How to find out your Wi-Fi password on Android: all the ways without rooting

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and 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? Android devices There are several ways to retrieve a saved Wi-Fi password - even if you don't have superuser rights (root). In this article we will analyze 5 proven methods, including hidden system features, third-party utilities, and workarounds for different versions Android (from 8.0 to 14).

Important: Not all methods work Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei due to customized shells (One UI, MIUI, EMUI). We have noted the limitations for each method and also added alternative solutions, if the default settings are locked. If your phone is not rooted, start with first method - it is the most versatile.

Please be advised that some manufacturers (eg. Google V Pixel) hide passwords for security reasons. In this case, only root Or resetting the router. But in 80% of cases, the problem is resolved without drastic measures—read on.

Method 1: Via Android settings (without apps)

The easiest method is to use the built-in password viewer feature that was introduced in Android 10 and newer. Unfortunately, she doesn't work on devices with shells MIUI (up to version 12.5) and One UI (to Android 11). If you have a clean Android (For example, Pixel, Nokia, Motorola), follow the instructions:

1. Open Settings and go to Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on current network (connected) or select a saved one from the list.
3. Tap the button Share (or Share (on English firmware).
4. The system will ask PIN code, pattern or fingerprint - enter it.
5. A text password will appear in the field below the QR code. Network password.

If the buttons Share No, then your manufacturer has disabled it. Proceed to the following methodOn some Samsung (With One UI 3.1+) this feature appears only after updating to Android 12.

Method 2: Via configuration file (for advanced users)

All saved networks and their passwords are stored in a system file. wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be accessed without root, but only through ADB (debugging tool) This method works on any versions of Android, but requires a computer and a USB cable.

You will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (see below for how to enable it).
• 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (or Micro-USB for older models).
• 🛠️ Utility ADB Tools (download platform-tools from the official website).

Steps:

1. Enable USB debugging:
   • Go to Settings → About phone → Build number.
   • Tap on Build number 7 times until the notification "You are now a developer" appears.
   • Return to Settings → System → Developer Options.
   • Activate USB debugging.

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

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

<string name="PreSharedKey">YOUR_PASSWORD</string>

adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/*.conf"

On Android 11 and newer the file may be encryptedIn that case, without root or specialized utilities (for example, WiFi Password Viewer) it will not be possible to bypass the protection. Go to method 3.

Method 3: Password Viewer Apps (No Root)

If the previous methods don't work, third-party utilities can help. We tested 5 popular apps and selected those that actually work without root-right. Important: some of them may require access to files or special permits (For example, WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS).

The most reliable app on the list is WiFi Password RecoveryIt doesn't require root, but to work you need:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and run the command:

   adb -d shell pm grant com.simone.wifipasswordrecovery android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

3. Restart the application - passwords will appear in the list.

Install ADB on PC|Enable USB debugging on your phone|Connect your device to your PC|Run the command to unlock permissions-->

⚠️ Attention: some antiviruses (for example, Avast or Dr.Web) may block such applications as "potentially dangerous." This is a false positive—the utilities are simply reading system files. But if you're unsure, use alternative method.

Method 4: Via a backup (for MIUI devices)

Smartphone owners Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco often encounter the fact that standard methods do not work due to limitations MIUIHowever, there is a workaround - create a backup copy Wi-Fi settings and extract the password from it. This method works on MIUI 10–14.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Activate Backing up to Google Drive (if not enabled).
3. Return to Settings → Storage → Backup & reset.
4. Select Local backup and create a new backup (make sure the checkbox next to Wi-Fi costs).
5. Connect your phone to your PC and find the backup file in the folder /MIUI/backup/AllBackup.
6. Download the archive to your computer and open it via 7-Zip or WinRAR.
7. Go to the folder apps/com.android.providers.settings and find the file sp_backup.xml.
8. Open it in a text editor and find the line:

   <string name="wifi_password">YOUR_PASSWORD</string>

⚠️ Attention: in new versions MIUI 13/14 Passwords in the backup may be encrypted. If instead of a password you see a set of characters like a1b2c3d4e5, then the method didn't work - try method with a router.

Method 5: Through the router settings (universal method)

If none of the previous methods helped, the most reliable option remains - go to the router control panelIt works. on 100% of devices, regardless of version Android or firmware. You will need:

• 🌐 Any browser on your phone or PC.
• 🔑 Login and password from the router (usually admin/admin or indicated on the sticker).
• 📶 Connect to a Wi-Fi network (or via cable) Ethernet).

Steps:

1. Find out Router IP address:
   • On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Current network → Advanced (look for the line Gateway).
   • Typical addresses: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1 (For TP-Link).

⚠️ Attention: If the router returns an "Incorrect password" error with the default password, it means someone has changed it. In this case, the only option left is reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel). But this will disconnect all users from the network!

Alternative solutions (if nothing helps)

If all other methods have proven ineffective, consider these options:

• 🔄 Resetting the password on the router: Press and hold the button Reset for 10 seconds (requires network setup again).
• 📱 Use another device: Look at the password on iPhone, MacBook or Windows-PC, if they are connected to this network.
• 🛠️ Root access: Install Magisk and use WiFi Key Recovery (for advanced users only!).
• 📞 Contact your provider: If the router is from an Internet provider (for example, Rostelecom, MTS), call support - they can reset your password remotely.

If you decide to root, remember: this is voids the warranty and may cause unstable phone operation. For most users, it's easier to reset the router or contact their ISP.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions