You are connected to your home or office network Wi-Fi on your smartphone, but forgot the password—and now you can't connect to a new device? Or do you urgently need to share the security code with a guest, but the sticker from the router has long since disappeared? This situation is familiar to many. Luckily, Android And iOS Store passwords for saved networks - they can be retrieved directly from the phone settings.
In this article you will find 5 working methodsHow to find out the security code Wi-Fi on your phone - from standard methods to hidden features. We'll look at the options for Android 10-14 (including Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei), iPhone With iOS 15-17, as well as workarounds for devices without rights rootImportant: Some methods require additional steps, such as scanning. QR code or using a computer.
Before you begin, check: if you never connected to this network on the phone, you won't be able to extract the password. Also, keep in mind that on some firmware versions (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) access to passwords may be restricted by the manufacturer.
1. The standard method on Android: password in network settings
Starting from Android 10Google has added a feature to view passwords for saved networks directly in the system interface. This is the simplest method, but it doesn't work on all firmware versions. For example, on Samsung One UI And stock Android (on pure Android) the path will be the same, but on Xiaomi or Huawei There may be nuances.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open
Settings→Network and Internet(orConnectionson Samsung). - 🔗 Choose
Wi-Fi, then tap on the name of the current network (or click ⚙️ next to it). - 🔑 Find the item
Password(orShare/Share) and confirm identification (fingerprint, PIN code or pattern). - 📋 The password will be displayed as text—you can copy it or show it to the guest.
If the point Password No, then your firmware is hiding it. Proceed to the next method.
2. Wi-Fi QR Code: How to Share the Password Without Anyone Seeing It
Modern smartphones allow generate a QR code to connect to the network without entering a password. This is convenient if you don't need to know the security code itself and just want to connect another device. The method works on Android 10+ And iPhone With iOS 11+.
How to do it:
- 🤖 On Android: go to settings
Wi-Fi, tap on the network →Share→ selectQR codeScan it with another phone. - 🍎 On iPhone: open
Settings→Wi-Fi, tap on the network → click on the iconQR code(next to the title).
Advantages of the method: The QR code contains not only the password, but also the encryption type (WPA2/WPA3), which speeds up the connection.The downside is that you won't see the security code itself if it's required for manual entry (for example, on a laptop).
3. View password via configuration file (only for rooted Android)
If you have root rights, you can extract the password directly from the system file, where Android Stores network data. This method is suitable for experienced users and requires caution—incorrect actions can disrupt the system.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Install a file manager with support
root(For example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer). - Follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlor (on newer versions of Android):
/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml - Find the block with the name of your network (
<string name="SSID">...) - there will be a line with a password next to it (<string name="PreSharedKey">...).
⚠️ Attention: Editing system files without a backup may result in data loss or a Wi-Fi outage. If you're unsure of what to do, try alternative methods.
What to do if the WifiConfigStore.xml file is missing?
On some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) passwords are stored in encrypted form. In this case, only specialized software like WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).
4. Using third-party applications (without root)
If standard methods don't work, you can use applications from Google Play, which can extract passwords from system logs. Important: most such programs require root, but there are exceptions - for example, for devices on Android 9 and below.
Top 3 Password Viewer Apps Wi-Fi:
| Application | Root required? | Supported Android versions | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | ✅ Yes | 5.0–13 | Shows all saved passwords, export to file |
| WiFi Password Recovery | ❌ No (only for Android <10) | 4.0–9 | Works via settings backup |
| WiFi Key Recovery | ✅ Yes | 6.0–14 | Supports WPA3, interface in Russian |
⚠️ Attention: applications without root They often exploit system vulnerabilities, which can be dangerous. Only install them from official sources and check reviews.
Make sure your phone is charged 50%+
Download the app only from Google Play
Check permissions (there should be no access to SMS/calls)
Create a backup copy of your data (optional)-->
5. Alternative methods: router, computer, sticker
If you were unable to extract the password from your phone, try these options:
- 📡 Router: Go to the router's web interface (usually at
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1) and find the sectionWireless Security(orWireless network). The password will be in the fieldPSK Password. - 💻 Computer: on Windows open
Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings, right-click on the network →Wireless Network Properties → Security. - 🏷️ Sticker on the router: If the password has not been changed, it is indicated on the back panel of the device (field
Wi-Fi KeyorPassword).
🔹 Advice: If you often forget your passwords, save them in Google Password Manager (on Android) or iCloud Keychain (on iPhone). To do this, when connecting to a new network, select the option Save to account.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to extract a password, users often encounter typical problems:
- 🔄 There is no 'Password' option in the settings. → This means that the firmware hides this option. Try the method with
QR codeor third-party applications. - 🔒 "A PIN is required, but I forgot it." → Reset the pattern lock via Google Account (on Android) or iCloud (on iPhone).
- 📵 "The phone is not connected to the network." → It is impossible to extract the password without an active connection. First, connect to Wi-Fi.
If none of the methods worked, there is one last option - reset the router settings (button Reset on the back panel). After this, the network will use the factory password from the sticker.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that my phone was previously connected to but is not currently connected to?
No, if the phone isn't currently connected to a network, it's impossible to retrieve its password. The system only stores data about the current or recently used network (depending on the firmware). The exception is if you previously backed up your settings. Android (for example, through adb backup).
Why can't I view my Wi-Fi password directly on my iPhone?
Apple restricts access to passwords for security reasons. The only official methods are to share the network via QR code or use Mac with function Keychain Access (if the devices are synchronized via iCloud).
Are password extraction apps safe to use?
Applications with rights root are potentially dangerous because they gain access to system files. Without root Most programs simply analyze the system cache, which is less risky. Always check app reviews and permissions before installing.
How can you protect your Wi-Fi from being hacked if your password is leaked?
If you suspect your password has been compromised, change it immediately in your router settings. Use WPA3 (if supported) and a complex password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and special characters). Also disable WPS - This protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
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 other people's networks without permission may result in administrative or criminal liability.
Now you know all the ways to find the security code. Wi-Fi on your phone. If none of the methods work, check your router settings or contact your network administrator. Remember: Saving passwords in a secure place (like a password manager) will save you time in the future..