Many people are familiar with the situation where they urgently need to connect a colleague's laptop or tablet to the internet but have forgotten the hotspot password. Fortunately, modern operating systems, such as Android And iOS, have long since stopped hiding this data in deep system files. Now you can access the security key using standard tools, without resorting to complex superuser privileges.
However, the procedure for retrieving the stored key Wi-Fi varies significantly depending on the operating system version and the model of your smartphone. In older versions of the software, this information was securely encrypted, but with the release of Android 10 And iOS 14 Our privacy and convenience policy has been updated. Now you can not only see password characters, but also instantly share them via QR code.
In this article, we'll detail the workflow for various platforms. You'll learn how to find hidden settings, read encrypted strings, and use special commands to access network credentials. This knowledge will save you time and allow you to remain a "handler" in any company, even if you don't remember the complex character set you once devised.
Finding a password on Android 10 and later
Starting with version 10 of Google's mobile operating system, the settings interface has become more user-friendly. To find out where your phone's Wi-Fi hotspot password is, you don't need third-party apps. Simply access the standard settings menu found on every device.
Follow the path Settings → Connections → Mobile HotspotIn some shells, for example, MIUI or OneUI, the path may differ slightly: Settings → More → Wi-Fi HotspotThis is where all your network settings are stored, including the name (SSID) and security key.
In the menu that opens, you'll see the "Password" field. Depending on your smartphone manufacturer, the characters may be hidden behind asterisks. To see them, tap the eye or pencil icon. The system may request fingerprint verification. Face ID or entering the screen unlock PIN.
⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware versions from Chinese manufacturers, the password viewer feature may be hidden by default. In this case, use the QR code method described below.
If you need to transfer data to another device that doesn't support direct connection, you can use the built-in code generator. Tap the "QR code" or "Share" button. An image will appear on the screen, which any smartphone can scan with its camera and automatically connect to the network without manually entering characters.
- 🔍 Open Settings and find the "Connections" or "Network & Internet" section.
- 📡 Go to the "Access point" menu and select "Configure access point".
- 👁️ Click on the password field or the eye icon to reveal hidden characters.
- 📸 Use a QR code to quickly transfer data to other gadgets.
How to find the password on an iPhone (iOS 14 and above)
Equipment owners Apple can also easily restore access to access point data. Starting with iOS 14, the company allowed users to view saved Wi-Fi passwords, including those used for tethering. This was made possible thanks to improved security. Keychain.
First, make sure that the tethering mode is active. Go to Settings → Cellular → Personal HotspotHere you'll see your current password. If you want to change it to a simpler or more complex one, simply tap the "Wi-Fi Password" field and enter the new values. The system will automatically update the access key.
The situation is a little more complicated if you want to find out the password for a network the phone was previously connected to in order to share it further. In this case, open Settings → PasswordsYou will need to log in via Face ID or Touch IDFind the desired network in the list and click on it. The password will be displayed in the "Password" field.
It's important to note that on devices running older versions of iOS (below 14), viewing saved passwords using native tools is not possible. In such cases, the only solution is to use a macro in the Shortcuts app or jailbreak, which is not recommended for regular users for security reasons.
Using a QR code to connect
The fastest and most reliable way to share internet access is using a QR code. This method eliminates errors caused by manually entering complex characters that users often confuse (for example, zero and the letter "O," or the number one and the letter "l"). Modern smartphones generate this code automatically.
On Android devices, the process is extremely simple. Go to your hotspot settings and find the "QR code" button. An image will appear on the screen. To scan it, the other user simply opens the default Camera app and points the camera at your screen. No additional scanner apps are required.
In the ecosystem Apple An even more advanced mechanism has been implemented. If both devices (the sender and receiver) are nearby, unlocked, and have Bluetooth enabled, a system notification will appear on the receiving iPhone's screen when attempting to connect, prompting you to "Share Password." Simply tap "Send," and the connection will be instantaneous.
| Platform | Method of transmission | Requirements | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10+ | QR code in the menu | Camera on the receiving device | Instantly |
| iOS 14+ | System request | Bluetooth, iCloud, contacts | Instantly |
| Android 9- | Text file/Screenshot | Third-party software | Slowly |
| Windows (laptop) | Command line | USB/Wi-Fi connection | Average |
Viewing a Password via the ADB Command Line (Advanced)
For users who are not afraid of the command line interface and have installed on their computer ADB (Android Debug Bridge)There's a way to retrieve the password even on devices with a manufacturer-locked interface. This method requires enabling USB debugging in the Developer Options menu.
Connect your phone to your computer with a cable and open Terminal. Enter the command to access the system file where Wi-Fi configurations are stored. Please note that on modern Android versions without root permissions, Root This file may not be readable even via ADB, but it's worth a try.
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep -i "mLastSetConfigurationInfo"If the command works, you'll see a line with the configuration of the last active network or access point. It will contain a field preSharedKey, which hides the password you're looking for. This is a technical method often used by system administrators or enthusiasts to diagnose connection issues.
⚠️ Warning: Using ADB requires installing drivers and setting up a development environment. Careless actions in the command line can lead to system instability, although the risk is minimal when using read-only commands.
- 🛠️ Enable "USB debugging" in the hidden developer menu.
- 💻 Connect your smartphone to your PC and launch the ADB interface.
- 📝 Enter the command to dump the Wi-Fi module settings.
- 🔎 Find the line
preSharedKeyin the output log.
Problems displaying passwords on different shells
Different smartphone manufacturers modify the standard in different ways. AndroidOn devices Samsung with shell One UI The password is often hidden by default and requires additional authorization to view. While on a "clean" Android (For example, Google Pixel or Motorola) it can be displayed immediately after clicking the edit button.
On smartphones Xiaomi (shell MIUI/HyperOS) And Huawei (EMUI) A common situation is that the password field on an access point cannot be edited if WPA3 security is enabled. In this case, the system may require resetting the network settings or switching to WPA2 to allow the user to view or change the key.
Sometimes users encounter interface bugs where the password field simply won't click. In this case, clearing the Settings app cache or restarting the device can help. It's also worth checking if any corporate security profiles are installed, as these could block viewing network credentials due to administrative policies.
Why might the password not change?
If you're trying to change the password and the system returns an error, other devices may be currently connected to the access point. Some firmware versions require disconnecting all clients before changing security settings.
Securing your access point
Once you know your password, it's worth considering its strength. If you're using the default password set at the factory, or a simple combination like "12345678," your network can be easily hacked. Attackers can use your traffic for illegal activities or intercept transmitted data.
It is recommended to use an encryption protocol WPA3, if your devices support it. It provides better protection against brute-force password attacks. If your devices are older and don't see a WPA3 network, select mixed mode. WPA2/WPA3.
Don't forget to change your password periodically, especially if you frequently share internet in public places or have many strangers connecting through it. Regularly changing your password is a basic rule of digital hygiene that will protect your personal data from leaks.
- 🔒 Use a password that is at least 12 characters long.
- 🔢 Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- 🚫 Avoid using personal information (dates of birth, names) in your password.
- 🔄 Change your access key every 3-6 months.
☑️ Wi-Fi Security Check
Is it possible to find out the password on Android 9 without root rights?
On Android 9 and below, it is impossible to view the saved password using standard tools, since the configuration file (wpa_supplicant.conf) is protected by system privileges. You will need root privileges or a data backup and subsequent analysis of the backup on your PC.
What should I do if the QR code button doesn't appear?
On some older versions of Android or stripped-down versions of the operating system, this feature may not be available. In this case, try taking a screenshot of the hotspot settings page and opening it with Google Lens—it recognizes QR codes even in images.
Will resetting network settings reset the password?
Yes, resetting network settings will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth passwords, and cellular settings. The hotspot will be reset to factory settings, and the password will be regenerated or reset to the default.
Why can't my laptop see the access point from my phone?
A common cause is band incompatibility. If your phone is broadcasting Wi-Fi on the 5 GHz band, but your laptop's network card only supports 2.4 GHz, it won't detect the network. Switch your access point to "2.4 GHz" or "Default" mode in the settings.