How to View Wi-Fi Password on Android: A Complete Guide

Forgot your home or work Wi-Fi password, but it's saved on your smartphone? Android There are several ways to extract it, from simple (via system settings) to advanced (using root rights or ADB). In this article, we'll cover all the current methods, including the nuances for different versions. Android (from Android 10 to Android 14) and manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and others).

Important: Not all methods work on modern devices due to stricter security policies. For example, in Android 10+ Google has removed the ability to view passwords through the standard menu, but left loopholes for owners with superuser rights or through ADBIf your smartphone isn't rooted, alternative solutions may be helpful—more on that in the relevant sections.

Before you begin, please check:

• 🔹 Is your smartphone connected to the desired Wi-Fi network (the password is only retrieved for saved networks).
• 🔹 Is there a device root rights (required for some methods).
• 🔹 Is debugging enabled? USB (needed for the method with ADB).

1. View password through Android settings (without root)

On some devices (especially those running Android 9 (and older) the Wi-Fi password can be found directly in the settings. This method works on smartphones. Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung (to One UI 3.0) and other brands with customized shells.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Find the desired network in the list and tap on its name.
3. Select an option Share (or Share (on English firmware).
4. Confirm unlocking with PIN, fingerprint or graphic key.
5. The password will be displayed below QR code in the field Password.

Restrictions:

• 🚫 On clean Android 10+ (For example, Google Pixel) this option is not available.
• 🚫 Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung in new versions One UI) hid the function.

2. Using ADB (without root, for Android 10+)

Method through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) works on all versions Android, but requires connecting your smartphone to a computer. You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB drivers.
• 📱 Debugging enabled USB on smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → Developer Options).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open Command line (cmd on Windows) or Terminal (on macOS/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   Wait for the device serial number to appear.

3. Run the command to view all saved networks:

   adb shell cmd -l wifi list-networks

4. Find the required network in the list (by name) SSID) and copy it networkId.
5. Enter the command to extract the password (replace [networkId] to the copied value):

   adb shell cmd -l wifi get-password [networkId]

On Android 13+ This method may not work due to additional security restrictions. In this case, you will need root access.

3. View password using root rights

If you have it on your smartphone root accessYou can extract the Wi-Fi password through the system configuration file. This method is universal and works on all versions. Android, but requires caution - incorrect actions may disrupt the operation of the device.

Instructions:

1. Install any file manager with support root (For example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

   or (on newer versions Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreSoftAp.xml

3. Open the file in a text editor and find the line with the name of your network (SSID).
4. There will be a field nearby PreSharedKey - this is the password.

Warning: Editing system files may cause crashes. Do not change the contents of the file — just copy the password.

What to do if the WifiConfigStore.xml file is missing?

On some firmware versions (such as MIUI), the path may differ. Try searching for the file using the built-in search function with root access and the keyword "wifi."

4. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

IN Google Play There are applications that make it easy to extract passwords, but most of them require root rightsWithout them, functionality is limited. Let's look at proven options:

⚠️ Attention: Applications without root often show outdated data or only work on older versions AndroidBefore installing, read reviews—many users complain about the app not working after system updates.

5. Extracting a password from a backup (without root)

If you have backup enabled on your smartphone, Google AccountYou can try extracting the password through the settings archive. This method isn't 100% guaranteed, but it does work sometimes.

How to do it:

1. Create a backup via Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Install the program on your PC Android Backup Extractor (required) Java).
3. Download the backup archive from Google Drive (it has an extension .ab).
4. Unzip the archive using the command:

   java -jar abe.jar unpack backup.ab backup.tar

5. In the received file backup.tar find the folder /apps/com.android.providers.settings/databases and open the file settings.db through SQLite browser.
6. Execute the query:

   SELECT * FROM wifi WHERE ssid='NAZVANIE_SETI';

   (replace NAZVANIE_SETI to the name of your network).

The password will be in the field pre_shared_keyIf it's not there, it's not saved in the backup.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If none of the methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Reset the router to factory settings (the password will be on the device sticker).
• 📱 View password on another device (for example, on a laptop with Windows or a second smartphone).
• 📧 Contact your provider - some operators (for example, Rostelecom or MTS) store passwords in your personal account.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting your router will delete all your custom settings, including your network name (SSID), passwords, and linked devices. Use this method only as a last resort.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without rooting on Android 13?

On clean Android 13+ without root the only reliable way is to use ADB (section 2) Alternatively, you can try apps like WiFi Password (No Root), but they work unstably. If the smartphone is from Samsung or Xiaomi, check if the "Share" option is available in the network settings (section 1).

Why do I get a "No such file or directory" error when using ADB?

The error means that ADB Can't find the Wi-Fi configuration file. Possible causes:

• The device is not connected to the network (please reconnect).
• On Android 13+ The file path has changed (try adb shell cmd wifi get-config).
• The manufacturer has blocked access (relevant for Samsung Knox or Huawei).

Are password viewer apps safe to use?

Applications from Google Play (For example, WiFi Password Viewer) are usually safe, but:

• 🔒 Download only programs with a high rating (4.5+).
• 🛡️ Before installing, check permissions - the app should not request access to SMS or contacts.
• ⚠️ Avoid programs that require sending data to the server (read the privacy policy).

It is better to give preference to open source software (for example, WiFi Key Recovery on GitHub).

How do I find the Wi-Fi password on an Android phone if it's not rooted and ADB isn't working?

If neither ADB, and no apps help, the following options remain:

1. View the password on another device (laptop, tablet).
2. Reset the router settings (button Reset on the back panel).
3. Contact your provider (the password may be in the contract or personal account).
4. Use WPS (if the router supports it, press the button WPS on the router and connect without a password).

Is it possible to extract the Wi-Fi password from a phone that won't turn on?

If your smartphone won't turn on, but it has a working lock screen, try:

• 🔌 Connect the device to OTG cable with the keyboard and enter the pattern key blindly.
• 💻 Use Fastboot to reset the lock (requires an unlocked bootloader).

If the screen is completely dead, the password can only be retrieved through memory chip (Soldering equipment and experience required). In most cases, resetting the router is easier.