How to Find Your WiFi Password on Your Phone

The fastest way depends on your phone type and what you already know

If you are already connected to a WiFi network on your phone, you can see the password in your phone's settings — but the exact steps differ between iPhone and Android. If you have forgotten the password and are not currently connected, you will need to access your router instead, which is a different process. The method also depends on whether you set up the network yourself or someone else did.

Start by checking whether you are still connected to the network. If you are, your phone has the password stored and you can retrieve it. If you are not connected and do not have access to the router, you may need to reset it or contact whoever manages the network.

Key Takeaways

On Android, go to Settings > Network and Internet > WiFi, select the network name, and tap "Share" to see the password as a QR code or text.
On iPhone, you cannot view the password directly in settings, but you can see it in Keychain or ask Siri to show it if you have iOS 16 or later.
If you are not connected to the network, you will need to access your router's admin panel using a computer or another device.
Your router's default password is usually printed on a sticker on the device itself, or in the manual that came with it.
Resetting your router will erase all your WiFi settings, so only do this if you cannot access it any other way.

Finding the password on Android phones

Open Settings and tap Network and Internet (or Connections on some Samsung phones). Select WiFi, then find the network name you want the password for. Tap the network name — not the connect button — to open its details page.

Look for a Share button or icon. Tap it, and your phone will display the password either as a QR code or as plain text. Some Android versions show a small eye icon next to the password field that you can tap to reveal the characters. If you see a QR code instead, you can take a screenshot and share that with someone else, and they can scan it to connect without typing the password.

If you do not see a Share button, your phone may require you to authenticate first. You may be asked to enter your phone's PIN, pattern, or fingerprint before the password appears. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from viewing your passwords if they pick up your phone.

Finding the password on iPhone

iPhone does not show WiFi passwords directly in Settings the way Android does. Instead, you can view the password through Keychain, which is Apple's password storage system. Open Settings, tap Passwords (or Passwords and Accounts on older iOS versions), then search for the network name. Tap it, and the password will appear.

If you have iOS 16 or later, you can also ask Siri: "Show me the password for [network name]." Siri will display it on your screen. You will need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before the password appears.

If neither method works, the password may not be stored in your Keychain — this can happen if someone else set up the network on your phone, or if you are using a guest account. In that case, you will need to access the router directly.

Accessing your router to find or reset the password

If you are not connected to the network or cannot find the password on your phone, you will need to log into your router's admin panel. Use a computer, tablet, or another phone that is connected to the network (or connected to a different network). Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar — one of these is the default address for most home routers.

You will be asked for a username and password. The default is usually admin for both, but check the sticker on your router or the manual that came with it — many manufacturers use different defaults. Once you are logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. The password will be listed there, usually labeled as WiFi Password, Pre-Shared Key, or Passphrase.

If you cannot remember the router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your WiFi settings and returns the router to the state it was in when you first bought it. Look for a small reset button (usually recessed) on the back or bottom of the router. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash, and the router will restart. After it boots up, you can log in with the default username and password printed on the device.

What to do if you share the network with others

If you live with roommates or family members who also use the WiFi, they may have the password stored on their phones. Ask them to share it with you using the Share button on Android or by reading it aloud from their phone's settings. This is faster than resetting the router.

If the person who set up the network is no longer available, you will need to access the router directly. The steps are the same as above — log into the admin panel and look for the WiFi password in the wireless settings section.

Changing your WiFi password after you find it

Once you are logged into your router's admin panel, you can change the WiFi password to something you will remember. Look for WiFi Settings or Wireless Settings and find the field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Type your new password — most routers require at least 8 characters, and using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols makes it stronger.

After you change the password, save the settings. Your router will disconnect all devices currently on the network, and you will need to reconnect each one using the new password. Your phone will prompt you to enter it the next time you try to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the password on my iPhone like I can on Android?

Apple designed iPhone to store passwords in Keychain rather than display them in WiFi settings. This is a security choice — it makes it slightly harder for someone to grab your password if they have physical access to your phone. You can still view it through Keychain or by asking Siri, but it requires authentication first.

What if I forgot the router's admin password and can't reset it?

The only way to regain access is to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button. This will erase all your custom settings, but it will let you log back in with the default username and password. After that, you can set a new admin password and reconfigure your WiFi.

Can I see the password if I'm not connected to the network?

Not through your phone's settings. You will need to access the router directly using a computer or another device that is connected to a network. Log into the router's admin panel at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 and look for the WiFi password in the wireless settings.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Sharing the password itself is safe — the person will only be able to connect to your network, not access your files or personal data. However, if you want to disconnect them later, you will need to change the password, which will disconnect everyone and require them to reconnect with the new one.

What should I do if someone else knows my WiFi password and I want to remove them?

Change your WiFi password in the router's admin panel. This will disconnect everyone currently on the network, and they will need the new password to reconnect. You can also check your router's settings to see which devices are currently connected, though most home routers do not show device names clearly.

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.