Most smartphone users today connect to Wi-Fi networks without having to manually enter passwords more than once. But what happens when you want to connect another device, share the password with a friend, or simply forgot the password altogether? The good news is that depending on your phone’s operating system, you may be able to view the saved Wi-Fi password directly from your device.
Viewing Wi-Fi Password on Android
If you’re using a phone that runs on Android 10 or later, you can view the Wi-Fi password of networks you’ve previously connected to. The process is fairly straightforward:
First, go to your phone’s Settings and tap on Network & Internet, then select Wi-Fi. Tap on the network you’re connected to, or go to Saved networks to see other Wi-Fi connections. Once you tap on a specific network, you’ll see a Share button that may require you to verify your identity using your fingerprint, face, or password.
Once verified, a QR code appears. Beneath that QR code, the Wi-Fi password will be displayed in plain text. This feature makes it easy to share Wi-Fi details with others without needing to remember the password yourself.
However, for users of older Android versions (Android 9 and below), this option is not readily available without rooting the device, which is not recommended for average users as it may void your warranty and pose security risks.
Finding Wi-Fi Password on iPhone
iPhone users with iOS 16 or later can also view their saved Wi-Fi passwords. To do this, go to Settings, then Wi-Fi, and tap the info icon (i) next to the network you’re connected to. You’ll see the password field with hidden characters. Tap it, and Face ID or Touch ID will be required. After verification, the password will be revealed.
For older iOS versions (prior to iOS 16), the process is more complicated and typically requires syncing with a Mac or using iCloud Keychain, which stores your passwords securely and can be accessed through a Mac computer.
Alternative Methods if You Can’t View the Password
If your phone’s operating system does not support password viewing, you can still retrieve the password by checking your router settings. This involves logging into the router’s admin panel using a browser, usually through an IP address like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, and navigating to the wireless settings.
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Another way is to check with someone who has access to the network password or to use a device where the password is already saved and viewable, such as a Windows PC with access to Wi-Fi settings.
