Many users are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new device to the network, but have forgotten the password and can't remember it. It often happens that a smartphone or tablet has been connected to the home network for a long time, and we simply don't remember it. combination of characters, which you entered when you first set up the router. At this point, a logical question arises: where can I find the Wi-Fi password on my phone if it's not written down anywhere?
Fortunately, modern operating systems provide enough tools to accomplish this task without having to delve into complex router settings. However, the methods vary depending on the router. mobile operating system you use. Owners Android And iPhone have different ways to access stored network security data.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the available methods for recovering forgotten internet access data. You'll learn how to use QR codes, system settings, and even third-party utilities to view security keys. The key is to proceed carefully to avoid disrupting your current connections.
Finding your password in Android 10 and later settings
Starting with the tenth version of the operating system AndroidGoogle has significantly simplified network connection management. Users no longer need root privileges to view saved information. The system now allows users to generate a QR code containing all necessary login information.
First, you need to access the Wi-Fi settings menu. This is usually done through the notification shade or the device's main settings menu. Find "Wi-Fi" and tap it. If you're already connected to the desired network, simply tap the gear icon or arrow next to the network name.
On the network settings screen, look for the "Share" button or the QR code icon. The system may require you to verify your identity using a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint. After successful authentication, a QR code will appear on the screen, often (but not always) underneath which is the password itself in text format.
- 📱 Open Settings and go to the Connections section.
- 🔗 Click on the desired Wi-Fi network to access its properties.
- 📸 Select the "Share" or "QR code" option.
- 👁️ Look at the text below the code or scan it with another device.
If there is no text password under the code, you can use the camera of any other smartphone or a special QR code scanner app. Point the camera at the screen, and the device will recognize the connection string. In this string, after the symbol P: the required security key will be found.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models with heavily modified skins (for example, older versions of MIUI or EMUI), the password display feature may be hidden by the manufacturer. In this case, try the standard method of scanning the code.
How to find out the password on older versions of Android
If your device is running version Android Below 10, you won't be able to view the saved password using standard system tools. The operating system stores this data in a system file. wpa_supplicant.conf, access to which is closed to regular applications for security reasons.
You need permissions to access this file. Root (superuser rights). Obtaining such rights gives you complete control over the system, but also voids your device's warranty and can lead to data loss if you do something incorrectly. If you decide to do this, you'll need a file manager with root support, such as Root Explorer or RE Manager.
After granting access rights in the file manager, you need to go to the path /data/misc/wifi/. In this folder, find the file wpa_supplicant.confOpen it as a text file. Inside, you'll see a list of all the networks the phone has ever connected to. Look for the block network with the desired name (ssid) and look at the field value psk - this is your password.
What are root rights and is it worth getting them?
Rooting is the equivalent of administrator rights in Windows, but for Android. It allows you to modify system files, remove built-in apps, and access hidden features. However, rooting often requires unlocking the bootloader, which erases all data from the phone and makes it vulnerable to viruses if you're not careful.
There's also an alternative method without root access, but it only works if a password manager app was previously installed on the phone and saved the data before the system update. Otherwise, for owners of older Android versions, the easiest way to view the password is through the router's web interface, which is discussed below.
Recovering access on iPhone (iOS)
For smartphone owners from Apple For a long time, workarounds had to be found due to iOS's closed file system. However, with the release of iOS 16, Apple added the long-awaited feature for viewing saved Wi-Fi passwords directly in Settings.
To use this feature, make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 16 or later. Go to "Settings" and select "Wi-Fi." Tap "Edit" in the upper-right corner (or simply find the desired network in the list if you have a newer version of iOS, where editing is separate). Tap the information icon (a blue "i" in a circle) next to your active or previously used network.
In the menu that opens, you'll see the "Password" field hidden by dots. Tap this field. The system will ask you to confirm your identity using Face ID, Touch ID or an unlock code. After successful verification, the password will be displayed in text format and can be copied.
| iOS version | Viewing option | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 16 and later | Eat | Settings → Wi-Fi → Information → Password |
| iOS 15 and later | No (direct) | Mac sync or router reset required |
| iPadOS 16+ | Eat | Similar to iPhone |
For devices running iOS 15 and earlier, there is one legitimate way to find out the password if you have a computer. MacIf iCloud Keychain is enabled, your password will sync across devices. On your Mac, open Keychain, find your network name, and confirm by checking "Show password."
Using the router's web interface
A universal method that works on absolutely any phone, regardless of the operating system version, is to access the router's settings. If your phone is connected to Wi-Fi (even without internet), it can open the router's control panel.
First, you need to find the gateway IP address. On Android, this can be found in the Wi-Fi settings (under "Details" or "Advanced"), where "Gateway" is listed. On iPhone, this information is also available in the network properties. The address most often looks like this: 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter this address into the address bar of your browser (Chrome, Safari).
The login page will open. If you've never changed your administrator login and password, they'll be found on a sticker on the bottom of the router. Default pairs are often admin/admin or admin/passwordAfter logging in, find the "Wireless" or "WLAN" section. In the "Security" or "Protection" subsection, you'll see a field with your network security key.
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☑️ Check before logging into the router
Interfaces of routers from different manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, D-Link) may differ, but the logic remains the same. Look for tabs related to the wireless network. If the password has changed and is displayed as asterisks, many modern interfaces have a "Show" button (an eye) that will reveal the character combination.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces are constantly being updated. The menu layout may differ from the one described. If you can't find the section you need, consult the official manual for your router model on the manufacturer's website.
Password recovery apps
In app stores Google Play And App Store You can find many utilities that promise to reveal saved passwords. However, it's important to exercise extreme caution. Most of these apps are either useless without root access or are data miners.
There are legitimate apps that act as Wi-Fi managers. They don't hack your network, but rather help you conveniently manage connection lists and, if you have permission, display saved keys. Examples include WiFi Password Viewer (requires Root) or password managers like 1Password And LastPass, if you have previously saved data in them.
Using dubious programs that promise to "guess" your password or reveal it without permission often results in your phone being infected with malware. Such programs can steal your banking information or personal photos. It's safer to use built-in system tools or the QR code method.
- 🛡️ Use only verified and highly rated apps.
- 🚫 Avoid programs that require strange permissions.
- 📲 Prefer built-in OS features to third-party software.
- 🔐 Use password managers to save keys.
What to do if nothing helps
If none of the software methods work, physical access to the hardware remains. If you can get to the router, turn it over. There's almost always a sticker with technical information on the bottom of the case.
This sticker contains the factory Wi-Fi password (often labeled as Wireless Key, WPA Key or PIN). If you haven't changed your router settings since purchasing it, this password will remain valid. It may also contain login information for the web interface.
If the password was previously changed and lost, and you can't access the settings via a connected PC, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings. There's a small button on the router body for this. Reset (often recessed into the housing). Press it with a paper clip and hold for 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash.
After the reset, the router will return to factory settings. You'll be able to connect to Wi-Fi using the password on the sticker and reconfigure your internet connection. However, please note that all your provider-specific settings will be reset and will need to be re-entered.
⚠️ Attention: A hard reset will erase all settings, including the connection type (PPPoE, L2TP, etc.), that the technician may have configured during installation. Make sure you have your ISP contract and login information before pressing the reset button.
What's the difference between resetting network settings on a phone and resetting a router?
Resetting your phone's network settings (in the settings menu) will only delete saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings on the phone itself. This won't affect your router, and internet access on other devices will continue. Resetting the router with the button will affect all devices in the home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?
You can't directly view the password in your phone's settings if the device has never connected to this network or if the data has been deleted. However, if the network is saved in iCloud Keychain (for Apple) or a Google account, the password may sync and become available after logging in on another device or after an OS update.
Is it safe to use apps like "WiFi Hacker"?
No, it's not safe. Apps with names like "WiFi Hacker" or "Password Breaker" that promise to hack your network are 99% scams. They either show ads, steal your data, or simply do nothing. It's impossible to actually hack WPA2/WPA3 encryption on a phone.
Where can I find the password if the sticker on my router has worn off?
If the sticker is unreadable, try the standard combinations: login admin and password admin (or empty). You can also try searching for your router model online and looking up the default factory passwords for that series of devices. In extreme cases, resetting the router with the Reset button will help.
Why doesn't the password show under the QR code on Android 11?
Some app models (such as Samsung or Xiaomi) may hide the password text for privacy reasons on certain lock screens or depending on profile settings. Try taking a screenshot of the QR code and opening it with Google Lens—the app will recognize the text in the image.