Where is your Android's Wi-Fi password stored? How to find and extract it in 5 minutes.

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the markings on the router box have long since worn off? Or need to connect a new device, but you haven't written down the password anywhere? On an Android smartphone or tablet, all connected networks are stored in system files—and they can be retrieved even without access to the router. In this article, we'll look at all possible ways: from simple (via phone settings) to advanced (using ADB and root rights).

It is important to understand that methods differ depending on Android versions, device manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, etc.) and presence of root rightsFor example, on stock Android 12+, passwords are more deeply hidden than on MIUI 14, while on older versions (Android 9 and below), they could be viewed in two clicks. We've compiled up-to-date instructions for 2026–2026, but please note: interfaces may change with firmware updates.

If you are looking for a way find out the password for someone else's network (for example, in a cafe or at a neighbor's), we'll warn you right away: this is against Android's security policy. The system stores passwords only for already connected networks, and they can only be extracted with physical access to the device. There are other methods for hacking other people's Wi-Fi networks (and they are illegal in most countries).

1. Standard method: view password in Android settings (without root)

Starting from Android 10Google has added a feature to view saved Wi-Fi passwords directly in Settings - but only for current network, to which the device is connected. If you need the password for another network (for example, your home network when you're connected to mobile data), this method won't work.

Instructions for most smartphones (Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Motorola, etc.):

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the title current network (there will be a sign next to it that says "Connected").
3. Tap on the icon ⚙️ Settings or 🔗 Read more.
4. Select Share (or Share (on English firmware).
5. The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, fingerprint or pattern.
6. After authorization, a QR code and a text password will appear under it.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (eg. Xiaomi This method may not work for MIUI users. Instead of a text password, the system will only show a QR code. In this case, use method #2 or #3.

2. View the password via QR code (if the text password is not displayed)

If in the network settings instead of a password only a QR code appears, it can be recognize using another device. It even works on Xiaomi, Realme and other brands where the text password is hidden.

How to do it:

• 📱 On the phone where the password is saved, open Wi-Fi settings and select Share (as in method #1).
• 🖼️ Take a photo of the QR code with another smartphone or tablet.
• 🔍 Open the QR code photo in any barcode scanner (eg Google Lens, QR & Barcode Scanner).
• 🔑 The scan results will contain a line like this WIFI:S:MyWiFi;T:WPA;P:your_password;;, Where P:your_password - this is the password.

💡 Helpful tip: If you don't have a second device at hand, you can copy the QR code to the clipboard by long-pressing on the image (on some firmware versions), and then paste it into an online QR decoder, for example, ZXing Decoder.

3. Extracting the password via ADB (without root, for advanced users)

If the first two methods did not work, and root rights If you don't have one, you can try to extract the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method works on most devices with Android 8–13, but requires connecting the phone to the computer.

🔧 What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably the original).
• 🛠️ Utility ADB Tools (download from the official Google website).
• ⚙️ Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → Developer Options).

📌 Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and confirm debugging permission on your smartphone screen.
2. Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the ADB folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   Your device's serial number should appear.

4. Run the command to view all saved networks:

   adb shell cmd -l wifi list_networks

   Remember the network number (column networkId) and her name (ssid).

5. Extract the password for the desired network (replace X on her networkId):

   adb shell cmd -l wifi get_network_var X password

   The password will be displayed in the response after network variable:.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS (from Oppo/Realme) the command may return an empty value. In this case, try an alternative command:

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

But to accomplish it root rights are required.

USB debugging is enabled

ADB drivers installed on PC

The phone is connected with the original cable

Access to debugging on the smartphone screen is allowed-->

4. Viewing the password on a rooted device

If you have it on your phone root rightsYou can extract a Wi-Fi password in a few seconds. All saved networks are stored in a system file. /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml (on newer versions of Android) or in the database /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.

🔍 Viewing methods:

• 📄 Through file manager with root access (For example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer):
  1. Open the manager and go to the path /data/misc/wifi/.
  2. Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml or folder WifiConfigStore.
  3. Open the file in a text editor and find the line <string name="PreSharedKey">PASSWORD</string>, Where PASSWORD — the password you are looking for.

su
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep PreSharedKey

📌 Example file contents WifiConfigStore.xml:

<WifiConfiguration>
<string name="SSID">MyHomeWiFi</string>
<string name="PreSharedKey">12345678</string>
<int name="Security">3</int>
</WifiConfiguration>

⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ The file path may differ (for example, /data/vendor/wifi/wpa_supplicant/). If the file is not found, try searching by keyword. wpa_supplicant.conf.

5. Features on smartphones of different brands

Manufacturers often modify Android by adding their own skins (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS, etc.). This affects the location of password files and the available methods for extracting them. Below are some examples: A table with nuances for popular brands:

🔄 Important: If your device is not listed, try the universal methods (ADB or root). Chinese firmware (for example, on Meizu or ZTE) access to passwords is often blocked at the system level.

6. Alternative methods: if nothing helps

If none of the above methods worked, there are still workarounds:

• 🔄 Resetting the router. Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After the reset, the password will return to the default one (usually found on the device's sticker). ⚠️ Attention: All router settings (including network name and guest access) will be reset to factory defaults.
• 📡 Connection via WPS. If your router supports WPS, you can connect to the network without a password (press the WPS button on the router, then select the network on your phone). Once connected, you can retrieve the password using one of the methods described above.
• 💻 View on another device. If a Windows laptop is connected to the same network, the password can be found through Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Wireless Network → Wireless Network Properties → Security (checkbox "Show entered characters").
• 📞 Contacting the provider. If the router is provided by an Internet service provider (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), you can find the password in your personal account or by calling support. It's usually included in the contract or on the equipment box.

🔧 Technical nuance: On some routers (for example, TP-Link or ASUS) the password can be seen in the web interface at the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (logins/passwords for entry are usually admin/admin or indicated on the sticker).

7. Security: How to protect your passwords from being extracted

If you're worried someone might extract your Wi-Fi password from your smartphone, follow these guidelines:

• 🔒 Use complex passwords. Password generator like Bitwarden or 1Password will help to create a reliable combination (for example, k7#pL9!mQ2$vR4 instead of 12345678).
• 📵 Disable automatic connection to public networks. In the Wi-Fi settings, turn off the option Auto-connection or Wi-Fi Assistant (on Pixel And Samsung).
• 🛡️ Encrypt Android storage. In the security settings, enable Phone encryption (on Android 10+ This is done automatically when you set a lock screen password).
• 🚫 Restrict root access. If you don't need root rights, disable them via Magisk or SuperSUThis will protect system files from being read.
• 🔄 Change your Wi-Fi password regularly. Do this once every 3-6 months, especially if guests have connected to the network.

⚠️ Attention: If you sell or transfer your smartphone to another person, Be sure to perform a factory reset (Settings → System → Reset). This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Google accounts, and personal data. Simply deleting networks from the list is not enough!

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords on Android

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi connection I've connected to before but am not connected to now?

Yes, but only if you have root rights or you use ADB. The standard Android settings only show the password for current networkTo view all saved passwords, you need to access system files (see method #3 or #4).

Why doesn't my Xiaomi display a text password, only a QR code?

This is a firmware feature. MIUIXiaomi hides text passwords for security purposes, but they can be retrieved via a QR code (method #2) or ADB (method #3). On rooted devices, passwords are stored in plain text in a file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.

Will ADB work on Android 14?

Yes, but with restrictions. Android 14 Google has tightened its security policy, and some ADB commands may require additional permissions. If the standard command adb shell cmd wifi get_network_var doesn't work, try alternative methods (for example, through wpa_supplicant.conf).

Is it possible to extract Wi-Fi password from a phone if it is locked?

No. Without a screen unlock (PIN, pattern, or fingerprint), access to system files or ADB will be limited. The only option is reset your phone to factory settings, but this will delete all data, including saved passwords.

Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored on Android tablets?

On tablets (for example, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Lenovo Tab) Passwords are stored exactly the same way as on smartphones. Use the same methods: Wi-Fi settings, ADB, or root access. The exception is tablets with Android Go (a simplified version of the OS), where functionality may be limited.