How to View and Share Saved Wi-Fi Passwords on iPhone

When friends, family members, or colleagues visit your home or office, connecting their devices to your secure wireless network is usually one of the first requests. However, recalling complex alphanumeric Wi-Fi passwords—especially those with random symbols printed on the underside of a broadband router—can be frustrating and inconvenient.

Modern versions of iOS allow iPhone users to view saved Wi-Fi passwords in plain text using Face ID or Touch ID authentication, as well as wirelessly beam network credentials directly to nearby Apple devices with a single tap.

How to View the Password of Your Current Wi-Fi Network

To view the password of the network your iPhone is currently connected to:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Wi-Fi near the top of the settings list.
3. Locate your currently active network (marked with a blue tick) and tap the blue Info icon (i) next to its name.
4. Tap directly on the masked Password field (represented by a row of dots).
5. Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.

The password instantly reveals in plain text. A small popup menu also appears with a Copy option, allowing you to copy the password to your clipboard and paste it into messages or reference notes.

Viewing Passwords for Previously Connected Networks

If you need to retrieve the password for a network you used in the past (such as a friend’s home or a corporate meeting room):

1. Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the Edit button in the upper-right corner of the display.
3. Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID to view your complete saved network history.
4. Scroll through the Known Networks list to find the network name.
5. Tap the Info icon (i) next to the target network.
6. Tap the hidden Password row to reveal the credentials in cleartext.

For alternative sharing techniques across non-Apple devices, explore our guide on how to share Wi-Fi passwords using QR codes in Apple Passwords on iPhone.

Sharing Wi-Fi Passwords Wirelessly with Nearby Apple Devices

Apple includes a seamless proximity sharing mechanism that transmits network credentials securely over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi without requiring either party to type the password manually:

1. Ensure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, and that Personal Hotspot is disabled.
2. Verify that your Apple ID email address is saved in the recipient’s Contacts app, and their email address is saved in your Contacts list.
3. Keep your iPhone unlocked and connected to the target Wi-Fi network.
4. Have your friend select the Wi-Fi network on their Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac).
5. On your unlocked iPhone, an animated card will appear on screen stating: “Wi-Fi Password: Do you want to share the Wi-Fi password for [Network Name] with [Contact]?”.
6. Tap the blue Share Password button.
7. Tap Done once confirmation appears. The guest device immediately connects to the network.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Password Sharing Failures

If the wireless sharing popup does not appear on your iPhone screen, check the following potential causes:

• Contact details not recognised: Both parties must have each other’s Apple ID email addresses saved in their respective Contacts apps. Phone numbers alone are sometimes insufficient to establish cryptographic identity over AirDrop frameworks.
• Software compatibility: Ensure both devices are running updated operating system versions (iOS 11 or newer).
• Proximity and interference: Bring the devices within close physical range (1 to 2 metres). Temporarily toggle Bluetooth off and back on in the Control Centre if discovery stalls.
• Enterprise networks: WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise networks that require individual 802.1X usernames and certificates do not support one-tap proximity password sharing.

By using native password retrieval and proximity sharing features, you can grant fast, secure Wi-Fi access without ever compromising network security or deciphering complicated router stickers.