It's quite common to urgently need to connect a friend's laptop or tablet to the internet but have forgotten the password for the hotspot you created. Unlike storing keys for other people's networks, the data for your own hotspot is stored in the system, but the path to it may vary depending on the operating system version and the manufacturer's shell. Users often get lost in the menu, wondering why the standard method for viewing saved networks doesn't work for tethering.
Search password for Wi-Fi sharing On an Android device, this is a solvable task, but it requires attention to interface details. Modern versions of the mobile OS offer convenient tools for managing the access point, but older models or custom firmware may hide these settings deeper. It's important to understand what you're looking for: the WPA2 security key you entered when creating the network or the automatically generated system password.
In this article, we'll detail all possible methods for detecting lost connection data, explore the specifics of different Android versions, and offer solutions for cases where standard methods fail. You'll learn not only how to detect but also how to properly configure your personal network security to prevent unauthorized access.
The standard path is through network settings.
The most obvious place where the information you're looking for is stored is the hotspot's settings menu. In stock Android, like the one found on Google Pixel or Motorola smartphones, accessing the data is extremely simple. You need to open Settings, then go to the section Network and Internet and select the item Access point and modemThis is where the main parameters of the network you are creating are located.
After entering the access point menu, the system will prompt you to configure Wi-Fi settings. By clicking the button Wi-Fi hotspot, you will be taken to the configuration screen. Here, in the field Password, the current security key is displayed. In modern versions of Android (starting with version 10), there's often a small eye next to the input field; tapping it makes the characters visible for reading.
However, electronics manufacturers like to make their own changes to the interface. For example, on devices Samsung With the One UI shell the path might look like this Connections → Mobile hotspotOn smartphones Xiaomi (MIUI) you need to look for a section More in the Wireless Networks menu. If you don't see the password field right away, try clicking on your network name or the settings icon next to the switch.
⚠️ Note: On some custom shells, the password field may be hidden by default for security reasons. Look for a "Show password" button or a similar checkbox that removes the masking of characters with asterisks.
If the standard approach doesn't work, your Android version may have limitations or a modified menu structure. In these cases, it's worth using the settings search. Simply type "hotspot" in the search bar at the top of the settings screen, and the system will automatically suggest the appropriate section.
Search Features in Different Android Versions
The interface of Google's mobile operating system undergoes significant changes with each major update. The location of the Wi-Fi hotspot password in one Android version may be moved or renamed in another. Understanding these differences will save you time and frustration when searching for the necessary settings.
In Android versions prior to 9.0 (Pie), hotspot controls were often scattered across different menus. For example, on older devices HTC or Sony You had to go to "Wireless & Networks," then "More," and only then search for "Personal Hotspot." In Android 10 and 11, Google standardized the menu, moving everything under the "Network & Internet" section, making navigation easier for most users.
Starting with Android 12, a new level of security and convenience has been added. Now, when attempting to connect a new device to your hotspot, a confirmation notification may appear on the locked smartphone screen. This means that even without knowing the password, you can authorize a familiar device simply by tapping a button on the screen.
For owners of devices running Android 13 and later, it's important to know about the Quick Share feature and its integration with the Google ecosystem. The password can be hidden if QR code sharing is enabled. In this case, the system generates a temporary key or allows you to connect by scanning, eliminating the need to manually enter characters.