How to find the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone XR: all working methods in 2026

Forgot the password for your home or office Wi-Fi that your iPhone XR, but don't want to reset your router or ask your ISP for it? This situation is familiar to many: your smartphone automatically connects to the network, but the password itself is hidden behind asterisks in the settings. Unfortunately, Apple doesn't provide direct access to saved Wi-Fi passwords. in the iOS interface - unlike Android, where they can be viewed in the router settings or through configuration files.

In this article we will look at 5 legal waysHow to find out the Wi-Fi password iPhone XR — from simple (through iCloud Keychain or Mac) to more technical ones (using Terminal or alternative routers). All methods are relevant for iOS 15–17 and don't require jailbreaking. Important: Some solutions will require access to another Apple device or computer—we'll warn you about this in advance.

If you are looking for a way to bypass someone else's network security, This article is not for you: all the methods described only work for networks to which your iPhone is already connected.Hacking Wi-Fi passwords without the owner's permission violates the law and iOS's terms of service.

Method 1: View your password via iCloud Keychain (if you have a Mac or another iPhone)

The most reliable and official method is to use iCloud Keychain, Apple's built-in password storage system. It syncs data between devices connected to the same Apple IDIf you have Mac, iPad or the second iPhone, the chances of successfully extracting the password are close to 100%.

Here's how to do it:

• 🖥️ On Mac: Open the application Bunch of keys (Keychain Access). In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network. Double-click the entry found and check the box. Show password and enter the password for your Mac account.
• 📱 On the other iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings → Passwords, find the name of the Wi-Fi network in the list and click on it. The system may ask for confirmation via Face ID or the device passcode.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Only works if iCloud Keychain was included to Wi-Fi connection. If you've never enabled password syncing, there's no data in your keychain.
• ⚠️ On Windows-PC or Android devices this method is not available - Keychain does not have official clients for other platforms.

⚠️ Attention: If you recently reset your iPhone's network settings (Settings → General → Transfer or reset → Reset network settings), your Wi-Fi connection history will be erased and this method will not work.

Make sure iCloud Keychain is enabled on both devices|Check that both devices are connected to the same Apple ID|Update iOS/macOS to the latest version|Have your Apple account password handy-->

Method 2: Using Terminal on Mac (for advanced users)

If you have Mac, connected to the same Wi-Fi, you can extract the password through command lineThis method does not require administrator rights, but it will require you to enter your Mac user account password.

Instructions:

1. Open Terminal (find through Spotlight or in a folder Utilities).
2. Enter the command:

   security find-generic-password -wa "YOUR_WiFi_NETWORK_NAME"

   Replace YOUR_WiFi_NETWORK_NAME to the actual network name (case sensitive!).

3. The system will ask for your Mac account password—enter it. Your Wi-Fi password will then be displayed in Terminal.

Example: If your network is called MyHomeWiFi_5G, the command will look like this:

security find-generic-password -wa "MyHomeWiFi_5G"

⚠️ Attention: This method only works if your Mac has previously connected to this Wi-Fi network. If the network is only saved on your iPhone but has never been used on your Mac, Terminal will return an error. Could not find password for specified service.

What should I do if Terminal gives an error?

If the command didn't work, check:

1. The network name is correct (including spaces and case).

2. Has this Mac connected to this network before?

3. Is password syncing enabled in System Preferences → Apple ID → iCloud → Passwords & Keys.

If the error persists, try an alternative command:

security dump-trust-settings -d | grep "NETWORK_NAME"

(this is less reliable, but sometimes it helps).

Method 3: View the password through the router settings

If you have access to router web interface, you can find out the password directly in its settings. This method is universal and works regardless of the iPhone model. The main requirement is that iPhone XR must be connected to this router at the moment (or you must know its IP address and login details).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Find out your router's IP address:
   • On iPhone, go to Settings → Wi-Fi, click on the symbol i next to the name of your network.
   • Remember or write down the address in the line Router (usually it is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1).

Open this address in your browser (for example, Safari or Chrome) on any device connected to the network.

Enter your login and password to log into the router (usually it is admin/admin, admin/1234 or indicated on the device sticker).

Go to the Wi-Fi settings section (names may vary):

• TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Security
• ASUS: Wireless Network → Security Settings
• Keenetic: Wi-Fi → Hotspot
• The password will be displayed in the field. PSK Password, Wi-Fi Password or Network key.

Router manufacturer	Standard IP address	Default login/password	Wi-Fi password path
TP-Link	192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1	admin/admin	Wireless → Wireless Security → PSK Password
ASUS	192.168.1.1	admin/admin	Wireless Network → Authentication Method → ​​WPA Pre-Shared Key
Keenetic	192.168.1.1	Indicated on the sticker	Wi-Fi → Access Point → Network Key
D-Link	192.168.0.1	admin/empty or admin/admin	Wi-Fi → Security Settings → Pre-Shared Key

⚠️ Attention: If you've never changed your router login/password and the sticker with the data has been lost, try the standard combinations. However, many providers (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS) block access to the router's settings when it's rented. In this case, contact your provider's support team.

Method 4: Export Wi-Fi settings via iTunes backup (for Windows/PC)

If you have a computer with Windows or macOS, you can try to extract the password from iPhone backup, created through iTunes (or Finder (on a Mac). This method requires additional software and some technical skills, but it doesn't violate Apple's policies.

What you will need:

• 💻 Computer with iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
• 🔌 Cable Lightning to connect iPhone.
• 🛠️ A program for reading backup copies, for example, iBackup Viewer (free version with limitations) or iMazing (paid).

Instructions:

1. Connect iPhone XR to your computer and create a backup copy via iTunes/Finder (be sure to select Encrypt a backup and remember the password!).
2. Install and open iBackup Viewer (or similar). Select a recent backup.
3. Go to the section System Files → com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist.
4. Find the name of your Wi-Fi network in the file - there will be a field next to it password with an encrypted password.
5. Copy the encrypted string and use an online decoder (eg. Base64-decoder) or built-in tools of the program for decryption.

Important nuances:

• ⚠️ No backup encryption (Encrypt backup) Wi-Fi passwords are not saved.
• ⚠️ Some programs (for example, iMazing) can show passwords in a readable form without any additional manipulation.
• ⚠️ If the backup was created a long time ago, the password may have changed.

Method 5: Using alternative routers (for the tech-savvy)

This method is suitable if you have second router (for example, an old or spare one) that can be temporarily connected to the network. The point is to force iPhone XR "share" a password using the function Wi-Fi Password Sharing (Wi-Fi sharing), which appeared in iOS 11.

How does this work:

1. Connect the alternate router to your main network via cable LAN (or set it up as a repeater).
2. On iPhone XR go to Settings → Wi-Fi and connect to alternative router (it must be within the coverage area of ​​the main network).
3. Take another Apple device (for example, iPad or Mac) and try to connect to basic Wi-Fi networks.
4. On iPhone XR a pop-up window will appear with an offer Share password - click Send password.
5. The password will be automatically transferred to the second device, where it can be viewed in the network settings.

Restrictions:

• ⚠️ Works only between devices on the same Apple ID.
• ⚠️ Requires a second router and another Apple device.
• ⚠️ On some router firmware versions, the function Wi-Fi Password Sharing may not work.

⚠️ Attention: This method doesn't guarantee 100% success, as it depends on hardware compatibility and iOS versions. If you have a router from a provider with custom firmware (for example, Rostelecom or Dom.ru), the function may be blocked.

What to do if none of the methods worked?

If all the above methods do not help, there are radical measures left:

• 🔄 Resetting the router: Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After resetting, use the password from the device's sticker. Minus: all users will be disconnected and you will have to set up the network again.
• 📞 Contacting your providerCall your internet service provider's support team (the number is usually listed on the router's sticker). They may provide you with your password over the phone after verifying your personal information.
• 🔧 Replacing the router: If the device is old or leased, the provider may replace it with a new one with known login details.

If you rent a router from a provider (for example, Beeline, MTS, Third Transport Ring), resetting the settings may disrupt its operation. In this case Be sure to check with support, is it allowed to reset the device yourself?

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi passwords on the iPhone XR

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

No, iOS does not provide direct access to saved Wi-Fi passwords in the settings interface. All working methods require either another Apple device (Mac, iPad), or access to the router, or a backup copy of the iPhone.

Will the iCloud Keychain method work if I only have an iPhone XR?

No. iCloud Keychain syncs passwords between devices, but doesn't show them on the device itself iPhone. You need Mac, iPad or the second iPhoneto view saved data.

Is it possible to jailbreak to view Wi-Fi password?

Technically yes: you can install the tweak after jailbreaking. WiFi Passwords from the repository Cydia, which shows all saved passwords. However:

• ⚠️ Jailbreak violates Apple's warranty and may cause unstable operation of the iPhone.
• ⚠️ Modern versions of iOS (15+) are difficult to jailbreak, and tweaks are often not updated.
• ⚠️ Risk of malware infection when installing pirated repositories.

We we do not recommend this method due to high risks.

Why is the password displayed as asterisks in the router settings?

In most routers, the default password is hidden behind asterisks () for security. To see it:

• Find the password field and click on it - some firmwares show the option Show symbols.
• Copy the asterisks to the clipboard and paste them into a text editor (sometimes the symbols are replaced with real ones when copied).
• Try resetting your password to a new one (remember it!).

Is it possible to find out the password for someone else's Wi-Fi network that their iPhone is connected to?

No, all the methods described only work for networks that you own or have legal access to.Attempts to hack someone else's network:

• They violate Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (illegal access to computer information).
• May lead to blocking your device provider.
• Modern routers are protected by protocols WPA3, which are virtually impossible to hack without physical access.

If you need access to someone else's network, ask the owner for the password.