It's a common occurrence when friends come over or you buy a new gadget and you forget your wireless network password. AndroidSmartphone users often find themselves in a vicious circle: the device is already connected to the router, but the password is securely hidden in the system's depths. Fortunately, modern operating systems offer a variety of solutions, ranging from simple visual cues to advanced technical manipulations.
It is important to understand that data security is a priority for Google, so simply reading the key in plaintext in the standard menu won't work without some steps. However, there are legitimate ways to extract this information using the system's own functionality or third-party tools. We'll cover methods relevant to the latest versions. Android 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, which cover the vast majority of devices on the market.
Before moving on to specific instructions, it is worth noting that the success of the operation directly depends on the firmware version and availability root rightsSome manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi or Pixel, may slightly change the interface, but the operating logic remains the same. In this article, we'll cover both the standard features and methods for advanced users so you can restore network access in any situation.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces and settings layout may vary depending on the manufacturer's operating system (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If you don't see the items described, look for similar sections in the settings.
Using the QR code sharing feature
The simplest and most accessible method, which does not require installing additional software or obtaining superuser rights, is built directly into the system starting from Android 10The operating mechanism is simple: the system generates a special graphic code containing encrypted network information, including the SSID and security key. This method is ideal for quickly granting access to guests or for visually reading the password from a second device.
To implement this method, you need to go to the wireless settings. Find the section Settings → Wi-Fi or Connections → Wi-FiIn the list of available networks, find the one you're currently connected to (it will be marked with an icon or status as "Connected"). Click on the network name or the arrow/gear icon next to it to open the detailed menu. There you'll see the option QR code or Share.
- 📱 Click the "sharing" icon or "QR code" in the active network's menu.
- 🔍 Point the camera of another smartphone at the code that appears (use the standard Camera app or Google Lens).
- 📝 After scanning, a notification with the password text or an offer to connect will appear on the second device's screen.
If you don't have a second phone handy to scan, you can use the screenshot feature. Take a screenshot of the QR code, then open it in the Google Photos app or any other QR code scanner that supports image analysis from your gallery. The security key text will be displayed as a simple string of characters that you can copy.
It is worth considering that on some custom firmware, for example, older versions MIUI Xiaomi's QR code generation feature may be hidden or require authorization through the manufacturer's account. In such cases, the system may offer to send the code via messenger, which is also a convenient way to transfer data without having to spell out complex characters.
View saved networks in Settings on Android 12 and later
With the exit Android 12 In iOS 11 and later, Google significantly improved network connection management by adding the ability to view a list of all saved networks. Previously, this feature was only available on rooted devices, but it's now integrated into the core functionality. This allows you to not only see network names but also restore access to them if necessary.
To use this feature, follow the path Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi. At the bottom of the screen or in the menu (three dots in the corner), find the item Saved networks or Network managementThis will display a complete list of all access points your smartphone has ever connected to. Tapping on a specific network will display its settings.
However, there is an important nuance: in the "clean" Android (Pixel, Motorola) The password may not be displayed in text immediately, but may only be offered for transmission via a QR code, as described in the previous section. At the same time, manufacturers like Samsung or Xiaomi They often add their own improvements that allow you to see the security key in clear form after passing biometric authorization (fingerprint or Face ID).
For device owners Samsung with shell One UI The process is particularly convenient. After selecting a network from the "Saved Networks" menu and confirming your identity, the password is displayed in a copyable field. This makes access management as transparent as possible for the user, without the need for third-party utilities.
Using the ADB command line to view keys
For more tech-savvy users who don't want to root but still need access to system configuration files, a great tool is Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method requires connecting your smartphone to a computer and having the driver and ADB tools installed on the PC. It allows you to extract data from protected system partitions that the average user doesn't have access to.
The first step is to enable USB debugging mode on your device. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly tap the build number seven times to unlock the developer options menu. Then, in the section that appears For developers turn on the toggle switch USB debugging.
Connect your phone to your computer using a high-quality USB cable. Open a command prompt (Terminal or CMD) on your PC in the ADB folder and enter the following command to test the connection:
adb devicesA debugging permission prompt will appear on your smartphone's screen, which you must confirm. After a successful connection, to get a list of saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords, use the following command, which accesses the system configuration file:
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep -A 5 "mConfiguredNetworks"Or a more universal option for extracting the XML configuration file (requires certain access rights, may not work on all non-rooted devices):
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml⚠️ Note: On modern versions of Android, access to the file WifiConfigStore.xml Using ADB without root access is often blocked by the SELinux security policy. If the command returns a "Permission denied" error, your access level is insufficient and you'll need to use the root method.
If the command is successful, you will get a text file in which the tag PreSharedKey will contain the desired password in cleartext. This method is especially useful for IT professionals conducting security audits or restoring access to multiple devices.
Gaining access via root rights and file managers
Having superuser rights (root) gives full control over the file system Android, allowing you to read any configuration files, including those storing Wi-Fi passwords. This is the most reliable, but also the riskiest method, requiring unlocking the bootloader and installing special privileges, which may void the device's warranty.
If your smartphone is already rooted (for example, via Magisk), you will need a file manager with root access support, such as Root Explorer, Solid Explorer or MT ManagerAfter installing the app, grant it the necessary permissions when it first launches. Then navigate to the following path:
/data/misc/wifi/In this directory you are interested in the file WifiConfigStore.conf (on new Androids) or wpa_supplicant.conf (on older versions). Open this file with a text editor. Inside, you'll find configuration blocks for each saved network. Look for the line psk="your_password" or PreSharedKey.
- 🔑 Find the block
network, corresponding to your network name (SSID). - 👁️ Find the parameter inside the block
psk- this is your password. - 💾 Copy the value and use it to connect other devices.
It is important to note that on devices with data encryption (which is the standard for Android 11+) access to the folder /data/ Access may be restricted even with root access if the device hasn't undergone a full bootloader unlock. In such cases, the file manager may show an empty folder or an access error.
What should I do if my banking apps stop working after rooting?
Use Magisk Hide or Zygisk to hide root access from specific apps. Add bank packages to the exception list, and they will work correctly again.
Specifics of different Android shells (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei)
Electronics manufacturers are actively modifying the basic Android, creating custom interfaces such as One UI (Samsung), MIUI/HyperOS (Xiaomi) or EMUI (Huawei). These changes often affect the Wi-Fi settings menu, making the process of obtaining password information either easier or more confusing.
On devices Samsung with shell One UI The process is as simple as possible. In the Wi-Fi menu, simply click the gear next to the active network, then select QR code at the bottom of the screen. The system will display a code, and underneath it (depending on the One UI version) there may also be a text password or a "Share" button that copies the data to the clipboard.
Smartphone owners Xiaomi (MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS) also have easy access. In the Wi-Fi menu, tap the network name. If the network is active, a QR code will appear. A peculiarity of MIUI is that sometimes you need to log in to your Xiaomi account to view details, which is a security measure by the manufacturer. In some firmware versions, the password is hidden behind asterisks, but you can see it by tapping the "eye" icon after logging in.
Devices Huawei And Honor (with EMUI or MagicOS) operate similarly. In the Wi-Fi menu, select a network and generate a QR code. A unique feature is the "smart key" feature, which automatically syncs passwords between devices from the same manufacturer if they are logged into the same account. Huawei ID.
| Manufacturer | shell | Path to QR code | Do you need an account? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | One UI | Wi-Fi Settings → Gear → QR Code | No |
| Xiaomi | MIUI / HyperOS | Wi-Fi Settings → Tap on the network | Often required |
| Huawei | EMUI / MagicOS | Wi-Fi Settings → QR Code | No (for local viewing) |
| Google Pixel | Stock Android | Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Gear → Share | No (PIN/biometrics required) |
Third-party password recovery apps
In the store Google Play There are many apps that promise to reveal saved Wi-Fi passwords. However, it's important to understand the limitations of Google's current security policies. Apps installed from the Play Store have no rights Read system files with passwords without root access. Therefore, most such programs are either useless or only work as QR code generators based on data already known to the system.
Apps like WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery They can only be useful in two cases: if you have root access, or if they use special APIs to generate a sharing QR code. Without root access, they won't be able to extract the password from the secure vault. wpa_supplicant.
There are also applications for recovering forgotten passwords using brute-force methods, but their effectiveness is extremely low against modern encryption standards. WPA2/WPA3Using such tools is often pointless if the password is complex and contains more than 8 characters.
⚠️ Caution: Be careful when installing third-party Wi-Fi hacking apps. Many of them contain ads, trackers, or malicious code that collects your personal data. Use only proven open-source tools.
If your device isn't rooted, the best "app" is the standard QR code generation feature built into the system. It's secure, doesn't require any additional software, and is guaranteed to work natively within the operating system.
☑️ Wi-Fi Security Check
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it, but was connected to it once?
Yes, if you use the ADB method or have root access, you can see a list of all saved networks, even those that are currently out of range. The standard menu without root access usually only displays currently available or recently used networks, but functionality may vary depending on the Android version.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Without root access, such apps are practically useless for viewing real keys, as the system blocks access. With root access, only open-source and reputable apps can be trusted. Be careful: by granting root access to an app, you give it complete control over your device.
What to do if the QR code does not scan?
Make sure the screen is clean and the brightness is at maximum. Try using a different scanning app, such as Google Lens or the built-in camera scanner. If the code is corrupted software-wise (a rare bug), try taking a screenshot and opening it in the gallery, then run text/code recognition through the Share menu or Google Lens.
Will resetting network settings reset the password?
Yes, reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings) will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and mobile network settings. Use this method only if other methods fail or the network is not working properly, and you are prepared to re-enter all passwords.
Is it possible to find out the guest Wi-Fi password via phone?
If you're connected to a guest network, you can try generating a QR code as described in this article. However, guest networks often have limited permissions, and some features (such as access to router settings or port scanning) may be blocked by the network administrator, although the password (if any) is usually displayed via the QR code.