Where to find your saved WiFi password on iPad

Your iPad stores WiFi passwords in the Settings app, but Apple does not give you a direct "view password" button. Instead, you retrieve the password through your router's admin panel or by checking the device that originally connected to the network. If you set up the WiFi on an iPhone or Mac, those devices can show you the password. If you set it up on the iPad itself, you will need to access your router.

The fastest route depends on what devices you own and whether you remember your router's admin login. If you have another Apple device that connected to the network first, that is usually quickest. If not, logging into your router takes five to ten minutes once you have the router's address and password.

Key Takeaways

  • iPad does not display saved WiFi passwords in Settings, so you must retrieve it from your router's admin panel or another Apple device.
  • If you connected to the WiFi on an iPhone, Mac, or Apple Watch first, that device can show you the password in seconds.
  • To access your router, you need its IP address (usually printed on the router itself) and the admin password (often the default password on the sticker).
  • Once logged into your router, the WiFi password appears in the wireless settings section, usually labeled "Security" or "Wireless".

Retrieving the password from another Apple device

If you have an iPhone, Mac, or Apple Watch that connected to the same WiFi network, that device can display the password. This is the simplest method and takes less than a minute.

On an iPhone or iPad: Open Settings, tap WiFi, find the network name in the list, tap the info icon (the small circle with an "i"), and tap "Password". Your face or fingerprint will unlock it. The password appears in plain text.

On a Mac: Open System Settings, click WiFi in the sidebar, click "Details" next to your network name, then click the WiFi tab. Find your network in the list, select it, and check the "Show password" box. Enter your Mac password when prompted.

This method only works if the other device was the first to connect to the network. If you set up the WiFi on the iPad itself and have no other Apple devices, move to the router method.

Logging into your router to find the password

Every router has an admin panel where you can view and change the WiFi password. You access it through a web browser on any device connected to the internet — it does not have to be connected to that specific WiFi network.

First, find your router's IP address and default admin password. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of the router. It usually shows something like "192.168.1.1" or "192.168.0.1" for the IP address, and "admin" or "password" for the login. Some routers use the network name and a default code instead.

Open Safari or another web browser on your iPad and type the IP address into the address bar — for example, "192.168.1.1". Press Go. A login page appears. Enter the username (usually "admin") and the password from the sticker. If the default password does not work, you may have changed it at some point. In that case, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all custom settings.

Finding the password in your router's settings

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "Security". The exact name varies by router brand. Tap or click on it.

You should see a field labeled "SSID" (the network name you see when you search for WiFi) and another labeled "Password", "Passphrase", "Pre-Shared Key", or "Security Key". The password field may show dots or asterisks instead of the actual characters. Look for a checkbox or icon that says "Show" or "Reveal" — tap it to display the password in plain text.

Write down the password or take a screenshot. You can now use it to reconnect your iPad or any other device.

What to do if you do not know the router password

If the default password on the sticker does not work, you have changed it and forgotten it, or the sticker is missing, you will need to reset the router. This erases all custom settings, including the WiFi password, and returns the router to its factory defaults.

Look for a small reset button on the router, usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. Once it boots up, the WiFi network will broadcast with its default name and password, which are printed on the sticker.

After you log back in with the default credentials, you can set a new WiFi password in the wireless settings section. Write down the new password somewhere safe, or use your iPad's built-in password manager to store it.

Connecting your iPad after you find the password

Once you have the password, go to Settings on your iPad, tap WiFi, find your network name in the list, and tap it. A password field appears. Type the password exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Tap Join.

If the password is incorrect, the iPad will show an error. Go back to your router or the other Apple device and double-check that you copied the password correctly, including any numbers, symbols, or capital letters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password in the iPad Settings app?

No. iPad stores the password but does not display it in Settings. You must retrieve it from your router's admin panel or from another Apple device that connected to the network first.

What if I do not have another Apple device?

Log into your router through a web browser. Type the router's IP address (usually on a sticker on the router) into Safari, enter the admin password, and look for the wireless or WiFi settings section. The password will be displayed there.

Do I need to reset my router to find the password?

No, only if you have forgotten the router's admin password and cannot log in. If you know the admin password, you can view the WiFi password without resetting anything.

Will resetting my router erase my WiFi password?

Yes. A factory reset returns the router to its default settings, including the default WiFi name and password printed on the sticker. You can set a new password after you log back in.

What if the password I found does not work on my iPad?

Check that you typed it exactly as shown, including capital letters and symbols. Passwords are case-sensitive. If it still does not work, go back to the router and verify you copied it correctly, or take a screenshot to compare character by character.