How to Find a WiFi Password Saved on Your Phone

Where your phone stores WiFi passwords

Your phone remembers WiFi passwords so you don't have to type them in every time. On Android, these passwords live in your phone's settings under "Saved Networks" or "WiFi Networks." On iPhone, they're stored in iCloud Keychain, which syncs across your Apple devices. The exact location depends on your phone's operating system and version.

The catch: you cannot see the actual password characters on most phones. Instead, you see the network name and connection status. This is intentional — it's a security feature that keeps the password hidden even if someone picks up your phone. But there are legitimate ways to recover or view a password you've forgotten.

Key Takeaways

Android phones store WiFi passwords in Settings under Network or WiFi, but the password itself remains hidden from view in most cases.
iPhone users can view saved WiFi passwords through Settings > WiFi > Manage Networks, but only if they have Face ID or Touch ID enabled.
If you need the password to share with someone else, the easiest route is to ask your router's admin panel or contact your internet provider.
Routers typically have a default password printed on a sticker on the device itself, which you can use to log in and reset or view the WiFi password.
Some third-party apps claim to show saved passwords, but they require device administrator access and pose a real security risk if your phone is lost or stolen.

Viewing a saved password on Android

On most Android phones, go to Settings, then tap Network or WiFi (the name varies by manufacturer). Look for "Saved Networks," "Manage Networks," or "WiFi Networks." You'll see a list of networks your phone has connected to before. Tap the network name, and you'll see the network details — but not the password itself.

Some Android versions do allow you to view the password if you have a screen lock enabled. On Samsung phones running Android 10 or later, you can sometimes tap the QR code icon next to a saved network, and a QR code appears that contains the password. Someone else can scan that QR code to join the network without needing to type the password. This is safer than displaying the password as text.

If your phone doesn't show the password this way, it's because Android treats saved passwords as encrypted data that the operating system won't display. This is the intended behavior — it protects you if your phone is lost or stolen.

Viewing a saved password on iPhone

iPhone stores WiFi passwords in iCloud Keychain, which is encrypted. To view a saved password, go to Settings > WiFi, find the network name, and tap the information icon (the small "i" in a circle). Tap "Password" and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. The password will then appear on your screen.

This only works if you have Face ID or Touch ID set up on your iPhone. If you don't, you won't see a password field at all. You'll need to set up biometric authentication first, or use one of the other methods described below.

If you're trying to view a password for a network you set up on a different Apple device, make sure you're signed into the same iCloud account on both devices. iCloud Keychain syncs passwords across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, so the password should be available on all of them.

Getting the password from your router

The most reliable way to find your WiFi password is to log into your router's admin panel. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default username and password. Common defaults are "admin" for the username and "admin" or "password" for the password, though this varies by manufacturer.

Open a web 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. Log in with the credentials from the sticker. Once you're in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Network." Your current WiFi password will be displayed there, often labeled as "WiFi Password," "Pre-Shared Key," or "PSK."

If you've changed the default router password and forgotten it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button (usually a small recessed button on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your custom settings and returns the router to its defaults, so you'll need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch.

Using a QR code to share the password

If you need to share your WiFi with someone else, generating a QR code is safer than saying the password out loud or writing it down. On Android, open Settings > WiFi, long-press the network name, and look for a "QR Code" or "Share" option. A QR code will appear that encodes the network name and password. The other person can open their phone's camera app, point it at the QR code, and tap the notification that appears to join the network.

On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network, and look for a "QR Code" option. Tap it to display the code. Again, the other person can scan it with their camera app to join without typing anything.

This method works across Android and iPhone — an iPhone user can scan a QR code generated by an Android phone, and vice versa. The password is encoded in the QR code itself, so it's only visible to someone who can see or photograph the code.

Why third-party password apps are risky

You may find apps in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store that claim to show saved WiFi passwords. Most of these require you to grant "Device Administrator" access or "Root" access to your phone. This is a major security risk. An app with these permissions can read all your data, change your settings, and lock you out of your own phone.

If your phone is lost or stolen, an app with device administrator access gives a thief a much easier path to your personal information. The legitimate ways to view or recover a WiFi password — through your phone's settings, your router's admin panel, or a QR code — don't require you to grant any special permissions. Avoid apps that ask for them.

What to do if you've forgotten the password entirely

If you don't remember your WiFi password and can't access your router's admin panel, contact your internet service provider. They can reset your WiFi password remotely or walk you through the process. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready when you call.

Alternatively, if you have another device that's already connected to the WiFi — a laptop, tablet, or smart TV — you may be able to view the password from that device using the same methods described above. Once you have the password, you can reconnect your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I'm not the one who set it up?

Not through your phone's settings. If you're a guest on someone else's network, your phone only stores the password for convenience — it doesn't display it. You'd need to ask the network owner for the password, or they can generate a QR code for you to scan.

What if my phone shows "Cannot connect" but I remember the password?

Forget the network first, then reconnect. On Android, go to Settings > WiFi, long-press the network name, and tap "Forget." On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon, and tap "Forget This Network." Then search for the network again and re-enter the password. This clears out any corrupted saved data.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

It's safer than using a weak password or sharing it over text message, but keep the written password in a find place — not on a sticky note on your monitor. A password manager app like Bitwarden or 1Password can store it encrypted instead.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if you log into your router's admin panel through a web browser on your phone. Go to the WiFi settings section in the router's interface and change the password there. The change takes effect when ready, and all your devices will be disconnected and need to reconnect with the new password.

Why does my iPhone ask for my Apple ID password to view a saved WiFi password?

iCloud Keychain encrypts your passwords and syncs them across your Apple devices. Asking for your Apple ID password confirms that you're the account owner before displaying sensitive data. This prevents someone else from viewing your passwords if they have temporary access to your phone.

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.