How to find out your Wi-Fi password on Android: all the methods, from simple to complex

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or do you need to connect a new device but don't have the password handy? Android-there are several ways to extract a saved network password on various devices, from standard system functions to advanced methods with root accessIn this article, we'll cover all the current options, including those that work without superuser rights.

It is important to understand that the capabilities depend on the version Android and the smartphone manufacturer. For example, on a "clean" Android 10+ (like Google Pixel) passwords are hidden deeper than on Xiaomi or Samsung with proprietary shells. We tested each method on various devices, from budget ones Redmi to the flagship Galaxy S23 — and highlighted those that are guaranteed to work.

If you are looking for a way to someone else's network (for example, in a cafe or at a friend's house), we'll warn you right away: this is impossible without physical access to the router or the owner's consent. All the methods described below only work for networks to which your Android- the gadget has already been connected.

1. Standard method: via Android settings (without root)

Starting from Android 10Google has added a built-in Wi-Fi password viewer to the system—but with some caveats. The feature isn't available on all devices and requires PIN or fingerprint verification. Here's how it works:

1. Open "Settings" and go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of the current network (or select a saved one from the list).
3. Click on the icon ⚙️ "Settings" or 👁️ "Show password".
4. Confirm your identity via biometrics or PIN code.

If there is no "Show password" option, your manufacturer has blocked this function (this is what they do Samsung, Huawei (and some other brands). In this case, proceed to the next methods.

2. View the password via QR code (for guest networks)

Few people know, but Android can generate a QR code for the current Wi-Fi network, from which you can extract the password. This method works on all devices with Android 9+ and does not require root rights:

1. Connect to the desired Wi-Fi network.
2. Open Settings → Wi-Fi and tap on the network name.
3. Select Share → QR code (on some devices the item is called Information for guests).
4. Take a picture of the QR code with another phone and use any app to decode it (for example, QR & Barcode Scanner).

The decrypted data will contain a string like this:

WIFI:S:MyWiFi;T:WPA;P:your_password_here;;

Where P:your_password_here — this is the password. The method is secure, but requires a second device for scanning.

3. Using the file manager (root only)

On devices with root access Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a system file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml (on new versions Android) or /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf (on old ones). To read them:

1. Install a file manager with root support (e.g. Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/.
3. Open the file WifiConfigStore.xml (or wpa_supplicant.conf) in a text editor.
4. Find the block with the network name (SSID) and a line PreSharedKey - this is the password.

Important: On Android 12+, the file may be encrypted. In this case, only specialized software like WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).

⚠️ Warning: Changing or deleting files in /data/misc/wifi/ This may cause your Wi-Fi connection to fail. We recommend backing up your file before editing.

4. Applications for viewing passwords (with and without root)

If manual methods fail, third-party utilities can help. We tested 10 apps and selected the top three:

• 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer — shows passwords for networks the phone has connected to. Works on Android 5–11 without root, but on newer versions requires superuser rights.
• 📡 WiFi Key Recovery — specializes in extracting passwords from system files. Requires root, but supports Android 12+.
• 🔍 Network Info II — In addition to passwords, it displays MAC addresses, signal strength, and other technical data. The free version has limitations.

Warning: Many applications in Google Play They promise to show passwords without root, but in reality they either don't work or contain malicious code. Download only programs with a 4.5+ rating and at least 1 million downloads.

Check reviews (especially negative ones)|Check the last update date|Make sure the developer is real|Download only from Google Play (not from APK sites)-->

5. Alternative methods: router and computer

If none of the methods work Android didn't work, you can find out the password in other ways:

• 🖥️ Via computer: if it is connected to the same network, open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Wireless Network → Wireless Network Properties → Security and check the box "Show entered characters".
• 📡 Via a router: Go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), enter login/password (most often admin/admin) and find the section Wireless → Security.
• 📱 Through another phone: if you have a second gadget (for example, iPhone or another Android), try to extract the password from it (on iOS this is done through Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ → Show password).

⚠️ Attention: passwords set by the provider (for example, for networks like RT-WiFi_123 or MEGAFON_Free), are often stored encrypted even on the router. In this case, the only solution is to reset the router to factory settings.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to extract a password, users often encounter typical problems:

• 🔄 There is no 'Show password' option. — this means the manufacturer has disabled the feature. Solution: Use the QR code method or an app.
• 🔒 "Google account password required" - on some Samsung And Xiaomi After a factory reset, the system asks for your old account details. Solution: reset your phone to factory settings (but this will delete all your data!).
• 📱 "The app doesn't show passwords." - most likely, you have Android 12+ with system file encryption. Solution: Obtain root access or use a computer.

If you see the message "Unable to read file" when trying to open wpa_supplicant.conf, this means that:

1. You don't have root rights (even if you got them - check through Root Checker).
2. The file is damaged or moved (relevant for custom firmware types LineageOS).
3. The manufacturer has changed the file path (for example, to Huawei passwords can be stored in /data/vendor/wifi/).

Why are passwords more hidden on new Android devices?

With Android 10–12, Google tightened its security policy. Wi-Fi passwords are now stored encrypted in Keystore — a system keystore accessible only to privileged applications. This is designed to protect against data theft if the device is lost.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the password for the Wi-Fi I connected to a year ago?

Yes, if your smartphone has saved this network. Passwords are stored in system files until you manually delete the network or reset your phone. Check the list of saved networks in Settings → Wi-Fi.

Will the QR code method work if I'm not connected to the network?

No. The QR code is generated only for current active networkIf you've disconnected from Wi-Fi, reconnect first. An alternative is to use apps like WiFi Password Viewer, which show passwords for all saved networks.

Is it possible to extract password from Android to iPhone?

No, not directly. But you can:

1. Generate QR code on Android (as described in method 2) and scan it on iPhone.
2. Use iPhone to log into the router's web interface and view the password there.

What to do if none of the methods work?

There are two options left:

1. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel) - this will return the standard password (indicated on the sticker).
2. Contact your provider - if the network is provided by an Internet company (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), they can send the password via SMS or email.

Is it legal to use Wi-Fi hacking apps?

NoIn Russia and most countries, hacking into other people's networks (including password guessing) is considered a violation Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Unauthorized access to computer information"). All methods described in the article are legal only for your own networks, to which you have access rights.