How to Find Your Phone's Wi-Fi Password: Step-by-Step Instructions for Android and iOS

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new device but can't remember the password? In most cases, you can find your Wi-Fi password directly on your phone—if it's connected to the network at least once. In this article, we'll cover all the ways to retrieve a saved password. Android And iPhone, including hidden menus, third-party apps, and alternative methods.

It is important to understand that the phone's capabilities depend on the operating system version and the device model. For example, on Android 10+ Wi-Fi passwords can be viewed in the settings without root rights, and on iOS — only via a backup or jailbreak. We'll cover all current methods, including workarounds for older software versions.

If your phone has never connected to the desired network, you'll have to find the password on the router or reset it—but that's a topic for a separate guide. Here, we'll focus solely on extracting data from the smartphone itself.

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

Starting from Android 10Google has added the ability to view saved Wi-Fi passwords directly in Settings—without root access or installing additional apps. This method works on most modern smartphones: Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus and others.

Instructions for pure Android (for example, Pixel, Motorola, Nokia):

  1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
  2. Click on the name of the current network (or select the desired one from the list of saved ones).
  3. Tap the button Share (or Share (on English firmware).
  4. Enter your PIN or pattern to unlock your screen.
  5. A text password will appear under the QR code - copy it.

On smartphones Samsung (shell One UI) the path is a little different:

  • 📱 Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
  • 🔍 Find the desired network in the list and tap the gear icon next to its name.
  • 🔑 Choose View password (fingerprint or PIN verification may be required).
⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi (MIUI) and Huawei (EMUI) The password viewer feature may be hidden or missing. In this case, the following section on third-party apps will help.

Administrator rights are not required (starting with Android 10)

The phone must be unlocked (PIN/pattern/fingerprint)

The desired network must be saved in the device's memory.

This feature may not be available on custom firmware versions.

2. Special applications for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

If the built-in settings don't allow you to see your password, third-party utilities can help. They work even on older versions of Android (up to and including 9), but require root rights or special permits. Let's look at proven options:

WiFi Password Viewer (for rooted devices):

  • 📲 Install the app from Google Play (For example, WiFi Password Viewer from SimoneDev).
  • 🔓 Grant root access when requested.
  • 📋 A list of all saved networks with passwords will appear in the main window.

For devices without root will do WiFi Password Recovery (requires Android 10+):

  • 🛠️ The application scans system files where network data is stored.
  • 📊 Displays SSIDs and passwords in a convenient format (can be exported to a file).
  • ⚠️ Doesn't work on all firmware versions - on Xiaomi And Huawei Additional configuration may be required.
Application Root required Android support Peculiarities
WiFi Password Viewer ✅ Yes 4.0–13 Shows all saved networks, export to CSV
WiFi Password Recovery ❌ No 10–13 Works without root, but not on all firmware versions.
WiFi Key Recovery ✅ Yes 5.0–12 Support for older devices, simple interface
⚠️ Attention: Installing apps from unknown sources can harm your device. Check reviews and ratings on Google Play before using. Some apps require disabling. Play Protect in security settings.
📊 What brand of smartphone do you use?
Samsung
Xiaomi
Apple (iPhone)
Google Pixel
Huawei
Other

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

Apple strictly limits access to system data, so iPhone or iPad It's impossible to view the Wi-Fi password directly—either through settings or standard apps. However, there are two workarounds:

Method 1: Via iTunes Backup (Windows/macOS)

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and create a backup iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
  2. Download the utility iBackup Viewer or iMazing.
  3. Open the backup copy in the program and find the file with Wi-Fi settings (usually in the section System Files → com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist).
  4. The passwords there are encrypted, but the utility will decrypt them automatically.

Method 2: Jailbreak (for advanced users)

  • 🔧 Jailbreak using checkra1n or unc0ver.
  • 📱 In Cydia find the tweak WiFi Passwords or NetworkList.
  • 🔑 Once installed, passwords will be available in settings or a separate app.

Both methods require technical skills. For most users, it's easier to find the password on the router or reset it using the reset button. Reset.

4. Alternative methods: router and QR code

If the phone doesn't help, the password can be extracted from other sources:

1. Sticker on the router

  • 📋 Most routers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic) have a sticker with the factory password on the bottom panel.
  • 🔍 Search for fields Wi-Fi Password, Network Key or Password.
  • ⚠️ If the password has changed, this method will not work.

2. Router web interface

  1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
  2. Open your browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (the address is indicated on the router sticker).
  3. Enter login/password (usually admin/admin or admin/password from sticker).
  4. Go to the section Wi-Fi or Wireless network — the current password will be there.

3. QR code from your phone

On Android (starting with version 10) when you press Share A QR code appears in the Wi-Fi settings. Another device can scan it, and it will automatically connect to the network without entering a password. The password itself won't be displayed, but the connection issue is resolved.

What should I do if my router won't let me access the settings?

If you forgot your router's web interface login/password, reset it to factory settings:

1. Find the button Reset (usually hidden in a small hole).

2. Press it with a paper clip and hold for 10-15 seconds.

3. The router will reboot and you will be able to log in using the data from the sticker (usually admin/admin).

⚠️ After the reset, all network settings will be reset, including the Wi-Fi password!

5. Security: How to protect your Wi-Fi password

If your Wi-Fi password is stored on your phone, it can be stolen by hackers, especially if the device is lost or stolen. To minimize the risk:

  • 🔒 Use complex passwords: at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g. k7#pL9!mQ2$v).
  • 📵 Disable the feature WPS on the router - it is vulnerable to hacking.
  • 🔄 Change your password regularly (every 3-6 months).
  • 🚫 Do not share the QR access code with strangers.

On phones with Android 12+, Wi-Fi passwords are encrypted and linked to your Google account. This means that if your device is stolen, an attacker won't be able to retrieve them without your PIN or biometric data. However, on older versions (Android 9 and below), passwords are stored in clear text in system files, which makes them vulnerable to special utilities.

If you are selling or transferring your phone to another person, be sure to:

  1. Delete all saved networks in Settings → Wi-Fi.
  2. Perform a factory reset (Settings → System → Reset).
  3. Change the Wi-Fi password on your router.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to extract a password, users often encounter typical problems:

Problem Cause Solution
There is no "Share" button in the Wi-Fi settings. Old version of Android or custom firmware Use third-party applications (section 2)
The app doesn't show passwords. No root rights or manufacturer restrictions Try different software or check the password on your router.
iPhone won't display password iOS limitations Use a backup or jailbreak
The password on the router sticker doesn't work. The password was changed after setup. Reset your router or access its settings

Another common mistake is trying to find the password in Google AccountIn fact, Google does not store passwords for Wi-Fi networks (except for access points to which devices with your account have connected via the Wi-Fi Password Sharing on Android 10+).

⚠️ Attention: Some "hacks" from the internet suggest using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to extract passwords. This method only works on phones with USB debugging enabled and requires a computer connection. For most users, it's more complicated than simply viewing the password in the router settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that my phone connected to a long time ago but is now out of range?

Yes, if the network is saved in the device's memory. On Android, open Settings → Wi-Fi, find the network in the "Saved Networks" list and tap it. This method doesn't work on iPhone—you'll need a backup.

Why is there no "View Password" option on my Xiaomi?

Manufacturers like Xiaomi, Huawei, and Oppo sometimes hide this feature in custom ROMs. Try it:

  • Update your phone to the latest version of MIUI/EMUI.
  • Use third-party applications (section 2).
  • Enable developer mode and look for the option in advanced settings.
Is it possible to find out my neighbor's Wi-Fi password?

No, unless their phone or router is compromised. All legal methods require physical access to a device that has previously connected to the network. Hacking into other people's networks is punishable by law (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code).

I reset my router, but I forgot the factory password. What should I do?

The factory password is usually indicated on the router sticker (field Wi-Fi Password or Network Key). If the sticker has worn off:

  1. Check your router model (for example, TP-Link Archer C6).
  2. Find the standard login/password for this model on the Internet (usually admin/admin).
  3. Log into your router settings at 192.168.1.1 and set a new password.
Do password viewer apps work on iPhone?

No, there are no legitimate apps in the App Store that can reveal Wi-Fi passwords without jailbreaking. Any apps that claim to do so are either scams or require an iTunes backup (Section 3).