How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password on Your Phone: Instructions for Android and iOS

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, or lost the sticker on your router? Don't rush to reset your router or call your provider. Modern smartphones on Android And iOS store all connected networks — all that's left is to know where to look. In this article, we'll cover all the ways to extract a saved Wi-Fi password directly from your phone, including hidden menus, third-party apps, and workarounds for different OS versions.

It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the phone model, firmware version and even the manufacturer (for example, on Samsung Galaxy And Xiaomi Redmi (The paths to the settings may vary.) We've compiled universal solutions that work on 90% of devices, and also highlighted some nuances for popular brands. If your phone is rooted or has a custom ROM, some methods may not work.

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1. The standard method for Android: password in network settings

On most phones with Android 10 and newer, you can view the password for a connected Wi-Fi network directly in the settings menu. This method does not require superuser rights (root) and works on "pure" Android, as well as on firmware Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI and others.

**Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Network and Internet → Wi-Fi).
2. Find your network in the list and tap on its name (SSID).
3. In the window that opens, select the item Share (or Share, Show password).
4. Confirm the action with a fingerprint, pattern or PIN code.

After this, a QR code for connecting other devices and a text password below it will appear on the screen. If the item Share No - it means your manufacturer has blocked this function (often found on Huawei and some models Realme). In this case, proceed to the next method.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 9 and older, this method may not work. Also, some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block the display of the password in the settings on branded firmware.

2. Alternative Method for Android: Wi-Fi Configuration File

If the standard method does not work, the password can be extracted from the system file wpa_supplicant.conf, where all saved networks are stored. This method requires access to the file system (via conductor or ADB), but not necessarily the presence of root-right.

**How ​​to find the password file:

1. Install any file manager with access to system folders (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

   or (on older versions of Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/

3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with a text editor.
4. Inside the file there will be blocks of the following type:

   network={
   ssid="Your_Network_Name"
   psk="your_password"
   key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
   }

   Where psk - this is the password.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ access to folder /data/ It's limited even for file managers. If you can't open a file, use ADB (instructions below) or proceed to the method with applications.

For convenience, you can copy the file to your computer and view it through Notepad++ or VS CodeThe passwords in the file are stored in clear text, but the file itself is protected from modification—don't edit it, or your Wi-Fi will stop working!

A rooted file manager (or ADB)|Knowing your Wi-Fi network name (SSID)|A text editor to view the file|A backup copy of your data (in case of an error)

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3. Using ADB to retrieve password (without root)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — is a debugging tool that allows you to access system files without full root. This method works on most phones, but requires rooting. developer mode and connecting to a computer.

**Step-by-step instructions:

1. Enable developer mode:

   Go to Settings → About phone and tap on the item 7 times Build numberReturn to the main settings menu – a new section will appear there. For developers.

2. Enable USB debugging:

   On the menu For developers turn on USB debugging.

3. Connect your phone to PC:

   Install ADB drivers On your computer and connect your smartphone via cable. On your phone, confirm debugging permissions.

4. Run the commands in the terminal:

   Open Command Prompt (or PowerShell in Windows) and enter:

   adb shell
   su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf"

   If an error occurs Permission denied, try an alternative route:

   adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf C:\

   (the file will be copied to the disk C:\).

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (eg. Samsung With Knox) attempt to extract the file via ADB can only work after disabling the protection Knox, which will void the warranty.

If the commands don't work, it means the manufacturer has blocked access. In this case, only root or specialized applications (see next section).

What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?

Make sure the drivers for your phone model are installed (you can download them from the manufacturer's website). Try a different USB cable (preferably the original). Enable "Allow USB debugging (safe mode)" in the developer settings. Restart your phone and computer.

4. Apps for viewing saved Wi-Fi passwords

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use third-party utilities. They automatically read passwords from system files and display them in a convenient format. The best apps for this task are:

• 🔹 WiFi Password Viewer — a simple tool for viewing all saved networks. Works without root on Android 9 and below, on new versions it requires additional permissions.
• 🔹 WiFi Key Recovery — Recovers passwords from backups. Suitable for phones with MIUI And Flyme.
• 🔹 Root Browser — a file manager with access to system folders. Allows you to manually find wpa_supplicant.conf.
• 🔹 ES File Explorer (old versions) - used to be able to view passwords, but in newer versions this feature has been removed.

⚠️ Attention: Be careful with apps that ask for root-access or suspicious permissions (for example, access to SMS or calls). Some utilities in Google Play may contain malicious code. Check reviews and ratings before installing.

On phones with Android 12+ Most of these apps stopped working due to stricter security policies. If your device is up to date, use ADB or reset the password through the router.

5. How to find the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone (iOS)

On iPhone And iPad With iOS The situation is more complicated: Apple doesn't provide direct access to saved Wi-Fi passwords through Settings. However, there are workarounds:

Method 1: Via iCloud Keychain (if you have a Mac or other Apple device)

1. Open System Preferences on Mac → iCloud → Keychain (or Bunch of keys).
2. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
3. Double-click on the found entry and check the box Show password.
4. Enter your account password Apple ID.

Method 2: Via iTunes backup (requires a computer)

• Create a backup iPhone V iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and newer).
• Use the utility iBackup Viewer or iExplorer to extract the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist.
• The passwords in this file are encrypted, but they can be decrypted using scripts on Python (instructions are on GitHub).

⚠️ Attention: On iOS 16+ Apple has tightened its security, and even these methods may not work. If you don't have Mac — it’s easier to reset the password on the router or view it on another device (for example, on Android-family member's phone number).

Method 3: Via a router (universal for iOS and Android)

If none of the methods worked, you can still access the router's web interface:

1. Find out the IP address of the router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Enter it into the address bar of your phone's browser.
3. Log in (login and password are often used) admin/admin or admin/1234).
4. Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless) → Security (Security). There will be a field. PSK password.

6. What to do if none of the methods worked?

If you've tried all the methods but still can't find your password, don't despair. Here's alternative solutions:

• 🔄 Resetting the router: Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After this, the network will be named by default (for example, TP-Link_1234), and the password can be found on the router sticker.
• 📞 Call the provider: Check with technical support for the default password for your router model. It may be the same as the serial number or specified in your contract.
• 🖥️ View on another device: Check the password on your laptop (Windows/macOS), tablet or second phone where the network is already connected.
• 🔧 Using WPS: If the router supports WPS, you can connect to the network without a password by pressing the button on the router body.

⚠️ Attention: After resetting the router, all personal settings (including SSID, password, bindings by MAC-address) will return to factory settings. If you have configured static IP, port forwarding or guest Wi-Fi - they will have to be reconfigured.

If the router is rented from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Dom.ru), resetting may block internet access. In this case, contact support and request reactivation of the device.

7. How to secure your Wi-Fi after password recovery

Finding the password is half the battle. Important ensure network securityTo avoid recurring problems:

• 🔒 Change the default password: Use a combination of 12+ characters with letters, numbers and special characters (eg. K7#pL9!mQ2$vR5).
• 🛡️ Update encryption type: In the router settings, select WPA3-PSK instead of the outdated one WPA2 (if devices support it).
• 📵 Disable WPS: This feature is vulnerable to hacking; it is best to deactivate it in the router menu.
• 👥 Set up a guest network: For friends and temporary devices, create a separate one SSID with limited access to the local network.
• 🔄 Update your firmware regularly: Check for router updates in the section System tools (System Tools).

⚠️ Attention: Never use personal information (date of birth, name, phone number) as a password. Attackers can crack it in minutes using special software.

If you have a smart home with devices IoT (cameras, light bulbs, thermostats) – create a separate network for them with a unique password. This will protect the main network from vulnerabilities in the firmware of smart devices.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi passwords on your phone

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that my phone connected to a long time ago but is not connected now?

Yes, but only if the network is saved in the phone's memory. Android check the file wpa_supplicant.conf — all the networks ever connected are stored there. iPhone This is impossible without a backup in iCloud or iTunes.

Why on mine? Xiaomi There is no "Share" option for your Wi-Fi password?

The manufacturer may have removed this feature in the firmware. MIUI. Try updating your system to the latest version or use ADBAlso check the security settings in the menu For developers - sometimes there is an option there Show Wi-Fi passwords.

Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password if their phone is connected to it?

Technically yes, but that's breaks the law (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code - unauthorized access to computer information). Using someone else's network without permission may result in a fine or criminal liability. It's best to ask the owner for the password.

How to reset the password on a router if the button Reset doesn't work?

If the mechanical reset does not work:

1. Unplug the router from power for 30 seconds.
2. Turn it back on and immediately hold Reset 20–30 seconds.
3. If that doesn't help, check if the button is stuck (clean it with alcohol).
4. On some models (eg, ASUS) the reset is performed via the web interface: Administration → Manage Settings → Restore.

Is it possible to recover a Wi-Fi password if your phone is stolen?

No, unless you had a backup (for example, in Google Drive For Android or iCloud For iPhone). In this case, the only option left is to reset the router or contact your provider for a duplicate password.