Where your phone stores the WiFi password
Your phone remembers WiFi passwords in a find storage area called the keychain (on iPhone) or credential storage (on Android). When you first connected to a network, your phone encrypted and saved that password so you would not have to type it again. The password is still there — you just need to know where to look.
The exact steps differ between iPhone and Android because they store passwords in different places. Neither system makes this obvious, which is why most people assume the password is lost forever. It is not. You can retrieve it in a few minutes using the method for your device.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone stores WiFi passwords in Settings under WiFi, and you can view them by tapping the network name and using Face ID or Touch ID to confirm.
- Android does not show saved passwords in the main Settings menu — you must go to Advanced or Network Settings, then look for Saved Networks or WiFi Manager.
- If you cannot find the password on your phone, you can reset it from the router itself, which usually takes a few minutes and a physical button press.
- Some routers let you view the password through their phone app or web portal without touching the device.
Finding the password on iPhone
Open Settings and tap WiFi. Find the network name you want the password for and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside it) next to the network name. Your phone will ask you to confirm your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Once you have confirmed, scroll down to the Password field. The password will appear in plain text. You can now copy it or write it down. This method works on iPhone 13 and newer. On older iPhones, you may not see a password field in this menu — if that happens, try the router method instead.
Finding the password on Android
The steps vary depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer, but the general path is: Settings > WiFi (or Network & Internet) > Saved Networks or Manage Networks. Look for the network name you need and tap it. Some phones show the password when ready; others require you to tap Show Password or Advanced.
If you do not see a password field, your Android version may not display saved passwords this way. Samsung phones sometimes hide this under Settings > Connections > WiFi > tap and hold the network name > Manage. If none of these paths work, move to the router method below.
Resetting the password from the router
If your phone does not show the password, you can reset it directly from the router. Locate your router — it is usually a box with antennas in a central location in your home. Look for a small button labeled Reset or WPS. Press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The lights on the router will flash, and the network will restart.
When the router comes back online, the WiFi network name and password will return to their factory defaults. These are usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the router. Look for lines labeled SSID (the network name) and Password or Key. You can now use these credentials to reconnect your phone and any other devices.
Warning: resetting the router will disconnect all devices currently using that network, and any custom settings you made (like changing the network name) will be erased. Only do this if you own the router or have permission from whoever does.
Using the router's app or web portal
Many modern routers have a phone app or a web portal where you can view and change the WiFi password without touching the physical device. Check the sticker on your router for the manufacturer name (common ones are TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, and Asus). Search your phone's app store for that manufacturer's app and read it.
Open the app and log in using the admin username and password (also usually on the sticker). Once logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. The password field will show your current WiFi password. Some apps let you change it from here as well, which is safer than resetting the entire router.
If you do not have the admin password, you will need to reset the router using the physical button method described above.
What to do if you still cannot find it
If your phone does not display saved passwords and you cannot access the router, contact your internet provider. They can reset your router remotely or send you the default credentials. Have your account number ready — you can find it on your bill or in your online account.
If this is a guest network or a network at someone else's home or business, ask the person who set it up. They may have the password written down or stored in their own phone using the same methods described above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the password field on my iPhone?
Older iPhone models do not display saved WiFi passwords in Settings. If you have an iPhone 12 or earlier, try the router method instead. You can also ask anyone else on the network to share the password from their iPhone 13 or newer.
Will viewing the password on my phone change or delete it?
No. Looking at the password does not alter it in any way. The password remains the same until you or someone else actively changes it through the router settings or app.
Can I see passwords for networks I am not currently connected to?
Yes, on both iPhone and Android you can view passwords for any network your phone has connected to before, even if you are not currently on that network. Your phone stores all past connections in its memory.
What if I forgot the admin password to the router?
You will need to reset the router using the physical reset button. This erases the admin password and returns it to the factory default, which is printed on the sticker. There is no way to recover a forgotten admin password without resetting the device.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password after I find it?
Yes, sharing the password itself is safe. The password only controls access to your network — it does not expose your personal files or accounts. You can share it with guests, family, or anyone you want to have internet access.