read it or copy it to share.
What to do if you cannot find the password
If the network does not appear in your Keychain or your iPhone settings, it means your device has never connected to it before. In this case, ask the person who set up the router — they will have the password or be able to reset it.
If you own the router and have forgotten the password, you can reset it to factory settings. This erases all custom settings and returns the router to its default password, which is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. After reset, you will need to set up the network again and create a new password.
Resetting the router means all devices will lose connection and will need to reconnect using the new password. Plan this for a time when you can walk around and reconnect your devices.
Sharing the password with others
Once you have the password visible on your iPhone or Mac, you can share it in several ways. The simplest is to read it aloud or write it down for someone else to type in manually. On iOS 16 and newer, you can also copy the password and paste it into a message or note.
If someone with an iPhone or Mac is in the same room, iOS and macOS have a faster option: they can ask to join the WiFi, and your device will automatically send the password to theirs without typing. On iPhone, the person taps the network name, taps "Connect," and your iPhone shows a prompt asking if you want to share the password. Tap "Share Password" and their device connects when ready.
Why iPhone hides the WiFi password
Apple hides WiFi passwords in the settings menu because anyone with physical access to your unlocked iPhone could otherwise see them. By requiring Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to reveal the password, Apple adds a security layer that prevents someone from quickly grabbing your phone and reading your network credentials.
The Keychain system stores passwords encrypted on your device and syncs them securely across your Apple devices if you use iCloud Keychain. This means your passwords are protected even if someone steals your phone — they cannot access the passwords without unlocking the device first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the WiFi password if my iPhone is locked?
No. To reveal the password, your iPhone must be unlocked and you must verify with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. This prevents someone from using a locked phone to steal your network password.
Why does the password field stay blank in my WiFi settings?
You are likely running iOS 15 or older. On those versions, the password field in WiFi settings cannot be revealed directly from the iPhone. Use a Mac with Keychain Access instead, or ask whoever set up the network for the password.
Can I find a WiFi password for a network I have never connected to?
No. Your iPhone only stores passwords for networks you have already connected to. For networks you have never joined, you will need to ask the network owner for the password.
What happens if I reset my router to factory settings?
Resetting erases all custom settings and returns the router to its default password. All devices lose connection and must reconnect using the new password you create. This process takes about 10 minutes, and you will need to set up the network again from scratch.
Can I share my WiFi password without saying it out loud?
Yes. On iOS 16 and newer, you can copy the password and paste it into a message. If someone with an iPhone or Mac is nearby, you can also use the automatic sharing feature — they tap the network name, tap "Connect," and your device sends the password to theirs without typing.