How to find out your Wi-Fi password on Android: all the methods with photos and videos

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password or the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new device but can't be bothered to find the piece of paper with the code? On your Android device, you can easily View saved Wi-Fi password — if the phone has connected to this network at least once. In this article, we'll cover all the working methods: from standard settings to hidden functions. MIUI, EMUI and pure Android.

Important: Not all methods work on modern versions of Android (12+), where Google has tightened its security policy. But even if your smartphone doesn't directly display the password, we'll find workarounds. The main requirement is that you must have root access or the phone is already connected to the desired network.

Let's get started. Choose the appropriate method depending on your Android version and device manufacturer.

1. Standard method: via Android settings (without root)

Starting from Android 10Google has added a feature to view Wi-Fi passwords directly in Settings. But it doesn't work on all devices—manufacturers like Xiaomi or Huawei This option is often hidden. Let's check:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network (connected or saved).
3. Click Share (or Share (on English firmware).
4. The system will ask for a PIN code, pattern or fingerprint.
5. After authentication, a QR code and a text password below it will appear.

⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones (eg. Samsung Galaxy With One UI) instead of a password, only a QR code will be displayed. In this case, use a QR scanning app (for example, Google Lens) to extract the text password from it.

If your Android version doesn't have the button Share, proceed to the next method. This method also doesn't work for networks the phone has never connected to.

2. Viewing the password via the configuration file (root only)

On Android, all Wi-Fi passwords are stored in an encrypted file. wpa_supplicant.confTo read it, you need root accessIf you have superuser rights, follow the instructions:

1. Install any file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

   On older versions of Android (before 9) the path may be different:

   /data/misc/wifi/

3. Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml (or wpa_supplicant.conf on Android 8 and below) and open it with a text editor.
4. Look for blocks with tags <string name="PreSharedKey"> — the password will be displayed in clear text next to it.

⚠️ Attention: Editing files in a folder /data/ This may cause Wi-Fi problems. Do not modify the file's contents; only copy the password!

Make sure root access is enabled (check in Magisk app)

Download a file manager with root support

Make a backup copy of the WifiConfigStore.xml file

Do not edit the file, only view it-->

On Android 11+ A file can be encrypted even for a root user. In this case, an application will help WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).

3. Special features on Xiaomi, Huawei, and other brands

Manufacturers often add their own password viewing methods. Let's look at the most popular brands:

On Xiaomi With MIUI 13+ There is a hidden feature: if you hold your finger on a QR code in the sharing window, a context menu will appear with the option Show passwordThis doesn't work on all models, but it's worth a try.

4. Using ADB (without root, but from a PC)

If you don't have root rights but have access to your computer, you can extract the password via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method works on most devices, but requires USB debugging to be enabled.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on Developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → System → Developer Options and activate USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to PC and install ADB Tools.
4. Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

   adb shell
   su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep 'PreSharedKey'"

5. If the command doesn't work, try this alternative:

   adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

   Then open the downloaded file on your PC.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ The file can be encrypted even for ADB. In this case, only root or specialized utilities like WiFi Password Recovery (requires PC).

What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?

Make sure that the drivers for your smartphone model are installed (download from the manufacturer's website).

Try a different USB cable (preferably the original one).

Enable the "Allow USB debugging (safe mode)" option in developer options.

Restart your phone and PC.

5. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

IN Google Play There are dozens of apps that promise to reveal Wi-Fi passwords. But most either don't work or require root access. We've tested the top utilities and compiled a list of the proven ones:

• 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer — shows passwords on rooted devices, supports export to file.
• 📱 WiFi Password Recovery — works via ADB, does not require root, but USB debugging is required.
• 🔍 WiFi Key Recovery — scans system files, sometimes finds passwords even without root (on Android 9 and below).
• 📋 WiFi Password - simple interface, but often shows outdated data.

Important: No app can reveal the password for a network the phone has never connected to. All utilities only work with saved networks.

Before installing, check reviews - many apps contain ads or ask for unnecessary permissions. We recommend WiFi Password Viewer for rooted devices and WiFi Password Recovery to work via ADB.

6. Alternative methods: if nothing helps

If none of the methods work, there are radical measures left:

• 🔄 Resetting the router - press the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10 seconds). After reset, the password will become default (usually admin or indicated on the sticker).
• 📞 Call the provider — If the router was issued by an internet company, they can provide the password using the contract number.
• 🖥️ Viewing via PC — If a Windows laptop is connected to the network, the password can be found through Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → Wireless Network → Status → Wireless Network Properties → Security.
• 📱 Using another device — If you have a second phone or tablet that is connected to this network, try extracting the password from it.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting your router will return all settings to factory defaults, requiring you to set up your internet connection again (enter your provider information, network name, and password). This method should only be used as a last resort.

If you rent a router from your provider, resetting it may be blocked. In this case, contact support—they will help you restore access.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords on Android

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that the phone has never connected to?

No, that's impossible. Android only stores passwords for saved networks. If the phone hasn't connected to the network, its data won't be stored in the system files. The only solution is to obtain the password from the network owner or reset the router.

Why is there no "Share Password" button on my Xiaomi?

This feature may be hidden in some regional firmware versions. MIUI. Try:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version.
2. Change the region in the settings to "India" (sometimes this opens additional functions).
3. Use alternative methods (ADB or root).

Are password viewer apps safe to use?

Most of the applications in Google Play are safe, but some may:

• Collect data about your networks (names, passwords).
• Display advertisements or offer paid features.
• Requires unnecessary permissions (for example, access to contacts).

We recommend using only proven utilities with a high rating (4.5+) and a large number of reviews.

How can you protect your Wi-Fi from such leaks?

To prevent access to your password:

• Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and symbols).
• Disable the feature WPS on the router - it is vulnerable to hacking.
• Change your password regularly (every 3-6 months).
• Set up MAC filtering — allow connection only to trusted devices.
• Disable the guest network if you are not using it.

Is it possible to find out the password for public Wi-Fi (cafe, airport)?

Technically, yes, if your phone has connected to that network. But:

• This may violate network usage rules (including blocking the device).
• Public networks often use port insulation — even with a password, you won’t be able to connect another device.
• Some networks require authorization via a browser (entering a phone number, agreeing to the rules).

We do not recommend attempting to extract passwords from public networks, as this may lead to problems with the establishment's administration.