Apple device owners often encounter a situation where they need to connect a new device to a network that their tablet already has access to. iPad Securely stores access keys in the system's protected storage, which ensures security but creates complications for the user. It is possible to find out the current WiFi password on an iPad, but the procedure heavily depends on the operating system version installed. iOS.
If your device is updated to the latest software versions, the process takes just seconds thanks to biometric security. However, older models or software versions may require additional steps, including using Mac or a computer with WindowsIn this article, we'll cover all the working methods for retrieving forgotten wireless network access credentials.
Wireless Security Features in iOS
Apple has implemented strict encryption protocols to prevent data theft by attackers. Key feature The key is that passwords are stored encrypted and are not publicly accessible without the owner's authorization. This means that it's impossible to simply access the settings and read the password without unlocking the device.
System Keychain (Keychain) syncs data between devices if the corresponding option is enabled in iCloudThis allows your iPad to automatically connect to networks you've used on your iPhone or Mac. However, if you need to grant access to a guest or enter a password on a device without Face ID, you'll need to use special viewing methods.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to jailbreak your iPad to extract passwords may void your warranty and compromise your personal data. Use only the recommended methods described below.
It's important to understand that modern versions of iOS require mandatory biometric verification or entering the device's passcode before revealing sensitive information. defense mechanism, which can't be bypassed using standard methods. Therefore, make sure you remember your screen unlock code before proceeding.
View your password on an iPad running iOS 16 or later
Starting with OS X, Apple added the long-awaited feature to directly view saved WiFi passwords in Settings. This is the easiest and fastest way, and doesn't require a computer connection. You'll only need to verify your identity via Touch ID or Face ID.
To get started, open the app Settings on the main screen. Go to the section Wi-Fi, which will display a list of available and previously used networks. Find the network you need to find the password for and click the blue information icon (the letter "i" in a circle) to the right of the name.
In the menu that opens, you will see a field Password, which is hidden by dots by default. Tap this field. The system will immediately request biometric authentication or a digital code. Once verified, the dots will turn into readable text that can be copied or rewritten.
- 🔹 Click the information icon next to the active WiFi network.
- 🔹 Tap the hidden password field to activate the authorization request.
- 🔹 Verify with Face ID, Touch ID, or enter your passcode.
- 🔹 Copy the text that opens or take a screenshot.
☑️ Check your password before viewing it
If the password field doesn't respond to taps or the authorization request doesn't appear, your device may not support this feature or may have an older software version. In this case, check for updates in the section Main → Software UpdateSometimes a device reboot is required to activate the feature.
Using iCloud Keychain on Mac
If your iPad is running an older version of iOS that can't show passwords, but you have a computer Mac, you can use iCloud sync. This method only works if iCloud sync is enabled on both devices. iCloud KeychainData is transmitted encrypted via the Apple cloud.
On your Mac, open the app Bunch of keys (Keychain Access). It can be found through Spotlight search (by clicking Command + Space) or in a folder Programs → UtilitiesIn the list on the left, select the "Passwords" or "All Items" category, then enter the name of your WiFi network in the search.
Double-click the network name you found. In the properties window that opens, check the box next to Show passwordThe system will ask for your computer administrator password or biometrics (Touch ID). Once entered, you'll see the character combination you were looking for.
| Parameter | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| macOS version | Any modern | Necessarily |
| iCloud | Included on Mac and iPad | Necessarily |
| Bunch of keys | Activated | Necessarily |
| Internet | Required for synchronization | Desirable |
This method is especially useful if the iPad itself is locked or the touchscreen isn't working, but the network connection is still active. The main requirement is that the devices must be linked to the same Apple ID. If you use Family Sharing, make sure password syncing is enabled for that account.
Receiving data via a router and a Windows computer
Owners of computers running Windows They can access passwords if the iPad was previously synced with the PC via iTunes or the Apple Devices app. However, a more secure method is to configure the router itself, as it is the one that distributes the access keys.
To access the router control panel, your iPad must be connected to the network (even if you don't know the password, the connection is already established). Open your browser and enter the gateway IP address in the address bar. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is often indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the router.
After entering the address, you'll be asked to enter your administrator username and password. If you haven't changed them, try the default combinations: admin/admin or admin/passwordOnce in the interface, find the section Wireless or Wireless networkThere in the field WPA Pre-Shared Key or WiFi password The current key will be displayed.
- 🔸 Connect your iPad to the problematic WiFi network.
- 🔸 Open your browser and enter your router's IP address.
- 🔸 Log in to the control panel (admin login/password).
- 🔸 Go to Wireless Security settings.
⚠️ Important: Router interfaces from different manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link, Keenetic) vary significantly. Look for sections labeled "Wireless," "WLAN," "Security," or "Wi-Fi Settings." Don't reset your router unless absolutely necessary, otherwise you'll lose internet access on all devices.
If the standard logins don't work and you don't remember them, you'll have to reset the router to factory settings using the button ResetAfter this, you'll need to reconfigure your internet connection, which may require calling your provider. Therefore, it's best to write down your router administrator password in a safe place beforehand.
Syncing via iTunes and Backing Up
There's a technically challenging but effective method for extracting passwords by creating a local backup on your computer. This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires third-party software to decrypt the backup. Standard iTunes doesn't display the contents of backups in a readable format.
The method involves creating an unencrypted copy of your iPad data on a computer. Then, using specialized utilities (such as iBackup Viewer or iPhone Backup Extractor), you can analyze the system files. These programs can find plist files, which store network settings.
The process is as follows: connect your iPad to your PC using a cable, launch iTunes (or Finder on a Mac), and select "Back Up Now." Be sure to uncheck "Encrypt local backup"; otherwise, you won't be able to retrieve the data without the master password. Once complete, use the software to view the backup files.
It's worth noting that Apple has strengthened security on modern versions of iOS, and simple plist files can also be encrypted. In this case, this method may not work without a jailbreak. Therefore, it's recommended to consider this method as a backup if other methods are unavailable.
Resetting network settings as a last resort
If none of these methods work, or you can't log in, there's a radical but effective solution: resetting your network settings. This will delete all saved WiFi passwords, cellular settings, and VPN settings on your device, but will restore the network module to its default state.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPad → Reset. Select an item Reset network settingsThe device will reboot. After turning it on, you'll need to re-enter your WiFi password, but you can now see it on the input screen if you enable the "Show password" feature (the little eye) when entering it.
This method is useful if a software conflict has accumulated in the system, preventing data from displaying correctly. However, keep in mind that after this procedure, you will have to reconnect all smart devices (lamps, outlets) that were connected via WiFi, as they will "forget" the network along with the tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out someone else's WiFi password using an iPad?
No, this is impossible. The iPad can only reveal the password for a network it has previously connected to and has the data stored in its memory. For security reasons, hacking someone else's network using the tablet's built-in features is impossible.
What should I do if the password field does not become active after clicking?
Most likely, your device is running iOS version 16 or later. In this case, use the computer method (Mac or Windows) or access your router settings as described in the relevant sections of this article.
Do WiFi passwords disappear when updating iOS?
No, all settings and saved passwords are preserved during a regular operating system update. They can only be lost if you reset your device to factory settings or disable iCloud sync.
How to copy a password on an iPad?
In iOS 16 and later, after unlocking the passcode (after Face ID), a "Copy" button appears. In older versions of the system, there's no direct copy function from WiFi settings; you'll have to manually rewrite the passcode or take a screenshot.
Where are passwords stored if you turn off iCloud?
Without iCloud, passwords are stored only in the device's local memory. If you lose your iPad or perform a hard reset without first backing up to your computer, it will be impossible to recover your passwords.