You can see your WiFi password on iPhone through Settings, but only for networks you've already connected to

If you're connected to a WiFi network on your iPhone, the password is stored in your device's keychain — Apple's built-in password manager. You can view it by going to Settings > WiFi, selecting the network name, and tapping the info icon. The password field will show dots by default, but you can reveal it by tapping "Show Password" if you have Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode set up.

This method only works for networks your iPhone has already joined. You cannot see the password for networks you've never connected to, and you cannot see passwords for networks other people's devices are using unless they share the password with you through AirDrop or iCloud Keychain.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap WiFi, select your network name, then tap the info icon to see the password field.
  • You must authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before the password will display.
  • This only shows passwords for networks your iPhone has already connected to in the past.
  • If you forgot the password and never saved it, you will need to reset the router or contact your internet provider.
  • You can share a WiFi password with another iPhone user through AirDrop without typing it out.

Step-by-step: viewing your saved WiFi password

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap WiFi near the top of the menu. You will see a list of networks — both ones you're currently connected to and ones you've joined before. Find the network whose password you want to see.

Tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside it) next to the network name. A details screen will open. Look for the Password field — it will show a series of dots instead of the actual characters. Tap Show Password. Your iPhone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. Complete whichever method your phone uses.

Once authenticated, the dots will change to reveal the actual password. You can now read it, write it down, or copy it to share with someone else. If you don't see a "Show Password" option, it means you don't have biometric or passcode authentication enabled on your device — you'll need to set that up first.

Why you can only see passwords for networks you've already joined

Apple stores WiFi passwords in your iPhone's keychain, which is encrypted and tied to your device. When you connect to a network for the first time, your phone saves the password so you don't have to type it again. This is why you can only view passwords for networks you've already used.

If someone gives you their WiFi network name but you've never connected to it, you won't be able to see the password through Settings. You'll need them to tell you the password, or they can share it with you directly through AirDrop if you're both nearby with iPhones.

Sharing a WiFi password between iPhones without typing it

If you want to give your WiFi password to someone else with an iPhone, you don't have to read it aloud or write it down. Both iPhones can use AirDrop to share the password when ready. The person joining your network should go to Settings > WiFi and select your network name. When they tap "Connect," a notification will appear on your phone asking if you want to share the password.

Tap Share Password on your phone. Your iPhone will send the password to their device through AirDrop, and they'll be connected without ever seeing the actual characters. This works only if both phones are unlocked, have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on, and are within about 30 feet of each other.

What to do if you can't remember your password and never saved it

If you've never connected to your own WiFi network on your iPhone, or if you've forgotten the password and it's not showing in Settings, you'll need to reset it at the router itself. Most home routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its factory default password, which is usually printed on a sticker on the device.

After resetting, you can set a new password through your router's admin panel — usually by typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1) into a web browser on a computer connected to the router. If you're renting your router from your internet provider, call them instead of resetting it yourself, as they may need to reconfigure it for your account.

Why your iPhone asks for authentication before showing the password

Apple requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before revealing a saved password as a security measure. This prevents someone who picks up your unlocked phone from when ready seeing all your network passwords. Even if your phone is unlocked for general use, the password field stays protected until you authenticate again.

If you have an older iPhone without Face ID or Touch ID, you'll use your device passcode instead. If you haven't set a passcode, you won't be able to view saved passwords at all — you'll need to set one up in Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode, depending on your model).

Viewing passwords on other Apple devices

If you use a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch on the same iCloud account as your iPhone, you can view your WiFi passwords on those devices too. On a Mac, open System Settings > WiFi, select the network, and click "Details." On an iPad, the process is identical to iPhone: Settings > WiFi > info icon > Show Password. Your passwords sync across devices through iCloud Keychain, so you only need to authenticate once per device.

This also means that if you change your WiFi password on your router, you'll need to reconnect on each device and update the saved password in the keychain. straightforward forgetting the old network and reconnecting with the new password will update it across all your Apple devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password on iPhone if I don't have Face ID or Touch ID?

Yes, but you must have a passcode set up. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and create one if you haven't already. Once enabled, you'll use your passcode to authenticate before viewing the password in WiFi settings.

What if the password field is blank or missing entirely?

This usually means your iPhone connected to the network through a method that didn't save the password — for example, through a captive portal or guest network. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the network. If it still doesn't show, you'll need to get the password from whoever manages the router.

Can I see passwords for networks I've forgotten about?

Yes. Go to Settings > WiFi and scroll through the full list. Networks you've joined before will appear even if you're not currently connected. Tap the info icon next to any of them to view the saved password.

Does viewing my password on iPhone compromise my security?

No. Viewing your own password on your own device is safe. The security measure — requiring authentication — only prevents others from seeing it if they gain access to your phone. Once you're authenticated, you're the legitimate owner.

Will resetting my router erase anything on my iPhone?

No. Resetting the router only affects the router itself. Your iPhone will still have the old password saved in Settings, but it won't work anymore. You'll need to forget the network and reconnect with the new default password after the reset.