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 your phone has connected to before by going to Settings > WiFi, tapping the network name, then selecting "Show Password." Your face or fingerprint will unlock it. This works for networks you joined yourself — not for networks someone else set up on a shared device.
If you do not see a "Show Password" option, the network was set up by someone else using a shared iPad or Mac on the same account, or your iPhone is running an older version of iOS. The steps below cover both current iPhones and what to do when the built-in method does not work.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, tap WiFi, select your network name, and choose "Show Password" — your iPhone will display it after you authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
- If "Show Password" does not appear, the network was set up by someone else, and you will need to ask them or reset the router.
- You can also find saved passwords in Settings > Passwords, which shows every WiFi network your iPhone has ever joined.
- If you forgot the router password entirely, you can reset the router to factory settings using the reset button on the back, though this erases all custom settings.
Step-by-step: retrieving a password you set up yourself
Open the Settings app and tap WiFi. Find the network you want the password for in the list of available networks. Tap the blue information icon (a circle with an "i") next to the network name — not the network name itself. A new screen will open showing network details.
Look for the "Password" field. Tap "Show Password" if it appears. Your iPhone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. After you authenticate, the password will display in plain text. You can now copy it or write it down.
If you see "Show Password" grayed out or missing entirely, move to the next section — that means the network was set up by someone else on your account.
When "Show Password" does not appear
If the option is missing or grayed out, the WiFi network was originally set up by a different person using a shared device — usually a family member's iPad or Mac that uses the same iCloud account. In that case, only the person who originally joined the network can view the password on their device using the same steps above.
Ask the person who set up the network to retrieve the password for you. If you cannot reach them, you will need to reset the router. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom; holding it for 10 to 15 seconds will restore the router to factory settings. This erases all custom WiFi names and passwords, so the router will broadcast its default network name (usually printed on a sticker on the device) and default password (also on the sticker).
Finding passwords for networks you no longer use
Your iPhone keeps passwords for every WiFi network you have ever joined, even if you have not connected in months or years. To see the full list, open Settings, tap Passwords, then search for "WiFi" or scroll to find network names. Each entry shows the network name and password.
This method works even if the network is no longer broadcasting — your phone remembers it. If you want to remove a saved network entirely so your iPhone stops trying to reconnect, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon next to the network name, and select "Forget This Network."
Retrieving a password from a Mac or iPad on the same account
If you have a Mac or iPad that uses the same iCloud account and has connected to the network, you can see the password there instead. On a Mac, open System Settings, go to WiFi, click "Details" next to the network name, then look for the password field. On an iPad, use the same steps as iPhone: Settings > WiFi > information icon > Show Password.
This is useful if your iPhone does not show the password but another device on your account does. The person who originally set up the network on any of these devices can retrieve it from any of them.
What to do if you never knew the password
If you joined the network by scanning a QR code, selecting it from a list, or having someone else type it in, your iPhone stored the password automatically — you never had to remember it. The steps in the first section will still show it to you.
If the network was set up by a guest or visitor and you never had the password to begin with, ask whoever manages the router. If it is your own router and you have lost the password, the reset button is your only option without calling your internet provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password on iPhone if I forgot it when I set up the network?
Yes. Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network, and select "Show Password." Your iPhone will display it after you authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. This works even if years have passed since you joined the network.
Why does my iPhone not show a password option for some networks?
The network was set up by someone else using a shared device on your iCloud account. Only the person who originally joined the network can view the password. Ask them to retrieve it, or reset the router using the button on the back.
Can I see my WiFi password if I am using a guest account on someone else's iPhone?
No. Guest accounts do not have access to saved passwords. You would need to use the device owner's authentication or ask them to retrieve the password for you.
What happens if I reset my router to find the password?
Resetting erases all custom settings, including your WiFi name and password. The router will broadcast its default network name and password, which are printed on a sticker on the device. You can then set up a new custom password.
Can I retrieve a WiFi password from an iPhone I no longer own?
No. Passwords are stored locally on each device. If you sold or gave away the iPhone, you cannot access its passwords. Contact whoever set up the network or reset the router instead.