You cannot see a saved WiFi password directly on your iPhone

Apple does not give you a way to view a WiFi password you have already saved on your iPhone. Once you connect to a network and your phone stores the password, that information lives in a locked part of your device that you cannot access through the Settings app or any built-in tool.

If you need to share your WiFi password with someone else, or if you have forgotten it, you have a few real options — but "look it up on your phone" is not one of them. The method you use depends on whether you want to share the password with another Apple device, a non-Apple device, or whether you need to recover a password you have lost.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone does not display saved WiFi passwords in Settings or anywhere else on the device.
  • You can share a WiFi password when ready with another iPhone, iPad, or Mac by holding your devices close together when the other person tries to connect.
  • To share with Android phones, Windows computers, or other non-Apple devices, you must know the password — either from your router, your internet bill, or by resetting the network.
  • If you have forgotten your password entirely, you can reset your WiFi network through your router's admin panel or by contacting your internet provider.
  • QR codes generated from your router settings let anyone scan and connect without typing the password manually.

Sharing your password with another Apple device using AirDrop

If the person you want to share with has an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the fastest method is WiFi password sharing — a feature built into Apple devices running recent software. When someone nearby tries to connect to your network, a prompt appears on your phone asking if you want to share the password. You tap "Share Password" and their device connects automatically.

This only works if both devices are unlocked, have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on, and are within a few feet of each other. The other person must be trying to connect to your network at the moment you share — you cannot send a password in advance. Both devices need to be signed into iCloud with an Apple ID, and the person receiving the password must be in your Contacts app.

If the prompt does not appear, check that AirDrop is turned on. On iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center, press and hold the WiFi and Bluetooth card, then tap the AirDrop icon and select "Contacts Only" or "Everyone".

Getting the password from your router if you need to share with non-Apple devices

To share your WiFi password with an Android phone, Windows computer, or any device that cannot use Apple's password-sharing feature, you need to know the actual password. Your router has this information, and you can find it by logging into the router's admin panel from any web browser.

Open a browser on any device connected to your WiFi and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar. You will be asked to log in. If you have never changed the login, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router; it usually shows a default username and password. Once you log in, look for a section labeled "WiFi", "Wireless", "Network Name", or "Security". The password is often called the "Pre-Shared Key" or "PSK".

If you cannot find the password in the router settings, or if you do not remember the router login, contact your internet provider. They can tell you the password or reset it for you. You will need to provide your account number or the phone number associated with your account.

Using a QR code to let others connect without typing

Many modern routers can generate a QR code that contains your network name and password. Anyone with a smartphone can open their camera app, point it at the QR code, and tap the notification that appears — their phone will connect to your WiFi without typing anything.

To find your QR code, log into your router's admin panel the same way you would to find the password: type the router's IP address into a browser, log in, and look for a WiFi or Network section. Some routers display the QR code directly; others require you to click a "Generate QR Code" button. Once you have it, you can take a screenshot, print it, or display it on a screen for guests to scan.

If your router does not have a built-in QR code feature, you can use a free online QR code generator. Search for "WiFi QR code generator", enter your network name and password, and the tool will create a code you can print or share.

Resetting your WiFi password through the router if you have forgotten it

If you have lost the password and cannot access your router's admin panel, you can reset the network entirely. On the back or bottom of your router, there is usually a small reset button. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its factory settings, which means the network name and password will go back to what is printed on the router's label.

Warning: resetting your router erases any custom settings you have made, including port forwarding, parental controls, or a custom network name. All devices will need to reconnect using the factory password. If you have made changes you want to keep, contact your internet provider first — they may be able to reset just the password without wiping everything else.

After a reset, log back into the router admin panel and change the password to something new. Use a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it harder for someone to guess or crack.

Why your iPhone does not store passwords you can see

Apple keeps saved WiFi passwords in an encrypted section of your phone that apps and users cannot access. This is a security choice: if someone steals your phone or gains access to it, they cannot easily extract all the passwords to networks you have used. The trade-off is that you cannot view them yourself either.

If you need to see a password regularly — for example, to give it to guests or to set up new devices — it is worth writing it down somewhere safe, storing it in a password manager like iCloud Keychain or 1Password, or using a QR code so you do not have to share the password in text form at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password in iCloud Keychain?

iCloud Keychain stores passwords for websites and apps, but not for WiFi networks. WiFi passwords are kept separately in a locked part of your phone that Keychain cannot access. You would need to retrieve the password from your router instead.

What if the person I want to share with does not have an Apple device?

You will need to know the actual password and tell them directly, text it to them, or use a QR code. Log into your router's admin panel to find the password, or ask your internet provider for it. QR codes are the safest option because the person never has to type or see the password.

Does WiFi password sharing work if we are not in the same room?

No. Both devices must be within a few feet of each other, and the other person must be actively trying to connect to your network at the moment you share. You cannot send a password in advance or across a distance.

Will resetting my router delete my internet?

No. Resetting the router returns it to factory settings, but your internet connection itself stays active. You will need to reconnect all your devices using the factory password, and you may need to reconfigure any custom settings you had set up.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?

Yes, sharing your password with guests is normal and safe. If you are concerned about security, you can create a separate guest network through your router settings — this gives guests internet access without letting them see other devices on your main network.