How to Find Your iPad's Wi-Fi Password: All Methods (Including iPadOS 17)

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but you're connected iPad — the only device at hand? The situation is familiar to many: the router was set up a long time ago, the sticker with the password is lost, and the new gadget can't connect to the network. Luckily, Find the saved Wi-Fi password on an iPad It's possible—even without access to a router. In this article, we'll cover all the working methods, including hidden features. iPadOS, bypassing Apple restrictions and alternative solutions for different firmware versions.

It is important to understand: Apple deliberately makes it difficult to access Wi-Fi passwords for security reasons. Unlike Android, where passwords are often displayed in clear text, iPad To do this, you will need to either use built-in tools (not available on all versions) or resort to workarounds. We tested all methods on current models—from iPad Air 4 to iPad Pro M2 — and selected only those that work stably.

If your iPad If the device is already connected to the desired network, the chances of success are high. If the device is disconnected from Wi-Fi, you will have to use backup methods (more on that at the end of the article). Also keep in mind: some methods require jailbreak or additional devices (for example, Mac), but we'll start with the simplest solutions.

1. Standard method: view the password through Settings (iPadOS 16 and later)

Starting from iPadOS 16, AppleFinally added the ability to view saved network passwords directly in Settings. This is the fastest and most secure method, but it works. only if the iPad is currently connected to the desired Wi-Fi networkHere's how to do it:

1. Open the app Settings on yours iPad.
2. Go to the section Wi-Fi.
3. Find the name of your network in the list (there will be a check mark ⚪ next to it) and tap on the icon «i» on the right.
4. In the window that opens, click on the field Password.
5. The system will ask for confirmation via Face ID, Touch ID or device password. Authenticate.
6. The password will be displayed in clear text - you can copy it (hold your finger on the text) or write it down.

⚠️ Limitation: if your iPad runs under control iPadOS 15 or older, this method it won't work — In older firmware versions, the password field is simply missing. The password also won't be displayed if the network uses enterprise authentication (for example, in offices or universities).

iPad is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network|iPadOS version 16 or later|Face ID/Touch ID or a passcode is set up on the device|The network does not use enterprise authentication

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2. Alternative Method: Using iCloud Keychain (Mac Sync)

If you have Mac (or another iPad/iPhone), connected to the same account iCloud, you can extract the password through Keychain Access — built-in password manager AppleThis method works on all versions. iPadOS, but requires synchronization via iCloud Keychain.

Instructions for Mac:

1. Open the app Keychain Access (can be found via Spotlight on click Cmd + Space).
2. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
3. Double-click on the found entry (type AirPort network password).
4. Check the box Show password.
5. Enter your account password on Mac.
6. The password will be displayed in the field. Show password.

If you don't have Mac, but there is a second one iPhone/iPad With iOS 16+, you can use it:

1. On the second device, open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the icon «i» next to the network name.
3. Click Password and pass authentication.

The password is synchronized via iCloud Keychain, so it will be the same on all your devices.

⚠️ Attention: If iCloud Keychain disabled, this method will not work. You can check the synchronization status in Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keychain.

What to do if Keychain doesn't show the password?

If the Wi-Fi network entry is missing from Keychain, it means the password wasn't saved in iCloud. Try this:

1. Connect your iPad to the network again (sometimes this initiates saving).

2. Check if Keychain sync is enabled in iCloud settings.

3. Use another method from this article (for example, via a router).

3. For advanced users: extracting passwords via a configuration file (without jailbreaking)

This method is suitable if you have access to Mac or Windows-PC, and you're ready to do some digging around in your system files. We'll be extracting the password from a backup. iPad, created through iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac).

Step 1: Back up your iPad:

• 🔌 Connect iPad to the computer via cable.
• 🖥️ On Mac open Finder, on Windows — iTunes.
• 📱 Choose yours iPad in the list of devices.
• 💾 Click Create a copy now (be sure to select Encrypt backup and come up with a password).

Step 2: Locate the Wi-Fi password file:

• On Mac backups are stored in the following path:

  /Users/[Your_user_name]/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/

  The folder with the copy will have a random name made up of numbers and letters.

• On Windows the path is this:

  C:\Users\[Your_user_name]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

• Find the file inside the folder com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist (you can use search by name).

Step 3: Decrypt the password:

File .plist contains encrypted data, but the password can be extracted using a utility iBackupBot (paid) or iExplorer (free trial). Alternatively, there are online services like iPhone Backup Extractor, but we do not recommend uploading backups to third-party sites.

⚠️ Attention: If the backup is not encrypted, Wi-Fi passwords are not saved. This method also does not work if iPad never connected to the network - the copy will simply have no record of it.

4. Workaround: View the password on the router

If none of the previous methods worked, you can Find out the password directly from the routerThis is a universal method that works regardless of the model. iPad or versions iPadOSYou will need physical access to the router and a device (computer, phone) connected to it via cable or Wi-Fi.

Instructions for most routers:

1. Find a sticker on your router with the login details for the admin panel (usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, and also login/password like admin/admin).
2. Open a browser on any device connected to the router and enter the control panel address (for example, http://192.168.0.1).
3. Enter your login and password (if the default ones don’t work, try admin/empty or look in the documentation for your router).
4. Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless, Wireless network).
5. Find the field Password (or Password, Key) - the current network password will be displayed here.

🔹 For popular router models:

⚠️ If you can't log into your router panel (forgot your login/password), you'll have to do reset settings button Reset on the back panel. Please note that this will erase all settings, including the Wi-Fi password, and reset the router to factory defaults.

5. Specialty Apps: Do They Work on iPad?

IN App Store You can find dozens of apps that promise to show Wi-Fi passwords, but most of them don't work on iPad for two reasons:

1. Apple blocks access to system files with passwords through the sandbox (sandbox).
2. Applications require superuser rights (jailbreak), which violate the terms of the warranty.

🔹 The only exception - utilities for viewing passwords from iCloud Keychain, but they simply duplicate the functionality of the standard settings. Examples:

• 🔑 WiFi Passwords (shows passwords from Keychain if sync is enabled).
• 🔓 Network Analyzer (may display some network information, but not the password).
• 📡 Fing (scans the network but does not extract passwords from iPad).

⚠️ Warning: Do not install apps that require jailbreaking or offer Wi-Fi hacking. This not only violates the law (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code—illegal access to computer information), but can also lead to:

• 🚫 Account blocking Apple ID.
• 🛡️ Infection of the device with malware.
• 📵 Loss of warranty iPad.

6. Last resort: reset network settings on iPad

If you need to connect another device to Wi-Fi, but you cannot find out the password using any of the above methods, you can reset network settings on iPad and reconnect. This will force the router to ask for a password when reconnecting.

🔹 How to reset network settings:

1. Open Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPad.
2. Select Reset.
3. Click Reset network settings.
4. Enter your device password to confirm.
5. After rebooting, reconnect to Wi-Fi - the system will ask for a password.

⚠️ Consequences of the reset:

• 📶 All saved Wi-Fi networks will be deleted.
• 🔄 VPN settings, APN, and other network parameters will be reset to factory defaults.
• 🔒 You will also have to re-enter passwords for other networks.

This method is only suitable if you Do you know the router password? and you can re-enter it. If you don't know the password, resetting it won't help.

7. If nothing works: alternative solutions

When all other options have been exhausted, radical or less obvious options remain:

🔹 Method 1: Connecting via WPS

Many routers support the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which allows you to connect devices without entering a password. Click the button WPS on the router (usually it is signed), then on the new device, select the network and wait for the connection. This only works if WPS is enabled in your router settings..

🔹 Method 2: Using a guest network

If a guest network is configured on your router, its password may differ from the main one. It's usually listed on the router's sticker or in the web interface under Guest network (Guest Network). The guest network often has a simple password (for example, 12345678).

🔹 Method 3: Contacting your provider

If the router was provided by an Internet provider (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS), it may have a standard password linked to the contract number. Call support and clarify:

• 📞 Contract or personal account number.
• 🔢 The serial number of the router (indicated on the sticker).
• 🏠 Connection address.

The provider will be able to provide the factory password or reset it remotely.

🔹 Method 4: Physically reset the router

If you have access to your router but have lost the password, you can reset it to factory settings:

1. Press and hold the button Reset on the back panel of the router (10–15 seconds).
2. Wait for the reboot (the indicators should flash).
3. Connect to the network with the factory name (indicated on the sticker) and password (usually admin or empty).

⚠️ Attention: After resetting, you'll need to reconfigure your router (including connection type, provider information, etc.). If you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi passwords on iPad

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on an iPad without jailbreaking?

Yes, but only if:

• 📱 The iPad is connected to the network right now (method via “Settings” on iPadOS 16+).
• 🖥️ Do you have Mac with synchronized iCloud Keychain.
• 📡 You have access to the router (you can see the password in its settings).

Without these conditions there are no legal methods - Apple Blocks access to passwords at the system level.

Why is there no Wi-Fi password field in Settings?

This happens for three reasons:

1. Do you have iPadOS 15 or older - the function appeared only in version 16.
2. iPad not connected to the network at the moment.
3. The network uses enterprise authentication (for example, in offices or universities).

Solution: Update iPadOS or use another method (for example, via a router).

Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password from an iPad?

No, if:

• 🚫 You are not connected to this network.
• 🔒 The network uses modern encryption standards (WPA2/WPA3).
• 📵 You don't have access to the router.

Any attempts to hack someone else's Wi-Fi are illegal (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code) and may result in device blocking or a fine. If you need access to someone else's network, ask the owner for the password.

What should I do if I forgot my router password?

You can restore access as follows:

1. 🔍 Check the sticker on your router—sometimes the login/password for accessing the control panel is listed there.
2. 📞 Call your provider - they can reset your password remotely (you'll need your contract number).
3. 🔄 Reset your router using the button Reset (all settings will be reset).

If you rent a router from a provider, do not attempt to reset it yourself—this may disrupt your connection settings.

Does the backup method work on iPadOS 17?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• ✅ Wi-Fi passwords are stored in encrypted backups.
• ❌ Without encryption of password copies are not saved.
• 🔧 Required for extraction Mac/Windows and the program seems to be iBackupBot.

On iPadOS 17 Apple has not changed the password storage mechanism, so the method remains relevant.