Wi-Fi Error: Incorrect Password (iOS) — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

iOS shows this error when the password you entered does not match what the router requires. Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, so one wrong capital letter is enough to fail. Find the correct password printed on your router or from a device that is already connected.

Affected Models

iPhone
iPad
iPod Touch
iOS 14
iOS 15
iOS 16
iOS 17
iOS 18

Common Causes

The password was typed with the wrong capitalization
The router's Wi-Fi password was recently changed by someone in the household
The router was reset to factory settings, reverting to the original printed password
The password contains special characters that were not entered correctly on the keyboard
iOS is auto-correcting part of the password to something else

How to Fix It

Check the sticker on your router. Look on the back or bottom of the router for a label showing the Wi-Fi password. It may be called 'Wi-Fi Password', 'WPA Key', 'Wireless Key', or 'Network Password'.

This is the default password. If someone changed it, the sticker will not show the current password.
Reveal the saved password from a device already connected. On iPhone (iOS 16+): Settings > Wi-Fi > tap your network > tap Password to reveal it. On Mac: System Settings > Wi-Fi > network details > show password.

Using an already-connected device is the fastest way to confirm the exact current password.
When typing the password, tap the eye icon to show what you are typing. Make sure each character is exactly right — capitals, numbers, and symbols.

iOS shows a small eye icon next to the password field that lets you see the password as you type.
Turn off Auto-Correction before typing the password. Tap and hold the keyboard globe icon and make sure Auto-Correction is off. Passwords are never auto-corrected on iOS, but this ensures nothing interferes.

Also check that you are not accidentally typing in a different language keyboard.
If the password is lost and you have access to the router admin page, log in at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 and reset the Wi-Fi password to something you will remember.

After changing the password, you will need to reconnect all devices in your home.

When to Call a Professional

Incorrect password errors never require a technician. If you genuinely cannot find the password and cannot log into the router, call your ISP. They can either walk you through a router reset over the phone or send a technician at no extra charge if the router is provided by them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can iOS 16 and 17 actually show me my saved Wi-Fi password?

Yes. Starting with iOS 16, iPhone lets you view the password of any saved Wi-Fi network. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) next to the network, then tap the Password field. You may need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID first.

What if my iPhone keeps going back to the password screen after I enter the right password?

If you are certain the password is correct but iOS keeps rejecting it, the issue may not be the password. Try forgetting the network first, then reconnecting. Also check if the router has MAC address filtering — it can cause iOS to reject even a correct password.

Is the Wi-Fi password the same as the router admin password?

No — they are completely different. The Wi-Fi password lets devices join your wireless network. The router admin password lets you log into the router's settings page. Both are printed on most routers, but they are different strings.