The fastest way: check your iPhone's saved networks

If you are already connected to the WiFi network, your iPhone stores the password and can show it to you without needing to reset the router or call your internet provider. Open Settings, tap WiFi, find the network name in the list, tap the info icon (the small circle with an "i"), and look for Password. Your iPhone will display the saved password in plain text.

This method works only if you have connected to that network before on this device. If you have never joined the network, or if you are using a different iPhone, the password will not appear here — you will need to use one of the other methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • If you are already connected to the WiFi, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to the network name, and the password appears under Password.
  • If you are not connected, you can check a Mac or iPad that is connected to the same network, because Apple syncs saved passwords across devices in the same iCloud account.
  • If no other device has the password saved, you will need to access your router directly through a web browser or the router's app.
  • Resetting the router to factory settings will erase all custom settings and force you to set up the network from scratch with a new password.

Using another Apple device if your iPhone is not connected

If you have a Mac, iPad, or another iPhone signed into the same iCloud account, that device may have the password saved. Open Keychain Access on a Mac (search for it in Spotlight), find the WiFi network name in the list, double-click it, check the box next to Show password, and enter your Mac login password when prompted.

On an iPad, the process is similar to iPhone: go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to the network, and the password will display if that iPad has connected before. This works because Apple syncs WiFi passwords across devices when they are signed into the same iCloud account — but only for networks that device has actually joined.

Accessing your router to find or reset the password

If no Apple device has the password saved, you can log into your router directly through a web browser. Open Safari on your iPhone, type the router's IP address into the address bar (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label or manual), and press Go. You will be asked to log in with a username and password — these are different from your WiFi password and are printed on a sticker on the router itself.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. The current WiFi password will be displayed there, often in a field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Some routers hide the password behind a checkbox — look for Show Password or an eye icon to reveal it.

Many routers also have a mobile app (like the Netgear app, Eero app, or TP-Link Tether) that lets you view and change WiFi settings from your iPhone without typing an IP address. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website to find the app name.

What to do if you cannot remember the router login

If you do not know the username and password for your router itself, check the sticker on the back or bottom of the device — most routers ship with a default username (often admin) and password printed there. If the sticker is missing or worn away, visit the router manufacturer's support page and search for "default login" plus your router model number.

If you have changed the router login password and forgotten it, the only way to regain access is to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including the WiFi network name and password, and returns the router to its default state. To reset, hold down the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pin. After the router restarts, you will need to set up the WiFi network again from scratch with a new password.

Why your iPhone might not show the password even when connected

If you are connected to the WiFi but the password field appears blank or does not show in Settings, a few things could be happening. Some enterprise or business networks (like those at workplaces or schools) do not store passwords in the normal way — they use certificates or other authentication methods instead, and the password field will remain empty even though you are connected.

If you are the device owner and the password field is still blank on a personal network, try disconnecting from the WiFi and reconnecting. When you rejoin, your iPhone will prompt you to enter the password again, and it should then save it properly. After reconnecting, return to Settings > WiFi and check the info icon again.

Keeping your WiFi password find

Once you have found your password, be cautious about who you share it with. Anyone with the password can connect to your network and potentially access files you have shared, see your browsing activity if they use network monitoring tools, or slow down your connection by using your bandwidth.

If you suspect someone has used your password without permission, change it through your router settings. Go back to the router login page, find the WiFi password field, enter a new password (use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols to make it harder to guess), and save the changes. Your iPhone and other devices will disconnect and will need the new password to rejoin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the WiFi password on my iPhone if I am not connected to the network?

Not through your iPhone's Settings alone. If another Apple device signed into your iCloud account has connected to that network, you can check that device's saved passwords. Otherwise, you will need to access the router directly through a web browser or the router's app.

What if the password field shows dots or asterisks instead of the actual password?

That usually means your iPhone is running an older version of iOS. Update to the latest iOS version through Settings > General > Software Update. On current versions, the password displays in plain text when you tap the info icon next to the network name.

Does resetting my router erase my internet history or files on my devices?

No. Resetting the router only erases the router's settings — it does not touch your iPhone, computer, or any files stored on them. However, you will lose your custom WiFi network name and password and will need to set them up again.

Can I change my WiFi password from my iPhone without accessing the router?

Only if your router has a mobile app. Check the manufacturer's website or your router's manual to see if an app is available. If not, you will need to access the router through a web browser using the IP address method described above.

What should I do if someone else knows my WiFi password and I want to block them?

Change your WiFi password through the router settings. Log in to the router, find the WiFi password field, enter a new password, and save. All devices will disconnect and will need the new password to rejoin. You can also check your router's connected devices list to see who is currently on your network.