Where your phone stores WiFi passwords
Your phone remembers WiFi passwords so you don't have to type them every time you connect. The password itself is stored in your phone's settings, but where and how you see it depends on whether you use Android or iPhone — and on which version you're running.
On both systems, the password is encrypted and kept separate from the rest of your data. You can view it, but only if you're already logged into the phone. You cannot see a password you've never connected to, and you cannot see passwords for networks you've forgotten.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users can see saved WiFi passwords through Settings > WiFi, then tap the network name and select "Share Password" — the password appears in plain text on your screen.
- Android users must go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, find the saved network, and look for a QR code or password option — the exact steps vary by phone maker and Android version.
- Some Android phones show the password directly; others show only a QR code that you can scan with another device instead of typing the password.
- If you cannot find the password in your phone's settings, you can reset the router and set a new password, or ask the network owner for the original password.
Finding the password on an iPhone
Open Settings and tap WiFi. You'll see a list of networks your phone has connected to before. Find the network you want the password for and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside it) next to the network name.
Tap "Share Password" at the bottom of the screen. Your iPhone will display the password in plain text. You can now read it, write it down, or use it to connect another device. If you don't see a "Share Password" option, your phone may not have saved that network's password — this happens if you connected using a QR code or if the network doesn't require a password.
Finding the password on Android
The process varies depending on your phone's manufacturer and which version of Android you're running. Start by opening Settings and looking for "Network & Internet" or "Connections." Tap WiFi or "Manage WiFi Networks."
Find the network you want the password for and tap it. Some phones show the password directly in a field labeled "Password." Others display a QR code instead — you can scan this code with another phone or device to connect without typing the password. If you see neither, try long-pressing the network name; some Android versions hide the password behind an additional menu.
If your phone shows only a QR code and you need the actual password text, you have two options: take a screenshot of the QR code and use a QR code reader app to decode it, or reset your router and create a new password.
What to do if the password isn't visible
If you've looked in your phone's settings and cannot find the password, it usually means one of three things: your phone never saved it, you're looking in the wrong place, or the network doesn't use a password.
Try restarting your phone and checking again. If the network still doesn't appear in your saved list, you can forget the network and reconnect to it — your phone will prompt you to enter the password again, and you can then view it in settings. To forget a network on iPhone, tap the information icon and select "Forget This Network." On Android, long-press the network name and choose "Forget" or "Remove."
If you still cannot find it, the fastest option is to ask whoever set up the router for the password. If that's not possible, you can reset the router to its factory settings and create a new password — check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website for how to do this.
Using the password on another device
Once you have the password, you can type it into any other device to connect to the same network. Make sure you type it exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters and lowercase letters are different.
If you're connecting multiple devices in your home, consider using a password manager to store the password securely. This way you won't have to dig through settings every time someone new needs to connect. Most phones come with a built-in password manager, or you can use a third-party app.
Why your phone might show a QR code instead
Modern routers often generate a QR code for their WiFi network. When you scan this code with another phone, it automatically connects without you having to type anything. This is faster and less error-prone than typing a long password.
If your phone displays only a QR code and you need the actual password text, you can decode the QR code using a QR code reader app — search your phone's app store for "QR code reader." The decoded text will include the network name and password. Alternatively, you can check the router itself; many routers print the password on a sticker on the back or bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a WiFi password for a network I've never connected to?
No. Your phone only stores passwords for networks it has already connected to. If you want to join a network you've never used before, you need to ask the network owner for the password.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password from my phone?
Yes, sharing the password itself is safe. The password is just a string of text. However, be careful who you share it with — anyone with the password can connect to your network and potentially access shared files or devices on it.
What if I see a QR code but need to type the password instead?
Use a QR code reader app to decode it, or check the router for a printed password label. If neither works, you can reset the router and create a new password that you choose yourself.
Will resetting my phone erase my saved WiFi passwords?
A factory reset will erase all saved passwords. A regular restart will not. If you're planning a factory reset, write down your passwords first or take screenshots of the QR codes.
Can I change a WiFi password from my phone?
Not directly from the WiFi settings. You need to log into your router's admin panel through a web browser or the router's app. Check your router's manual for the admin address and default login details.