Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the router is in an awkward location where you can't read the sticker with the code? Or do you need to share your network with a guest, but the password isn't saved in your notes? Android- On smartphones this problem is solved in a couple of clicks, but for owners iPhone face restrictions iOS — the system hides passwords from the user "for security reasons." But there is a solution!
In this article we will look at 5 proven methodsHow to view the password for a connected Wi-Fi network iPhone - from the official (through Settings And iCloud Keychain) to little-known life hacks using Mac, Windows or even another Android-devices. All methods are relevant for iOS 15–17 and work on models from iPhone 6s to iPhone 15 Pro Max. Important: none of the methods require jailbreak (hacking the system), but some will require additional devices.
Let us warn you right away: Apple is deliberately making it difficult to access Wi-Fi passwords., so there's no universal "one-button" solution. However, by combining our instructions, you're guaranteed to find a working solution. Let's start with the simplest!
1. The iPhone Settings method (official, but with limitations)
With the exit iOS 16 Apple has added the ability to view Wi-Fi passwords. - but only for the networks to which the device is connected at the momentIf the network is saved but not active, this method won't work. Here's how:
- Open the app
Settingson iPhone. - Go to the section
Wi-Fi. - Click on the blue icon
ⓘnext to the name of the active network. - Tap on the field
Password- the system will ask for confirmation through Face ID, Touch ID or a password code. - After authentication, the password will be displayed in text form (you can copy it by pressing and holding it).
⚠️ Attention: If the field Password missing or inactive means:
- 🔄 The network is not currently connected (try connecting again).
- 🔒 You have an outdated version of iOS (update to iOS 16+).
- 📱 The device did not save the password (for example, the connection was through
WPSor guest access).
Connection to the desired network is active
iOS version 16 or later
Face ID/Touch ID is enabled on the device or a passcode is set
The network is not public (guest)
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This method is the fastest, but it only works for current connectionIf you need to find out the password for a saved but inactive network, read on.
2. Using iCloud Keychain (for synced devices)
iCloud Keychain - is a cloud storage of passwords from Apple, which syncs data between devices on the same account. If you have Mac, iPad or another iPhone with the same Apple ID, you can extract the Wi-Fi password through it. The method works even for networks that iPhone connected earlier.
Instructions for Mac:
- Open the app
Bunch of keys(can be found viaSpotlightupon request "Keychain Access"). - In the left menu, select
System→Passwords. - In the search bar, enter the name of the Wi-Fi network.
- Double-click on the found entry and check the box.
Show passwordand enter the password from Mac.
For Windows a program will be required iCloud for Windows (you can download it from official Apple website):
- 🖥️ Install and log in
iCloud for Windowswith the sameApple ID, that and on iPhone. - 🔑 Turn on the option
Bunch of keysin the program settings. - 🔍 Open
Control Panel→Credential Manager→Website credentialsand find the network name.
⚠️ Attention: If two-factor authentication disabled on Apple ID, iCloud Keychain Wi-Fi passwords may not sync. Check your account security settings.
3. Viewing the password through the router (universal method)
If you have access to router web interfaceYou can find your Wi-Fi password directly from its settings. This method works regardless of the model. iPhone and versions iOS, but requires:
- 🌐 Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (even if you forgot the password, you can use
WPSor temporarily connect viaEthernet). - 🔐 Login and password for the router's admin panel (usually found on the device's sticker).
Step-by-step instructions:
- Find out Router IP address:
- On iPhone:
Settings→Wi-Fi→ tap onⓘnext to the network → fieldRouter. - Typical addresses:
192.168.0.1,192.168.1.1,192.168.8.1.
- On iPhone:
Safari or Chrome).admin/admin or see the router sticker).Wireless (or Wi-Fi, Wireless network).Password, Key or PSK password - this is the password we are looking for.| Router brand | Wi-Fi password path | Default login/password |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Basic → Wireless |
admin/admin |
| ASUS | Wireless → General |
admin/admin |
| Keenetic | Wi-Fi → Hotspot |
admin/1234 |
| Xiaomi | Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Settings |
Indicated on the sticker |
⚠️ Attention: If your router returns an error when logging in, your ISP may have blocked access to the settings. In this case, contact technical support or reset the router to factory settings (press the button). Reset on the back panel).
What should you do if you can't log into your router?
If the default password doesn't work, try:
1. Look at the login/password in the contract with the provider (sometimes they change them during setup).
2. Use the provider’s application (for example, “My Beeline”, “Rostelecom Personal Account”).
3. Reset the router to factory settings (all devices will be disconnected from Wi-Fi!).
4. Export passwords via iTunes backup (advanced)
This method is suitable if you have iPhone backup to iTunes (on Windows or MacWi-Fi passwords are stored in encrypted form, but they can be extracted using third-party utilities. Minus: requires installation of additional software and basic file handling skills.
Instructions:
- Connect iPhone to your computer and create a backup copy in
iTunes(be sure to selectEncrypt a backup!). - Download the program iBackup Viewer (For Mac/Windows) or iMazing (paid, but with a trial version).
- Open the backup in the program and find the section
Wi-FiorKeychain. - Export the data - passwords will be displayed in a readable form.
Important: This method only works if the backup was created BEFORE changing the Wi-Fi password. If the network was added later, its data will not be included in the backup.
An alternative option is to use Terminal on Mac:
security find-generic-password -wa "Network_Name"
(replace Network_name to your Wi-Fi SSID).
5. Using an Android device (if you have a second phone)
If you have it at hand Android- a smartphone or tablet that has previously connected to this Wi-Fi, you can “pull out” the password through it. Android passwords are stored in clear text (if you have rights) root) or through standard settings (on some firmware).
Instructions for Android 10+:
- Open
Settings→Network and Internet→Wi-Fi. - Tap on the saved network and select
Share(orShare). - Confirm screen unlock (PIN, fingerprint, pattern).
- The password will be displayed below
QR code. - 📱 Install a file manager with access to root folders (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- 🔍 Go to
/data/misc/wifi/and open the fileWifiConfigStore.xml. - 🔑 Find the line with
SSIDyour network - there will be a field nearbyPreSharedKeywith a password. - 🔄 The network is not displayed in the settings:
Make sure that iPhone connected to it at least once. If the network is public (for example, in a cafe), its password is not saved. - 🔒 iCloud Keychain is not syncing passwords:
Check if the option is enabled inSettings→[Your name]→iCloud→Bunch of keys. Also make sure that all devices have the sameApple ID. - 📵 I can't log into the router:
Try resetting its settings with the buttonReset(Hold for 10 seconds). After reset, your login/password will become default (see table above). - 🖥️ Password extraction programs do not work:
Make sure the backup is iniTunesEncrypted. Unencrypted backups do not contain Wi-Fi passwords. - Synchronization is disabled in the settings.
iCloud. - The password was saved before connection.
iCloud Keychain. - The device has not connected to this network since the last factory reset.
For older versions Android (or if option Share absent):
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to find out the Wi-Fi password on iPhone Users often encounter typical problems. Here's how to solve them:
⚠️ Attention: If you use guest network (For example, Wi-Fi_Guest), its password may differ from the main one. In this case, contact your network administrator or check the sticker on the router—sometimes the guest password is listed separately.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone without additional devices?
Yes, but only for current active network through Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ → Password (required) iOS 16+). For other networks you will need Mac, Windows With iCloud or access to the router.
Why isn't my Wi-Fi listed in iCloud Keychain?
Possible reasons:
Try connecting to the network again and wait for synchronization (may take up to 5 minutes).
Is it possible to see the Wi-Fi password on a jailbroken iPhone?
Yes, jailbreaking gives you access to system files. Install the tweak. WiFi Passwords from the repository BigBoss — it will show all saved passwords in a separate menu. However, jailbreak voids the warranty and may disrupt operation iOS.
How to share Wi-Fi from iPhone to iPhone without entering a password?
Use the function Share Wi-Fi:
- Make sure both iPhone updated to iOS 11+ and are located nearby.
- On the connected device, open
Settings→Wi-Fi. - On the second iPhone Select this network - a pop-up window will appear asking you to share the password.
- Click
Share passwordand confirm Face ID.
⚠️ Works only between devices with the same Apple ID V Contacts.
What to do if none of the methods worked?
There are two options left:
- 🔧 Reset your router settings (all devices will be disconnected, you will have to set up Wi-Fi again).
- 📞 Contact your provider — they have access to your router settings (you will need your passport and contract).