Where to find your 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 info icon (the small circle with an "i"). You'll see the password field, but it appears as dots for security. Tap Show Password and use Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to reveal it.

This method only works for networks your iPhone has already joined and saved. If you've never connected to that network before, your phone won't have the password stored. You'll need to get it from whoever set up the network — usually the router owner or your internet provider.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to WiFi, select the network, tap the info icon, and choose 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 you've already connected to; your iPhone doesn't store passwords for networks you haven't joined.
  • To share a password with someone nearby, use the automatic sharing feature by having them join the network while you're in range.
  • If you forget the password to your own router, you can reset it using the physical reset button or your router's admin panel.

Using automatic WiFi sharing between iPhones

If someone with an iPhone wants to join your network and you're both nearby, you don't need to type the password at all. When they select your network name and try to connect, a prompt appears on your phone asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password, and their iPhone receives it automatically through Bluetooth and WiFi.

Both phones must have Bluetooth turned on, be unlocked, and be within a few feet of each other. The person joining must have your contact information in their Contacts app. This feature works across all Apple devices — iPhone, iPad, and Mac — so it's the fastest way to let someone connect without saying the password out loud.

Sharing your password with non-Apple devices

If someone has an Android phone, Windows laptop, or another device that isn't Apple, you'll need to tell them the password manually. Open Settings > WiFi, select your network, tap the info icon, and choose Show Password. Read it aloud or write it down for them to type into their device.

Some routers let you generate a QR code that people can scan instead of typing. Check your router's admin panel (usually accessible by typing your router's IP address into a web browser) to see if this option is available. The QR code method is faster and more accurate than reading a long password aloud, especially if your password contains numbers and special characters.

Resetting your router password if you've forgotten it

If you can't remember your WiFi password and don't have another device that's already connected, you'll need to reset your router. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink, and the router will restart with its factory default settings.

After the reset, your router will broadcast a default network name and password, usually printed on a sticker on the device itself. Log in with those credentials, then create a new network name and password through the router's admin panel. You can access this panel by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar.

Finding your password if you don't have access to your iPhone

If your iPhone is lost, stolen, or you don't have it with you, you can still find your WiFi password through your router. Log into your router's admin panel using a computer or another device. The login page usually appears when you type the router's IP address into a web browser. Enter your router's username and password (these are different from your WiFi password and are often printed on the router itself).

Once you're logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. The password field may show dots or asterisks, but many routers have a Show Password option nearby. If you can't find it, restart your router and use the default password printed on the device, then set up a new one.

Changing your WiFi password from your iPhone

You can't change your WiFi password directly from your iPhone's Settings app. Instead, you need to access your router's admin panel through a web browser. Open Safari or another browser, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), and log in with your router's username and password.

Navigate to the WiFi or Wireless settings section and look for the password field. Change it to something new, save the changes, and the router will restart. Your iPhone will disconnect temporarily, then you can reconnect using the new password. Write down the new password somewhere safe, or store it in a password manager like iCloud Keychain.

Why your iPhone might not show the password

If you tap Show Password and nothing appears, your iPhone may not have permission to access the Keychain. Make sure you're using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode correctly. If biometric authentication fails, try entering your passcode instead.

Another reason the password field might be blank is if you're looking at a network you've never actually connected to. Your iPhone only stores passwords for networks it has joined. If you see a network name in your WiFi list but can't remember connecting to it, try selecting it and entering a password you think might work — sometimes older saved networks appear in the list even if you haven't used them in years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password on my iPhone if I'm not the network owner?

No. You can only view passwords for networks your iPhone has already connected to and saved. If you're a guest on someone else's network, you won't be able to see the password through your phone's settings. You'd need to ask the network owner directly.

What if I forgot my router's admin password?

You can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings, including the WiFi password, but you can then set up a new one using the default credentials printed on the router. Some routers also let you reset the admin password through their manufacturer's app.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Yes, sharing your WiFi password is safe. The password only lets someone connect to your network — it doesn't give them access to your personal files or data on your iPhone. If you want to remove someone's access later, you can change your WiFi password, and they'll be disconnected.

Why does my iPhone keep asking for the WiFi password?

This usually means your iPhone forgot the saved password, often because the network settings changed or the password was updated. Go to Settings > WiFi, select the network, tap Forget This Network, then reconnect and enter the password again. Your iPhone will save it for next time.

Can I use the automatic sharing feature with an iPad or Mac?

Yes. The automatic WiFi sharing feature works across all Apple devices. If you're using an iPad or Mac and someone nearby wants to join your network, the same prompt appears on your device, and you can share the password with a tap.