It's quite common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but lose or forget the password. It's common for your phone to be connected to the router and you're using the internet right now, but you can't remember the password combination for your laptop or tablet. Fortunately, modern operating systems make it easy to retrieve this information directly from your smartphone's settings without having to reset the router.
The process of restoring access depends on the operating system version and the model of your device. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for each platform in detail. Android And iOS, including methods using QR codes and system settings. You'll learn how to securely access network data and what to do if standard methods don't work.
Before we dive into the technical details, it's important to understand that to view the password, the device must already be logged into the network or have physical access to the router's settings. Data security remains a priority, so some methods may require identity verification via biometrics or a screen unlock PIN.
View your password on Android 10 and later
Starting with version 10 of the operating system, Google has implemented a convenient sharing mechanism via QR codes, which effectively allows you to view your saved security key. This is the simplest and most secure method, requiring no third-party software or root access. First, go to your smartphone's settings menu.
Open the section Settings and find the item Wi-Fi or ConnectionsIn the list of available networks, find the one you're currently connected to or the one you want to check (if your phone has previously connected to it). Click the gear icon or simply tap the network name to expand its options.
In the menu that opens, look for the button Share or an icon with a QR code. The system will ask you to confirm the action by entering your screen unlock PIN or fingerprint. After successful authentication, a QR code will appear on the screen, typically with the network password written in small print underneath.
- 📱 Tap the QR code icon in the Wi-Fi settings.
- 🔒 Complete biometric verification or enter your PIN.
- 👁️ Look at the text below the code image.
- 📸 Take a screenshot if the text is too small to read.
If the text below the code isn't visible or is too small, you can use a second phone with a QR code scanner app or Google Lens installed. Point the camera at the code, and the system will recognize the connection string, where the password will be displayed in clear text after the prefix. P:.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models (for example, Xiaomi with MIUI or Huawei with EMUI), the interface may differ. Look for the "QR code" option in the "More" menu or in the upper right corner of the network settings screen.
Using Google Lens to transcribe
In cases where the password is not written in text under the QR code, optical character recognition technology comes to the rescue. Google Lens Built into most Android smartphones, it allows you to "read" information encoded in images. This is especially relevant for devices where the manufacturer has hidden the text portion of the password.
Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code or open it in your gallery. Then select "Share" or click the "Search by image" button (lens icon). The system will analyze the image and return the result as a connection string. You don't need to install any separate apps; everything works system-wide.
In the analysis results you will see a format string WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;You are interested in the part after the symbol P: and until the next colon or semicolon. This sequence of characters is the desired access key. Be careful with letter case and special characters.
This method is universal and works on virtually all devices running Google services. It eliminates the need to manually enter long and complex passwords, minimizing the risk of error. It also allows you to quickly share data with someone simply by sharing your screen or sending a screenshot.
Methods for Android 9 and older versions
For owners of devices running OS 9 Pie and below, the situation is complicated by security restrictions. In these versions of Android, apps are prohibited from directly reading files containing system passwords without special permissions. However, there are workarounds that can help.
The first option is to use the router's functions through a mobile browser. If you're connected to the network, enter the gateway IP address (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). If you know the router administrator login and password (often found on a sticker on the bottom of the device), you can access the section Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings and look at the key in the field WPA/WPA2 Password.
The second option requires the presence of Root rights (superuser rights). If you have root access, you can use file managers such as Root Explorer or ES File Explorer (with root access) to navigate to the path /data/misc/wifi/There is a file there. wpa_supplicant.conf, which stores all saved networks and their passwords in clear text.
| Method | Necessary rights | Complexity | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code (Android 10+) | No | Low | High |
| Router settings | Access to the admin panel | Average | High |
| Root + File Manager | Root | High | Maximum |
| Third-party applications | Depends on the software | Average | Low |
It's worth noting that rooting your device may void your warranty and disrupt banking apps. Therefore, this method is recommended only for experienced users who understand the risks. An alternative is to reset your router to factory settings if you have the necessary configuration information.
⚠️ Attention: Installing apps from unknown sources that promise to "hack" Wi-Fi without root access often results in your phone being infected with viruses. Trust only trusted software from Google Play.
What are root rights and is it worth getting them?
Root access is the equivalent of administrator rights in Windows. It grants full control over the system, but obtaining it (rooting) is a complex process that can brick your phone if done incorrectly. For routine password viewing, it's best to use non-root methods.
How to find out the password on an iPhone (iOS)
Ecosystem users Apple For a long time, it was impossible to view your Wi-Fi password directly on your device, but with the release of iOS 16, this feature finally arrived. If your iPhone or iPad is updated to the latest version, the process takes just a few seconds and doesn't require any additional tools.
Go to Settings and select a section Wi-FiFind the network whose password you want to find out. Next to the network name, there will be a blue information icon (the letter "i" in a circle). Tap it, and then tap the field Password, which is hidden by dots.
Biometric verification system through Face ID or Touch IDAfter successful face or fingerprint recognition, the dots will turn into readable text. You'll be able to copy the password or simply rewrite it. You'll also be able to share access with another nearby Apple device.
- 🍏 Open Wi-Fi settings on your iPhone.
- ℹ️ Click the blue "i" icon next to the network.
- 👆 Tap the hidden "Password" field.
- 👁️ Verify your identity using Face ID or Touch ID.
For devices running iOS 15 and below, there's no direct method. The only legal option is to view the password on a Mac if it's synced via iCloud Keychain. On a computer, you can find the saved network in the Keychain app and, by entering the password for your macOS account, view the Wi-Fi key.
☑️ Check your password before viewing it
Using manager applications
There are numerous utilities available in app stores that claim to reveal passwords. Most of them operate as wrappers for standard Android functions (such as QR code generation) or require root access. One popular solution is the app WiFi Password Viewer or similar.
These programs work simply: they request permission to read Wi-Fi system files. If granted, the app parses the configuration file and displays a list of networks in a convenient format. This eliminates the need to manually dig through system folders. However, be careful: these apps have access to your security data.
Using third-party software is only justified if the built-in system tools don't work or the interface is too complex. Always check the developer's rating and reviews before installing. Remember that no app can guess the password if the phone hasn't previously connected to that network.
Some antivirus programs such as Kaspersky or Dr.Web, also have Wi-Fi security check modules that can display connection details, including the encryption type and sometimes the key, if the OS security policy allows it.
⚠️ Attention: Router settings interfaces and phone menus may change with firmware updates. If you can't find the item described, try searching your phone settings by entering "QR" or "Share."
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?
No, this is impossible. The phone doesn't store passwords for networks it's never connected to. Restoring access requires physical access to the router (see the sticker on the device) or knowledge of the password for the device's administrative panel.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Using highly rated apps from official stores (Google Play, App Store) is generally safe if they use standard system APIs. However, apps that require root access or come from unknown sources may pose a risk of data leakage.
What to do if the QR code does not scan?
Try increasing your screen brightness, wiping the camera, or using a different scanning device. You can also take a screenshot and open it in Google Photos or Gallery, which often have built-in text recognition (Live Text).
Where can I find my password if I forgot it and my phone is not connected?
Check the sticker on the bottom or back of the router—it often contains the factory password (WPA Key). If the password has been changed, you'll have to reset the router using the Reset button and set it up again, or find a device that's already connected to the network.
Does this method work for guest networks?
Yes, if your phone is connected to a guest network, you can view its password using the same methods (QR code or iOS settings), provided that the system allows you to manage this specific access point.