Where to find your saved WiFi password

On most phones, your WiFi password is stored in the system settings under network or WiFi settings. The exact location depends on whether you use Android or iPhone, but both let you view passwords you have already connected to — you cannot see passwords for networks you have never joined.

The password appears as a string of characters in your WiFi settings. You will need to be on the device that originally connected to that network, because each phone stores only the passwords it has personally saved.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone users can view saved WiFi passwords in Settings > WiFi, then tap the network name and select "Show Password" — you will need to use Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
  • Android users go to Settings > Network and Internet > WiFi, long-press the network name, and select "Manage" or "View Password" depending on their Android version.
  • You can only view passwords for networks your phone has already connected to; you cannot retrieve a password for a network you have never joined.
  • If you cannot find the password in your phone settings, you may need to reset your router and reconnect, which will let you set a new password you can then view.

Viewing the password on iPhone

Open Settings and tap WiFi. Find the network name in the list of saved networks, then tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside it) next to the network name. Tap "Show Password" at the bottom of the screen.

Your phone will ask you to verify your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your iPhone passcode. Once you authenticate, the password appears in plain text in the "Password" field. You can then read it, write it down, or copy it to share with someone else.

If the network is no longer in range or you have forgotten the name, scroll down in your WiFi settings to see "Known Networks" — this section shows networks your phone has connected to in the past, even if they are not currently broadcasting.

Viewing the password on Android

The steps vary slightly depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer, but the general path is Settings > Network and Internet > WiFi. Find the network name in your saved networks list.

Long-press (hold your finger on) the network name. A menu will appear with options like "Manage," "Edit," or "View Password." Tap whichever option your phone shows. On some Android versions, you may need to tap "Advanced" or "Show Password" to reveal the actual password characters.

Your phone may ask for your PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication before showing the password. Once you confirm, the password displays in the password field and you can read or copy it.

What to do if the password is not visible

If you cannot find a "Show Password" option, your phone may not have saved the password — this sometimes happens if the connection was interrupted or if you joined the network through a QR code without entering the password manually. In this case, you will need to access the router itself to view or reset the password.

If you own the router, log into its admin panel using a web browser or the router's app. The router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and login credentials are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Once logged in, look for a section labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," or "Network Settings" to find the current password or set a new one.

If you do not own the router — for example, if it belongs to your landlord or workplace — contact the person who manages the network and ask them to provide the password.

Copying and sharing the password safely

Once you can see the password on your phone, you can copy it by long-pressing the password field and selecting "Copy," then paste it into a message or email. However, sending passwords through text or email leaves a record that could be a security risk.

A safer approach is to share the password in person, or to use your phone's built-in sharing feature. On iPhone, you can share WiFi by opening Settings > WiFi, tapping the network name, and selecting "Share This Network" — the other person scans a QR code with their phone, and they connect without ever seeing the actual password. Android has a similar feature on newer versions: go to Settings > WiFi, long-press the network, and look for "Share" or "QR Code."

Resetting your password if you forget it

If you cannot view the password through your phone and do not have access to the router, you will need to reset the router. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all settings and returns the router to factory defaults, which means you will lose your current password and WiFi name.

After resetting, the router will broadcast a default network name (usually something like "TP-Link" or "Netgear-XXXX") and use a default password printed on the router's label. Log in with those credentials, then set a new WiFi name and password through the router's admin panel or app.

Resetting the router will disconnect all devices currently on your network, so plan to do this when it will not disrupt other people's internet use.

Why your phone stores passwords this way

Your phone saves WiFi passwords so you do not have to re-enter them every time you reconnect to the same network. This convenience comes with a security trade-off: anyone with access to your unlocked phone can view those passwords. For this reason, keep your phone's passcode or biometric lock enabled, and do not leave your phone unattended with someone you do not trust.

If you sell or give away your phone, remove all saved networks before handing it over. Go to Settings > WiFi, find each saved network, and select "Forget" or "Remove." This erases the stored passwords from that device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I have never connected to that network?

No. Your phone only stores passwords for networks it has personally connected to. If you need the password for a network you have never joined, you must contact the network owner or access the router directly.

What if I see the password but it does not work?

The password may have been changed since your phone last connected. Try forgetting the network in your WiFi settings and reconnecting with the password you see. If it still does not work, contact the network owner to confirm the current password, or reset the router if you own it.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password by text message?

Text messages create a permanent record that could be intercepted. Sharing in person or using your phone's built-in QR code share feature is safer because the password is never written down or transmitted separately.

Will resetting my router erase my internet history?

No. Resetting the router only erases WiFi settings like the network name and password. Your internet history, browsing data, and files on your devices remain unchanged.

Can I view passwords for networks I used to connect to but deleted?

Once you forget a network in your phone's settings, the password is deleted and cannot be recovered from your phone. You would need to contact the network owner or access the router to retrieve it.