How to Get an iPhone's Wi-Fi Password: Official and Hidden Methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, or is the sticker on your router worn off? Or need to connect a new device but can't remember the password? iPhone stores all saved network passwords — the only question is how to extract them. Unlike Android, where passwords are often displayed in clear text, iOS hides them behind several layers of protection. But that doesn't mean the task is impossible.

In this article - 5 Proven Ways to Get an iPhone's Wi-Fi Password, including official methods through iCloud Keychain and workarounds for those who aren't afraid to delve into the settings. We'll cover options for different versions. iOS (from 15 to 17), taking into account the presence or absence jailbreak. We’ll also explain why some “popular” advice (like viewing the password through Settings → Wi-Fi) do not work and what are the consequences.

Why doesn't my iPhone show my Wi-Fi password directly?

Unlike Windows or macOS, where saved network passwords can be viewed in a couple of clicks, iOS does not display them openly on principle. Reasons:

• 🔒 SecurityApple believes that access to passwords should be restricted to prevent attackers from extracting them if a device is stolen.
• 📱 iOS architecture: Passwords are stored in encrypted form in Keychain — system storage, access to which is strictly controlled.
• 🔄 Synchronization: Apple encourages users to use iCloud Keychain, where passwords are synced between devices but not displayed explicitly.

This means that You can't just go into settings and copy the password.However, there are workarounds—and they don't always require jailbreaking or third-party software. The main thing is to understand which methods work on your version. iOS and models iPhone.

⚠️ Attention: Starting from iOS 16, Apple has tightened access to system files, so some methods (for example, through iTunes Backup) may not work on newer devices. Check if the method is relevant for your firmware.

Method 1: View password via iCloud Keychain (official method)

The most reliable and legal way is to use the built-in function iCloud KeychainIt works if:

• 🔑 Password syncing is enabled on your iPhone iCloud.
• 💻 You have access to Mac or another device on iOS/macOS with the same Apple ID.
• ✅ Do you remember the password from Apple ID (it will be required for confirmation).

Instructions for Mac:

1. Open the app Bunch of keys (Keychain Access).
2. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
3. Double-click on the found entry and check the box. Show password.
4. Enter your account password Mac (Not Apple ID!).

For iPhone/iPad:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords (you will need to enter the lock code).
2. Find the section Network passwords (may be called Application and website passwords in older versions).
3. Select your Wi-Fi network and click Show password (confirmation will be required) Face ID/Touch ID).

⚠️ Attention: If you have never configured iCloud Keychain, this method won't work. In that case, move on to the next methods.

Make sure iCloud Keychain is turned on in your iPhone's settings|Make sure your device is connected to the internet|Have a Mac or second iPhone with the same Apple ID handy|Know your Apple ID password for confirmation-->

Method 2: Extracting Password via iTunes Backup (Without Jailbreaking)

This method works if you have iPhone backup to iTunes (or Finder on Mac With macOS Catalina and newer). Wi-Fi passwords are stored in the backup file in encrypted form, but they can be extracted using third-party utilities.

Procedure:

1. Create a backup of your iPhone via iTunes/Finder (be sure to select Encrypt a backup and come up with a password).
2. Download the utility iBackup Viewer (For Windows/macOS) or iExplorer.
3. Open the backup in the program and find the section System Files → com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist.
4. Export the file and open it in any text editor (for example, Notepad++).
5. Find the line <key>SSID_STR</key> - next to it there will be the name of your network, and below it there will be an encrypted password in the format PASSWORD.

To decrypt the password, you'll need to know the backup password. If you forget it, it will be impossible to restore access.

Method 3: Using Shortcuts (for iOS 14–17)

Little-known life hack: using an app Shortcuts (former Workflow) you can create a script that will show saved Wi-Fi passwords. This method does not require jailbreak, but it doesn't work on all devices.

Instructions:

1. Download a ready-made command for Shortcuts (Note: the link is conditional, real scripts should be looked for on trusted forums).
2. Open Shortcuts and import the downloaded file.
3. Run the script - it will ask for access to Settings and will show a list of saved networks with passwords.

Restrictions:

• ❌ On iOS 17 Apple has blocked some features Shortcuts, so the method may not work.
• ❌ Confirmation required via Face ID/Touch ID.
• ❌ Some scripts contain malicious code - download only from trusted sources.

Why does Apple block such scripts?

In iOS 17, Apple tightened the Shortcuts security policy to prevent data leaks. The app can no longer directly read system files, including Wi-Fi passwords. This is to protect against phishing and identity theft.

iPhone 15/15 Pro|iPhone 14/14 Pro|iPhone 13/13 Pro|iPhone 12 or later|I don't know-->

Method 4: View the password through the router settings

If none of the previous methods worked, The most reliable way is to go to your router settingsThis is a universal method that works regardless of the model. iPhone or versions iOS.

How to do it:

1. Find out Router IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1You can watch it in Settings → Wi-Fi → (tap the "i" next to the network).
2. Enter this address in the browser on any device (even on Android or PC).
3. Enter the login and password for the router (usually admin/admin, if you haven't changed it).
4. Go to the section Wireless (or Wireless network, Wi-Fi) and find the field Password/Security key.

If you don't know your router login details:

• 🔍 Check the sticker on the back of the device (the factory login/password is often indicated there).
• 🔄 Reset your router to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds) - but then you will have to configure the network again.

⚠️ Attention: If the router is provided by the provider (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), resetting the settings may result in loss of internet access. In this case, it's best to call support and verify your login details.

Method 5: Jailbreak and specialized tweaks (for advanced users)

If you are willing to take the risk, jailbreak will open full access to system files iOS, including Wi-Fi passwords. This method is only suitable for advanced users because:

• ⚠️ Void warranty on iPhone.
• ⚠️ May cause unstable operation of the device.
• ⚠️ On new versions iOS (16+) Jailbreak often requires complex manipulations.

If you still decide to do it, follow the instructions:

1. Install jailbreak using checkra1n (For iPhone 5S–X) or palera1n (for new models).
2. After jailbreaking, install the tweak WiFi Passwords from the repository https://repo.packix.com/.
3. Open Settings → Wi-Fi Passwords — all saved networks with passwords will be displayed there.

Alternative tweak - NetworkList, which shows passwords directly in Control Center.

What doesn't work: common myths

You can find dozens of "tips" online that don't work in practice. Here are the most popular:

• 🚫 "The password is visible in the Wi-Fi settings." - No, iOS never shows the password in plain text Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 🚫 "You can look it up using Siri." — the voice assistant does not have access to passwords.
• 🚫 "I need to send myself the password via AirDrop." - This method worked in iOS 11, but has been blocked for a long time.
• 🚫 "The password is stored in a file com.apple.wifi.plist» - Yes, but it is encrypted and cannot be read simply.

If you come across instructions that suggest:

• 🔧 Install a suspicious app from App Store (For example, WiFi Password Show), - know that this is a deception. Apple Prevents applications from reading system passwords.
• 🔧 Enter the command in Terminal on Mac, - it's pointless without access to Keychain.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the password for the Wi-Fi that another iPhone connected to?

No, unless you have access to that device or a backup copy of it. Passwords are tied to a specific device. iPhone and his iCloud Keychain.

I reset my iPhone's network settings. Is my Wi-Fi password still there?

No, when resetting the network (Settings → General → Transfer or reset → Reset network settings) all saved passwords are deleted.

Does the Shortcuts method work on iOS 17?

Most likely not. iOS 17 Apple has restricted access Shortcuts to system data, including Wi-Fi passwords. Try the method with iCloud Keychain or router settings.

Is it possible to extract a password using a Windows computer?

Yes, but only if you have a backup. iPhone V iTunes. Use utilities like iBackup Viewer or iExplorer (cm. Method 2 higher).

What to do if none of the methods worked?

There are two options left:

1. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset) and set up Wi-Fi again.
2. Contact your ISP - they may have your network password saved.