The fastest way: use the built-in share sheet on iOS 16 and later

If both phones are running iOS 16 or newer, the simplest method is to hold your iPhone near the other person's phone while they try to connect to your network. When their phone detects your network and they tap it, a notification appears on your screen asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password, and it sends when ready — no typing required.

This works only if the other person's phone is unlocked and has Bluetooth turned on. Your phone needs to be unlocked too. The share happens through a find connection, so the password never appears on either screen as text.

If the other phone is Android, an older iPhone, or the share sheet doesn't appear, move to the manual methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • iOS 16 and later can share passwords when ready by holding phones near each other, with no typing or screenshots needed.
  • If automatic sharing doesn't work, you can read the password aloud from Settings > Wi-Fi, or show the person your phone screen while they type it themselves.
  • The password is stored in your iPhone's keychain, which is why you cannot see it as plain text — only as dots.
  • If you forget your own password, you can reset it through your router's admin panel or by calling your internet provider.

Finding your WiFi password in Settings if you need to share it manually

Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap Wi-Fi. Find your network name in the list and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i") next to it. A details screen opens, but the password field shows only dots — your iPhone does not display WiFi passwords as readable text for security reasons.

This is a deliberate limitation. Even though you created the password, iOS stores it encrypted in your keychain and will not show it back to you. You have three options: use the automatic share method above, tell the person the password if you remember it, or reset the password through your router.

Resetting your WiFi password through the router

If you do not remember the password and automatic sharing is not an option, you can change it. Log into your router's admin panel by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, or check the sticker on the back of your router. You may need to enter a username and password; these are often printed on the router itself or in the paperwork that came with it.

Once logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, or Network Settings. Find the field for your network password (sometimes called the pre-shared key or PSK) and change it to something new. Save the changes. Your iPhone will disconnect briefly, then you can reconnect using the new password.

If you cannot access the router's admin panel or do not remember that password either, call your internet provider. They can reset the router remotely or walk you through a factory reset, though a factory reset erases all your custom settings.

Sharing the password by reading it aloud or showing your screen

If you remember your password, straightforward tell the person what it is and they can type it into their phone. This is the most straightforward method when automatic sharing is not available.

Alternatively, you can show them your phone's Settings screen with the password field visible (even though it shows as dots, they can see the field exists). They then type what you tell them. This method works across any device and any iOS version, but it requires you to remember the password or have written it down somewhere.

Why your iPhone will not show the password as text

iPhones store WiFi passwords in the keychain, which is an encrypted vault that holds sensitive information like passwords and payment details. The keychain is designed so that even you cannot retrieve passwords as plain text — only apps and systems that need them can access them automatically.

This is a security feature. If passwords were visible in Settings, anyone who picked up your unlocked phone could read them. By hiding them, Apple ensures that only the person who set up the network (you) can share it through the automatic method, and anyone else would need you to tell them the password verbally or through another channel.

Troubleshooting when the share sheet does not appear

If you hold your phones together and no share notification appears, check that both devices meet these conditions: the other phone is running iOS 16 or later (or iPadOS 16 or later), both phones have Bluetooth enabled, both are unlocked, and both are within a few inches of each other. WiFi does not need to be on on the receiving phone, but Bluetooth does.

If all conditions are met and it still does not work, restart both phones and try again. If the other device is Android or an older iPhone, the automatic method will not work — use one of the manual methods instead.

What to do if someone else set up your WiFi

If you did not create the network and do not know the password, ask the person who did. They can use the automatic share method or tell you the password. If that person is no longer available, you will need to reset the router, which requires access to the router itself and its admin credentials.

If the router is owned by your landlord, internet provider, or another organization, contact them directly. They can reset the password for you or provide it if you can verify that you are authorized to use the network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password on my iPhone without resetting the router?

No. iOS does not display WiFi passwords as readable text anywhere in Settings. Your only options are to remember it yourself, use the automatic share method with another iOS 16+ device, or reset the password through your router's admin panel.

Does the automatic share method work with Android phones?

No. The automatic share sheet only works between iPhones, iPads, and Macs running iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or macOS Ventura or later. Android devices do not support this feature, so you will need to tell the person the password or show them your phone while they type it.

What if I forgot my router's admin password?

You can perform a factory reset by holding the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all settings, including your WiFi password, and returns the router to its default state. You will then need to set up the network again from scratch. If you do not want to reset, call your internet provider — they can help you regain access.

Can I share my WiFi password with someone who is not in the room?

The automatic share method requires phones to be within a few inches of each other. If the person is not nearby, tell them the password over the phone, text, email, or another communication method. Avoid writing it down in places others might see it.

Does sharing a WiFi password give someone access to my personal files?

No. Sharing the WiFi password only lets them connect to your internet network. They cannot see your files, photos, or other data on your phone or computer unless you have specifically shared those items with them through other means.