Ever been locked out of your own WiFi because you can’t remember the password? It’s a classic headache – especially when you’re trying to set up a new device like an iPad Pro. The good news is that your iPad Pro (or devices connected to the same Apple ID) often already know the password, and recovering it is simpler than you think. By the end of this guide, you’ll have your WiFi password back without needing any technical wizardry.
We’ll cover three foolproof methods: using iCloud Keychain synced to a Mac, logging into your router’s admin panel, or borrowing the password from another Apple device. Each method works for the iPad Pro, so pick the one that’s easiest for you. Let’s dive in.
What You’ll Need
- Your iPad Pro (just to test the recovered password)
- A Mac or PC to access iCloud Keychain or the router settings
- Your router’s admin username and password (often printed on the router itself)
- An iCloud account synced with your iPad Pro (if using Keychain)
- Another Apple device like an iPhone or Mac if you want the quickest method
Step 1: Recover via iCloud Keychain on a Mac
If you have a Mac that uses the same Apple ID as your iPad Pro, iCloud Keychain syncs saved WiFi passwords across devices. This is by far the easiest method. Here’s how to grab that password.
Open the Keychain Access app on your Mac (you can find it in Applications > Utilities or search via Spotlight). In the search box, type the name of your WiFi network. Double-click the entry that appears, then check the box ‘Show password’. You’ll need to enter your Mac’s admin password (the same one you use to log in). The WiFi password will be revealed in plain text. Copy it and type it into your iPad Pro if prompted.
If you ever forget your Mac password, you might need to recover it first. For a similar approach on other devices, check out our guide on WiFi password recovery on Mac.
Step 2: Use Your Router’s Admin Settings
No Mac? No problem. Almost every router has a web interface where you can view or change the WiFi password. You just need to log in.
First, find your router’s IP address. On your iPad Pro, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the info circle next to your connected network, and look for ‘Router’. That’s the IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1). Type that IP into a web browser on any device connected to the network – even your iPad Pro itself. Enter the router’s admin username and password (if you never changed it, check the sticker on the router). Once inside, look for a section called ‘Wireless’, ‘Wi-Fi’, or ‘Security’. The password (often labeled ‘Pre-Shared Key’ or ‘Passphrase’) will be displayed or hidden behind a show button. Write it down.
If you don’t know your router admin password, you might need to reset the router – but that’ll wipe all settings. For a safer alternative, you can use general WiFi password recovery via settings on a Windows or Mac computer that’s already connected.
Step 3: Borrow the Password from Another Apple Device
If you have another Apple device (like an iPhone or another Mac) that’s already connected to the same WiFi network and signed into your iCloud account, you can share the password directly. This works even if the password is hidden.
On the other device, go to the WiFi settings. Tap the network name (if on iPhone/iPad), then tap ‘Share Password’ when your iPad Pro is nearby and trying to connect. Alternatively, on a Mac, you can use the Keychain method above. This is especially handy if you’re setting up a new iPad Pro and your iPhone already knows the password.
This method only works if both devices are using the same Apple ID and have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on. It’s the fastest way to connect without manually typing the password. You can also recover a WiFi password on an iPhone using similar steps.
Common Pitfalls
- Forgotten router admin password: If you never changed the default, check the sticker on the router. If you did change it and forgot, you’ll have to reset the router to factory defaults – which erases custom settings. Avoid this by keeping a note of your admin credentials.
- iCloud Keychain not syncing: Ensure iCloud Keychain is enabled on both devices under Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Keychain. Also, your devices must be connected to the internet and signed into the same Apple ID.
- Network name (SSID) is hidden: If your router broadcasts a hidden network, the password may not appear in Keychain. You’ll need to manually enter the network name and password, or use the router admin method to find both.
Where to Next
Now that you’ve got your WiFi password back, you might want to keep it safe for the future. Consider writing it down in a secure password manager. If you run into any other password recovery scenarios, check out our comprehensive guide to recovering a lost WiFi password for more tips. And if you ever need to view a saved WiFi password on a laptop, we’ve got you covered there too.
If you’ve just set up a new iPad Pro and want to transfer more than just WiFi passwords, explore Apple’s Quick Start feature or use iCloud backup. Happy browsing!
