Where your phone stores the WiFi password it already knows
If your phone has already connected to a WiFi network, it stores that password in your device settings. The steps to view it depend on whether you use Android or iPhone, and the exact menu names vary by phone model and operating system version.
Your phone does not display passwords as a security measure — it keeps them hidden even from you. But both Android and iPhone let you view the password you set up, usually through the WiFi settings menu or by looking at the network details after you have connected.
Key Takeaways
- On Android, go to Settings > Network and Internet > WiFi, find your network, and tap "Manage" or the gear icon to see the password.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and look for the password field — you may need to use Face ID or Touch ID to reveal it.
- Some Android phones require you to take a screenshot of the QR code instead, because the password field is hidden by default.
- If you cannot see the password on your phone, you can reset your router and set a new password, then reconnect all devices.
- The password you see is the one you created when you set up the router, not a temporary code the router generates.
Finding the password on Android phones
On most Android phones, open Settings, then tap Network and Internet or Connections (the exact name depends on your phone maker). Look for WiFi and tap it to see the list of networks your phone has connected to.
Find the network you want the password for and tap it. You should see a Manage button, a gear icon, or an info icon. Tap that, and look for a field labeled Password or Passphrase. The password may be hidden by default — if you see dots or asterisks instead of letters, tap the eye icon next to the field to reveal it.
Some Android phones, especially Samsung models, show a QR code instead of the password text. If that happens, take a screenshot of the QR code. You can then share that screenshot with someone else, and they can scan it with their phone to connect to the same network without typing the password manually.
Finding the password on iPhone
On iPhone, open Settings and tap WiFi. Find the network you are connected to and tap the info icon — it looks like a small circle with an "i" inside it, to the right of the network name.
A menu will open showing details about that network. Look for a field labeled Password. The password is usually hidden, and you will see dots instead of the actual characters. Tap the password field, and your phone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. After you do, the password will appear in plain text.
If you do not see a password field at all, it means your phone does not have permission to display it. This can happen if the network was set up by a different user account on a shared device, or if the network uses enterprise security settings.
What to do if your phone will not show the password
If you have tried the steps above and your phone still will not display the password, the most reliable option is to reset your router and create a new password. This erases all the old settings on the router, so you will need to set it up again from scratch.
To reset your router, look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the device. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and return to its factory settings. You can then set up a new network name and password through the router's setup app or web interface.
After you reset the router, you will need to reconnect all your devices — phones, computers, smart home devices — using the new password. Write down the new password somewhere safe so you do not lose it again.
Why your phone hides the password by default
Phones hide WiFi passwords to prevent someone from looking over your shoulder and stealing the password. If you leave your phone unlocked on a table, a visitor cannot easily see your network credentials just by glancing at the screen.
The password is also hidden to protect you if you hand your phone to someone to use temporarily. They cannot accidentally see your WiFi password and use it later on their own device without your knowledge.
Sharing your WiFi password without showing the actual text
If you want to let someone else connect to your WiFi but do not want to tell them the password, both Android and iPhone let you share the network directly from your phone. On iPhone, the person can open Settings > WiFi, tap your network, and tap "Connect" — your phone will prompt you to approve the connection, and theirs will connect without ever displaying the password.
On Android, the process varies by phone maker. Samsung phones let you tap "Share" next to the network name and show a QR code that someone else can scan. Other Android phones may not have this feature, in which case you will need to tell them the password or reset the router with a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the password for a WiFi network I am not currently connected to?
No. Your phone only stores passwords for networks it has already connected to. If you want to see the password for a network you have never used, you will need to access the router itself, usually through a web browser or the router's app.
What if I forgot the password and my phone is not connected anymore?
If your phone has disconnected from the network and you did not write down the password, you will need to reset the router. This erases all settings, including the old password, so you can create a new one. The reset button is usually on the back of the router.
Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?
Yes. Writing it down and storing it somewhere find — like a notebook in a drawer, not on a sticky note on your monitor — is safer than relying on memory. You can also store it in a password manager app, which encrypts it and protects it with a master password.
Can someone see my WiFi password if they have access to my phone?
If your phone is unlocked, they can go to Settings and follow the same steps you would use to view the password. If your phone is locked, they cannot. This is why keeping your phone locked and using a strong passcode matters.
Why does my iPhone ask for Face ID when I try to view the password?
iPhone requires authentication to view saved passwords as a security measure. This prevents someone from picking up your unlocked phone and when ready seeing all your network credentials. The same protection applies to saved passwords in Safari and other apps.