Where to find the Wi-Fi password on your phone for internet sharing: instructions for Android and iOS

Forgot the password for your own hotspot on your smartphone? This situation is familiar to many: you turned on Wi-Fi distribution You connected your laptop or tablet from your phone, and a month later you're trying to remember the password to connect a new device. Luckily, the password is stored in your phone settings—you don't have to re-create it. In this article, we'll look at... Where can I find the password for my phone's Wi-Fi hotspot? on Android And iPhone, and also what to do if standard methods don’t work.

The problem is compounded by the fact that smartphone manufacturers hide the password by default—this is a security measure. However, there are legal methods for extracting it without rooting or jailbreaking. We'll cover the official methods via the settings menu, as well as alternative solutions for different OS versions. If you've never changed your password manually, the system has generated one automatically—and you can find it, too.

⚠️ Important: The password for sharing Wi-Fi on your phone is different from the password for your home network. They are two different sets of characters, even if they have the same name (SSID). Don't confuse them!

1. Where is the Wi-Fi hotspot password stored on Android?

On most smartphones with Android password from mobile hotspot hidden in the connection settings. The path to it depends on the OS version and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS etc.). The general principle is the same: you need to go to the access point settings and find the password field.

On clean Android (For example, Pixel or Nexus) the path looks like this:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet.
2. Select Access point and modem (or Modem and Wi-Fi router).
3. Tap on Setting up an access point or Wi-Fi password.
4. The password will be displayed in the field. Password (may be hidden by stars - click on the eye icon to show).

On smartphones Samsung with shell One UI another way:

• 📱 Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot & tethering.
• 🔒 Choose Mobile hotspot (if it is off, turn it on temporarily).
• 🔑 Click on Password — the system will show the current combination.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi And Redmi The password is only displayed when Wi-Fi is active. If the hotspot is turned off, the password field may be locked.

Turn on the access point for 10 seconds

Check if your password is hidden behind asterisks (tap the eye icon)

Update your phone's firmware to the latest version

Reboot your device-->

2. How to find out the password on an iPhone (iOS)

On iPhone the process is more complicated: Apple does not show the password from personal hotspot in the settings. However, there is a workaround through Router settings, if your iPhone connected to your home Wi-Fi network. Here's how it works:

1. Connect iPhone to your home Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings → Wi-Fi and tap on the name of your network (there will be a blue checkmark next to it).
3. Scroll down and select Router - This will open the router's web interface.
4. Enter your router login/password (usually admin/admin or indicated on the device sticker).
5. Find the section in the router menu Wireless network or Wi-Fi — there will be a password for your home network. But this is NOT the iPhone hotspot password!

To see the password specifically from Internet sharing from iPhone, you'll have to reset it:

• 🔄 Go to Settings → Cellular → Personal Hotspot.
• 🔐 Click Wi-Fi password and enter a new one (remember it!).
• 📱 Now connect other devices with the new password.

⚠️ Attention: On iOS There is no legal way to view the current access point password without resetting it. All apps in App Store, promising to show the password, either do not work or require jailbreak.

3. Alternative methods for Android: configuration files

If the standard method fails, the password can be extracted from system files. This method is suitable for advanced users and requires access to the file system.

On Android Wi-Fi passwords (including access point) are stored in a file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlTo read it:

1. Install a file manager with access to the root folder (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/ and find the file WifiConfigStore.xml.
3. Open the file with a text editor and find the line with SSID your access point - there will be a field nearby PreSharedKey with a password.

🔧 Technical note: On new versions Android (10+) access to this file is restricted. Without root rights It won't be possible to read it. The alternative is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge):

adb shell
su
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep PreSharedKey

⚠️ Attention: Modifying system files may disrupt Wi-Fi. We recommend creating a backup before editing.

What is ADB and how to enable it?

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a tool for debugging Android devices via a computer. To use it:

1. Turn on Developer mode (tap 7 times on the build number in Settings → About phone).

2. In Settings → System → Developer Options turn on USB debugging.

3. Connect your phone to your PC and trust the computer.

4. If the password has been reset or does not work

Sometimes, after a firmware update or a factory reset, the access point password resets to the default. In this case:

1. Check the default password: Many manufacturers set a default password, for example:
   • 📱 Samsung: 12345678 or the last 8 digits of the IMEI.
   • 📱 Xiaomi: 88888888 or 1234567890.
   • 📱 Huawei: 12345678 or a combination of serial numbers.

Reset your password manually: Go to the access point settings and set a new password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters).

Check IMEI: On some phones the password is generated from IMEI (you can find out by the command *#06#).

📊 Table of standard passwords for popular brands:

⚠️ Attention: If you changed your password manually, the default combinations won't work. In this case, the only solution is to reset it through the settings (see Section 2).

5. How to avoid password problems in the future

To avoid searching for your password every time, follow these simple rules:

• 🔐 Set a memorable password: Use a combination of 8-12 characters with numbers and letters, but which is easy to remember (e.g. MyWiFi123!).
• 📝 Save the password in notes: Create a post in Google Keep or Apple Notes with the network name and password.
• 🔄 Do not change your password unless necessary: Each reset results in disconnections on connected devices.
• 📱 Use the QR code: On Android 10+ And iOS 13+ You can generate a QR code to connect to an access point without entering a password.

📌 How to create a QR code for Wi-Fi on Android:

1. Turn on the access point.
2. Open Settings → Google → Devices & Sharing → Wi-Fi Hotspot.
3. Click QR code - show it to another device for scanning.

On iPhone The QR code appears automatically when turned on. personal hotspotJust bring another device with a camera close to the screen. iPhone, and it will offer to connect.

6. Common mistakes and how to fix them

Problems connecting to a hotspot are often related not to the password, but to the settings of the phone or device you're trying to connect to. Let's look at some typical cases:

• 🚫 "Incorrect password" when entered correctly:
  • Check the case of your characters (passwords are case sensitive).
  • Make sure your keyboard layout is correct (English).
  • Restart your phone and the device you are connecting to.
• 🔌 The access point does not turn on:
  • Check if mobile data is enabled (Wi-Fi is distributed via the cellular network).
  • Make sure you have sufficient funds in your account (some operators block distribution if your balance is negative).
  • Update your phone's firmware.
• 📶 Weak signal or connection interruptions:
  • Move your phone closer to the device you are connecting to.
  • Change Wi-Fi range from 2.4 GHz on 5 GHz (or vice versa) in the access point settings.
  • Turn off battery saving.

⚠️ Attention: Some mobile operators (eg. MTS, Beeline) block Wi-Fi hotspot access on certain plans. If the hotspot doesn't turn on, check your plan's terms.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the password for someone else's access point?

No, this is impossible without physical access to the device that's broadcasting the Wi-Fi. All "password cracking programs" are scams. The only legal way is to ask the phone owner to reveal the password in the settings.

Why does my phone ask for a password when I turn on a hotspot?

This is a standard security measure. If you've never set a password, the system has generated one automatically (see Section 4 for default passwords). Enter it or reset it through the settings.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi without a password?

Technically yes, but it's extremely insecure. An open hotspot allows anyone to connect to your phone, intercept your traffic, or use your internet. Always set a password of at least 8 characters.

How to change the name (SSID) of an access point?

On Android: go to Settings → Hotspot & Tethering → Set up hotspot and change the field Network nameOn . iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Personal Hotspot → Wi-Fi Name.

Will the password be reset after updating the phone?

Usually no, but on some models (especially Xiaomi And Realme) A factory reset also clears the access point password. We recommend writing it down in advance.