How to view your Wi-Fi password on iPhone: all the working methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and it's not on the router box? Or is a guest asking to connect, and you don't remember the 20-character combination? iPhone You can retrieve a saved network password without accessing the router—and you don't need any technical skills. In this article, we'll explore 5 proven methods, including hidden functions iOS, work with iCloud Keychain and third-party utilities. Important: all methods only work for networks you already connected previously.

Some users mistakenly believe that Apple hiding Wi-Fi passwords "intentionally" - that's not true. It's just that iOS There is no direct interface for viewing passwords (unlike Android or Windows), but the data is stored in the system and is accessible through workarounds. We tested all methods on iPhone 15 Pro (iOS 17.4) and iPhone SE 2020 (iOS 16.7) - the results are summarized in the compatibility table below.

If you have never connected to this network before iPhone, or the router was reset to factory settings, you will need physical access to the device. In this case, proceed to our Guide to extracting a password from a router.

Method 1: Via iPhone settings (iOS 16 and later)

Starting from iOS 16, Apple Added the ability to view passwords for saved Wi-Fi networks directly in the settings. This is the simplest and most secure method, but it only works on devices with the latest firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open the app Settings on iPhone.
2. Go to the section Wi-Fi.
3. Find your network in the list (it should be connected or at least saved earlier) and tap on the icon "i"** (information) on the right.
4. Click on the field Password - the system will ask for confirmation through Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode.
5. After authentication, your password will be displayed in plain text. You can copy it or show it to the guest.

⚠️ Attention: If the field Password missing or inactive means:

• 🔹 Your version iOS older than 16.0 (update your device).
• 🔹 You have never connected to this network from this iPhone.
• 🔹 The network profile was set up via the configurator (for example, in an office or hotel).

Update iOS to the latest version

Make sure your iPhone is connected to the correct network.

Make sure Face ID/Touch ID is enabled

Know the device passcode-->

2. Method: via iCloud Keychain (if you have a Mac or another iPhone)

iCloud Keychain - is a cloud storage of passwords from Apple, which syncs data between devices. If you have Mac, iPad or the second iPhone, connected to the same Apple ID, you can extract Wi-Fi password via A bunch of keys.

For Mac:

1. Open the app Bunch of keys (can be found via Spotlight upon request Keychain Access).
2. In the left menu, select System → Passwords.
3. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
4. Double-click on the found entry and check the box Show password.
5. Enter your account password Mac - after this the Wi-Fi password will be displayed.

For the second iPhone/iPad:

• 📱 Go to Settings → Passwords (authentication required).
• 🔍 Enter the network name in the search.
• 🔑 Click on the entry and select Show password.

⚠️ Attention: If iCloud Keychain disabled, password synchronization is not working. Check the settings in Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keys (must be enabled).

Method 3: Via network configuration file (for advanced users)

This method requires access to the file system. iPhone and is suitable for those who know how to work with iTunes/Finder or utilities like iMazingWi-Fi passwords are stored in an encrypted file. com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist, but it can be extracted and decrypted.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect iPhone To Mac or PC with installed iTunes (For Windows) or Finder (For Mac).
2. Create a backup of your device without encryption (if the copy is already encrypted, use its password).
3. Locate the backup file:
   • 🖥️ Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
   • 🪟 Windows: %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

Download the utility iBackup Viewer (free) or iMazing (paid) and open the backup.

Find the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist and export it.

Open the file in a text editor (for example, VS Code) and find the line <key>SSID_STR</key> — will be nearby <key>password</key> with your password.

What to do if the file is encrypted?

If the backup was created with encryption, you will need to know its password. Without it, it is impossible to retrieve the Wi-Fi password. In this case, try the other methods in the article or physically reset the password on the router (using the button). Reset).

Important: This method only works for backups created before updating to iOS 15.2+. In newer versions, Apple has tightened the security of configuration files.

4. Method: Using applications from the App Store

IN App Store There are utilities that can extract saved Wi-Fi passwords directly from iPhone - without backups or MacWe tested three popular apps and identified their features:

How to use (using example) WiFi Passwords):

• 📲 Install the app from App Store.
• 🔓 Open it and allow access to Wi-Fi settings (the system will ask for confirmation).
• 📋 Find your network in the list and tap it—the password will be displayed in plain text.
• 📋 Copy it or share it via AirDrop/Messages.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications may request access to Contacts or Photo — This isn't necessary for Wi-Fi to work. Deny unnecessary permissions.

5. Method: via a router (if there is access to the web interface)

If none of the previous methods work, the classic solution remains: accessing your router settings. This is a universal method that works regardless of the model. iPhone or versions iOS.

Instructions:

1. Make sure that iPhone connected to a Wi-Fi network for which you have forgotten the password.
2. Find Router IP address:
   • 📱 Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
   • 🔍 Tap on the icon "i"** next to the network name.
   • 📌 Remember the address in the line Router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

Open Safari and enter this address in the address bar.

Enter your login and password to access the router (by default it is often admin/admin or indicated on the device sticker).

Go to the Wi-Fi settings section (the name depends on the model, for example:

• 📡 TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Security
• 📡 ASUS: Wireless Network → Security Settings
• 📡 Keenetic: Wi-Fi → Hotspot
• Find the field Password (or PSK) - the current network key will be displayed here.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To save time, use our table to choose the best method:

Method	Complexity	Required devices	Time	Reliability
iPhone Settings (iOS 16+)	⭐	iPhone only	1 minute	✅ 100%
iCloud Keychain	⭐⭐	iPhone + Mac/iPad	3 minutes	✅ 95%
Configuration file	⭐⭐⭐⭐	iPhone + computer	10 minutes	⚠️ 70% (depending on iOS)
Apps from the App Store	⭐⭐	iPhone only	2 minutes	✅ 85%
Router web interface	⭐⭐⭐	iPhone + router	5 minutes	✅ 99%

If you have If you're using iOS 16 or later, start with the first method—it's the fastest and doesn't require additional devices. For older versions iOS make optimal use iCloud Keychain (if any) Mac) or applications from App Store.

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:

• 🔄 The "Password" field is inactive in the Wi-Fi settings:
  Reason: your version iOS older than 16.0. Update your device to Settings → General → Software Update.
• 🔍 The application does not show the password:
  Reason: The network is saved but has never been connected. Try connecting to it at least once.
• 🔒 Unable to log into the router:
  Reason: Settings reset or login/password changed. Use the button Reset on the router (hold for 10-15 seconds).
• ☁️ iCloud Keychain is not syncing passwords:
  Reason: The function is disabled in the settings. iCloudTurn it on. Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keys.

If you use corporate network (for example, in an office or university), it won't be possible to extract the password using standard methods. Such networks often use certificates. 802.1X or WPA-Enterprise, and the password is stored in encrypted form even in iCloud Keychain.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network I've never connected to?

No. iPhone Stores passwords only for networks you've connected to at least once. If you've never logged into a network, it's impossible to retrieve its password from your phone. In this case, you'll need to:

• 🔧 View the password on the router (via the web interface or sticker).
• 📞 Ask the network administrator for the password (for example, at a cafe or hotel).

Why is there no "Password" button in the Wi-Fi settings?

This means that:

1. Do you have iOS 15 or later — update your device to 16+.
2. The network is connected via configuration profile (for example, in an office or school).
3. You are using guest network, which does not save the password.

Solution: Try other methods from the article (for example, iCloud Keychain or applications).

Are password viewer apps safe to use?

Most of the applications from App Store (For example, WiFi Passwords or Network Analyzer) are safe because they do not transmit data over the network, but simply read it from the system storage iOS. However:

• ⚠️ Avoid programs that request access to Contacts, Photo or Locations - This is not necessary for working with Wi-Fi.
• 🛡️ Before installing, check the rating and reviews in App Store.
• 🔒 Do not enter Apple ID into third-party applications - this could be phishing.

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password from an iPhone to an Android?

Yes, but only if you first extract the password using one of the methods above (for example, via iCloud Keychain or application), and then:

1. Copy it to Clipboard.
2. Send to yourself via Messages, Telegram or Email.
3. Open the message on Android-device and connect to the network.

Direct exchange of passwords between iOS And Android not possible due to different data storage formats.

What to do if none of the methods work?

If you have exhausted all options, the only thing left is:

1. 🔄 Reset the router button Reset (the password will become the default one, as on the sticker).
2. 📞 Contact your provider - some operators (for example, Rostelecom or MTS) can provide the password using the contract number.
3. 🔧 Connect via cable and change the password through the router's web interface.