Where your phone stores the password you need
Your phone remembers every WiFi network you have ever connected to, including the password. The password is stored in your phone's settings, not in the router itself. On both Android and iPhone, you can view that password without resetting anything — but the exact steps differ between the two systems, and some phones make it harder than others depending on their age and manufacturer.
The fastest route is usually your router's sticker or your internet bill, which both list the default password. But if you have changed the password since setup, or if you need to retrieve it from the phone itself, the methods below will get you there.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone, you cannot view a saved WiFi password directly in settings — you must use the Passwords app or ask Siri to show it to you.
- On Android, the steps vary by manufacturer and Android version, but Settings > Network > WiFi usually shows saved networks, though not always the password itself.
- Your router's sticker on the back or bottom lists the original password, and your internet bill usually repeats it.
- If you have forgotten the password and cannot retrieve it, resetting the router to factory settings will restore the default password printed on the sticker.
Finding the password on iPhone
iPhone does not display WiFi passwords in the Settings app the way Android does. Instead, you have two options: use the Passwords app (iOS 15 and newer) or ask Siri.
Open the Passwords app on your iPhone. Tap the search icon at the bottom and type the name of your WiFi network. When it appears, tap it and then tap "Show Password" — you will need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. The password will appear in plain text.
If you do not have the Passwords app, ask Siri: "What is the password for [network name]?" Siri will display it on your screen. This works on iOS 16 and newer. For older iPhones, you will need to check your router's sticker or contact your internet provider.
Finding the password on Android
Android phones store WiFi passwords in Settings, but the exact path depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. Start by opening Settings and looking for "Network" or "WiFi" — the label varies.
Tap WiFi or Wireless, then find the network name you want the password for. On most phones, you will see a list of saved networks. Tap and hold the network name, or look for a gear icon or three-dot menu next to it. A menu will appear — select "View Password" or "Show Password." You may need to enter your phone's PIN or use your fingerprint to confirm.
If you do not see a "Show Password" option, your phone may not allow you to view saved passwords this way. In that case, check your router's sticker or your internet bill instead.
Checking your router for the original password
Every router ships with a default password printed on a sticker attached to the device itself. Look on the back, bottom, or side of your router — the sticker usually shows the network name (SSID) and the password next to it, often labeled "WiFi Password" or "Key."
If you have changed the password since you set up the router, this sticker will show the original password, not your current one. If you need the current password and cannot retrieve it from your phone, you will have to reset the router to restore the default.
Your internet bill is another place the original password often appears. Check your most recent bill or log into your internet provider's website — many providers list the default network name and password in your account details.
Resetting the router if you cannot find the password
If you cannot retrieve the password from your phone or the router sticker, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This will erase your current password and restore the default one printed on the sticker, but it will also disconnect all devices and erase any custom settings you have made.
Locate the small reset button on your router — it is usually recessed and requires a paperclip or pin to press. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it finishes, the network name and password will return to the defaults on the sticker.
After the reset, you will need to reconnect all your devices using the default password, and you can change the password again in the router's admin panel if you wish.
What to do if the sticker is missing or unreadable
If the sticker is worn away or missing, you can still find the default password by looking up your router model online. Search "[router brand and model number] default password" — most manufacturers publish this information publicly.
You can find your router's model number on the device itself, usually on the back or bottom near the sticker area. It will look something like "TP-Link Archer A6" or "Netgear Nighthawk AX12." Once you have the model number, a quick search will show you the default credentials.
If you still cannot locate it, contact your internet provider's customer support — they can tell you the default password or reset it remotely on some systems.
Why you might not be able to view the password
Some phones, especially older iPhones and certain Android manufacturers, do not allow you to view saved WiFi passwords for security reasons. This is intentional — the password is encrypted on your device and hidden from view to prevent other apps from stealing it.
If your phone will not show the password, your router's sticker or your internet bill are your next best options. You can also reset the router to restore the default password, or contact your internet provider to confirm what the current password should be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a WiFi password if I am not connected to that network?
No. Your phone can only show you the password for networks you have already connected to and saved. If you have never connected to a network, the password is not stored on your phone. You will need to check the router's sticker or contact the network owner.
Will viewing the password on my phone change it or cause any problems?
No. Viewing a saved password does not change it, disconnect you, or affect the network in any way. It is a read-only action — you are straightforward looking at what your phone already knows.
What if I see the password but it does not work when I try to connect another device?
The password may have been changed since you last connected. If someone else changed the router password, your phone still remembers the old one. Ask whoever manages the router for the current password, or reset the router to restore the default.
Can I change my WiFi password from my phone?
Not directly from your phone's settings. You must log into your router's admin panel using a web browser or the router manufacturer's app. This usually requires you to know the router's admin username and password, which is different from the WiFi password.
Is it safe to share the WiFi password I found on my phone?
Yes, sharing a WiFi password is safe — it only grants access to the network, not to your phone or personal data. However, only share it with people you trust, since they will be able to use your internet connection.