We’ve all been there. You’re sitting on your couch, a friend walks in and asks for the internet, and suddenly your brain goes totally blank. You know you set that password three years ago, but where is it? If you're wondering how to get the password for wifi on iPhone, you're actually in luck because Apple has made this significantly easier over the last few updates. It used to be a nightmare involving logging into router admin panels with a laptop and a prayer. Now? It’s basically a few taps.
Honestly, the "Share Password" feature is the one most people try first, but it’s finicky. It requires Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and both people being in each other's contacts. When that fails—and it often does if your friend's iCloud email isn't saved in your phone—you need a way to actually see the characters.
The direct way to see your saved passwords
Starting with iOS 16, Apple finally stopped gatekeeping your own data. You can now jump into your settings and look at the actual plaintext password for any network you've ever connected to.
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Open up your Settings app. Tap on Wi-Fi. You’ll see the network you’re currently on at the top, but there’s also an "Edit" button in the top right corner. Tap that. You'll have to get through a FaceID or TouchID check first, which is a good thing for security. Once you're in, you see a massive list of every coffee shop, airport, and ex-partner's house you’ve ever visited.
Find the network you need. Tap the little "i" icon next to it. You’ll see a row of dots labeled "Password." Tap those dots. Boom. The password reveals itself. You can even copy it to your clipboard if you want to text it to someone. It’s simple.
When the "Share Password" pop-up won't show up
We need to talk about why the automatic sharing feature is so hit-or-miss. Apple’s documentation (and general tech support wisdom) says both devices need to be near each other. They need Bluetooth on. They need to be signed into iCloud.
But the real "gotcha" is the contact list.
If your friend isn't in your Contacts app with the email address they use for their Apple ID, the pop-up usually won't trigger. It’s a security measure to keep random people from spamming your phone for access. If it’s not working, don’t keep toggling Wi-Fi on and off. Just use the manual method mentioned above. It’s faster than troubleshooting Apple’s proximity protocols.
Using Keychain on a Mac to find iPhone passwords
Since your iPhone syncs everything via iCloud Keychain, your Mac knows your secrets too. If your phone is in the other room charging, hit Command + Space on your Mac and type "Keychain Access."
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Once that's open, look for the "System" or "Local Items" categories. Search for your Wi-Fi name. Double-click it, check the "Show password" box, enter your Mac’s admin password, and there it is. This is a lifesaver if your iPhone screen is cracked or the battery is dead.
The Router Method (The Old School Backup)
Sometimes the iPhone isn't the answer. Maybe you just got a new phone and haven't connected yet. If you are trying to figure out how to get the password for wifi on iPhone but the iPhone is fresh out of the box, look at the hardware.
Most ISP-provided routers (think Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon) have a sticker on the side or bottom. It lists the "SSID" (the name) and the "WPA2 Key" (the password). If you haven't changed it since the technician left, that's your golden ticket.
If you did change it and forgot it, you can usually find it by going to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in Safari. Log in with the admin credentials on the sticker. Look for "Wireless Settings." It’s a bit of a trek, but it works every time.
Personal Hotspots and why they're different
If someone is trying to connect to your phone’s data—meaning your Personal Hotspot—the process is slightly different. You won’t find this under the Wi-Fi menu.
Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot. The password is right there in plain sight. You can change it to something easier to type, like "guestpassword123," though I'd recommend keeping it a bit more complex. Just remember that if you change it, everyone who was previously connected will get kicked off.
A quick note on security
Don't just give your password to everyone. If you have a lot of guests, consider setting up a "Guest Network" through your router's app (like Eero or Google Nest). It keeps people off your main network where your private files and printers live.
Troubleshooting the "Incorrect Password" error
You found the password. You typed it in. It says it's wrong.
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Usually, this is a case of "Fat Finger Syndrome," but sometimes it's a software glitch. Try "Forgetting" the network on your iPhone. Tap the "i" next to the network name and hit Forget This Network. Then, try joining again from scratch. It clears the cache and often fixes the handshake issue between the phone and the router.
Also, check if your router is using WPA3 security. Some older iPhones struggle with WPA3 if the firmware isn't updated. Switching the router back to WPA2/WPA3 "Transition Mode" usually clears that right up.
Next Steps for You:
- Check your saved list: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Edit right now just to see how many old passwords you're carrying around. It's a trip down memory lane.
- Update your contact: If you have a roommate or partner, make sure your iCloud emails are in each other's contact cards so the "Share Password" feature actually works next time.
- Screenshot the sticker: Take a photo of the back of your router. Put it in a "Hidden" or "Locked" folder in your Photos app. You'll thank yourself later.