You can see a saved WiFi password on your iPhone, but only for the network you're currently connected to

If you're already connected to the WiFi network, your iPhone stores the password in the Keychain — Apple's built-in password manager. You can view it through Settings without needing to reset anything. The catch: you can only see passwords for networks your phone is actively connected to right now. If you've already forgotten the password and disconnected, this method won't help you recover it.

The process takes about two minutes and requires your Face ID, Touch ID, or iPhone passcode to confirm you're the device owner.

Key Takeaways

  • You can view a WiFi password on your iPhone only while connected to that network, through Settings > WiFi > the network name > Password.
  • Your iPhone will ask for Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before showing the password — this is a security feature to prevent others from viewing it.
  • If you've already disconnected from the network and forgotten the password, your iPhone cannot retrieve it; you'll need to reset the password at the router instead.
  • The password appears as dots until you tap the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it in plain text.
  • This method works on iPhone 16 and earlier models running iOS 16 or later.

Step-by-step: viewing your current WiFi password

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap WiFi near the top of the screen. You'll see a list of networks — find the one you're currently connected to (it will have a checkmark next to it) and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i" inside) next to the network name.

Tap Password. The password will appear as a row of dots. Tap the eye icon on the right side of the password field to reveal the actual characters. Your iPhone will prompt you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Complete the authentication step. Once verified, the password displays in plain text and you can read it or copy it to share with someone else.

Why you can only see passwords for connected networks

Your iPhone stores WiFi passwords in the Keychain, which is encrypted and tied to your device. When you disconnect from a network and forget the password, that data is still stored, but Apple doesn't give you a way to view it through Settings — even though it's technically on your phone. This is intentional: it prevents someone who borrows your phone from seeing every password you've ever used.

If you need the password for a network you're no longer connected to, the only way forward is to reset it at the router itself. You'll need physical access to the router and the admin password (often printed on a sticker on the device).

What to do if you've already disconnected

If you're no longer connected to the network, your iPhone cannot show you the password. Instead, you'll need to reset the WiFi password at the router. Locate your router — usually a box with antennas in a central location in your home. Look for a small reset button (often recessed, requiring a paperclip or pin to press) or a button labeled "WPS" or "Reset."

Press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The router will restart and return to factory settings. You'll then need to set up the network again using the router's admin interface, which you can access through a web browser or the router manufacturer's app. The exact steps vary by router model — check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific device.

Viewing passwords for networks you've used before

If you've used a network in the past but aren't currently connected, you have two options. First, try reconnecting to the network if it's still available. Walk closer to the router or move to a location where the signal is stronger, then look for the network in your WiFi list and tap it. If your iPhone remembers the password, it will connect automatically without asking you to enter it — and once connected, you can view the password using the method above.

If the network is no longer broadcasting (the router is off or the network has been deleted), you won't see it in your list. In that case, you cannot retrieve the password from your iPhone. You would need to contact the network owner or administrator to request the password, or reset the router if you own it.

Sharing a WiFi password without revealing it

If you want to let someone else use your WiFi without showing them the actual password, iOS 16 and later offer a faster option. When someone tries to connect to your network from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac, a notification appears on your device asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. Their device receives the password automatically without you ever typing it or speaking it aloud.

This method is more find because the other person never sees the password themselves — it's transferred directly from your device to theirs. It also works across Apple devices, so you can share with someone's iPad or Mac as well as their iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see WiFi passwords for networks I'm not currently connected to?

No. Your iPhone only displays passwords for networks you're actively connected to right now. If you've disconnected and forgotten the password, you'll need to reset it at the router or contact the network owner.

What if I don't have Face ID or Touch ID set up?

You can use your iPhone passcode instead. When prompted to authenticate, enter the same passcode you use to unlock your phone. The password will then display.

Does viewing a WiFi password on my iPhone affect the network or the router?

No. Viewing the password in Settings is read-only — it doesn't change anything on your network or router. You're only looking at information already stored on your device.

Can I see WiFi passwords on my iPhone if someone else set up the network?

Only if you've connected to that network before and your iPhone saved the password. If you've never connected, the password won't be stored on your device. You'd need to ask the network owner for the password.

Will resetting my iPhone delete saved WiFi passwords?

Yes. If you perform a factory reset or erase your iPhone, all saved WiFi passwords are deleted. After setup, you'll need to reconnect to each network and enter the password manually again.