How to view the Wi-Fi password on an Android device that your phone is connected to

Are you connected to Wi-Fi on your smartphone, but forgot the password—and now you can't connect to another device? This situation is familiar to many: a neighbor, ISP, or you set up a router a year ago, and now you urgently need the password. Luckily, Android There are several ways to retrieve the saved password for the network your phone is connected to. The key is knowing where to look and what tools to use.

In this article we will look at all current methods: from simple viewing through the settings (if the phone is with Android 10+) before use root rights and specialized applications. You'll also learn why some methods stopped working after system updates and how to bypass them. Important: Not all methods are universal—their availability depends on the version. Android, phone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.) and even router models.

We warn you in advance: if there is no phone number superuser rights (root)Some methods will be unavailable. But don't worry—we'll start with the simplest solutions that work without any additional steps.

1. View password through Android settings (without root)

Starting from Android 10Google has added a built-in feature for viewing passwords for saved Wi-Fi networks. This is the fastest and most secure method, but it doesn't work on all phones. Manufacturers like Xiaomi or Huawei Sometimes this option is removed from the menu.

To check if the method is available on your device:

Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi

Click on the name of the current network

Check if there is a "Password" or "Share" option.

If there is no item, proceed to the next method-->

If the function exists, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of the network you are connected to (for example, TP-Link_1234).
3. Select Share (or Share (on English firmware).
4. The system will ask PIN code, pattern or fingerprint - enter it.
5. Under the field with QR code A text password will appear.

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (eg. Samsung Galaxy With One UI) Instead of a password, only a QR code will be displayed. To extract the text key from it, use any QR scanner (for example, through Google Lens).

2. Using a file manager with root access

If your phone has root rights, you can manually find the file where Android Stores all saved Wi-Fi passwords. This method works on all OS versions, but requires caution—incorrect actions can disrupt network operation.

Instructions:

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

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

   Or (on newer versions of Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreSoftAp.xml

3. Open the file in a text editor.
4. Find the line <string name="PreSharedKey">... — there will be a password between the tags.

⚠️ Attention: Do not edit this file manually! Changing the parameters may result in loss of connection to all saved networks. If you need to copy the password, take a screenshot or write it down separately.

What to do if the file is missing?

On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) The file path may differ. Try searching in the following folders:

/data/vendor/wifi/ or /data/misc_ce/.../wifi/.

If it's not there either, the manufacturer may be encrypting passwords at the system level, and specialized applications are essential.

3. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

If the built-in methods did not work, and root rights No, you can use third-party utilities. They fall into two categories:

• 🔓 For phones without root — only work on older versions Android (up to 9.0) and require additional manipulations.
• 🛡️ For rooted phones — extract passwords directly from system files.

The most trusted apps:

⚠️ Attention: Unrooted apps often exploit system vulnerabilities that Google patches in new versions. AndroidIf you have Android 11+, the chances of success are minimal. Also, be careful with access rights—some utilities request suspicious permissions (for example, access to SMS or contacts).

10 or later|9.0|8.1 or later|Don't know-->

4. Extracting the password via ADB (for advanced users)

If you are familiar with USB debugging (ADB)You can try extracting the password via the command line. This method works without rooting, but requires connecting the phone to the computer and enabling developer mode.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on Developer mode on your phone (tap the build number 7 times in Settings → About phone).
2. Activate USB debugging in the developer menu.
3. Connect your phone to PC and install ADB Tools (you can download it from the Google website).
4. In the command line (or Terminal) enter:

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

5. Open the downloaded file and find the line with PreSharedKey.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ Access to system files via ADB is restricted. If the command returns an error Permission denied, try adding a flag --no-preserve-permissions or use root.

5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If none of the methods work, there are radical or workaround solutions left:

• 🔄 Reset your router settings - press the button Reset on the back panel (hold for 10 seconds). After the reset, the password will become the default one (usually found on the router sticker). Minus: You will have to configure the network again.
• 📱 View password on another device - if a laptop, tablet or second phone is connected to the same network, extract the password from there (on Windows this is done through Network and Sharing Center).
• 📞 Contact your provider - if the router was issued by an Internet company (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), they can provide the password over the phone (you will need to confirm your personal information).

⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router will disconnect it from the network. all devices, connected to it. If you don't know the provider's settings (for example, PPPoE-logins), after the reset, the Internet may not work - you will have to call support.

6. Why did some methods stop working?

Many users complain that methods that worked before no longer produce results. This is due to Google's security policy:

• 🔒 Android 10+ — limited access to system files without root.
• 🛡️ Manufacturers (For example, Samsung, Huawei) modify firmware, removing vulnerabilities.
• 📱 New routers use encryption protocols (WPA3), which are more difficult to hack.

Starting with Android 12, Google has completely blocked access to Wi-Fi passwords through standard APIs unless the app has special permissions (which are granted only to system utilities). Therefore, the only reliable methods now are root access or contact your network administrator.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without rooting on Android 13?

On Android 13 Without root, the chances are minimal. The only option is if the manufacturer left the "Share" function in the network settings (as on Google Pixel). In other cases, root or a router reset will be required.

Why is there no password in the WifiConfigStore.xml file?

This means that:

1. You are looking at the wrong file (check the paths for your Android version).
2. The manufacturer encrypts passwords (relevant for Xiaomi, Huawei).
3. You don't have read permissions (root or ADB with superuser required).

Can antivirus software block a password viewer app?

Yes, many antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky or Avast) mark such utilities as potentially dangerous because they manipulate system files. If you trust the source, add the application to the exceptions.

How do I find out the password for a guest Wi-Fi network?

A guest network usually has a separate password that isn't stored on your phone. You can find it:

• In the router settings (section Guest network).
• On the router sticker (if the guest network uses a standard key).
• From the network administrator (if it is a public place).

Are Wi-Fi hacking apps safe to use?

No, it is illegal and dangerousMost of these programs:

• Contain viruses or spyware.
• May result in your MAC address being blocked on the network.
• They are breaking the law (in Russia, unauthorized access to the network is subject to administrative liability).

It's better to use the legal methods from this article.