A situation when you need to connect a new gadget to your home network, but you can’t remember WiFi password There's no such option, and it's ubiquitous. Fortunately, modern smartphones store data about previously used networks in their encrypted storage. This allows the device owner to regain access to the security key at any time without having to reset the router or call the provider.
However, the process of extracting this information varies greatly depending on the operating system and firmware version. If you are using Android versions below 10 or iOS If you're older than 16, doing this using standard methods without root access will be virtually impossible. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods, from simply scanning a QR code to using specialized utilities for advanced users.
It's important to understand that wireless network security directly depends on the strength of the key. Therefore, once you know your current password, it's recommended to check its strength. If it's too simple or you've shared it with third parties, it's best to change the combination in your router settings and update the saved data on all devices.
Recovering access on Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version of the operating system Google AndroidThe function for viewing saved passwords has been integrated directly into the settings interface. This is made possible by the implementation of dynamic QR codes generated by the system for quick guest logins. This method requires no third-party apps or superuser rights.
First, open the standard settings menu of your device and go to the section Network and Internet or Connections. Select an item Wi-Fi, which will display a list of available networks. Find the network you're already connected to or saved in the list, and click the gear icon or arrow next to its name to access detailed settings.
In the menu that opens, find the button Share or a QR code icon. The system will ask you to verify your identity using biometrics (fingerprint, face scan) or a screen unlock PIN. After successful authentication, a square code will appear on the screen, with the password itself often (but not always) written in small print underneath.
- 🔍 Click the "Share" button in the active network properties.
- 👁️ Verify your identity using a fingerprint scanner or Face ID.
- 📸 Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code or take a photo of it with another phone.
- 🤖 Use Google Lens or any QR scanner to recognize text in the image.
⚠️ Attention: On some skins (for example, older versions of MIUI or ColorOS), the password text beneath the QR code may be hidden. In this case, be sure to take a screenshot and scan it with Google Lens—it's a universal method for bypassing visual character hiding.
If there's no text under the code, the most secure method is to use the built-in image analyzer. Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code, then open the Google app (or Google Photos), select the screenshot, and tap the "Search by image" or "Lens" button. The system will automatically read the encrypted string and give you a plain-text password in the format P:YourPassword;;.
How to find the password on an iPhone (iOS 16 and later)
Ecosystem users Apple For a long time, it was impossible to view saved security keys, but with the release iOS 16 This feature is finally here. Now iPhone and iPad owners can easily copy the password for any known network directly from the system settings, making life much easier when connecting, for example, a game console or a smart light bulb.
First, make sure your device is updated to the latest software version. Go to Settings and select a section Wi-FiIn the upper right corner of the network list, you will see a blue button. Edit or just an information icon (i) next to the name of the desired network. Click this icon.
In the menu that opens, find the field Password, which is hidden by dots by default. Tap this field - the system will ask for confirmation via Face ID, Touch ID or the device's passcode. Upon successful identification, the dots will turn into readable text, and a "Copy" button will appear above the keyboard, allowing you to instantly paste the key to the clipboard.
| Parameter | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| iOS version | Less than 16.0 | Viewing is impossible without jailbreak |
| iOS version | 16.0 and above | Available through Wi-Fi settings |
| Authentication | Face ID / Touch ID | Required for display |
| Synchronization | iCloud Keychain | The password is available on all Apple devices. |
An important nuance is the operation of the device bundle through iCloud KeychainIf you have a Mac or iPad connected to the same Apple ID, the WiFi password saved on your iPhone will automatically become available on them as well. This means you can find your forgotten key not only on your phone, but also through the Keychain section of your Mac's network settings.
Using scanner programs and QR readers
In cases where standard methods seem too complicated or the phone interface doesn't allow you to copy text, specialized apps come to the rescue. Stores Google Play And App Store There are numerous utilities available that can scan QR codes or manage saved networks. However, be careful: many of these apps are overloaded with ads or collect unnecessary data.
The safest and most effective method for Android is to use the built-in scanner in the app. Google Camera or Google PhotosYou don't need to install dubious "WiFi Password Viewers" that often require root access. Simply take a screenshot of the code as described above and open it through the gallery. Click the "Search" or "Lens" button, and the text will be extracted from the image.
For iOS the situation is similar: the built-in code scanner in Control center or application Camera It's great at reading codes. If you see a QR code on a router or another phone's screen, just point the camera at it. If you need to read a code from your own screen (or screenshot), open the photo in the app. Photo, press your finger on the QR code image, and the system will offer to follow the link or copy the text.
- 📷 Use the native Camera app or Google Lens.
- 🖼️ Open screenshots from the gallery and use the "Text on Photo" feature.
- 🚫 Avoid installing apps with names like "WiFi Master Key" or "Password Hacker".
⚠️ Attention: Never enter your WiFi passwords or account information into third-party scanner apps that require unnecessary permissions. Camera access is sufficient to scan QR codes. If an app requires access to your contacts, microphone, or SMS, uninstall it immediately.
Advanced Method: ADB Console for Android
For tech-savvy users who don't want to take screenshots or use OCR, there's a more direct, albeit complex, method. It involves using USB debugging and the command line. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) on your computer. This method works on most non-rooted devices, but requires enabling developer mode.
First, you need to activate developer mode on your smartphone. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and press seven times quickly Build number. Then in the menu that appears For developers turn on the option USB debuggingConnect your phone to your computer using a cable and make sure that debugging permission appears on your phone's screen.
On the computer where it is installed ADB, open a terminal or command prompt. Enter the command to get a list of saved networks. Please note that in modern versions of Android, direct access to the file wpa_supplicant.conf closed, but you can request the system to configure a specific network.
adb shell cmd wifi get-network-connection-infoHowever, a more universal method for Android 10+ without root is to request configuration via service commands, if available, or use a command to generate a QR code that can then be scanned. However, the most reliable "console" method for viewing passwords still requires superuser (root) privileges. If your phone is rooted, the command will look like this:
adb shell su -c"cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml"In the resulting XML file you need to find the tag PreSharedKey, which will store the required password in cleartext. Without root access, this file is unreadable even via ADB, as it is located in a protected system directory.
What are Root rights?
Root (Superuser) privileges are administrator rights in the Android operating system. Obtaining them allows you to modify system files, remove built-in apps, and access protected data, but they also void the warranty and can cause system damage if used improperly.
Finding a password on Windows and macOS devices
It's often the case that a laptop or desktop computer is already connected to your WiFi network. In this case, there's no need to bother with your smartphone—the easiest way is to view the saved password on your computer. Operating systems Windows And macOS securely store this data and allow it to be retrieved with administrator rights.
In Windows 10 and 11, open Control Panel, go to Network and Sharing CenterClick on the name of your wireless network (in blue), then select Wireless network properties. Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered charactersThe password will appear in the "Network Security Key" field.
On a Mac, it's even easier if you have the latest version of the operating system installed. Open the app Bunch of keys (Keychain Access) via Spotlight search. In the list on the left, select "System" or "iCloud," then find your WiFi network in the list. Double-clicking the network name will open the properties window, where the checkbox Show password You will need to enter your Mac account password.
- 💻 Windows: Control Panel → Wireless Network Properties → Security.
- 🍏 macOS: Keychain Access → Search Network → Show Password.
- 🔑 You will need administrator rights or your account password to access.
This method is especially convenient if your smartphone's screen is broken or the touchscreen is unresponsive, but you urgently need to connect a new device. The computer acts as a secure storage location, from which you can copy the character combination and manually enter it into the phone's settings.
☑️ Checking password access
What to do if none of the methods helped
There are situations when none of the devices remember the password, screenshots are unreadable, and access to the router is lost. In this case, the last, radical, but always effective method is to reset the router to factory settings. This will restore the device to its factory password, which is usually found on a sticker on the bottom of the device.
To reset, locate the recessed button on the back of the router. Reset or WPS/ResetPress it with a paperclip or toothpick and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the lights blink simultaneously. After rebooting, the network will be named after the router model, and the password will be the default one (indicated on the sticker).
After connecting with the factory password, be sure to log into the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and set a new, secure password. Write it down in a safe place or use a password manager to avoid forgotten access problems in the future.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting your router will completely erase all settings, including your PPPoE login and password, IPTV settings, and DNS. If you don't know your internet connection details, resetting your router may temporarily leave you without internet access. Check with your provider before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the WiFi password if I've never connected to it?
No, this is impossible. The password is stored in the device's memory only after a successful connection. If the device has never connected to the network, it has no data to display. The only way is to find the password on the router's sticker or ask the owner.
Is it safe to use apps like "WiFi Password Show"?
Most of these apps in official stores either don't work without root access or are fraudulent. They can collect data about your networks and transmit it to third parties. Use only built-in system tools or trusted QR code scanners.
Where can I find the factory password if the sticker on my router has worn off?
Factory passwords are often standard for each model. Try entering "admin," "1234," "password," or your router model. You can find precise information on the manufacturer's website if you know the exact device model (indicated on the label).
Why can't I see the password in the settings on Android 9 and below?
In Android versions below 10, Google did not provide an API for displaying passwords in cleartext for security reasons. Extracting the key on such devices requires root access and system file access. wpa_supplicant.conf.
Can my ISP tell me my WiFi password?
No, your ISP is only responsible for delivering the internet signal to your home. Router settings, network name, and WiFi password are the user's responsibility. ISP technical support does not have access to your local password.