Many users are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new device to their home network but losing or forgetting the WiFi password. Previously, this presented significant difficulties, requiring access to a computer or a physical reset of the router. However, modern Android and iOS operating systems have significantly simplified this process by introducing features for sharing and visualizing security keys.
Now find out the WiFi password This can be done directly through the smartphone interface, provided the device has previously connected to the network. The system stores credentials in secure storage, allowing the owner to request their display at any time or transfer them to another device. This is especially relevant in the era of smart homes, when dozens of devices, from light bulbs to televisions, need to be connected to the router.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available methods for restoring network access. We'll cover standard methods for different versions of Android and iOS, as well as more complex technical solutions for older operating systems. Security of your data remains a priority, so some methods will require identity verification through biometrics.
Standard tools for Android 10 and later
Starting with Android 10, Google introduced a native feature for viewing saved networks. This method is the simplest and doesn't require installing third-party software or gaining root access. All you need is an unlocked smartphone and physical access.
First, you need to go to the Settings section. The path may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer's operating system (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS), but the logic remains the same. You need to find the wireless connection management menu, where all authorization history is stored.
After selecting the desired network, the system will offer two options: share access via QR code or view a text version of the key. The text password is often hidden behind dots or asterisks and becomes visible only after clicking on a special eye icon with mandatory biometric verification.
⚠️ Note: On some Chinese smartphones (Xiaomi, Huawei) in global firmware, the password text viewing feature may be hidden. In these cases, only a QR code is available, which can be scanned by a second phone for automatic connection.
It's important to note that your phone must be unlocked to access these settings. If your device is protected with a complex pattern or PIN, the system will prompt you to enter it before revealing sensitive information. This is a standard security measure. Wi-Fi keys from prying eyes.
Instructions for iPhone owners (iOS 15+)
For a long time, Apple users were unable to view saved passwords, but that changed with the release of iOS 15. This feature is now available in the default Settings app, making the data recovery process as convenient and secure as possible.
The iPhone's operating system is extremely simple and consistent across all models, starting with the iPhone 6s and newer. The interface is uncluttered, allowing even inexperienced users to quickly find the desired feature. The main requirement is the latest version of the operating system.
After entering the Wi-Fi menu, you'll see a list of networks your device has connected to. An information symbol will appear next to any active or previously used network. Tapping the "Password" field initiates Face ID or Touch ID verification.
- 📱 Unlock your iPhone and open the Settings app.
- 📶 Go to the "Wi-Fi" section and find the desired network in the list.
- ℹ️ Click on the blue "i" icon in a circle to the right of the network name.
- 👁️ Tap the hidden "Password" field and confirm your identity using Face ID or Touch ID.
After successful biometric verification, the stars will turn into readable text. You can copy it to the clipboard or dictate it to someone else. Apple Keychain (Keychain) syncs this data between all your devices, so the password will be available on your iPad or Mac if syncing is enabled.
Using a QR code to grant access
If the purpose of viewing the password is to connect a guest or a new device, it's not necessary to know the actual character combination. Modern smartphones can generate a special QR code containing all the necessary information for network authorization.
This method works cross-platform. You can generate a code on an Android smartphone and read it with the iPhone camera, and vice versa. The system will automatically recognize the data format and offer to connect to the network without manually entering characters.
To use this method on Android, tap the gear or arrow icon next to the network name in the Wi-Fi menu. A screen with a QR code will appear. On iPhone, a similar function can be accessed by pressing the "Share" button if another Apple device is nearby, or by scanning the code from the other phone's screen.
What to do if the QR code cannot be read?
Make sure the camera is clean and the screen of the smartphone containing the code is at maximum brightness. Also, ensure the distance between the devices is approximately 15-20 cm. If the code is damaged or blurred, try generating it again.
Some manufacturers, such as Samsung And Xiaomi, allow you to save the generated QR code as an image in your gallery. This is convenient if you need to print an internet pass for your office or café so that visitors can connect independently.
Methods for Android 9 and older versions
Owners of devices that haven't received the Android 10 update face a more complex situation. Viewing saved passwords in plain text on these OS versions is impossible using standard system tools due to security restrictions.
However, there is a workaround that doesn't require complex programming, but does require a computer. This involves using USB debugging and platform tools. Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method allows you to extract the system file that stores data about WiFi networks.
First, you need to enable developer mode on your phone. This is usually done by repeatedly tapping the build number in the "About phone" section. Once enabled, a "Developer options" option will appear in the menu, where you need to enable USB debugging.
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf c:/wpa.confBy running the command through the console on your computer, you will receive a configuration file. Open it with any text editor and find the line psk="your_password"This is the security key you're looking for. On modern devices, this file may be encrypted or inaccessible even with ADB permissions without root access.
☑️ Preparing to use ADB
Login to the router control panel
If software methods fail, there's always the hardware option: checking your router's settings. This method is universal and works regardless of your phone's operating system version, as long as you're connected to the router's network.
To access the management interface, you need to know the gateway IP address. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Entering this address in your browser will take you to the login page. If you haven't changed the factory settings, your login and password are often found on a sticker on the bottom of the device.
Once inside, you need to find the section responsible for the wireless network. It may be called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," or "Wireless Mode." It's right there in the field. Wireless Password or "Security Key" displays the current password. You can view it and change it to a more complex one.
| Router brand | Standard IP | Default login | Default password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | (empty) |
| Xiaomi | 192.168.31.1 | admin | specified during setup |
| Zyxel | 192.168.1.1 | admin | 1234 |
It's worth remembering that if the network administrator has changed the default login credentials for the control panel, you won't be able to access it without the new password. In this case, the only solution is to reset the router to factory settings, which will disconnect all current users.
⚠️ Note: Resetting your router will erase all user settings, including the PPPoE connection type and ISP data. Make sure you have your ISP contract handy to reconfigure your network access.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the WiFi password if I have never connected to this network?
No, it's technically impossible to find out the password for someone else's closed network without access to the router or devices that are already authorized. WPA2/WPA3 encryption protocols reliably protect data transmission. The only legal way is to ask the owner for the password or look at the router's sticker, if it hasn't been changed.
Are WiFi hacking apps safe to use?
Most apps in stores that promise WiFi "hacking" are either scams or contain malicious code. Real security auditing tools (such as Kali Nethunter) require extensive knowledge and root access. Using such programs to access other people's networks is illegal.
Why is the password hidden in the settings on Android 11?
In some skins (for example, older versions of MIUI or EMUI), developers may have hidden the password text display for the sake of a minimalist interface or for security reasons. In such cases, the only solution is to scan the QR code with another device or access the router settings.
What should I do if I forgot my router admin panel password?
If the default admin/admin password doesn't work, and you've changed the password and forgotten it, your only option is a hard reset. There's a small reset hole on the router body. Press it with a paperclip for 10-15 seconds while the power is on. This will restore the router to its factory settings.
Where are WiFi passwords stored on iPhone?
On iPhone, passwords are stored securely in iCloud Keychain. They are synced across devices via your Apple ID. They can only be viewed after successful biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) in Wi-Fi settings.
Is it possible to recover a password via a Google account?
There's no direct way to view your password through the Google Account website. However, if you have Chrome password sync enabled, you can find your saved WiFi password in the "Passwords" section on passwords.google.com if your smartphone has ever sent this data there.