Ever been in that situation where a friend asks for your WiFi password, and you’ve got no clue what it is because you set it up years ago? If you’re on an iPad, there’s a simple way to dig up those saved credentials without needing a jailbreak or hacking skills. This guide is for any iPad user who wants to recover a forgotten WiFi password using a dedicated app from the App Store. By the end, you’ll be able to view the password for any network your iPad has connected to before.
Now, iOS is pretty locked down compared to Android or Windows, so you can’t just open a control panel and see passwords. But with the right app, you can pull them up in a few taps. These apps work by accessing the Keychain data that iOS stores for each saved network. We’ll walk through the whole process, from downloading the app to copying the password. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
- iPad running iOS 12 or later (most apps require this)
- At least one saved WiFi network (you’ve connected to it before)
- An active internet connection to download the app
- An Apple ID for the App Store
- Patience — some apps may have ads or require a small purchase for full features
Step 1: Download a WiFi Password Recovery App
Head to the App Store and search for “WiFi password viewer” or “network password recovery.” There are several options, but look for one with good reviews and a simple interface. Apps like “WiFi Password Viewer” or “Network Password Recovery” are popular. They’re usually free with ads or a paid version to unlock all features. Pick one that looks legit — avoid anything that promises to hack into nearby networks (those are scams). Once you find one, tap Get and install it.
Step 2: Open the App and Grant Permissions
After installation, open the app. It will likely ask for permission to add a VPN configuration or access local network data. This sounds scary, but it’s how the app reads your saved WiFi info — it doesn’t actually route your traffic through a VPN. Tap Allow or OK. If you deny, the app won’t be able to see your passwords. Also, you might need to grant access to your location or Bluetooth (for network scanning) — again, this is normal for network tools.
Step 3: View Your Saved WiFi Passwords
Once permissions are set, the app will display a list of WiFi networks your iPad has connected to. Tap on the network you want the password for. In most apps, the password will be shown in plain text or you can tap a reveal icon (like an eye). You might see a QR code as well — useful for sharing. The app might also let you copy the password to your clipboard. That’s it — your forgotten password is now visible!
Step 4: Copy or Share the Password
Now that you have the password, you can share it with others. Tap the copy icon to copy it to your clipboard, then paste it into a message or note. Some apps also have a share button to send the password via AirDrop or Messages. If the network is yours, consider writing it down somewhere safe. For a even simpler approach, check out our simplest wifi password recovery method — no app required, but it works only if you have a Mac or PC handy.
Common Pitfalls
- App doesn’t show any networks: This usually means the app didn’t get the right permissions. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and check if the app’s VPN profile is enabled. Also make sure your iPad is connected to a known network.
- Passwords are masked with asterisks: Some free versions hide the password unless you pay. Look for a trial or a free alternative that shows them without purchase. The wifi password recovery tricks guide has more workarounds.
- App crashes or doesn’t load: Update your iPad to the latest iOS version. If the app hasn’t been updated in a while, try a different one. The App Store has several options, so don’t stick with a broken one.
Where to Next
You’ve successfully recovered your WiFi password on iPad. If you need to recover passwords on other devices, check out our forgotten wifi password recovery guide for step-by-step instructions across platforms. For advanced users, the fastest wifi password recovery method uses terminal commands on Mac or PC. And don’t miss the comprehensive wireless password recovery guide for even more tips. Happy networking!
