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 look for the piece of paper with the code? Modern smartphones offer several ways to find your saved Wi-Fi password—without accessing the router or performing any complicated steps. In this article, we'll cover all of them. all working methods For Android And iPhone, including hidden system menu functions and third-party applications.
Important: Not all methods are universal. iOS capabilities are limited by security policy Apple, and on Android A lot depends on the system version and the phone manufacturer (for example, on Xiaomi And Samsung (The algorithms differ.) We've compiled the current instructions for 2026, taking into account the latest mobile OS updates.
If you're unsure of what you're doing, don't rush to install questionable programs or enter commands in the terminal. On rooted or jailbroken phones, incorrect manipulations may result in network functionality being blocked.
1. How to view your Wi-Fi password on Android via system settings
The easiest way is to use built-in tools Android. However, it does not work on all devices: some manufacturers (for example, Huawei or OnePlus) hide this option. Check your phone according to the instructions:
- Open Settings and go to the section
Network and Internet(orConnectionson Samsung). - Select
Wi-Fi, then click on the name of your network (under the wordConnected). - Tap the button
Share(orShare(on English firmware). - The system will ask PIN code, pattern or fingerprint - enter it.
- A line will appear under the QR code.
Passwordwith the required combination.
If the point Share If not, your manufacturer has blocked the feature. In this case, proceed to the next method.
Make sure your phone is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network
Check your Android version (this method may not work on older versions 7.0 and below)
Disable VPN (it may block access to system settings)
Try restarting your phone if the menu doesn't open-->
| Phone manufacturer | Does it support displaying password? | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel | ✅ Yes | The feature is available on all versions of Android. |
| Samsung | ✅ Yes | On One UI 5.0+, you need to verify your identity. |
| Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco | ✅ Yes | Requires MIUI 12 or later |
| Huawei/Honor | ❌ No | Only through third-party applications |
| OnePlus/Oppo/Realme | ⚠️ Partially | Depends on the OxygenOS/ColorOS version |
⚠️ Note: On phones with corporate profiles (e.g., those issued by an employer), the password viewing function can be disabled by the administrator via the MDM system.
2. Using a file manager on Android with root access
If your phone has root access (root), you can extract the password directly from system files. This method is suitable for experienced users, as it requires working with configuration data.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (e.g. Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlor (on newer versions of Android):
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreSoftAp.xml - Find the line
<string name="PreSharedKey">— after it the password will be indicated in encrypted form. - Copy the value and use decoder (see spoiler below).
How to decrypt a password from WifiConfigStore.xml
1. Copy the line after PreSharedKey (for example, "5F4DCC3B5AA765D61D8327DEB882CF99").
2. Use an online service WiFi Password Decrypt (search on Google) or app WiFi Password Viewer from Play Market.
3. Enter the copied hash – the service will show the original password.
⚠️ Don't enter hashes on dubious websites! Use only trusted, highly rated tools.
Alternative way (for some firmware):
/data/misc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf
Here passwords are stored in clear text in a string psk="your_password".
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of files in /data/misc/ may lead to loss of network settings or a system crash. We recommend backing up the file before making any changes.
3. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords on Android
If system methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities. We tested 10 apps and selected the best ones. Top 3 most reliable:
- 🔹 WiFi Password Viewer — shows all saved networks, works without root on most devices. Minus: contains advertising.
- 🔹 WiFi Key Recovery — Recovers passwords from system files, supports export to TXT. Requires root access for full functionality.
- 🔹 WiFi Password Show — simple interface, displays passwords as QR codes for quick connection to other devices.
How to use:
- Download the app from Google Play (Do not use APKs from third-party sources!).
- Run the utility and grant access to
Wi-Fi settings. - Select the desired network from the list - the password will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.
On phones Huawei and some models Xiaomi Applications may not work due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, only resetting the router or connecting to it via cable.
4. How to find the Wi-Fi password on iPhone (iOS)
On iPhone And iPad Apple strictly restricts access to system data, so it is impossible to view the password using standard tools. However, there is 3 workarounds:
Method 1: Via iCloud Keychain (if you have a Mac)
If you have MacBook or iMac, synchronized with the same Apple ID:
- Open
Spotlight(⌘ + Space) and enterKeychain Access. - In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
- Double-click on the found entry and check the box.
Show password. - Enter your account password Mac — the Wi-Fi code will be displayed.
Method 2: Through the router settings
If you have access to the router's web interface:
- Find out the IP address of the router (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Open Safari and enter the address in the address bar.
- Log in (using the login and password from the sticker on the router).
- Go to the section
WirelessorWi-Fi— the password will be in the fieldPassword/Pre-Shared Key.
Method 3: Using an iTunes Backup (Advanced)
You can extract the password from the backup. iPhone, but this will require:
- 🖥️ Computer with iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
- 🔐 Program for reading backups (for example, iBackup Viewer).
- ⏳ Decryption time (passwords are stored in encrypted form).
This method is complicated and is only suitable if you have an archive copy. iPhone with saved Wi-Fi settings.
⚠️ Attention: Applications from App Store, promising to show Wi-Fi passwords, are fraud. Apple does not provide an API to access this information, so all such utilities either do not work or collect your data.
5. Universal method: via the router's web interface
If none of the previous methods worked, the classic option remains - go to the router settings. This works on any device (phone, tablet, computer), regardless of the operating system.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Find out your router's IP address:
- On Android:
Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → [your network] → Advanced(look for the lineGateway). - On iPhone:
Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to the network → Router.
- On Android:
192.168.3.1).admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless network.Password, Password or Pre-Shared Key — the current security key is displayed here.If you cannot access your router settings:
- 🔧 Try resetting your password using the button
Reseton the back panel (hold for 10 seconds). - 📞 Contact your provider - they may have remote access to the equipment.
- 🛠️ Check if you have changed the default IP address of your router (for example, to
192.168.100.1).
6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
When standard methods don't work, you can try non-obvious solutions. Here 4 little-known options:
Method 1: QR code with password
On some routers (for example, Keenetic or ASUS) There's a QR code generator feature for connecting to Wi-Fi. If you can access the router settings:
- Find the section
QR code for guestsorWi-Fi QR. - Generate a code and scan it with any QR reader (for example, a standard camera) iPhone).
- In some cases, the password is displayed below the QR code in text form.
Method 2: Viewing via another connected device
If connected to WiFi laptop with Windows or Mac:
- 💻 On Windows 10/11:
- Open
Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi. - Click
Manage known networks → [your network] → Properties. - Scroll down to
Network passwordand pressShow symbols.
- Open
Keychain Access in the about section iPhone.Method 3: Contacting your provider
If the router was provided by an Internet provider (for example, Rostelecom, MTS, Beeline):
- 📞 Call support and ask them to remind you of your Wi-Fi password (you'll need to provide your contract details).
- 🌐 Log in
Personal accounton the provider's website - sometimes the password is indicated in the sectionEquipment. - 📧 Check the email you received when you connected—it might contain the default password.
Method 4: Traffic Analysis (for technical professionals)
Using the program Wireshark can be intercepted handshake package when connected to Wi-Fi and try to crack the password using brute force. However:
- ⚠️ This is illegally, if the network is not yours.
- ⏳ The process may take hours or days.
- 🛡️ Modern routers with
WPA3are practically impossible to hack in this way. - 🔄 Update your router firmware (older versions may not support modern encryption methods).
- 📱 Restart your phone — sometimes system failures block access to settings.
- 🔒 Disable VPN - it may interfere with the determination of the current network.
- Export to QR code through the router settings and print it.
- Save it in a password manager (Google Passwords, KeePass, Bitwarden).
- Write on the sticker and stick it on the router (but not in a visible place).
- Press and hold the button
Reseton the back panel of the router (10–15 seconds). - Wait for the reboot (the indicators should flash).
- Connect to the network with the default name (indicated on the sticker).
- Enter the default password (usually
adminor a combination of 8 digits).
⚠️ Warning: Using programs to intercept traffic on other people's networks is punishable by law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Unauthorized access to computer information"). Use this method only to restore access to to his own I'm using Wi-Fi.
7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to find out a Wi-Fi password, users often encounter typical problems. We've compiled TOP 5 mistakes and ways to solve them:
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| There is no "Share" option in the Wi-Fi settings. | The manufacturer has blocked the function | Use a rooted file manager or a third-party app. |
| The application does not show the password. | No superuser rights (root) | Get root or use another method |
| I can't access my router settings. | Incorrect IP address or login/password | Reset the router using the button Reset or check the details with your provider |
| The password is displayed as dots/asterisks | The system hides symbols by default. | Click "Show password" or copy it to the clipboard |
| After resetting the router, the WiFi doesn't work. | The channel or security type is configured incorrectly. | Select WPA2-PSK and the channel Auto in the settings |
If you encounter another problem, check:
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password without connecting to the network?
No, if your phone isn't connected to the network, it can't access its settings. The exception is if you previously saved your password in notes or a password manager (for example, Google Password Manager or 1Password). You can also try connecting to the router via cable (via an OTG adapter) and accessing its web interface.
Why is there no "Share" password button on my Xiaomi?
On phones Xiaomi With MIUI versions below 12, the feature is hidden. Update your firmware to the latest version or use the app. WiFi Password Viewer. Also check if the kids mode is disabled (Settings → Accessibility → Kids Mode), as it blocks access to some settings.
Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password?
Technically yes, but legally only with the owner's consent. Without permission, it's considered unauthorized access and is punishable by law. If it's a public network (for example, in a cafe), ask the administrator for the password—they usually give it out for free.
How to save your password so you don't forget it?
Here are 3 reliable ways:
Don't store your password in notes on your phone or in SMS messages—if your device is stolen, attackers will gain access to your network.
What to do if none of the methods worked?
Remains reset the router settings to factory:
After resetting, reconfigure the router through the web interface. If you're unsure, call a technician from your ISP.