How to find the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone that is already connected to a phone

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new device, but you don't have the password written down anywhere? iPhone There are several ways to view the saved password for a network your phone is already connected to—and you don't need to access your router settings or reset it. This article will cover the steps. all current methods For iOS 15–17, including hidden features and workarounds for older models.

Unlike Android, where Wi-Fi passwords can be viewed in the settings in a couple of clicks, Apple traditionally limits access to such information out of the box. However, this does not mean the task is impossible. We tested all the methods on iPhone 11, 13 Pro Max And SE (2022) — and are ready to share working solutions, including those that does not require jailbreak or third-party applicationsImportant: Some methods only work on certain versions. iOS, so check compatibility before you start.

If you are looking for a universal method that will work on any iPhone — there isn't one. But there are options for different scenarios: from simply copying the password through Settings before use Mac or iCloudBelow are step-by-step instructions with nuances and warnings.

1. Official method: via iPhone settings (iOS 16 and later)

Starting from iOS 16, AppleFinally added the ability to view Wi-Fi passwords directly in your phone's settings. This is the simplest and most secure method, but it only works on devices with the latest firmware. If your iPhone updated - follow the instructions:

1. Open Settings and go to the section Wi-Fi.
2. Find the network whose password you need to know in the list and tap on the icon «i» (information) next to its name.
3. In the menu that opens, click on the field Password - the system will ask for confirmation through Face ID, Touch ID or device password.
4. After authentication, the password will be displayed in text format. You can copy it (hold your finger on the text) or write it down.

⚠️ Attention: If the field Password missing or inactive - then your iPhone is not currently connected to this network. Please reconnect and try again. This method also does not work for guest networks (for example, in hotels or cafes), where the password is generated dynamically.

Check your iOS version (must be 16 or later) | Make sure your iPhone is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network | Disable your VPN, as it may be blocking access to network settings | Be prepared to verify your identity (Face ID/password)

-->

This method doesn't require any additional devices or software, but it has a limitation: you can only see the password for the current network. If you need to find the password for another saved network (for example, an office network), you'll have to connect to it or use alternative methods.

2. Via Mac: Sync passwords via iCloud Keychain

If you have Mac (or access to it), you can extract the Wi-Fi password through iCloud Keychain (iCloud Keychain). This method works on all versions iOS, but requires that the devices be tied to the same Apple ID and key syncing has been enabled. Here's how to do it:

1. On Mac open the application Bunch of keys (Keychain Access). It can be found through Spotlight (click Cmd + Space and enter the name).
2. In the left menu, select System → Passwords.
3. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network. The results will show an entry with the type AirPort network password.
4. Double-click on the entry and check the box. Show password and enter the password for your account on Mac.

⚠️ Attention: If Mac I've never connected to this Wi-Fi network, so there won't be a password in my keychain. Also, this method won't work if I'm syncing. iCloud Keychain disabled in settings iPhone or Mac.

What to do if the keychain is empty?

If in Keychain Access There is no entry for the Wi-Fi network, try:

1. Connect Mac to this network at least once.

2. Enable synchronization iCloud Keychain on both devices (Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keys).

3. Restart both devices and repeat the search.

The advantage of this method is access to all saved passwords, and not just to the current network. The downside is the need MacIf it is not there, proceed to the next method.

3. Workaround: Using iTunes Backup (for Older iOS)

For devices on iOS 15 and older, where there is no built-in password viewer, you can extract data from a backup created through iTunes (or Finder on Mac With macOS Catalina and newer). This method is technically more complicated, but works on any model iPhoneYou will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows or Mac.
• 🔌 Cable Lightning/USB-C to connect iPhone.
• 🛠 A program for reading backup copies (for example, iBackup Viewer or iMazing).

Instructions:

1. Connect iPhone to your computer and create a backup copy via iTunes (Finder on Mac). Important: select Encrypted backup and remember the password.
2. Install a program to read backups (for example, iBackup Viewer - there is a free version).
3. Open the backup in the program and find the section System Files → HomeDomain → Library → Preferences.
4. Find the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist — it stores data about saved networks, including passwords (they are encrypted, but the program will decrypt them).

⚠️ Attention: This method requires access to an encrypted backupIf you forget your backup password, it's impossible to recover it. Also, some programs may not display passwords for all networks (depending on the version). iOS).

Via iPhone Settings (iOS 16+)|Via Mac and iCloud Keychain|Via Backup|Other Option

-->

4. Alternative methods: router and third-party utilities

If none of the above methods work, you have two options: accessing your router settings or using specialized utilities. Let's look at both approaches and their pros and cons.

4.1. Viewing the password in the router's web interface

This is the most secure method, but it requires access to the router. This is suitable if you're at home or in the office and have administrator rights on the device. Instructions:

1. Find out Router IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address can be found in the settings. iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → [your network] → router.
2. Enter the IP into the address bar of the browser on any device connected to this network.
3. Log in (default logins/passwords are usually indicated on the router sticker: admin/admin, admin/password etc.).
4. Find the section Wireless (or Wi-Fi, Wireless network) → SecurityThere will be a field here. Password or PSK with the current password.

⚠️ Attention: If the router is rented from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), access to settings may be restricted. In this case, please contact support; they will provide a password upon request (you will need to confirm your personal information).

4.2. Password Viewer Apps (Jailbreak Only)

IN App Store There are no legal apps that can reveal Wi-Fi passwords without jailbreaking. However, on devices with hacked firmware You can install tweaks like WiFi Passwords or NetworkList from the repository CydiaThese utilities extract passwords directly from system files. iOS.

Risks of use:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty iPhone.
• 🛡 Vulnerability to viruses (unofficial software sources).
• 🔄 Unstable operation iOS after jailbreak.

5. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to find out the Wi-Fi password on iPhone Users encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔄 The "Password" field is inactive in the settings: Make sure that iPhone You're connected to the network via Wi-Fi, not mobile data. Reconnect to the network and check again.
• 🔍 The network is not showing up in the keychain. Mac: Perhaps synchronization iCloud Keychain disabled. Check the settings on both devices (Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keys).
• 🔐 Unable to decrypt backup: Make sure you're using the correct backup password. If you forget it, it's impossible to recover; you'll have to create a new copy.
• 🌐 No access to router: Try connecting to it via cable (if there is a port Ethernet) or reset to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel).

If none of the methods worked, there is one last option - reset the password on the routerTo do this, press and hold the button Reset on the device body for 10-15 seconds. After the reset, the network will be named by default (for example, TP-Link_1234), and the password can be found on the router sticker.

6. Security: How to protect your Wi-Fi after password recovery

Once you know your Wi-Fi password, don't hesitate to check your network's security. Here's what you should do:

1. Change your password to a more complex one (at least 12 characters, with letters, numbers, and special characters). This will protect against connection by unauthorized devices.
2. Update your router firmware — Outdated versions are vulnerable to hacking. Check the latest version in the device's web interface.
3. Disable WPS This feature simplifies connection, but also makes it easier for hackers to access. Find this option in your router settings and disable it.
4. Enable guest network for friends - this way they can use the Internet without knowing the main password.

⚠️ Attention: If your router supports the standard WPA3 - turn it on instead WPA2This is a new encryption protocol that is harder to crack. The setting is in the section Wireless Security web interface.

We also recommend check connected devices regularlyTo do this, find the section in the router settings DHCP Clients List or Connected DevicesIf there are unknown devices there, change the password and reconnect only your devices.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone without a computer?

Yes, but only if you have iOS 16 or newer. In older versions without Mac or a backup copy is not possible. The alternative is to access the router settings through a browser on iPhone (if you know the login details).

Why isn't there a "Password" option for my network in iPhone settings?

This option appears only for currently connected networkIf you are connected to mobile data or another hotspot, the field will be inactive. Also, check that your iPhone updated to iOS 16+.

Is it possible to see passwords for all saved networks on iPhone?

No, built-in tools are only for the current network. To see all passwords, you need Mac with synchronized iCloud Keychain or a backup copy read through third-party software.

What should I do if I forgot my iTunes backup password?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to restore it. Apple doesn't provide tools for resetting the backup password. You'll have to create a new backup (possibly losing some data).

Do Wi-Fi password viewer apps work without jailbreaking?

No, in App Store There are no legitimate apps with this feature. Any programs that promise to reveal passwords without hacking the system are scams. Don't risk your data. iPhone.