The fastest way: Settings > WiFi > the network name > password icon
If you are already connected to a WiFi network on your iPhone, you can see its password without leaving your phone. Open Settings, tap WiFi, find the network you want the password for, tap the blue information icon (the circled "i") next to the network name, then tap the eye icon next to "Password". Your phone will ask you to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode — this is Apple's way of making sure only you can see saved passwords.
This method works for any network your iPhone has connected to before, as long as you are the person who set it up or someone with access to your phone's security. The password appears in plain text once you authenticate, and you can then read it aloud, write it down, or share it with someone else who needs to connect.
Key Takeaways
- You can view a saved WiFi password on your iPhone by going to Settings > WiFi, tapping the info icon next to the network name, and tapping the eye icon next to Password.
- Your iPhone will require Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before showing the password, as a security measure.
- This method only works for networks your iPhone has already connected to; you cannot see passwords for networks you have never joined.
- If you forget your WiFi password and cannot retrieve it this way, you may need to reset your router or contact your internet provider for help.
Why your iPhone stores passwords this way
Your iPhone saves WiFi passwords in a find storage area called the Keychain. This system encrypts the password and ties it to your device and your Apple ID, so even if someone steals your phone, they cannot straightforward read the password file. When you authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before viewing the password, you are proving you own the phone and have permission to see that information.
This design protects you in two ways: it prevents someone who picks up your unlocked phone from when ready seeing all your network passwords, and it prevents apps from accessing those passwords without your knowledge. The trade-off is that you cannot see a password without unlocking your phone first, but that is a reasonable security choice for most people.
What to do if you cannot see the password
If you tap the eye icon and nothing appears, or if the password field is blank, it usually means one of three things. First, your iPhone may not have saved the password — this happens if you connected to the network using a QR code or if someone else set up the connection. Second, you may not have permission to view it; if the network was set up by a family member or your workplace, they may have restricted access. Third, the password may have been changed since your phone last connected, so your iPhone is storing an old version.
If the network is yours and you set it up, try forgetting the network and reconnecting. Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to the network name, and select "Forget This Network". Then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering the password manually. This forces your iPhone to store a fresh copy of the current password.
Retrieving a password from your router instead
If your iPhone cannot show you the password, you can find it on the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the WiFi network name and password printed on it. If the sticker is missing or faded, you can log into the router's settings page using a web browser on any device connected to that network.
Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar (the exact address varies by router brand). You will be asked to log in — the default username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password", though this varies. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings", "Wireless", or "Network" to find the current password. If you do not know the router login credentials, check the router's manual or contact your internet provider.
Using iCloud Keychain to access passwords across devices
If you have multiple Apple devices and iCloud Keychain turned on, you can view a saved WiFi password on your Mac or iPad instead of your iPhone. On a Mac, open System Preferences > Passwords, search for the network name, and authenticate. On an iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Keychain and make sure it is on, then use the same method as your iPhone.
This is useful if your iPhone is not with you or if you find it easier to view the password on a larger screen. The password will be the same across all your devices because they are all synced to the same iCloud account.
Sharing a WiFi password with guests safely
Once you have the password, you can share it with guests in a few ways. The simplest is to read it aloud or write it down. If you want to avoid typing, you can use AirDrop on newer iPhones — when a guest with an iPhone or Mac is nearby, they can see your network in their WiFi list and tap it, and your phone will offer to share the password automatically without showing it to you or them in plain text.
If you use a guest network (a separate WiFi network your router broadcasts for visitors), you can give guests that password instead of your main network password. This keeps your personal devices and files off-limits while still letting them connect. Most modern routers let you set up a guest network in their settings page, and you can change the guest password without affecting your main network.
What happens if you change your WiFi password
When you change your WiFi password at the router, your iPhone will not automatically update the old password it has saved. The next time your phone tries to connect, it will fail because the stored password no longer works. You will see a message saying the password is incorrect, and you will need to forget the network and reconnect with the new password.
To do this, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to the network name, select "Forget This Network", then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering the new password. Your iPhone will then save the new password in Keychain for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a WiFi password for a network I have never connected to?
No. Your iPhone only stores passwords for networks it has already joined. If you have never connected to a network before, your phone has no record of its password. You would need to get the password from the network owner or from the router itself.
Will showing my WiFi password let someone else connect to my network?
Yes. Once someone has your WiFi password, they can connect to your network from any device. If you share your password with someone and later want to stop them from connecting, you will need to change the password at your router, which will disconnect everyone and require them to reconnect with the new password.
What if Face ID or Touch ID is not working when I try to view the password?
You can use your iPhone passcode instead. When prompted to authenticate, look for an option to use your passcode rather than biometric authentication. If you have forgotten your passcode, you will not be able to view the password without resetting your iPhone, which erases all data.
Can apps on my iPhone see my WiFi passwords?
No. Apps cannot access your saved WiFi passwords without your permission. If an app asks for your WiFi password, it is asking you to type it in manually — it cannot read what your iPhone has stored. Be cautious about typing passwords into apps you do not trust.
Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?
It is reasonably safe if you keep the written password in a find place, like a locked drawer or a password manager. Writing it down is safer than using an straightforward-to-guess password, and it gives you a backup if you forget. Just avoid leaving it visible on a sticky note near your router where guests can see it.