Where can I find my WiFi password on my Android phone?

Many users are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new device to a wireless network but long forgotten the password. It would seem that the solution is to look into the router settings or remember the password you entered during initial setup. However, if you have a smartphone already connected to the network, the task becomes much easier. Modern versions of the operating system Android provide built-in tools for managing saved networks, including the ability to view access keys.

Previously, obtaining this information required superuser privileges or the use of third-party equipment, such as a laptop with a cable. Now, the process has become much more transparent and accessible to the average user. In this article, we'll cover in detail how to view the WiFi password on Android using various methods, from standard system settings to more complex technical solutions for older OS versions.

It is important to understand that the ability to view a password directly depends on the version of your operating system. Starting with Android 10Google has implemented a convenient QR code feature that allows you to not only share access but also scan the code itself. If you have an older device, the methods will differ, but we'll cover them all so you can choose the right option for your situation.

Using a QR code on Android 10 and later

The easiest and safest way to find a forgotten code is to use the built-in QR code generator. This method doesn't require installing additional apps or gaining advanced access rights. All you need is a phone that's already connected to the desired network or has connected to it before. This feature is available on most modern smartphones from Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and other manufacturers.

First, you need to go to the wireless settings. The interface may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's interface, but the logic remains the same. Find the WiFi section and select the network for which you need to find the password. The system will offer you several options, including "Share" or "QR code."

After you press the corresponding button, a graphic code will appear on the screen. On many devices, such as stock Android or Xiaomi devices, the password text is written in small print below the code. If the text below the code is blank, don't worry. You can take a screenshot and open it in any app that can read QR codes, or simply use a second phone with a camera and scanning capabilities.

⚠️ Note: Scanning the QR code with another device will automatically connect to the network. To view the password in plain text, use a scanner app that displays the raw code data rather than simply connecting to the network.

In some cases, when you point the camera of a second phone at a QR code, a notification or pop-up window may display a string like this: WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;. Here P: This is precisely the password being sought. This is a standard string generation format for wireless networks, easily readable by humans.

View saved networks on Android 12 and above

In more recent versions of the operating system, such as Android 12, Android 13 And Android 14Google has improved its network management interface. Users no longer need to generate a QR code to see hidden symbols. The password can now be directly displayed after successful biometric authentication or entering a screen unlock PIN.

The process is as follows: go to the settings menu and select "Network & Internet" or simply "Wi-Fi." Find the desired access point in the list of available and saved networks. Unlike previous versions, where you could only forget the network, now clicking the gear or arrow icon next to the network name opens a detailed menu.

This menu, often at the bottom of the screen or next to the entry field, will hide a password field, hidden by asterisks or dots. Next to it is usually an eye icon. Tapping it will prompt you to verify your identity with your fingerprint, Face ID, or pattern. Once confirmed, the asterisks will turn into readable text.

It's worth noting that on some custom shells, for example, OneUI from Samsung or MIUI From Xiaomi, this feature may have a different name or be located in the "Advanced" submenu. If you don't see the eye icon right away, carefully examine all the tabs in the specific network card. Sometimes you need to tap the "Share" button to initiate the authentication process, after which the password will become visible.

Instructions for Samsung Galaxy owners

The South Korean company's devices have their own unique set of settings menus. OneUI It boasts a high level of security, so access to sensitive data, such as WiFi passwords, is especially carefully protected. However, the process of accessing information remains quite simple and intuitive.

To find your password on Samsung, follow these steps:

• 📱 Open "Settings" and go to the "Connections" section.
• 📡 Select "Wi-Fi" and find the network you are currently connected to.
• ⚙️ Click the gear icon to the right of the active network name.
• 👁️ A "QR code" button or an eye icon will appear at the bottom of the screen - click on it.
• 🔐 Complete biometric or PIN verification to display your data.

If you're looking for the password for a network your phone has connected to in the past but isn't currently connected to, the process is slightly different. Scroll down the list of networks to "Other Networks" or tap the three dots in the corner of the screen and select "Other Networks." The list that opens will show all saved profiles. Select the desired one, tap the gear icon, and proceed as for the active network.

An important feature for Samsung owners is the ability to sync passwords via your Samsung Cloud account. If you lost your phone but had a new Samsung, your WiFi passwords can be automatically retrieved from the cloud when you log in, eliminating the need to remember them manually. This feature works thanks to Smart Switch and cloud backups.

The specifics of Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco interfaces

Smartphones from the Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi, including the sub-brands Redmi and Poco, run on the shell MIUI or new HyperOSHere, the password viewing process is also implemented via QR code, but the display has its own unique features. The settings interface here is more detailed and often offers more options immediately on the screen.

On Xiaomi devices, the password is often displayed in plain text directly below the QR code, eliminating the need to scan it. Simply go to the WiFi settings, tap the network name (or the arrow to the right), and you'll see a card with the information. If the text is hidden, tap the "Share" button. The system will display the code and, in most cases, write the password below it in plain text.

However, for security reasons, some firmware versions may hide the text. In this case, MIUI users often use the built-in scanner in the Security app or simply take a screenshot. A unique Xiaomi feature is the ability to share passwords not only via QR code, but also via Mi Share with other devices of the brand, which eliminates the need to enter characters manually.

⚠️ Note: On some global MIUI firmware versions, password viewing functionality may be limited depending on regional security settings. If the option is not available, try changing the region in your phone settings to "China" or "India" (this is safe), reboot, and check again.

It's also worth mentioning that in the Xiaomi ecosystem, passwords can be synced between your tablet, phone, and laptop if they're linked to the same Mi account and syncing is enabled. This means you can view your password on your tablet if your phone is unavailable, or vice versa.

Third-party applications and root rights

For devices with Android versions below 10 (e.g., Android 7, 8, 9), it's impossible to view the password using standard tools due to system security restrictions. Network configuration files in these OS versions are stored in the system partition, which is inaccessible to regular apps. This is where apps that require permissions come in handy. Root (superuser).

One of the most popular tools is the application WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key RecoveryThese programs scan the system file wpa_supplicant.conf, which stores all saved networks and their keys. Without root access, these applications are useless, as the system simply won't allow them to read the required file.

The rooting process varies for each phone model and carries risks. Incorrect rooting can brick your smartphone, rendering it unable to boot. Furthermore, rooting not only exposes you to system access but also potentially malicious software if you're careless when installing apps.

If you decide to take this step, the sequence of actions is usually as follows:

• 🔓 Unlock your device's bootloader.
• 💻 Install drivers and rooting software (such as Magisk or SuperSU) on your PC.
• 📲 Get root rights using a special application.
• 📥 Download the password viewer app from the Play Market.
• 👀 Grant the app superuser rights on first launch.

Risks of Rooting

Obtaining root access will void your device's warranty. Banking apps may stop working due to system integrity issues, although this can often be circumvented by rooting (Magisk Hide). Be careful when modifying system files.

There are also apps that don't require root access but work by creating an access point. They attempt to brute-force a password or exploit vulnerabilities in the WPS protocol (if it's enabled on the router). However, the effectiveness of such methods in 2026-2027 is extremely low, as modern routers are protected against such attacks, and the WPS protocol is often disabled by default or blocked.

Alternative ways to restore access

If software methods don't work or you don't have root access, there's always the classic option: finding the password on the router itself. Most wireless routers have a technical information label on the back or bottom panel. It lists the device model, MAC address, and, most importantly, the factory WiFi password (designated as Wireless Password, PIN, or Key).

This method will only work if you or anyone else didn't change the default password when you first set up the router. If the password was changed, this method is useless. However, if the router is new or has been reset to factory settings, the information on the sticker will be up to date.

Another option is to log into the router's web interface. If your phone is connected to WiFi (even without internet), you can try accessing the router's admin panel. To do this, enter the gateway address in your browser, usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The address is also often indicated on a sticker on the case.

Once you've entered the interface, you'll need to enter your administrator login and password. If you haven't changed them, try the default combinations (often admin/admin). The current password will be displayed in the "Wireless" -> "Wireless Security" section. If you've changed the admin password and forgotten it, you'll need to perform a full reset of the router using the "Reset" button. Reset on the case, which will return all settings, including the WiFi password, to factory settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to find out the WiFi password if the phone is not connected to it?

Without root access and without exploiting special vulnerabilities, no. Android only stores passwords for networks to which the device has successfully connected at least once. If the network is new and you don't know the password, you can't connect to it programmatically from your phone; you can only try to guess or use WPS (if supported by the router).

Are password viewer apps safe to use?

Apps from the official Google Play store that require root access to read system files are generally safe. However, apps that promise to "hack" any WiFi connection without a password often contain ads, miners, or viruses. Be cautious and read reviews before installing.

What should I do if the QR code doesn't show the password in text?

Take a screenshot of the screen containing the QR code. Then open this screenshot in Google Lens or any other QR code scanner. The app will recognize the code and display its contents in text format, where you'll find the password string (usually after the P: symbol).

Will the password disappear from memory if I forget the network?

Yes. If you tap the "Forget network" button in the WiFi settings, your phone will delete that network's profile, including the saved password. You'll then have to re-enter the password to reconnect, and you won't be able to view it in your phone's settings because it's been deleted from the database.

Is it possible to see the password through Google Account?

It's not yet possible to directly view your Google account's WiFi password through a desktop browser. Google syncs a lot of data, but WiFi passwords remain local to the device or are synced across devices from the same manufacturer (e.g., Samsung or Xiaomi), and aren't displayed in plain text to the user in the Google cloud.