How to Find a WiFi Password on iPhone Without Face ID or Touch ID

You can see a saved WiFi password on iPhone without using Face ID or Touch ID, but the method depends on what you're trying to do

If you're locked out of Face ID or Touch ID but need to view a WiFi password you've already connected to, iOS gives you a workaround: you can see the password in Settings if you know your Apple ID password instead. If you don't remember your Apple ID password, you'll need to reset it through Apple's account recovery process before you can proceed. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're trying to view a password for a network you're currently connected to or one you've used before.

The core limitation is real: Apple requires some form of authentication—either biometric (Face ID or Touch ID) or your Apple ID password—to display WiFi passwords. There's no way around authentication entirely. But if you have access to your Apple ID credentials, you can get the password without your face or fingerprint.

Key Takeaways

You must authenticate with either Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password to view any saved WiFi password on iPhone.
If you know your Apple ID password, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, then tap "Password" and enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted.
If you don't remember your Apple ID password, you'll need to reset it through iforgot.apple.com or the Find My iPhone app before you can view passwords.
You can only view passwords for networks your iPhone has already connected to—you cannot see passwords for networks you've never joined.

Viewing a WiFi password using your Apple ID password

Open the Settings app and tap WiFi. 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. On the next screen, you'll see a Password field with dots or asterisks hiding the actual characters.

Tap the Password field. iOS will prompt you to authenticate. Instead of using Face ID or Touch ID, tap Password at the bottom of the authentication prompt. Enter your Apple ID email address and password when asked. Once you authenticate, the password will display in plain text in that field. You can now copy it or write it down.

This method works on any iPhone running iOS 16 or later. On older versions, the process is similar but the authentication prompt may look slightly different—you may see a request for your iCloud password instead of your Apple ID password (they're the same thing).

What to do if you don't remember your Apple ID password

If you can't recall your Apple ID password, you'll need to reset it before you can view WiFi passwords. Go to iforgot.apple.com on any device with internet access. Enter your Apple ID email address and follow Apple's recovery process, which typically involves answering security questions or receiving a verification code via email or phone.

Alternatively, if you have another Apple device (Mac, iPad, or another iPhone) that's signed into your Apple ID, you can reset your password through that device's Settings. On that device, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password, then follow the prompts.

Once you've reset your Apple ID password, return to your iPhone and follow the steps in the previous section to view the WiFi password using your new credentials.

Why you can't see passwords without any authentication

Apple requires authentication to display WiFi passwords as a security measure. A WiFi password grants access to your home or business network, so Apple treats it like any other sensitive credential. If anyone could view saved passwords without proving their identity, someone with physical access to your iPhone could connect other devices to your network without your permission.

This is why Face ID, Touch ID, and your Apple ID password all work—they're all ways to prove you own the device or the account. There is no setting to disable this requirement or view passwords without one of these three forms of authentication.

Viewing a password for a network you're not currently connected to

If you want to see the password for a WiFi network your iPhone has connected to in the past but isn't currently connected to, the process is identical. Go to Settings > WiFi, scroll through the list of networks (including ones labeled "Other Networks"), tap the information icon next to the network name, and authenticate with your Apple ID password or biometrics.

Your iPhone stores passwords for every network it has ever joined, so you can retrieve any of them this way—as long as you can authenticate. If a network no longer appears in your WiFi list at all, it means your iPhone has forgotten it, and you won't be able to retrieve the password through Settings.

If you're trying to share a password with someone else

If you want to give someone else the WiFi password, you don't have to read it aloud from the screen. On iOS 16 and later, you can share a WiFi password directly from your iPhone to another iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's nearby. Open Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon next to the network, then tap Share Password. The other person's device will receive a prompt to join the network—they can accept it without ever seeing the actual password.

This method is faster and more find than reading the password aloud. If the other device isn't nearby or isn't an Apple device, you'll need to view the password yourself and share it manually.

Resetting a forgotten WiFi password from your router

If you've forgotten the WiFi password and can't retrieve it from your iPhone, you can reset it directly on your router. Most routers have a reset button on the back or bottom. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights flash. This will restore the router to factory settings, and you'll need to set up the network again from scratch using your router's admin app or web interface.

Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact reset procedure, as it varies by model. After resetting, you'll create a new password, and your iPhone will forget the old one. You'll need to reconnect to the network using the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password on someone else's iPhone?

No. You would need either their Face ID, Touch ID, or their Apple ID password to view any saved WiFi password. Without one of those, iOS will not display the password, even if you have physical access to the device.

What if my Apple ID password reset isn't working?

If you're having trouble resetting your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com and try a different recovery method—security questions, a recovery key, or a trusted phone number. If none of those work, contact Apple Support directly, as your account may have additional security holds.

Will viewing a WiFi password change or delete it?

No. Viewing a password has no effect on the password itself or your connection to the network. You can view it as many times as you need without any consequences.

Can I see WiFi passwords on iPhone if I'm not the account owner?

Only if you know the Apple ID password for the account that's signed into that iPhone. The iPhone stores passwords under that specific Apple ID, so you need credentials for that account to access them.

What if my iPhone is disabled and I can't open Settings?

If your iPhone is locked or disabled, you'll need to unlock it first. Use your passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID to access the device. If you've forgotten your passcode, you'll need to restore the iPhone through a computer or iCloud, which will erase it. After restoring, you can set it up again and then view WiFi passwords normally.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.