How to Find Your WiFi Password on Your Phone

The fastest way depends on what you remember

If you're already connected to the WiFi network, your phone stores the password — but where you find it depends on whether you use Android or iPhone, and what you remember about the network. The simplest route is to check your router's label or your account with your internet provider, which takes two minutes and works from any device. If you need to pull it from your phone itself, Android lets you view saved passwords directly in Settings, while iPhone does not expose the password in the same way but can share it with other Apple devices instantly.

The method you choose also depends on why you need it. If you're trying to connect another device in your home, sharing the password directly from your phone is faster than typing it. If you've forgotten it entirely and need to reset your network, going through your router is more reliable.

Key Takeaways

On Android, open Settings, go to Saved Networks or WiFi, find your network name, and tap it to reveal the password as a QR code or text.
On iPhone, you cannot view the password in Settings, but you can share it instantly with another Apple device by holding it nearby while they join the network.
Your router's label (usually on the bottom or back) displays the default WiFi password, and this method works even if you've changed the password since setup.
Your internet provider's account portal or app shows your current WiFi password and lets you change it without touching the router.
If you cannot find the password anywhere, you can reset your router to factory settings, which restores the default password on the label.

Finding the password on Android phones

On Android, the path to your saved WiFi passwords is in Settings under Network or WiFi. Open Settings, tap WiFi or Network and Internet (the exact name varies by manufacturer), then look for Saved Networks, Manage Networks, or WiFi Networks. Find the network name you're connected to, tap it, and a QR code will appear — this QR code contains your password. You can also tap "Show Password" or a similar option to see the password as text, though you may need to enter your phone's PIN or use your fingerprint first.

The exact steps shift slightly between Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and other Android makers, but the principle is the same: Settings → WiFi → Your Network Name → Show Password. If you don't see a "Show Password" option, look for a QR code icon or an information button (often marked with an "i" in a circle). Some phones require you to long-press the network name instead of tapping it.

This method only works if your phone is currently connected to that WiFi network. If you've already forgotten the password and disconnected, you won't see the network in your saved list, and you'll need to use one of the other methods below.

Why iPhone doesn't show the password the same way

iPhones do not display saved WiFi passwords in Settings the way Android phones do. Apple treats the password as encrypted data that stays locked to your device for security reasons. You cannot tap into Settings and read it as text or a QR code.

However, iPhone has a faster alternative if you're trying to connect another Apple device: hold your iPhone near another iPhone, iPad, or Mac while they try to join the same WiFi network, and your phone will instantly share the password without you typing it. This works because both devices trust each other through your Apple ID. If the other device is not an Apple product, or if you need the actual password text, you'll need to check your router or your internet provider's account instead.

Checking your router's label for the default password

Your router — the box that broadcasts WiFi in your home — has a label on the bottom or back that displays the default WiFi network name and password. This label was printed when the router left the factory and does not change even if you've updated your password since then. Look for a sticker that says "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Key". The password is usually a string of letters and numbers, often 8 to 16 characters long.

This method works whether your phone is connected or not, and it's reliable because the label is permanent. The catch: if you or someone else has changed the WiFi password since the router was set up, the label will show the old password, not the current one. If you've changed it and forgotten the new one, you'll need to check your internet provider's account or reset the router.

If you can't find or read the label, take a photo of it with another device and zoom in. If the label is worn away, note the router's model number (also on the label) and search online for the default password — manufacturers publish these for support purposes.

Checking your internet provider's account or app

Your internet provider keeps a record of your current WiFi password in your account. Log into your provider's website or mobile app — Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, AT&T, Charter Spectrum, and others all offer this — and look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Network, or Home Network. Your current password will be displayed there, often with an option to change it.

This is the most reliable method if you've changed your password and forgotten it, because it shows what's actually active on your network right now, not a default or old value. You'll need to remember your account username and password, or use your phone number and a verification code to log in. If you've forgotten your provider account password, use their "Forgot Password" link, which typically sends a reset link to your email or phone number on file.

Some providers also let you change your WiFi password directly from their app, which is useful if you want to set something easier to remember or share with guests.

Resetting your router if you've lost the password entirely

If you cannot find the password through any of the methods above, you can reset your router to its factory settings. This erases your current password and restores the default one printed on the label. On most routers, hold down a small reset button (usually recessed, so you need a paperclip or pen) for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink, and the router will restart with the default settings.

After a reset, your WiFi network name and password will return to what's on the label. You'll then need to reconnect all your devices using the default password. If you want a different password, you can change it again through your provider's app or by logging into the router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 in a web browser, with a username and password also on the label).

Warning: resetting the router will disconnect all devices currently using it, and any custom settings you've made (like a guest network or parental controls) will be erased. Only do this if you've exhausted the other options and are prepared to reconnect everything afterward.

Sharing your password securely with others

Once you have your password, you can share it with guests or family members. On Android, the easiest way is to generate a QR code from your phone's WiFi settings and let them scan it with their camera app — no typing required. On iPhone, hold your phone near theirs while they try to join, and it will share automatically if you're in their contacts.

If you're sharing with someone not on your device or network, send the password through a secure method: a text message, email, or in person. Avoid writing it on a sticky note left in a public area. If you're concerned about security, create a guest network through your router or provider app, which gives visitors a separate password that doesn't grant access to your main network or connected devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?

On Android, no — you can only view passwords for networks you're currently connected to. On any device, your best option is to check your router's label or log into your internet provider's account. If you've lost both, reset your router to restore the default password.

What if my router doesn't have a label or it's unreadable?

Note the router's model number (usually on the back or bottom) and search online for the default password. Manufacturers publish these for support. If that doesn't work, you can reset the router to factory settings, which will restore the default password, then set a new one through your provider's app.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?

Yes, but consider creating a guest network through your router or provider app instead. A guest network gives visitors a separate password that doesn't let them access your main devices or files. Most modern routers support this feature.

Why can't I see the password on my iPhone like I can on Android?

Apple encrypts saved passwords for security and doesn't expose them in Settings. Instead, iPhone lets you share passwords instantly with other Apple devices by holding them nearby. For non-Apple devices, check your router label or provider account.

What happens if I reset my router?

Your WiFi network will restart with the default name and password from the label. All devices will disconnect and need to reconnect. Any custom settings like guest networks or parental controls will be erased. Only reset if you've lost your password and can't find it another way.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.