Where to find your saved WiFi password on iPhone
Your iPhone stores WiFi passwords in the Keychain, Apple's built-in password manager. To see a password you've already connected to, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, then tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i"). Scroll down and look for the password field — if it appears blank, tap Show Password at the bottom of that section. You'll need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode before the password displays.
This method only works for networks your iPhone has connected to before. If you're trying to see a password for a network you've never joined, or one you've forgotten, you'll need a different approach — either ask the network owner, check your router settings, or use a computer that's already connected to that network.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, tap WiFi, select your network, tap the info icon, and tap Show Password to reveal a saved WiFi password on your iPhone.
- You must authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before the password appears on screen.
- This method only works for networks your iPhone has already connected to in the past.
- If you need a password for a network you've never joined, you'll need to contact the network owner or check the router directly.
- On a Mac connected to the same network, you can also view the password through Keychain Access without needing the iPhone.
Step-by-step instructions for viewing the password
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap WiFi near the top of the menu. You'll see a list of networks — find the one whose password you want to see and tap the network name itself (not the information icon yet).
Once you've selected the network, look for the small circle with an "i" to the right of the network name and tap it. A details screen will open. Scroll down until you see a field labeled Password. If the password appears as dots or is blank, tap the words Show Password directly below or next to that field. Your iPhone will prompt you to authenticate — use Face ID, Touch ID, or enter your device passcode. The password will then display in plain text.
Write down the password or copy it before you leave this screen, because it will hide again once you navigate away. If you need to share it with someone else, you can read it aloud or use the copy function (press and hold the password field) to paste it into a message or note.
What to do if Show Password doesn't appear
If you don't see a Show Password option, it usually means one of three things: the network requires a special login (like a captive portal at a coffee shop), your iPhone is having trouble accessing Keychain, or the network was set up in a way that doesn't store the password locally.
Try disconnecting from the network and reconnecting to it. Go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to the network, and select Forget This Network. Then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering the password manually. This forces your iPhone to re-store the password in Keychain, which sometimes fixes the display issue.
If the problem persists, restart your iPhone by holding down the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on. After restart, try the steps again. If you still can't see the password and you need it urgently, contact the network owner or check the router's admin panel from a computer that's already connected.
Viewing WiFi passwords from a Mac instead
If you have a Mac connected to the same WiFi network, you can view the password there without needing your iPhone at all. Open Keychain Access on your Mac — you can find it by clicking the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass) in the top right, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter.
In Keychain Access, use the search box in the top right to find your WiFi network by name. When it appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to Show password at the bottom of that window. Your Mac will ask for your computer password or Touch ID. Once you authenticate, the WiFi password displays in plain text.
This approach is often faster if you're already at your computer, and it doesn't require your iPhone to be nearby. The password stored on your Mac is the same one your iPhone uses, because both devices sync through iCloud Keychain.
Why your iPhone might not show the password
iCloud Keychain must be turned on for your iPhone to store and display WiFi passwords. If you've disabled it, passwords won't sync or display. Check by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and making sure Keychain is toggled on.
Another reason the password might not display is if you're not the device owner or if parental controls are active. If someone else set up your iPhone or if Screen Time restrictions are in place, you may not have permission to view saved passwords. Ask the account owner to authenticate instead, or check Settings > Screen Time to see if password viewing is restricted.
If your iPhone is very old or running an outdated version of iOS, the Show Password feature might not be available. Make sure you're running iOS 13 or later by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Updating your device often fixes password display issues.
Sharing a WiFi password with someone else
If someone with an iPhone or iPad is near you and wants to join your network, iOS has a built-in sharing feature. When they try to connect to your WiFi, a prompt appears on your device asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password, and their device receives it automatically without you having to type or say it aloud.
This feature only works between Apple devices and requires both people to be in Bluetooth range. If you're sharing with an Android phone, Windows computer, or someone who isn't nearby, you'll need to tell them the password manually. Use the steps above to view it on your iPhone, then read it aloud, text it, or write it down for them.
For guests who need long-term access, consider creating a separate guest network on your router with its own password. This keeps your main network password private while still letting visitors connect. Check your router's admin panel (usually accessible at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) to set this up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a WiFi password on my iPhone if I've never connected to that network before?
No. Your iPhone only stores passwords for networks it has already joined. If you need a password for a network you've never connected to, contact the network owner, check the router's label (usually on the back or bottom), or log into the router's admin panel from another device that's already connected.
What if I forgot my WiFi password and can't see it on my iPhone?
If your iPhone won't display the password, try restarting your device or reconnecting to the network. If that doesn't work, access your router directly — most routers have a reset button or an admin panel you can log into through a web browser. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions specific to your model.
Does showing the WiFi password on my iPhone make it less find?
No. Viewing your own password on your device doesn't weaken the network's security. The password itself remains the same, and your iPhone requires authentication (Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode) before displaying it. The security risk comes only if you share the password with someone you don't trust or if someone else gains access to your unlocked iPhone.
Can I change my WiFi password from my iPhone?
Not directly from the Settings app. To change your WiFi password, you need to log into your router's admin panel, which you access through a web browser on any device (iPhone, Mac, or computer). Go to your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), log in with your router's admin credentials, and look for the WiFi or Security settings to change the password there.
Why does my iPhone ask for Face ID every time I try to show the password?
This is normal security behavior. Your iPhone requires authentication each time you view a saved password to prevent unauthorized access if someone else picks up your device. If the authentication prompt is appearing even when you're unlocked, it means Keychain is working as designed — it's an extra layer of protection for sensitive information like passwords.