You can see a WiFi password on your iPhone only if you created that network yourself or if someone shared it with you through Apple's built-in sharing feature

Apple does not let you view passwords for networks you joined by typing them in manually. If you connected to a WiFi network by entering the password once, that password is encrypted in your phone's memory and stays hidden — even from you. The only way to see it is to ask the person who set up the network, reset the router, or use a computer that was also on that network at the time you connected.

If someone shared a WiFi network with you using AirDrop or by scanning a QR code, you can see that password. The same is true if you set up the network yourself on an Apple device. Here is how to find it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can only view WiFi passwords on your iPhone for networks you created yourself or that were shared with you through Apple's AirDrop or QR code feature.
  • To see a password you created, open Settings, tap WiFi, find the network name, tap the info icon, and select "Password" — but only if you are still connected to that network.
  • If you joined a network by typing the password manually, it cannot be viewed on your iPhone; you will need to ask the network owner or reset the router.
  • On a Mac, you can view any WiFi password you have ever connected to by opening Keychain Access and searching for the network name.

How to view a WiFi password on your iPhone for networks you created

Open the Settings app and tap WiFi. Find the network name in the list and tap the blue information icon (a circle with an "i" inside) next to it. Tap "Password" at the top of the screen. Your iPhone will show the password in plain text.

This only works if you are currently connected to that network. If you have disconnected from it, the password field will not appear. You also need to be using iOS 16 or later for this feature to work.

How to view a WiFi password that was shared with you

If someone shared a WiFi network with you using AirDrop or a QR code, the password is stored in your iPhone's Keychain. To see it, open Settings, tap WiFi, find the network, tap the info icon, and look for "Password." The password will display if the sharing was completed successfully.

This method works the same way as viewing a password you created yourself. The difference is that the person who owns the network sent it to you securely instead of you typing it in.

Why you cannot see passwords you typed in manually

When you join a WiFi network by typing the password into your iPhone, Apple encrypts that password and stores it in a way that your phone can use it to reconnect automatically — but you cannot read it back out. This is a security feature. It prevents someone who borrows your phone from seeing all the passwords to networks you have joined.

The trade-off is that you lose access to your own password if you forget it. There is no way around this on an iPhone alone.

How to find a WiFi password using a Mac instead

If you have a Mac that was connected to the same WiFi network at any point, you can view the password there. Open Spotlight (Command + Space), type "Keychain Access," and open the app. In the search box at the top right, type the name of the WiFi network. Double-click the network name in the results. A window will open; check the box next to "Show password" and enter your Mac's login password when prompted. The WiFi password will appear.

This works for any network your Mac has ever connected to, regardless of whether you created it or typed the password in manually. It is one of the few ways to recover a password you have forgotten.

What to do if you cannot find the password any other way

If you do not have access to a Mac and the person who set up the network is not available, you can reset the router. Most home routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all settings and returns the router to its factory defaults, which usually means the network name and password are reset to what is printed on the router itself.

Resetting the router will disconnect everyone on the network and erase any custom settings the owner made. Only do this if you own the router or have permission from the person who does.

How to share a WiFi password securely with someone else

If you own a WiFi network and want someone else to see the password without you typing it out loud, use AirDrop. On your iPhone, open Settings, tap WiFi, find your network, tap the info icon, and tap "Share Password." Hold your iPhone near the other person's iPhone. If their phone is unlocked and nearby, a prompt will appear asking them to accept the password. Once they tap "Accept," the password is sent to their Keychain and they can connect automatically.

You can also generate a QR code for your network. In the same WiFi settings screen, tap "QR Code" and let the other person scan it with their iPhone camera. They will be prompted to join the network, and the password will be saved automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can only view the password while you are actively connected to that network. If you have disconnected, the password field will not appear in Settings, even if you created the network yourself.

Is there an app that can show me WiFi passwords I typed in?

No. Third-party apps cannot access encrypted passwords stored in your iPhone's Keychain. Any app claiming to show you hidden WiFi passwords is either fake or asking you to enter the password yourself, which defeats the purpose.

What if I forgot the password to my own home WiFi network?

Check the router itself — the default password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. If you changed it and cannot remember the new one, reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. You can also log into your router's admin page from a computer on the network and change the password from there.

Can I see WiFi passwords on an iPad the same way as an iPhone?

Yes. iPads running iPadOS 16 or later use the same Settings menu to view WiFi passwords. The steps are identical: open Settings, tap WiFi, tap the info icon next to the network name, and tap "Password."

If someone has my iPhone, can they see all my WiFi passwords?

Only the passwords for networks you created or that were shared with you through AirDrop or QR code. Passwords you typed in manually are encrypted and hidden. However, if someone has your iPhone unlocked, they can still see which networks you have connected to and potentially use those networks themselves.