How to view your Wi-Fi password on your phone: instructions for Android and iOS

Forgetting your home Wi-Fi password is a familiar situation for many. It's especially frustrating when you urgently need to connect a new device and the router sticker is long gone. Fortunately, modern smartphones store connection data, and with the right approach, you can retrieve the password directly from your phone—without accessing the router or calling your provider.

In this article we will look at all working methods view saved Wi-Fi password on Android And iPhone, including hidden system menu functions, third-party apps, and workarounds for different OS versions. You'll also learn why some methods stopped working after security updates and what to do if your phone isn't rooted or doesn't have superuser rights.

Important: Not all methods are universal. For example, iOS opportunities are limited by politics Apple, and on Android a lot depends on the firmware version and the manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.). To save time, use the compatibility table at the end of the first section.

1. Is it even possible to find out a Wi-Fi password from a phone?

Yes, but with some caveats. The smartphone stores passwords for the networks it connects to, but access to them depends on the operating system and user permissions:

• 📱 Android: On most devices, the password can be viewed through Wi-Fi settings or special applications. However, on some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) this feature is hidden or requires root-rights.
• 🍎 iPhone (iOS): Apple has completely blocked access to Wi-Fi passwords through default settings.The only official way is to use iCloud Keychain on another device Apple (For example, MacBook).
• 🔒 Security restrictions: Manufacturers deliberately make passwords difficult to access to protect users from data leaks. For example, Android 10+ Many methods stopped working without rooting.

If your phone isn't rooted or superuser-enabled, the chances of directly accessing the password are reduced. However, there are workarounds—read about them in the following sections.

If your case doesn't fit any of these methods, don't despair: at the end of the article, we'll tell you what to do if none of these methods work.

2. How to view Wi-Fi password on Android without root access

On some devices Android The password can be seen directly in the network settings. This method works on a "clean" Android (For example, Google Pixel, Nexus) and firmware from manufacturers. Check it first—it's the easiest and safest way.

Open Settings → Wi-Fi

Click on the name of your network

Try to find the item Share password or QR code

If there is no item, proceed to the next method-->

Instructions for standard settings:

1. Open Settings phone.

2. Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Network and Internet → Wi-Fi on some firmware).

3. Click on the name of your network (the one you are connected to).

4. Look for options like:

   • 🔑 Share password (on Android 10+)
   • 📷 QR code (scanning will reveal the password)
   • 👁️ Show password (on older versions)

If you see QR code, it can be scanned by another device - some scanning applications (eg. Google Lens) show the password in plain text. Samsung and some Xiaomi Instead of a password, only a QR code may be displayed without the ability to view the text.

If the standard method does not work:

On firmware MIUI (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO), Flyme (Meizu) and some versions One UI (Samsung) the password section may be missing. In this case, try:

• 📱 Update firmware — in new versions this function is sometimes returned.
• 🔄 Reconnect to the network - sometimes when reconnecting, the option to view the password appears.
• 📎 Use a backup copy - if you made a backup through Google Drive, passwords can be stored there (see section 4).

Why don't some phones have a "Show Password" option?

Manufacturers remove this feature for two reasons: safety (so that attackers cannot easily steal the password when accessing the phone) and compliance with Google policiesStarting from Android 9Google recommends hiding passwords from the user, offering secure sharing mechanisms (such as QR codes) instead.

3. Viewing the password via a file wpa_supplicant.conf (for advanced)

On Android Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a system file wpa_supplicant.confAccess to it is only possible with root rights or through ADB (developer tool). This method is suitable for users who are comfortable working with technical tools.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrectly manipulating system files can cause your phone to malfunction. If you're unsure of your skills, skip this section.

Method 1: Using a file manager with root rights

If your phone is rooted, follow these steps:

1. Install a file manager with root support, for example Root Explorer or Solid Explorer.

2. Open the manager and grant it root access.

3. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

   or (on older versions of Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

4. Find the block with the name of your network (ssid="...") and a line psk="..." - this is the password.

Method 2: Via ADB (without root, but with USB debugging)

If there is no root rights, but it is enabled USB debugging, you can try to extract the file via ADB:

1. Install ADB on your computer (instructions are on the website) Google for Developers).

2. Connect your phone to your PC and run the command:

   adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

3. Open the downloaded file in a text editor and find psk.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ access to this file is often blocked even through ADBIf the command doesn't work, try this alternative:

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

(requires root).

4. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords (top 3)

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party applications. Most of them require root-rights, but some can extract passwords through backups or system vulnerabilities (on older versions of Android).

⚠️ Attention: Install apps only from Google Play or trusted sources. Some programs from unknown sites may contain malicious code.

How to use WiFi Password Viewer:

1. Install the app and grant it root access.

2. In the main menu you will see a list of all saved networks.

3. Click on the desired network - the password will be displayed in the field Password.

4. Copy it or share via QR code.

If you don't have root rights, try WiFi Password Recovery — it sometimes works on unrooted devices via backups. However, the chances are slim: Android 11+ Google has tightened controls over password access.

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

On iPhone And iPad There is no official way to view the Wi-Fi password through the phone settings.This is a security policy limitation. Apple, which prevents users from directly viewing saved passwords. However, there are two workarounds:

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

If you have MacBook, iMac or the second iPhone/iPad, synchronized with the same Apple ID, you can extract the password through iCloud Keychain:

1. On Mac open the application Bunch of keys (can be found via Spotlight on request "Keychain").

2. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.

3. Double-click on the found entry.

4. Check the box Show password and enter the password for your account Mac.

If you don't have Mac, but there is another iPhone/iPad:

1. Go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keys.

2. Turn on iCloud Keychain Sync (if disabled).

3. On the second device, open Settings → Wi-Fi, click on the network and select Copy password (will appear if the network is saved in iCloud).

Method 2: Via iTunes Backup (Complex Method)

This method requires a computer with iTunes (or Finder on Mac) and specialized software for extracting data from a backup. Suitable only for experienced users:

1. Create a backup iPhone through iTunes.

2. Download a program to view backups, for example iBackup Viewer or iMazing.

3. Open the backup in the program and find the section with Wi-Fi passwords.

⚠️ Attention: This method does not guarantee success - Apple Encrypts backup data, and not all programs can decrypt it. Furthermore, accessing an encrypted backup requires the password you specified when creating it.

Why doesn't Apple allow you to view Wi-Fi passwords?

Apple adheres to the "sandbox" principle (sandboxing), where each application is isolated. Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a secure area of ​​the system, and even the user cannot access them without additional devices (e.g., Mac). This is done to protect against malware that could steal passwords.

6. Alternative methods if nothing helps

If none of these methods work, don't despair. Here are a few more options:

• 📞 Call your providerCheck your router's default password (usually found on the device's sticker). If you haven't changed it, this will solve the problem. The support number is usually listed in your contract or on the provider's website.
• 🔄 Reset your router to factory settings: Press and hold the button Reset On the router, wait 10-15 seconds. After the reset, the password will return to the default one (indicated on the sticker). ⚠️ Attention: All personal router settings (including the network name) will be reset.
• 🖥️ View your password on another device: If a laptop is connected to the same network Windows or Mac, the password can be found through its settings (see instructions for your OS).
• 📄 Check the documents from the provider: Sometimes the password is specified in the contract or letter when connecting to the Internet.

If you're renting accommodation or using public Wi-Fi, ask the network owner for the password. In some cases (for example, in hotels or cafes), the password may be listed on your receipt or information board.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to find a Wi-Fi password, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common errors and how to solve them:

• ❌ There is no 'Share password' option in the settings. → This is normal for most firmware. Try the method with QR code or use applications (see section 4).
• ❌ "File wpa_supplicant.conf empty or not present" → On Android 10+ The file path has changed. Try /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml.
• ❌ "The app doesn't show passwords." → Make sure the app has root access, or try another app from our list.
• ❌ "There's no Mac on the iPhone to view the password." → Contact your provider or reset your router (see section 6).
• ❌ "After resetting the router, the Internet doesn't work." → Your ISP may be using MAC address binding. Call support to update this information.

If you're trying to connect a new device and can't find the password, consider alternative connection methods:

• 🔗 WPS: Click the button WPS on the router and connect the device without a password (this does not work on all models).
• 📱 QR code: On Android You can generate a QR code for connection (in network settings).
• 🔌 Cable connection: If the device supports Ethernet, connect it directly to the router.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on Android without rooting?

Yes, but only on certain firmware versions. For example, on the "clean" one. Android (For example, Google Pixel) the password can be found in the network settings (item Share password). On Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands, this option is often missing. In this case, try the method with QR code or apps like WiFi Password Recovery (they sometimes work without root on older versions of Android).

Why can't I view my Wi-Fi password on my iPhone?

Apple deliberately blocks access to Wi-Fi passwords through settings iOS for security reasons. The only official way is to use iCloud Keychain on another device Apple (For example, MacBook). This is done to protect users from password theft through malware or physical access to the phone.

What should I do if I forgot my router password and can't reset it?

If you can't physically press the button Reset on the router (for example, it is installed in a hard-to-reach place), try:

1. Call your provider - sometimes they can reset the settings remotely.
2. Use the router's web interface (enter in your browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, standard login/password — admin/admin).
3. Contact the person who installed the router (for example, a technician from your provider).

If nothing helps, you will have to physically get to the router to reset it.

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

No, not if you're not connected to that network. Your phone only saves passwords for networks it's previously connected to. Attempting to hack someone else's Wi-Fi is illegal and can result in prosecution (in Russia, this is covered by Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, "Unauthorized access to computer information"). If you need access to someone else's network, ask the owner for the password.

Why did the Wi-Fi password stop showing after updating Android?

Starting from Android 10, Google tightened its security policy by restricting access to Wi-Fi passwords. Many manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi, Samsung) removed the password viewing option from settings to comply with new requirements. If the feature is missing after the update, try:

• Use ADB (see section 3).
• Install a third-party application with root access.
• Contact your provider for a standard password.