Where to find your saved WiFi password on iPhone
Your iPhone stores WiFi passwords, but Apple does not give you a direct way to view them as plain text on the phone itself. Instead, you have three working routes: check your router's sticker or settings, use a Mac computer if you have one, or reset the password through your router's admin panel. The easiest path depends on what devices you have access to right now.
If you need the password to connect a different device — a laptop, tablet, or guest — the fastest method is usually to check your router. Most routers have the default password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. If you changed it and cannot remember it, you can reset the router to factory settings, though this will disconnect all devices temporarily.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone does not display saved WiFi passwords on the phone, but your router's admin panel or the sticker on the router itself usually has it.
- If you have a Mac computer, you can view the password through Keychain without resetting anything.
- Resetting your router to factory defaults will restore the original password but disconnect all devices until you reconnect them.
- If you changed the password and forgot it, the router's reset button is the fastest way to regain access.
Check the sticker on your router
Most routers ship with a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the default WiFi name and password. Look for a label that says "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Key". The password is usually a string of letters and numbers. This sticker remains even if you changed the password later, so if you see a password there but it does not work, you changed it at some point.
If the sticker is missing, faded, or you cannot find your router, move to the next step. Do not try to guess — an incorrect password will lock you out after several attempts.
Access your router's admin panel from any device
Your router has a control panel you can reach from any device connected to the WiFi or plugged in with an ethernet cable. Open a web browser on a computer, tablet, or another phone and type your router's IP address into the address bar. For most home routers, this is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Press Enter.
You will see a login screen. The default username is often "admin" and the default password is often "admin" or "password" — check your router's manual or the sticker if these do not work. Once logged in, look for a section labeled "WiFi", "Wireless", or "Network Settings". The current WiFi password will be listed there, usually in a field labeled "Password", "Passphrase", or "Pre-Shared Key".
If you do not remember the admin password and the defaults do not work, you will need to reset the router to factory settings (see the next section). Write down the WiFi password you find so you have it for future reference.
Use a Mac to view the password without resetting
If you own a Mac computer and have connected it to the same WiFi network, you can view the password through Keychain without touching the router. On your Mac, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight). In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network.
Double-click the network name when it appears in the list. A window will open. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your computer password. Enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text. You can now copy it and use it on your iPhone or any other device.
Reset your router if you forgot the admin password
If you cannot access the router's admin panel and the sticker password does not work, you can reset the router to factory settings. Locate the 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 it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart.
After the reset, all devices will disconnect from the WiFi. The network name and password will return to whatever is printed on the sticker. You will need to reconnect your iPhone and any other devices using that default password. Once reconnected, you can log into the admin panel with the default credentials and change the password to something you prefer.
Warning: resetting the router erases any custom settings you made, such as port forwarding or parental controls. Only do this if you have no other way to access the admin panel.
What to do if you changed the password and cannot remember it
If you changed the WiFi password yourself and now cannot remember it, you have two options. The first is to check whether you wrote it down anywhere — a notebook, password manager, or email to yourself. The second is to reset the router as described above, which will restore the default password from the sticker.
If you use a password manager like 1Password or LastPass on your iPhone, check there first — some password managers can store WiFi passwords if you saved them when you connected. This is faster than resetting the router and does not disconnect your other devices.
Why iPhone does not show WiFi passwords directly
Apple designed iOS to keep passwords hidden for security reasons. Even though your iPhone remembers the password so it can reconnect automatically, the operating system does not let you view it as text on the screen. This prevents someone who picks up your phone from easily reading your WiFi password.
If you need to share your WiFi with a guest, you have a better option than telling them the password: create a guest network on your router. Most routers let you set up a separate network with its own password that guests can use without accessing your main network or any devices on it. This is more secure and easier to manage than sharing your main password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I am already connected on my iPhone?
No. iOS does not provide a way to view saved passwords directly on the phone. You must check your router's sticker, log into the router's admin panel from another device, or use a Mac's Keychain to see the password.
What is the default WiFi password for my router?
It is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router. If you cannot find the sticker, search online for your router model number plus "default password" — manufacturers publish these for common models. If you changed the password and forgot it, reset the router to restore the default.
Will resetting my router delete my saved passwords on my iPhone?
No. Your iPhone will still remember the old password, but it will not work after the reset. You will need to "forget" the network on your iPhone and reconnect using the new default password from the sticker.
Can I view my WiFi password on iPhone using a third-party app?
No. Apple does not allow third-party apps to access saved WiFi passwords. Any app claiming to show your password is either misleading or asking for your router's admin login, which is not the same thing.
What if I do not have access to my router right now?
If you have a Mac, use Keychain to view the password. If you do not have a Mac and cannot reach your router, you cannot view the password from your iPhone alone. You will need to either go to where the router is or contact whoever set up your WiFi network.