Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and need to connect from a new device? Or did a friend ask you to share their network key, but you don't remember it by heart? iPhone There is no built-in function for viewing saved passwords - unlike Android or Windows, where it can be done in two clicks. But there is a solution!
In this article we will look at 5 working methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi password iPhone without jailbreaking or third-party programs. Some methods will work on iOS 17/16, others - only on older versions of the system. And you will also learn how bypass Apple restrictions and extract the password even from a hidden network.
Important: All instructions are valid for iPhone 15/14/13/12/11/SE and older models. If you have MacBook or iPad, some of the methods will also work - we will mention this separately.
Why can't I just view the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone?
Apple deliberately hides saved passwords from users for two reasons:
- 🔒 Security: If your phone is stolen, the attacker will not be able to quickly connect to your network.
- 📱 Interface unification: V iOS there is no "network control panel" like in Windows or Android — all settings are hidden deep in the menu.
However, this doesn't mean the password is impossible to obtain. It is stored in encrypted form in a system file. keychain-2.db, and it can be accessed legally. The main thing is to know where to look.
⚠️ Warning: If you use corporate network with certificates (for example, in an office or university), these methods may not work. Such networks often use dynamic passwords or authentication through 802.1X.
Method 1: Through the router settings (the most reliable)
If you have access to routerThis is the simplest and most universal method. It works regardless of the model. iPhone and versions iOSYou will need:
- 📡 The router itself (or access to its web interface).
- 🔌 Cable Ethernet or connecting to the router's network from another device.
- 📝 Login details for the admin panel (usually on a sticker on the bottom of the router).
Instructions:
- Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi from another device (for example, laptop).
- Open your browser and enter in the address bar
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1(see the exact address on the router sticker). - Enter your login and password (by default it is often
admin/adminoradmin/1234). - Go to the section
Wireless(orWi-Fi,Wireless network) →Security(Security). - Find the field
Password,KeyorPSK password— that's where your network key will be.
| Router brand | Path to the password in the settings | Default login/password |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Advanced → Wireless → Wireless Security |
admin/admin |
| ASUS | Wireless → General → WPA Pre-Shared Key |
admin/admin |
| Xiaomi | Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Settings → Password |
As in Mi Account |
| Keenetic | Home Network → Wi-Fi Segment → Access Point |
Generated automatically |
If you have never changed your router login/password, but the default data does not work, try resetting the settings using the button Reset (Hold it for 10 seconds). After the reset, use the data from the sticker.
Method 2: Via iCloud Keychain (if you have a Mac or another iPhone)
iCloud Keychain — is Apple's cloud-based password storage that syncs data across devices. If you have MacBook, iPad or the second iPhone, connected to the same Apple ID, you can extract the Wi-Fi password through it.
On Mac it's done like this:
- Open the app
Bunch of keys(can be found viaSpotlightby combinationCmd + Space). - Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
- Double-click on the found entry.
- Check the box
Show passwordand enter the password for your account on Mac.
On the other iPhone or iPad:
- Go to
Settings → Passwords(you will need to enter the lock code). - Find the name of your Wi-Fi network in the list.
- Tap on it and select
Show password(confirmation required) Face ID/Touch ID).
⚠️ Attention: if two-factor authentication disabled on yours Apple ID, password synchronization via iCloud Keychain may not work. Turn it on Settings → [Your name] → Password & Security.
Key synchronization is enabled in Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Keychain|
Devices are connected to the same Apple ID|
Wi-Fi and internet are enabled on both devices|
Two-factor authentication enabled-->
Method 3: Via Configuration File (iOS 10–12 only)
On older versions iOS (to iOS 13) there was a loophole: Wi-Fi passwords were stored in cleartext in a configuration file. This method no longer works, but if you iPhone 6/7/8 With iOS 10–12, you can try:
Instructions:
- Install on iPhone file manager, for example, iExplorer or iMazing (need version for Windows/Mac).
- Connect iPhone to your computer and open the program.
- Follow the path:
/var/preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.wifi.plist - Copy the file
com.apple.wifi.plistto the computer. - Open it with any text editor (for example, Notepad++) and find the line
<key>SSID_STR</key>— the password will be encrypted next to it. - Decrypt it using an online service (eg. this, but be careful when entering data on third-party sites!).
This method will only work on non-updated devicesStarting from iOS 13Apple has patched this vulnerability and passwords are no longer stored in cleartext.
Why did this method stop working?
In iOS 13, Apple introduced a new password storage mechanism - Secure Enclave, which encrypts data at the hardware level. Now, even with physical access to the system files, it's impossible to extract the password without jailbreaking.
Method 4: Using an iTunes Backup (Advanced)
If you have iPhone backup V iTunes or Finder (on Mac), you can extract the Wi-Fi password from it using special utilities. This method is more complicated than the previous ones, but it works on any version. iOS.
You will need:
- 💻 Computer with iTunes (For Windows) or Finder (For Mac).
- 📱 Backup iPhone (make it in advance if there is no current one).
- 🛠 Utility iBackup Viewer or iMazing (free versions are available on official websites).
Step-by-step instructions:
- Create a backup iPhone through iTunes/Finder (Necessarily encrypt itby checking the box
Encrypt a backup). - Install and open iBackup Viewer.
- Select your backup from the list.
- Go to the section
System Files → HomeDomain → Library → Preferences. - Find the file
com.apple.wifi.plistand export it. - Open the file in a text editor and find the block with the name of your network (
SSID). The password will be in the linepassword.
⚠️ Warning: If the backup is not encrypted, the Wi-Fi passwords in it are not savedBe sure to check the box. Encrypt a backup when creating a backup!
Once a week|
Once a month|
Just before iOS update|
I never do-->
Method 5: Jailbreak (last resort)
If none of the above methods worked, the only thing left is jailbreak - hacking the system iOS, which gives access to hidden files. This is a risky method because:
- 🚨 Void the warranty on iPhone.
- 🔄 May cause unstable operation of the device.
- 🔒 Threats to security (viruses, data theft).
If you still decide to go ahead, follow these steps:
- Make a full backup iPhone V iTunes/Finder.
- Install jailbreak using the utility checkra1n (For iPhone 5S–X) or palera1n (for new models).
- After hacking, install from Cydia tweak
WiFi PasswordsorNetworkList. - Open the app and find your network in the list - the password will be displayed in plain text.
Warning: Jailbreak blocks updates iOS and may cause problems with Apple Pay, banking apps, and some system functions. Use it only if other methods fail.
What to do if none of the methods worked?
If you've tried everything and still can't find the password, there are some drastic measures left:
- 🔄 Reset your router to factory settings (button
Resetfor 10 seconds). After this, the network will be passwordless, and you will be able to set a new one. - 📞 Contact your providerThey have your router password stored in their database (if you haven't changed it).
- 🔧 Connect via cable and change the password through the router admin panel (instructions in Method 1).
If the router is rented from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), resetting the settings may block internet access. In this case, call support—they will tell you how to restore the connection.
1. Open Notes and create a new one.
2. Click on the 🔒 icon in the top menu.
3. Set a password for the note and save all network keys there.-->
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords on iPhone
Is it possible to find out the password for the Wi-Fi my friend connected to on my iPhone?
No. Passwords are only saved for the networks you've connected to. You (from yours Apple ID). If your friend connected via guest access or their device is not synced with yours iCloud, the data will not be saved.
Why isn't my Wi-Fi network listed in iCloud Keychain?
Possible reasons:
- Synchronization iCloud Keychain disabled (
Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Keychain). - You connected to the network in guest mode (without saving).
- The password was entered manually on another device and did not sync.
Is it possible to find out the password for a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, but only if iPhone I've already connected to it before. Use Method 2 (iCloud Keychain) or Method 4 (backup copy). Hidden networks (with a disabled SSID) do not appear in the list of available networks, but their passwords are stored in the system just like regular ones.
Will iCloud Keychain work if I changed my Apple ID password?
Yes, but only if you remember your old password or have a trusted device for two-factor authentication. When changing your password Apple ID data iCloud Keychain are not reset, but may require additional verification to access them.
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone without a computer?
Yes, but only if you have MacBook, iPad or the second iPhone with the same Apple IDExtract the password without additional devices or access to the router. impossible (except through jailbreak).