It's a common situation for smartphone owners to need to connect a new device to a network but hopelessly forget the password. Huawei And Honor often face the need to quickly restore internet access for guests or other devices. Fortunately, operating systems based on Android and branded shells EMUI or HarmonyOS provide built-in tools to solve this problem without having to reset your router.
There are several proven ways to extract forgotten network security data. We'll cover methods that work on different firmware versions, from standard system functionality to more advanced technical solutions. You don't need to be a programming expert to use these methods.
It's important to understand that the ability to view a password depends on the operating system version and the user's access rights. If your phone has successfully connected to the network before, the network data is already stored in the device's memory. Our task is to find the correct path to this storage via the settings interface or special commands.
Using the QR code feature in Settings
The simplest and most accessible method that works on most modern smartphones Huawei with shell EMUI 10 and newer, as well as on HarmonyOSThe system allows you to generate a special code that, when scanned, another device can automatically connect to the network. However, there's a catch: the password itself may be hidden behind asterisks, but it can be discovered by analyzing the code data.
First, you need to go to the wireless settings menu. Find the section Wi-Fi and tap the name of the network you're currently connected to, or select "QR code" in the upper right corner of the screen. A graphic code will appear on the display, along with a text string below it in some firmware versions.
If the text in the format "WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;" is displayed under the QR code image, then the data you are looking for is located after the symbol P:In newer versions of the system, the password may be hidden for security reasons. In this case, take a screenshot of the screen containing the QR code.
After taking a screenshot, open it in the app. GalleryOn many models Huawei And Honor The artificial intelligence system will automatically offer to recognize the text or link. Click the corresponding button, and you will see the decrypted code content, including the password in plaintext.
Viewing via the network management menu
In some interface modifications EMUI It's possible to view saved networks in detail. This method doesn't require screenshots or third-party software, but it's not available on all models. The procedure is similar to the previous one, but focuses on the list of known networks.
Go to Settings → Wi-FiAt the bottom of the screen or in the menu (three dots in the corner), find "Additional settings" or "Manage networks." This may display a list of all networks your phone has previously connected to. Select the desired network.
- 📱 Click on the settings icon next to the network name.
- 👁️ Look for the "eye" icon or the "Show password" button.
- 🔐 Enter your screen unlock code or fingerprint to confirm.
If the system asks for identity verification, this is a standard security procedure. AndroidAfter successful authentication, the hidden characters will be replaced with a plaintext password. Write it down or copy it to the clipboard, if available.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with version Android 10 Access to Wi-Fi configuration files via the standard file manager without root access is blocked by the system. The method described above only works if the manufacturer has left such an interface in the shell.
Using password recovery apps
If you can't use the built-in system tools, specialized utilities from the store come to the rescue. AppGallery or Google PlayThese applications scan system settings and attempt to extract saved security keys. The effectiveness of such programs directly depends on the version. Android.
Popular apps such as WiFi Password Viewer or similar, work on the principle of reading system files. On older versions Android (Up to and including version 9) they often display the password immediately. In newer versions, they may prompt you to create a backup of your network settings, which then needs to be analyzed.
When installing such software, carefully read the requested permissions. The program may require location access to function, as scanning for Wi-Fi networks in Android geolocation-based. Without this permission, the app won't be able to see the list of networks.
It is worth noting that without the presence of root rights (superuser rights) the capabilities of such apps are limited. They may display a QR code or offer to share a network, but they don't always display the text password explicitly for operating system security reasons.
Method using ADB and a computer
For advanced users who don't want to install questionable apps on their phone, there's a debugging method using a computer. Using the toolkit Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to access system Wi-Fi settings without the need for root access, although in recent versions Android Access to keys is also limited.
First, you need to activate developer mode on your phone. HuaweiGo to . Settings → About phone and quickly tap "Build number" seven times. This will open the "System & updates" → "Developer options" section in the Settings menu.
Enable "USB debugging." Connect your phone to your computer using a cable. The package must be installed on your computer. Platform-toolsOpen a command prompt in the ADB folder and enter the following command to test the connection:
adb devicesA debugging permission request will appear on your smartphone's screen; confirm it. Next, you can try to display a list of saved networks. The command may vary depending on the OS version, but the basic request looks like this:
adb shell dumpsys wifiWhy might the command not show the password?
In modern versions of Android (10+), access to the Wi-Fi bridge (WifiConfigStore) is blocked for standard ADB commands for security reasons. Full access requires root or specific exploits, so this method primarily works on devices manufactured in 2018-2019 and later.
In the command output, look for the section Configured NetworksIf you're lucky and your software version allows it, you'll see the network SSID and the parameter pre_shared_key, followed by the desired password. If the password is replaced by asterisks or the field is empty, the security system is blocking direct access.
Comparison of password search methods
To help you choose the right method, we've organized the options we've considered in a table. This table will help you assess the risks, complexity, and likelihood of success for each method based on your situation.
| Method | Necessary rights | Complexity | Probability of success |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in settings | No | Low | High (90%) |
| Network management menu | No | Low | Medium (depending on EMUI) |
| Third-party applications | No (or Root) | Average | Average (low on newer Androids) |
| Computer (ADB) | USB debugging | High | Low (on Android 10+) |
As can be seen from the table, the standard equipment Huawei are the most reliable. Using third-party software or the command line only makes sense if the standard interface doesn't provide the required information.
What to do if the password is not displayed
If none of the software methods work, physical access to the router remains. This may seem obvious, but the default password is often listed on the device's factory sticker. If you've never changed the security settings, this information will be up to date.
If the password was previously changed and the phone has "forgotten" it or doesn't display it, the only option is to reset the router. To do this, find the recessed button. Reset On the router's body, press it with a paperclip and hold for 10-15 seconds. The device will return to factory settings.
- 🔄 The router will reboot and create a network with a default name.
- 🔑 The password will be the one indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the device.
- 💻 You will need to reconfigure your internet connection via the web interface.
⚠️ Note: Resetting your router to factory settings will delete all your personalizations, including your network name, password, and PPPoE settings (your ISP login and password). Make sure you have your ISP contract handy to restore internet access.
After the reset, you will be able to connect your phone using the password on the sticker, and if you wish, set a new, more complex password through the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
☑️ Check before resetting your router
Questions and Answers
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the phone has never connected to it?
No, this is impossible using software. The phone only stores the data entered during a successful connection. If the device doesn't know the password, it can't "remember" it or crack it using standard methods.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Using such applications carries certain risks. You grant third-party software access to critical network settings. It is recommended to use only proven, highly rated utilities or rely on built-in system features.
Why can't I see the password under the QR code on the new Huawei?
Company Huawei and developers Android strengthened privacy policies. In the new versions HarmonyOS And EMUI The password text is hidden so that anyone looking at your screen cannot see it. Use a screenshot and gallery to decrypt it.
Do you need root access to view the password on a Huawei device?
Standard methods (QR code, settings menu) don't require root access. Root access is required only for deep system access via file managers or some older versions of scanner apps, but modern methods work without requiring system intervention.