How to Find Wi-Fi Password on iPhone in 3 Simple Tricks

Reading time: 6 min read
Daniel Attoe
Written by
Daniel Attoe

Updated · Aug 22, 2023

Daniel Attoe
Content Writer and VPN Expert | Joined October 2021 | LinkedIn
Daniel Attoe

Daniel is an Economics grad who fell in love with tech. His passion for books and reading pushed him... | See full bio

Lorie Tonogbanua
Edited by
Lorie Tonogbanua

Editor

Lorie Tonogbanua
Joined June 2023 | LinkedIn
Lorie Tonogbanua

Lorie is an English Language and Literature graduate passionate about writing, research, and learnin... | See full bio

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Recalling Wi-Fi passwords can be difficult, especially because many devices automatically connect to familiar networks once logged in.

Interestingly, only 38.6% of people write their passwords on paper. You might encounter trouble if you aren’t one of these people. Apple devices are known for their robust security infrastructure, making it challenging to retrieve forgotten Wi-Fi passwords.

You’ll find out how to find the Wi-Fi password on your iPhone. Say goodbye to the frustration of recalling your Wi-Fi password—this article has you covered!

🔑Key Takeaways

  • With iOS 16, the Wi-Fi password can be viewed in the settings menu of an iPhone.
  • Password recovery via Apple's iCloud Keychain is only possible if you use the same iCloud account across all your devices.
  • Upgrading your iOS will enhance the overall security of your device and provide you with improved functionalities to easily manage your saved passwords.
  • When setting your passwords, make them memorable to you and incorporate special characters to enhance their strength.

3 Methods in Finding Wi-Fi Password on an iPhone

The following methods are categorized based on the iOS version you’re using to ensure they are suitable for various iPhone models.

While some methods may require more time, they are all relatively straightforward. 

👍Helpful Article:

Managing passwords for multiple accounts, including your Wi-Fi network, can be made easier using a password manager. Check out this review article on Passwarden.

Here’s to exploring these methods in detail.

Method # 1: Check the Wi-Fi Menu - (Best for iPhone Users On iOS 16)

Apple has introduced a user-friendly feature in the iOS 16 update, allowing iPhone users to conveniently access their saved Wi-Fi passwords. In contrast, with older iOS versions, recovering a forgotten Wi-Fi password was impossible.

Here's how to do it:

  1. On your iPhone, access Settings and tap Wi-Fi.

Screenshot of an iPhone’s Available Applications Highlighting the “Settings”

Screenshot of an iPhone’s Wi-Fi Settings

  1. Choose the Wi-Fi network you are currently using.

Screenshot of the Current Network You Are Connected With

  1. Tap on the Password field. A prompt may ask for your passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID to proceed and reveal the Wi-Fi password.

Screenshot of the Wi-Fi Password Covered for Added Security

Method # 2: Via Router Settings - (Best for iPhone users on iOS 15 and earlier versions)

As mentioned above, iPhones that run on iOS 15 or older do not have the option to see the saved Wi-Fi passwords. Another method is to go directly to the source - your Wi-Fi router.

Unlike finding the Wi-Fi password on your iPhone, this process requires more steps, but it gets you the information you need.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Access "Settings" on your iPhone and tap "Wi-Fi."

Screenshot of an iPhone’s Available Applications Highlighting the “Settings.”

Screenshot of Your iPhone’s Wi-Fi Configuration

  1. Tap on the Wi-Fi network that you’re currently using.

Screenshot of the Wi-Fi Password Covered for Added Security

  1. Copy the Router's IP address by tapping the corresponding field until the Copy icon appears. Then, tap Copy.

Your Router’s IP Address in the IPv4 Address Section

  1. Open any online browser (e.g., Safari or Chrome) and paste the router's IP address in the search bar. 

Screenshot of the Search Bar

An error prompt will be displayed stating, "This Connection Is Not Private." 

⚠️Warning!

Although it can sometimes be a bug, bypassing this warning is only recommended if you are sure the website is safe. Proceed at your own risk.

  1. Tap Show Details.

Screenshot of an Error Prompt Display

  1. Select Visit This Website.

A Screenshot of the “Visit this Website” Prompt Location

  1. Enter your router's username and password. You can use websites like Routers Login and Port Forward to find your router's default login credentials.

Spectrum Login Page

  1. Click Wireless in the left-side panel (or a button with a different name depending on your router).

Screenshot of the “Wireless” Prompt

  1. Finally, your Wi-Fi password is listed below the network name under Wireless Settings. Check if you’re connected to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.

A Screenshot That Shows Your Wi-Fi Password

✅ Pro Tip:

You can bypass this lengthy process by sharing your Wi-Fi network with another iPhone that runs iOS 16. Afterward, follow the steps outlined in Method 1.

Method # 3: Using the iCloud Keychain (Best Mac devices)

If the previous two methods prove ineffective, you can resort to this final option, which involves using the iCloud Keychain. 

Apple's iCloud Keychain is an integrated password manager for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It allows users to synchronize passwords and secure information seamlessly across all Apple devices.

However, this method explicitly requires that you have a Mac device. Call a friend and borrow their Mac if you don't have one. What stronger bonding activity could there be than working through challenges together?

Here’s how it's done:

Enable iCloud Keychain on your iPhone

To make this method work, you must first enable iCloud Keychain on your iPhone. Here’s the process:

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.

Available Applications Highlighting the “Settings

  1. Tap your name at the very top of the screen.

Screenshot of iPhone’s “Settings Page”

  1. Select iCloud.

Screenshot of iCloud’s Location

  1. Choose Passwords and Keychain.

Screenshot of the “Apps Using iCloud"

  1. Turn on the slider.The keychain is active when the button turns green.

Screenshot of the ‘Passwords and Keychain” Prompt

Wait a few minutes to ensure the information is uploaded to the cloud. The more usernames and passwords you have, the longer the sync may take.

Enable iCloud Keychain on your Mac

Make sure you're using the same iCloud account as your iPhone. After that, follow the steps below.

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your Mac screen.

A Screenshot of the Apple Icon’s Location

  1. Select System Preferences.

A Screenshot of the “About This Mac.” Page

  1. Click Apple ID.

Screenshot of the Apple ID’s Location.

  1. Click iCloud.
  2. Then, locate the Keychain and check the box next to it. You might have to scroll down a bit to find it.

Screenshot of Where to Find “Keychain.”

This process may take a minute or two to complete, but just a few more steps, and you’re all set.

Find The Password Using Your Mac

Prepare your Mac's login credentials, as you'll be prompted for them later in the procedure, and then proceed with these final steps.

  1. Use your Mac to open the Keychain Access program. Simply use the search tool, type Keychain Access, and hit enter.

Screenshot of the Search Tool

  1. Enter the name of the Wi-Fi network whose password you wish to recover in the Search box.

Screenshot of the Page to Enter the Password You Wish to Recover.

  1. Double-click the network name in the search results.

A Screenshot of the Top Results of Your Search

  1. Click the checkmark in the box that says Show Password.

Screenshot of the Checkbox on the Left Side of "Show Password."

  1. Enter your Mac's login username and password when prompted. Then click Allow.

Screenshot of the Login Prompt

  1. Finally, the Wi-Fi network's password will appear in the Show Password field.

A Screenshot of the Show Password Prompt

✅ Pro Tip:

Before you exit the page, modify your Wi-Fi password to something easily memorable, avoiding the need to repeat this lengthy process. Remember to tap "Save" to ensure your changes take effect.

Conclusion

Apple’s security features present challenges when recovering forgotten Wi-Fi passwords. Nevertheless, this trade-off results in a safer and more secure user experience.

  • As a proactive step, it's advisable to jot down your Wi-Fi passwords on paper and store them securely, especially if you frequently switch devices or encounter technical issues.

So, the next time you encounter the challenge of a missing Wi-Fi password, you'll be well-prepared to handle it.

👍Helpful Article:

Aside from changing your Wi-Fi password, you can also change its name. Look at Techjury’s article on 2023’s Wi-Fi name ideas to make your neighbor laugh.

FAQs.


Can I find Wi-Fi passwords for networks I've never connected to?

No, you can only find passwords for networks your iPhone has previously connected to.

Are third-party Wi-Fi password apps safe to use?

While some apps may be safe, it's crucial to research and choose reputable ones to avoid potential security risks.

What is a strong Wi-Fi password?

A strong Wi-Fi password contains special characters or symbols, upper and lower case letters, and numbers. It is unique and not easily guessable.

How often should I change my Wi-Fi password?

Changing your Wi-Fi password periodically, at least every few months, is recommended to enhance security.

Can I use the same Wi-Fi password for multiple networks?

It's not advisable to use the same password for different networks. Each network should have a unique and strong password.

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