How to Find a WiFi Password Saved on Your Phone

Where your phone stores WiFi passwords

Your phone stores WiFi passwords in a find location so you don't have to type them every time you connect. On Android, passwords live in your system settings under saved networks. On iPhone, they're encrypted in iCloud Keychain, which syncs across your Apple devices. The exact location depends on your phone's operating system and whether you've set up cloud backup.

The catch: you can't straightforward open a folder and read the password as plain text. Your phone deliberately hides these passwords to protect your network security. But you can view them through your phone's settings, or retrieve them another way if you've forgotten where you saved them.

Key Takeaways

Android phones show saved WiFi passwords in Settings > Network and Internet > WiFi > Saved Networks, but only if you've connected to that network before.
iPhone users can see passwords through Settings > WiFi, then tap the network name and select "Share Password" — but this only works if you're already connected to that network.
If you've forgotten the password entirely, you can reset your router to factory settings, which erases the password and lets you create a new one.
On Android, you can also find passwords in a QR code format by going to your router's admin panel through a web browser on any device.

Finding a WiFi password on Android

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet (or Connections, depending on your Android version). Tap WiFi, then look for "Saved Networks" or "Manage Networks." You'll see a list of every network your phone has connected to before. Tap the network you want the password for, and the password should appear in plain text — though some Android versions show it as dots until you tap the eye icon to reveal it.

This method only works if your phone has already connected to that network at least once. If you're trying to find a password for a network you've never joined, this won't help. You'll need to ask the person who set up the network, or reset the router itself.

Some Android phones require you to authenticate with your fingerprint or PIN before showing the password. This is a security feature — it prevents someone who picks up your phone from when ready seeing all your network passwords.

Finding a WiFi password on iPhone

iPhone doesn't display passwords in the same way Android does. Instead, go to Settings > WiFi, find the network you're connected to, and tap the information icon (the small "i" in a circle). You'll see an option to "Share Password" — but this only works if you're already connected to that network, and it lets you share the password with another Apple device nearby, not view it yourself.

To actually see the password on an iPhone, you need to use iCloud Keychain. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Keychain, and make sure it's turned on. Then open Safari, go to Settings > Passwords, find the WiFi network in your saved passwords, and tap it to reveal the full password. This requires Face ID or your Apple ID password to view.

If you're trying to find a password for a network you've never connected to on your iPhone, these methods won't work. You'll need to ask the network owner or reset the router.

Retrieving a password from your router

If you own the router, you can see or reset the WiFi password by logging into the router's admin panel. On any device with internet access, open a web browser and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in with the admin username and password (often "admin" and "admin", or printed on the router itself).

Once you're in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Security. Your current password should be visible there. If you've forgotten the admin password too, you can factory reset the router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all settings, including the WiFi password, and returns the router to its default state. You'll then need to set up a new password from scratch.

Factory resetting your router will disconnect every device currently using that network, so do this when it won't disrupt other people in your home or office.

Using a QR code to share the password

Many routers and phones can generate a QR code for your WiFi network. On Android, go to Settings > Network and Internet > WiFi, tap your network, and look for "Share" or "QR Code." On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network, and select "Share." Point another phone's camera at the QR code, and it will prompt to join the network automatically — no typing required.

This is useful if you want to let someone connect without telling them the actual password. The QR code contains the password, but only works when scanned by another phone. You can also generate a QR code from your router's admin panel if your phone doesn't offer this feature.

What to do if you can't find the password

If your phone has never connected to the network, or you've switched phones and didn't save the password, you have two options: ask the person who set up the network, or reset the router. Resetting is the only way forward if the network owner is unavailable or has forgotten the password themselves.

Before you reset, check if the default password is printed on the router's label. Many routers come with a default WiFi name and password that you can use to log back in if you've forgotten your custom one. If you've changed the password and truly can't recover it, factory reset is your only path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password on my phone if I've never connected to that network?

No. Your phone only stores passwords for networks it has connected to before. If you need to join a network you've never used, you'll need to ask the network owner for the password, or reset the router if you own it.

Will resetting my router erase my password permanently?

Yes. A factory reset erases all settings, including your WiFi password. After reset, you'll need to log back into the router's admin panel and create a new password. All devices will need to reconnect using the new password.

Why does my phone show dots instead of the actual password?

This is a security feature. Your phone hides passwords by default to prevent someone from reading them over your shoulder. Tap the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it, or authenticate with your fingerprint or PIN if prompted.

Can I retrieve a WiFi password if I don't own the router?

Only if your phone has connected to that network before — then you can view it in your phone's settings. If you haven't connected, you'll need to ask the network owner. You cannot access someone else's router without their permission.

What's the default password if I've reset my router?

Check the label on the bottom or back of your router. Most routers have a default WiFi name and password printed there. If the label is missing or worn, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website by searching the model number.

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.