Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but your connected devices are still working? On smartphones Honor (As with other Android devices), saved network passwords can be retrieved in several ways—without resetting the router or calling your provider. The main thing is that you must have root access or at least physical access to a phone with an already connected network.
In this article we will look at 5 proven methods, including standard Android settings, hidden system files, and specialized apps. Please note: on newer versions EMUI (Honor shells) some paths may differ - it depends on the model (Honor 9X, Honor 50, Honor Magic 4 etc.) and firmware version. If your phone was updated to MagicOS (for 2023+ models), some instructions will require adaptation.
Before you begin, make sure that:
- 📱 The phone is connected to the target Wi-Fi network (or was previously connected).
- 🔒 You have administrator rights (for methods with system files).
- 📡 The router does not block access to settings by MAC address.
Method 1: View password through Android settings (without root)
The easiest method is to use built-in tools EMUI/MagicOS. Unfortunately, it does not work on all firmware versions: starting from Android 10 Google has restricted access to passwords for security reasons. But on some models Honor (especially those released before 2021) the feature is still available.
Instructions:
- Open
Settings → Wireless & networks → Wi-Fi. - Find your network in the list and tap on its name (do not reconnect!).
- In the window that opens, select
ShareorShare(You may be asked to enter your lock screen PIN). - A text password will appear under the QR code (sometimes hidden under a button)
Show password).
If the point Share no - then it's your version EMUI It doesn't support it. Proceed to the next method.
☑️ Preparing to view your password
Method 2: Using a file wpa_supplicant.conf (root required)
All saved Wi-Fi passwords on Android are stored in a system file. /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml (for new versions) or /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf (for old people) To read it you need root access or ADB commands.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Install Root Browser or any other file manager with root support.
- Follow the path
/data/misc/wifi/and find the fileWifiConfigStore.xml(orwpa_supplicant.conf). - Open the file with a text editor and find the block with the name of your network (
SSID). There will be a line next to it.preSharedKey="your_password".
Example of file content:
network={ssid="MyWiFi_2.4G"
psk="12345678"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
priority=1
}
Method 3: Password Viewer Apps (No Root)
If you don't have root access but your phone is connected to the internet, you can use third-party utilities. They don't work on all devices (depending on the Android version and manufacturer), but they're worth a try. The best options are:
- 🔍 WiFi Password Viewer — shows passwords for connected networks (requires Android 9 and below).
- 📱 WiFi Key Recovery - works on some firmware EMUI up to version 10.
- 🛠️ Rootless WiFi Password - tries to extract passwords via ADB (requires a PC).
How to use:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Launch and grant access to
Wi-Fi settings(if requested). - Find your network in the list and copy the password.
⚠️ Attention: Apps without root may not show passwords on Honor With MagicOS (2022+). In this case, the only solution is to reset the router or contact your ISP.
Method 4: ADB Commands to Extract Password (Advanced)
If you have a computer and it is turned on USB debugging mode, you can try to extract the password through ADBThis method works on most devices. Honor, but requires preparation.
Instructions:
- Turn on
USB debuggingVSettings → System → Developer Options(if there is no item, tap 7 times onBuild numberVAbout the phone). - Connect your phone to your PC and run
ADB Shellcommand:adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep psk" - In the output, find the line with
preSharedKey- this is the password.
If the command doesn't work, try this alternative:
adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml"
What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?
Make sure the drivers are installed Honor (download from the official website). Try a different USB cable (the original is best). Restart your phone and PC. Enable the developer option in the settings. Enable USB debugging (safe mode).
Method 5: Reset the router (if nothing helps)
If all the previous methods have not worked, there remains a radical option - reset the router to factory settingsThis will delete all user settings, including the password, but you will be able to set a new one.
How to reset:
- Find the button on your router
Reset(usually recessed into the body). - Press it with a paper clip or toothpick and hold for 10-15 seconds.
- After rebooting the router, connect to the network with the factory name (indicated on the sticker) and set a new password through
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting your router will disconnect all network users, including smart devices (cameras, speakers, etc.). Make sure you have access to their settings to reconnect them.
| Method | Root required | Runs on EMUI/MagicOS | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android settings | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partially (up to EMUI 10) | ⭐ |
File wpa_supplicant.conf |
✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (all versions) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Third-party applications | ❌ No | ⚠️ Depends on the model | ⭐⭐ |
| ADB commands | ✅ Yes (or debugging) | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Resetting the router | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐ (but radically) |
Security: What to do after password recovery
Once you receive your password, we recommend:
- 🔐 Change it to a more complex one (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
- 📱 Remove unnecessary networks from phone memory (
Settings → Wi-Fi → Saved Networks). - 🛡️ Disable WPS on the router (this is a vulnerable protocol).
- 🔄 Update your router's firmware (closes vulnerabilities).
On Honor phones with MagicOS 7.0+ (2023), Wi-Fi passwords are more securely encrypted, making them virtually impossible to extract without root access. In this case, the only reliable solution is to reset the router or contact your ISP for a duplicate password.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network to which the phone is not connected?
No. Android only stores passwords for previously connected networks. If a network isn't saved in the phone's memory, its password cannot be retrieved without access to the router.
Why in the file wpa_supplicant.conf my network is not there?
You probably connected to it through WPS or QSS (button on the router), and the password wasn't saved. The file could also have been cleared after a firmware update.
Does the QR code method work on the Honor 80 Pro?
On most models Honor 2022–2026 function Share The QR code option is disabled. There may be a button instead. Network export, but it requires confirmation via SMS or email.
Is it possible to extract the password from a phone if it is locked?
Without unlocking the screen—no. Even with root access, most methods require PIN or pattern confirmation.
What should I do if my router displays an error after a reset?
Please check if the address is entered correctly. 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1If the page doesn't open, try connecting via cable or hold Reset another 30 seconds for a complete reset.