Where to find your WiFi password on iPhone
Your iPhone stores WiFi passwords in the Keychain, Apple's built-in password manager. You can view a saved password through Settings, but the process differs slightly depending on whether you're looking at your own network or someone else's. The fastest route is Settings > WiFi, then tapping the network name and selecting "Password" — but this only works if you set up that network yourself on this iPhone.
If you need a password for a network you didn't set up, or if you're trying to retrieve it for another device, you'll need to use a Mac with Keychain Access or ask whoever set up the network originally. iCloud Keychain can sync passwords across your Apple devices, but it won't display them on iPhone itself — it only fills them in automatically when you connect.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, tap WiFi, select the network name, and look for the Password field to see a saved password you created on this iPhone.
- The password field appears only for networks you personally connected to on this device — not for networks others set up.
- To view a password on a Mac, open Keychain Access, search for the network name, and check the "Show password" box after entering your Mac password.
- If you forget the password to your own router, reset it through the router's admin panel or contact your internet provider for help.
- iCloud Keychain syncs passwords between your devices but does not display them as readable text on iPhone.
Steps to view a password in iPhone Settings
Open the Settings app and tap WiFi. You'll see a list of networks — both ones you're currently connected to and ones you've used before. Find the network whose password you want to see and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i" inside it) next to the network name.
A details screen will open. Scroll down and look for the "Password" field. If you see it, the password is displayed there in plain text. If you don't see a Password field at all, it means you didn't set up this network on this iPhone — someone else did, or you joined it through a QR code or other method that didn't store the password locally.
If the password field shows dots instead of text, your iPhone is hiding it for security. Tap the eye icon next to the password to reveal it. You may need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your iPhone passcode before the password becomes visible.
Why the password field might not appear
The Password field only shows up if you personally entered the WiFi password when you first connected to that network on this specific iPhone. If someone else set up the network on a shared device, or if you joined through a QR code, NFC tag, or HomeKit, the password won't be stored in a way you can view it on iPhone.
Networks that use enterprise security (common in offices and schools) also won't display a password field, because they use certificates or usernames instead of a single shared password. In those cases, contact your network administrator for the login details you need.
Retrieving a password using a Mac
If you have a Mac, you can view WiFi passwords through Keychain Access, which stores passwords synced from your iPhone through iCloud Keychain. Open Keychain Access (find it in Applications > Utilities), then search for the network name in the search box at the top right.
When you find the network, double-click it to open its details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom of the window. Your Mac will ask for your Mac password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text. You can now copy it and use it on another device.
This method only works if iCloud Keychain is turned on for both your Mac and iPhone. To check, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud on iPhone and make sure Keychain is toggled on. On Mac, open System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and verify the same.
What to do if you can't remember your router password
If you've forgotten the password to your own WiFi network (the one you pay for and control), you'll need to reset it through your router's admin panel. Open a web browser on any device connected to the internet and go to your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label or manual for the exact address.
Log in with your router's admin username and password (often "admin" and "admin" by default, but again, check your manual). Once logged in, look for WiFi settings or Wireless settings and change the password to something new. Save the changes, and your router will restart with the new password.
If you don't remember the admin password either, you can perform a factory reset by holding down the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all settings and returns the router to its default state — you'll then need to set it up again from scratch. Contact your internet provider if you need help with this process.
Using iCloud Keychain to sync passwords across devices
iCloud Keychain automatically syncs WiFi passwords between your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch when you're signed into the same Apple ID. This means if you connect to a network on your iPhone, your Mac will automatically have that password and can connect without asking you to enter it again.
However, iCloud Keychain does not give you a way to view the password as text on your iPhone — it only uses it behind the scenes to connect automatically. If you need to see the actual password to share it with someone or use it on a non-Apple device, you must retrieve it through a Mac using Keychain Access, as described above.
To turn on iCloud Keychain, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and toggle Keychain on. You'll need to verify your identity with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Once enabled, any new WiFi passwords you enter will sync to your other devices within a few minutes.
Sharing a WiFi password with another iPhone user
If someone with an iPhone wants to join your WiFi network, the easiest way is to have them open Settings > WiFi, select your network, and tap "Password" — but only if they're standing next to you. When they tap the password field, a prompt will appear asking if they want to use your password. Tap "Share Password" on your iPhone, and their device will receive it automatically without you typing anything.
This feature uses Bluetooth and proximity to work, so both iPhones need to be unlocked and near each other. If this doesn't work, you can read the password from your own iPhone (using the steps above) and tell them what it is, or you can use a QR code. Many routers have a QR code on the back or in the manual — they can scan it with their iPhone camera to join without typing the password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a WiFi password on my iPhone if someone else set up the network?
No. The password field only appears for networks you personally connected to on that iPhone. If someone else set it up, you'll need to ask them for the password, or use a Mac with Keychain Access if the password is synced through iCloud Keychain.
Why does my iPhone show dots instead of the actual password?
Your iPhone is hiding the password for security. Tap the eye icon next to the dots to reveal it. You'll need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode first.
Will resetting my router erase my other settings?
Yes. A factory reset returns the router to its default state, which means you'll lose any custom settings you've made, including port forwarding, parental controls, or custom DNS settings. Only do this if you can't access the admin panel any other way.
Can I view a WiFi password on my iPad the same way as my iPhone?
Yes. The process is identical — go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and look for the Password field. The same rules explore: you can only see passwords for networks you set up on that iPad.
What if I need the password for a device that doesn't have iCloud Keychain?
Use a Mac with Keychain Access to view the password, then manually enter it on your other device. Alternatively, reset your router and set a new password, then connect all your devices to the new one.