Where your phone stores the password it already knows
Your phone has your WiFi password saved, but the location and how you reach it depends on whether you use Android or iPhone. Neither operating system makes this obvious — the password is there for convenience, not for you to read it back. You will need to go into your network settings, find the network name, and look for an option to display or share the password.
The steps differ enough between the two systems that you should follow the path for your device. Both methods work without needing to reset your router or call your internet provider.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, then tap the info icon to see the password in plain text.
- On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but usually involves Settings > Network > WiFi, then tapping the saved network and selecting "Show password" or "Share".
- If you cannot see a password option, your phone may not have permission to display it, or the network was set up under a different account.
- If you have forgotten the password entirely and cannot retrieve it from your phone, you will need to reset your router or check any documentation from your internet provider.
Finding the password on an iPhone
Open Settings and tap WiFi. You will see a list of networks your phone has connected to before. Find the network you want the password for and tap the information icon — it looks like a circle with an "i" inside it, positioned to the right of the network name.
A panel will open showing network details. Look for the line labeled "Password" — the text will be hidden by default, shown as dots. Tap on the password field and your phone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Once you authenticate, the actual password appears in plain text.
Write down the password or copy it before you leave this screen. If you need to share it with someone else, you can also use the "Share WiFi" option that appears in the same panel — this lets another person join the network without typing the password manually.
Finding the password on Android
The exact steps depend on your phone's manufacturer, but the general path is the same. Open Settings and look for Network, WiFi, or Connections — the label varies. Tap WiFi to see your saved networks.
Find the network you want and tap and hold on it (or tap the gear icon next to it if one appears). A menu will open. Look for "Manage network", "Network settings", "View password", or "Share password" — the wording changes by manufacturer. Tap that option.
Your phone will ask you to authenticate with your fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN. Once you do, the password will display in plain text. Some Android phones also let you tap a "Show password" checkbox instead of opening a separate menu. If you do not see any password option, your phone may not have permission to display it — this sometimes happens if the network was set up under a different user account on the device.
What to do if your phone does not show the password
If you tap the network and see no password field or option to display it, the most common reason is that your phone does not have the right permissions. On Android, check that you are logged into the user account that originally connected to the network. On iPhone, make sure you are the device owner or have admin access.
Another possibility is that the network uses a login page instead of a password — some public WiFi networks and business networks work this way. In that case, there is no password to retrieve; you would need to open a web browser and log in through the portal instead.
If you are certain the network uses a password and your phone still will not show it, you can reset the network connection. Go back to your WiFi settings, tap "Forget" or "Remove" next to the network name, then reconnect to it fresh. Your phone will ask you to enter the password again, which means you will need to know it from another source — your router, your internet bill, or your network administrator.
Getting the password from your router if your phone cannot help
If your phone has never connected to the network, or if you cannot retrieve the password through your phone's settings, you will need to check your router directly. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default network name and password printed on it. Look for a label that says "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Key".
If the sticker is worn away or missing, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This erases any custom password you set and returns it to the default one printed in the manual or on the manufacturer's website. Resetting usually involves holding a small button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds. Be aware that resetting will disconnect all devices currently using the network, and you will need to reconnect them afterward.
If you rent your router from your internet provider rather than owning it, call their customer service line — the number is on your bill. They can tell you the password or reset it for you remotely.
Why your phone stores passwords and what it means for security
Your phone saves WiFi passwords so you do not have to type them every time you reconnect. This is convenient, but it also means anyone with access to your phone's settings can potentially see your password. This is why your phone requires authentication — a fingerprint, face scan, or PIN — before displaying it.
If you are concerned about someone else accessing your WiFi password through your phone, the safest step is to change the password on your router itself. You can do this by logging into your router's admin panel, usually by typing your router's IP address into a web browser. The default IP is often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and you will need your router's admin username and password — these are different from your WiFi password and are usually on the router label or in the manual.
Changing your WiFi password will disconnect all devices currently on the network, and you will need to reconnect them with the new password. This is a good security practice if you have not changed the password in over a year, or if someone who used to have access to your network no longer should.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I am not the person who set up the network?
On iPhone, you can see the password if you are signed into the device with an account that has admin access. On Android, you need to be logged into the user account that originally connected to the network. If neither applies to you, you will not be able to retrieve it through your phone — you would need to ask the network owner or administrator.
What if I see the password field but it just shows dots and will not unlock?
Your phone is asking for authentication and you may have entered the wrong fingerprint, face, or PIN. Try again, making sure your finger is clean and your face is well-lit. If you still cannot authenticate, you may need to unlock your phone with your passcode first, then try viewing the password again.
Does viewing my WiFi password on my phone put my network at risk?
No. Viewing the password on your own phone does not change the password or expose it to anyone else. The risk only exists if someone else gains access to your phone's settings. If that concerns you, change your WiFi password through your router's admin panel instead.
My Android phone does not have a "show password" option. What do I do?
Some older Android versions and some manufacturer customizations do not display saved passwords. In that case, you will need to check your router's label for the default password, or log into your router's admin panel to view or change the password yourself.
Can I retrieve a WiFi password from a network I connected to years ago but have since forgotten?
If your phone still has that network saved, yes — follow the steps for your device type above. If you have since reset your phone or switched devices, the password is gone from your phone's memory. You would need to get it from the router or from whoever manages that network.