You connected to a Wi-Fi network a month ago, entered the password once, and conveniently forgot it. Now you need to connect a new device, but where can you find that ill-fated code? Luckily, the Wi-Fi password can be found extract directly from the phone, if they've connected to this network at least once. No router or call to the provider is required—a few taps on the screen is enough.
In this article we will analyze all working methods For Android (including Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) And iPhoneWe'll also explain why some methods stopped working after system updates. You'll learn how to find your password in settings, through configuration files, or third-party apps—and what to do if your phone isn't showing saved networks.
⚠️ Important: All methods only work for networks that the phone is connected to. I've already connected beforeIf the device has never been connected to this Wi-Fi network, it is impossible to extract the password from it - you will have to look for other ways (for example, through router settings).
1. The standard method for Android: password in network settings
On most modern smartphones with Android 10+ You can view your Wi-Fi password directly in the connections menu—no root access or third-party apps required. These instructions are universal for Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus and other devices running pure Android or with shells One UI, OxygenOS.
Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Network and Internet → Wi-Fi (On some firmware versions). Find the desired network in the list, tap on its name, and then select the option Share (or Share (on English firmware). The system will ask for identity verification - use PIN code, pattern or fingerprint.
- 🔹 QR code: A code for quickly connecting other devices will appear on the screen. Below it will be a line with a password—you can copy it.
- 📝 Text password: on some phones (eg Xiaomi) the password is displayed immediately in text form.
- ⚠️ Limitation: if the network uses
WPA3-Enterpriseor other corporate protocols, the password may not be displayed.
🔧 If there is no "Share" option: This means that the manufacturer has removed it from the firmware (often found on Huawei and some models Xiaomi). Proceed to the next method.
The phone is connected to the desired Wi-Fi network|
P network is not hidden (SSID is visible in the list)|
There are no MDM restrictions on the phone (corporate devices)|
P Android version 10 or later-->
2. Alternative method for Android: wpa_supplicant.conf file
On phones with Android 9 and later (or on custom firmware) Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a system file wpa_supplicant.confTo read it, you will need file manager with root access (For example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer) or ADB commands.
📌 Instructions via ADB (without root):
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB and turn it on.
USB debuggingVSettings → For developers. - Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlor for older versions of Android:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf - Open the downloaded file in any text editor and find the line
psk="your_password".
⚠️ Warning: on Android 11+ The file path may vary, and access to it is often blocked without root access. If the command doesn't work, try an alternative method using apps.
What to do if the file is encrypted?
On some firmware (for example, MIUI (from Xiaomi) passwords in wpa_supplicant.conf are stored in encrypted form. They can only be decrypted using specialized utilities such as WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).
3. Apps to view Wi-Fi passwords (without root)
If system methods don't work, third-party utilities can help. We tested them 5 popular apps and chose those that actually work without root rights on modern versions of Android:
| Application | Android support | Root required? | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | 5.0–12 | No | Shows passwords only for networks the phone has connected to |
| WiFi Key Recovery | 6.0–11 | No | Works on 70% of devices, but may not see some networks |
| WiFi Password Show | 4.4–10 | Yes | Requires root, but shows all saved passwords, including hidden networks |
🔍 How to use: download any of the applications (for example, WiFi Password Viewer), open it and grant access to Wi-Fi settings. A list of saved networks will appear automatically—tap the one you need to see the password.
⚠️ Attention: some antiviruses (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) may block such applications, considering them potentially dangerous. This is a false positive—the programs simply read system files and don't steal data. If necessary, add the application to your antivirus exceptions.
4. iPhone Features: Why the Passcode Isn't Showing and What to Do
On iPhone And iPad With iOS The situation is more complicated: Apple is deliberately hides Wi-Fi passwords from users for security reasons. There is no "Share" option in the network settings, and system files with passwords are encrypted. However, there is 3 workarounds:
- 🔄 Reset network settings: If you are ready to delete all saved Wi-Fi networks, you can reset them
Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset network settingsAfter this, the next time you connect to the network, your iPhone will ask for the password again—you'll be able to see it as you enter it. - 💻 Via Mac: if you have MacBook or iMac, connected to the same network, the password can be viewed in
Programs → Utilities → Keychain Access(search by network name). - 📱 Jailbreak: On jailbroken devices, passwords can be extracted using tweaks like WiFi Passwords from the repository Cydia.
Important: On a non-jailbroken iPhone or Mac, the only legal way to see the password is to reset the network settings and re-enter it when connecting. It's inconvenient, but Apple doesn't provide any alternatives.
5. How to find out the password through the router (if the phone doesn't help)
If none of the above methods worked, there is one last option left - go to the router settingsThis is a universal method that works regardless of your phone model. You'll need:
- Any device connected to this Wi-Fi network (even if it's not a phone).
- The IP address of the router (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Login and password for entering the admin panel (most often
admin/adminor indicated on the router sticker).
🔧 Step-by-step instructions:
- Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar (for example,
192.168.0.1). - Enter your login and password (if you haven’t changed them, look on the sticker on the back of the router).
- Go to the section
Wi-Fi(orWireless,Wireless network). - Find the field
Password(orPassword,Key) - the current security key will be displayed here.
⚠️ Attention: if the router is rented from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), access to settings may be restricted. In this case, the password can be found:
- 📄 In the contract or via SMS from the provider upon connection.
- 📞 By calling the hotline (specify that you need a "Wi-Fi security key").
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to extract a Wi-Fi password, users often encounter typical problems. Here 5 most common mistakes and their solutions:
- 🔌 Phone does not show the "Share" option: Update your firmware to the latest version or use the app from section 3.
- 🔒 ADB doesn't see the password file: Check if USB debugging and computer permissions are enabled in developer options.
- 📱 There is no Mac to view the password on iPhone: The only way out is to reset the network settings (section 4).
- 🌐 The router does not open the login page: try another browser or check the IP address using the command
ipconfig(Windows) orifconfig(macOS/Linux). - 🔑 The password in the router is displayed as asterisks: Click on the input field - most firmware will show the actual characters.
🔍 Connection diagnostics: If your phone connects to Wi-Fi but the internet isn't working, the problem might not be with the password, but with the router settings (for example, DHCP is disabled). Check the connection status in Settings → Wi-Fi → [network name] - if the IP address starts with 169.254, which means the network does not provide correct network parameters.
Why do some apps ask for root permissions?
Wi-Fi passwords are stored in protected system files. Without root access, apps can only read data that is publicly accessible through the Android API. On newer OS versions, this access is severely restricted, so many utilities require extended permissions.
7. Security: How to protect your password from leakage
Knowing how to extract a password from a phone is useful, but it is important to remember security risksIf your smartphone falls into the wrong hands, an attacker could also learn your Wi-Fi network password. To prevent this:
- 🔐 Use complex passwords: a combination of 12+ characters with letters, numbers and signs (
WpA3!standard) is more reliable than12345678. - 📱 Set up a screen lock: A PIN code or biometrics will prevent strangers from accessing your Wi-Fi settings.
- 🔄 Change your password regularly: especially if guests or temporary devices were connected to the network.
- 🚫 Disable WPS: This feature simplifies the connection, but makes the network vulnerable to hacking (find the option in the router settings).
🛡️ Additional protection: enable it in your router settings MAC address filtering and whitelist only your devices. This won't replace the password, but it will make it more difficult for unauthorized connections.
⚠️ Attention: if you use WPA3, but some older devices (eg. Android 8 or Windows 7) can't connect, please return to WPA2/WPA3 Transition Mode in the router settings. This is a hybrid mode supported by most gadgets.
FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that the phone has never connected to?
No, that's impossible. Your phone only stores passwords for networks it's connected to at least once. For other networks, you'll have to find the password through your router, your ISP, or your network administrator (for example, at a cafe or hotel).
Why is there no "Share" password option on my Xiaomi?
Manufacturers sometimes remove this feature from the firmware. Xiaomi (especially with MIUI 12+) try an alternative route: Settings → Wi-Fi → [tap on the network] → Advanced → Show passwordIf this is not the case, use the applications from section 3.
I reset my iPhone's network settings, but I still can't see the password. What should I do?
After resetting your iPhone deletes all saved passwords, but doesn't show them. To see the password, reconnect to the network—it will appear in the text field as you enter it (unless hidden by asterisks). Click the eye (👁️) next to the field to show the symbols.
Is it possible to extract the password from a phone if it is locked?
No, if your phone is locked (you've forgotten your PIN or pattern), it's impossible to retrieve the Wi-Fi password without a factory reset. In this case:
- Reset your phone to factory settings (all data will be lost!).
- Or connect to the router through another device and look at the password there.
Is it true that password viewer apps steal data?
Most of the tested applications (eg. WiFi Password Viewer) simply read system files and do not transfer data anywhere. However:
- Download programs only from Google Play or App Store.
- Check reviews and ratings (apps with 4.5+ stars and 100K+ installs are trusted).
- Don't grant unnecessary permissions (such as access to contacts or SMS).
If in doubt, use the ADB or router settings method.