How to Find WiFi Password on iPhone
We‘ve all been there – you‘re trying to connect a new device to your WiFi network but can‘t remember the password. It‘s especially frustrating if your iPhone is already connected but you need the password to get your laptop, tablet, or a friend‘s phone online. Fortunately, if you‘ve previously connected to that network on your iPhone, the password is saved and there are ways to retrieve it. In this guide, we‘ll walk through how to find WiFi passwords on your iPhone so you can get all your devices connected and back online.
When You May Need to Find a Saved WiFi Password
There are a number of scenarios where you may need to look up a WiFi password saved on your iPhone:
- Connecting a new device like a laptop, smart TV, or gaming console to your home WiFi network
- Sharing the WiFi password at a friend or family member‘s house so you can get online
- Giving guests in your home access to your WiFi
- Troubleshooting connectivity issues by double-checking the correct WiFi password is being used
While in the moment it can feel like an urgent need, always consider if you have permission to access and share that WiFi password. We‘ll discuss this more later.
Method 1: Find WiFi Password in iPhone Settings
The quickest way to find a WiFi password on your iPhone is right in the Settings app. Here‘s how:
- Open the Settings app and tap "WiFi"
- Find the network you want the password for and tap the "i" icon next to it
- Tap "Password" and use Face ID, Touch ID or enter your passcode to reveal the WiFi password
- The password will be displayed in the field next to "Password"
This method will work for any WiFi network you are currently connected to or have connected to in the past. Just keep in mind that you‘ll need to be logged in to your iPhone to access saved passwords.
Method 2: Locate WiFi Password with iCloud Keychain
If you use iCloud Keychain to sync passwords across your Apple devices, you can easily retrieve WiFi passwords there too. Here‘s how to access iCloud Keychain on your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top
- Tap "Password & Security"
- Tap "Website & App Passwords"
- Use Face ID, Touch ID or enter your passcode when prompted
- Your list of saved passwords will appear. Use the search bar to find the WiFi network or scroll through the list.
- Tap the WiFi network to view the password
With iCloud Keychain, you can access WiFi passwords even if you aren‘t currently connected to that network. The caveat is you need to have iCloud Keychain enabled and it only works for networks you‘ve connected to before.
Method 3: Use a MacBook Synced with Your iPhone
If you have a MacBook that is signed in with the same Apple ID as your iPhone, you can easily retrieve WiFi passwords there. Since iCloud Keychain syncs across devices, any WiFi networks you‘ve connected to on your iPhone will also appear in your MacBook‘s list of known networks. Here‘s how to find it:
- Click the WiFi icon in the menu bar on your MacBook
- Open Network Preferences
- Select the WiFi network from the list on the left
- Check the box next to "Show password"
- Enter the admin username and password for your MacBook
- The WiFi password will be revealed in the Network Password field
This method provides an easy way to look up WiFi passwords if you prefer a laptop interface. The downside is you need to have a MacBook and it must use the same Apple ID login as your iPhone.
Method 4: Use a Third-Party App
While not as straightforward as using built-in iPhone features, there are some third-party apps that can help you find WiFi passwords. However, use caution with these apps as they aren‘t always reliable and may compromise your security. Here are a few app options:
- WiFi Passwords List: Displays all your saved WiFi passwords in one list for easy reference. You can also search for specific networks.
- iMobie AnyUnlock: In addition to password recovery, this app offers tools to bypass iPhone locks and restrictions.
- Instabridge: While it won‘t reveal existing passwords, this app allows you to search for and connect to free WiFi hotspots shared by other Instabridge users.
Before downloading any third-party apps to find WiFi passwords, carefully read reviews, research the developer, and make sure you are comfortable with how the app works. Providing apps broad access to your passwords always comes with security risks.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you‘ve tried the methods above and still can‘t locate the WiFi password on your iPhone, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Turn WiFi off and back on to refresh the network list
- "Forget" the WiFi network in Settings, then reconnect and re-enter the password to re-save it
- Reset network settings by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase all saved WiFi login details so you‘ll need to reconnect to networks again.
- If you‘re trying to share the password for someone else‘s network, have them check for the password on their device or on the router settings page.
Alternatives If You Can‘t Find the Password
If you‘re ultimately unable to retrieve a saved WiFi password on your iPhone, here are a few alternative solutions to get connected:
- Ask the network owner or admin for the password. They should be able to provide it or reset it on the router configuration page.
- Connect via ethernet cable instead of WiFi if you have access to the router and the device allows a wired connection.
- Use your phone as a WiFi hotspot for other devices. Go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot or Settings > Personal Hotspot to enable it.
- If it‘s your home network, consider resetting the router to factory default settings. This will erase the existing password so you can set a new one, but it will also reset any other custom settings.
Remember, while it may be tempting to resort to hacking attempts, it is unethical and often illegal to access WiFi networks you don‘t have permission to use. Stick to the proper methods or work with the network owner to get connected above board.
Keeping Your WiFi Passwords Secure
To avoid future frustration trying to remember or find WiFi passwords, it‘s a good idea to maintain your saved passwords:
- Use a password manager to securely save WiFi network passwords alongside your other login details. This way you‘ll always have them accessible across devices.
- If you change a WiFi password, update it in your iPhone settings and any password managers right away.
- Avoid sharing your passwords publicly or with people you don‘t know and trust.
- Use strong, unique passwords for your WiFi networks that include numbers, letters, and special characters.
Always Use WiFi Passwords Legally and Ethically
While the methods described here can help you find WiFi passwords saved on your iPhone, always retrieve and share them appropriately. A few key things to remember:
- Only use these methods for networks you have permission to access and share. Never attempt to hack into private networks that aren‘t yours.
- Be cautious about sharing WiFi passwords with people you don‘t know well. They could potentially misuse the network access.
- Respect the WiFi terms of service for business and public networks. Some may prohibit password sharing.
- Don‘t attempt to profit off of shared WiFi passwords. For example, don‘t sell access to a neighbor‘s network without permission.
Final Thoughts
Needing a WiFi password to connect a device and not being able to find it is a common frustration in our always-online world. Luckily, if you‘ve previously connected to a WiFi network on your iPhone, the password is likely still saved. By using the Settings app, iCloud Keychain, your MacBook or even third-party apps, you can retrieve and share those passwords as needed.
The main points to remember are 1) only access and share passwords for networks you have permission to use, 2) keep your passwords secure and updated, and 3) if all else fails, reach out to the network admin to get reconnected. With these tips, you‘ll be able to keep all your devices online without resorting to faded sticky notes or faulty memory.
