What you can and cannot do on your iPhone

Your iPhone cannot reset your WiFi password directly. What your phone can do is forget the network, which forces it to ask for the password again the next time you connect — but only if you already know what that password is. If you have forgotten the password itself, you need to reset it on the router or through your internet provider's account, not on the phone.

This distinction matters because many people think "reset WiFi on iPhone" means getting back online after forgetting their password. It usually means one of two things: either you want to reconnect to a network you know the password for, or you need to find out what the password actually is. The steps are completely different.

Key Takeaways

  • Forgetting a network on your iPhone does not reset the password — it only removes the saved connection, so you will need to re-enter the password when you reconnect.
  • If you have forgotten your actual WiFi password, you must reset it on the router itself or through your internet provider's website, not on your phone.
  • To forget a network on iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and select "Forget This Network".
  • Most home routers have a reset button on the back that restores the factory password, but this erases all your custom settings and requires you to set up the network again from scratch.
  • If you pay for internet through a provider like Comcast, Verizon, or AT&T, you can often view or reset your password through their online account portal without touching the router.

Forgetting a network when you still know the password

If you remember your WiFi password but your iPhone is having trouble connecting, forgetting the network and reconnecting often fixes the problem. Open Settings on your iPhone, tap WiFi, find the network name in the list, and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i" inside it) next to the network name.

Tap "Forget This Network" at the bottom of the screen. Your iPhone will disconnect when ready. The network will no longer appear in your saved networks list. When you want to reconnect, open WiFi settings again, select the network name from the available list, and enter your password as if you were connecting for the first time. This often resolves connection drops, slow speeds, or authentication errors.

Finding your password if you have forgotten it

If you do not remember your WiFi password, your iPhone cannot retrieve it for you — even if your phone was previously connected to that network. iOS does not display saved passwords in the WiFi settings menu the way some Android phones do.

Your next step depends on what kind of internet service you have. If you pay a provider like Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, AT&T, or a local cable company, log into your account on their website or mobile app. Most providers let you view your current WiFi password or reset it to something new without leaving your account. The exact steps vary by provider, but the option is usually under "WiFi settings" or "network settings" in your account dashboard.

If you do not remember your provider account password either, use the "Forgot Password" link on their login page. You will need to verify your identity using your account number, phone number, or email address associated with the account.

Resetting the router to factory settings

If you cannot reach your internet provider or do not know which provider you use, you can reset the router itself. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the front will flash, and the router will restart.

After a factory reset, the router returns to its default password. For most home routers, this is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device — often something like "admin" and "password" or a combination printed by the manufacturer. Look for a label that says "Default WiFi Password" or "Default Network Key".

Be aware that a factory reset erases all your custom settings. Your WiFi network name will revert to the manufacturer's default (often something like "Linksys" or "TP-Link-XXXX"), and you will need to set up the network again from scratch, including creating a new password. This is a last resort if you cannot contact your provider.

What to do if you own the router but do not know the password

If this is your own router and you set up the password yourself but have genuinely forgotten it, you have three options. The easiest is to check whether you wrote it down anywhere — many people keep it in a notes app, a password manager, or a physical notebook.

The second option is to log into the router's admin panel directly from any device connected to the network. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar (the exact address varies by router model). You will be prompted for a username and password — usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number. If you can log in, you can view or change the WiFi password from there. If you cannot remember the admin password either, you are back to a factory reset.

The third option is to contact your internet provider's customer support. Provide your account number and proof of identity, and they can often help you reset the password remotely or walk you through the steps on the router itself.

Preventing this from happening again

Once you have reconnected, consider storing your WiFi password somewhere you can actually find it later. A password manager like 1Password, Bitwarden, or the built-in password manager in iCloud Keychain can store it securely. If you prefer something simpler, write it down and keep it in a drawer or a notes app on your phone — the goal is to have it somewhere other than your memory.

You might also want to change your WiFi password to something you can remember more easily, as long as it is still reasonably strong. A good WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or birthdate, which are straightforward to guess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password on my iPhone if I am already connected?

No. iOS does not display saved WiFi passwords in the settings menu. If you need to share your password with someone else, you can use AirDrop on newer iPhones to send it to another Apple device, but you cannot view it yourself on the phone. You will need to check the router, your provider's website, or a password manager where you may have stored it.

Will forgetting a network delete anything on my iPhone?

No. Forgetting a network only removes the saved connection. Your photos, messages, apps, and all other data stay on your phone. The only thing that changes is that your iPhone will no longer automatically connect to that network.

What if I reset the router but still cannot connect?

After a factory reset, make sure you are using the default password printed on the router's label. If that does not work, the router may be damaged or the label may be unreadable. Contact your internet provider — they can send a replacement router or walk you through troubleshooting over the phone.

Can I reset my WiFi password without resetting the entire router?

Yes. If you can log into your provider's account online or through their app, you can change the password without touching the router. If you own the router and can access its admin panel through a web browser, you can also change the password there. A full factory reset should only be your last option.

Do I need to restart my iPhone after reconnecting to WiFi?

Usually not. Once you have re-entered the password, your iPhone should connect within a few seconds. If it does not, try turning WiFi off and back on in Settings, or restart your phone. If the problem continues, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.