Many people are familiar with the situation of urgently needing to connect a new device to their home network, but have forgotten the password and the router is in a hard-to-reach location. Fortunately, modern smartphones store data about previously used networks in their memory, allowing them to be retrieved if needed. Depending on the operating system and firmware version, the process of restoring access can vary significantly.
In this article, we will examine in detail the action algorithms for owners of devices based on Android And iOSYou'll learn how to use built-in QR code generation features that contain access keys, and we'll also explore more complex methods for advanced users.
It's worth keeping in mind that manufacturers are constantly updating interfaces and security measures. What worked on Android 10, may look different on Android 14However, the basic principles of working with network configurations remain similar, allowing the user to achieve the desired result without the use of third-party malware.
System Settings for Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version of the operating system, Google engineers have implemented a convenient feature for quickly connecting guests. It allows you to not only share access via a QR code but also visually display the password itself in text format. To do this, open the section Settings and go to the menu Wi-Fi or Connections.
Find a network you're already connected to or one you've saved. Click the gear icon next to the network name or tap the network name itself to expand the detailed menu. In the window that opens, look for the button Share or a QR code icon. The system will ask you to confirm your identity with a PIN, fingerprint, or face scan.
- 📱 Click the QR code icon in the network properties menu.
- 🔐 Complete biometric or digital authentication.
- 👁️ Look under the generated square - there is often a text password written there.
- 📸 Take a screenshot if the text is unreadable or hidden.
⚠️ Note: On some smartphone models (such as older versions of MIUI or EMUI), the text password may not be displayed below the code. In this case, you will need to take a screenshot and recognize the text using Google Lens or a similar app.
If there's no text under the code, take a screenshot. Then open the Google Photos app or any QR code scanner and select an image from your gallery. The app will read the encoded string and give you the full connection address, with the following prefix: P: The security key you are looking for will be indicated.
Recovering access to iPhone (iOS 16+)
Owners of Apple devices are less fortunate in terms of the openness of the system, but with the release iOS 16 The company has introduced the long-awaited feature for viewing saved passwords. Previously, this could only be done through syncing with macOS, but now it's all in the user's hands. Go to Settings and select a section Wi-Fi.
In the upper right corner or in the edit menu (the "Edit" or "Edit" button), find the "Passwords" item. However, it's easier to go the other way: go to General Settings -> PasswordsThis is where all your saved credentials are stored, including wireless network keys. The system requires Face ID or Touch ID to access this section.
Find your network name (SSID) in the list. Tap the line with the network name. On the screen that opens, you'll see the "Password" field. Initially, it will be hidden by dots. Tap the dots, and they will turn into readable text. You can copy this text to the clipboard for use on other devices.
- 🍏 Open "Settings" and go to the "Passwords" section.
- 🔍 Find the desired wireless network in the list.
- 👆 Click on the hidden password field to reveal it.
- 📋 Copy the data to paste on another gadget.
⚠️ Note: The Wi-Fi password viewer feature is only available on iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. If you have an older version of the operating system, this method will not work, and you will need to find workarounds or update the software.
It is important to understand that on an iPhone you cannot see the password for the network to which the phone is connected. never connectedThe system stores only those keys that have been successfully used for authorization at least once. This is a fundamental security limitation. Apple.
Method for Android 9 and older versions
On devices running Android 9 Pie and earlier versions, the QR code generation function is often missing or doesn't include a text password duplicate. In such cases, the system stores configuration files in a protected system folder, which is inaccessible to regular applications.
To view the data you will need root rights (superuser rights). Without them, the operating system will not allow you to read the file. wpa_supplicant.conf, where all passwords ever entered are stored in clear text. This is done to protect data in the event of device loss.
If you have superuser rights, you will need a file manager with access to system partitions, for example, Root Explorer or RE Manager. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it as a text document. Inside you will find blocks named network, where it will be indicated ssid (network name) and psk (password).
network={ssid="MyHomeWiFi"
psk="SuperSecretPassword123"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}
In the example above, the line psk contains the required key. Use extreme caution when working with system files. Any incorrect configuration change may result in the Wi-Fi module no longer functioning correctly until the reset.
- 🔓 Root your device (required for older Android devices).
- 📂 Install a file manager with root access.
- 📄 Open the file
/data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf. - 🔎 Find the line
psk="..."for your network.
⚠️ Warning: Rooting your device may void your warranty and impair the functionality of banking apps. Use this method only if you fully understand the risks.
What is ADB and how can it help without root?
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool. It can be used to retrieve a configuration file if USB debugging is enabled on the phone and backup permissions are available, but on modern Android devices, this rarely works without root access.
Using the ADB command line
For users who don't want to gain root access but have a computer at hand, there is a method using the debug bridge. ADBThis method doesn't work on all models, as it depends on the manufacturer's security policy, but on many devices it allows you to copy the Wi-Fi configuration file.
First, you need to enable developer mode on your phone. To do this, go to Settings -> About the phone and quickly tap the build number seven times. A "Developer options" option will appear in the menu. Inside, activate it. USB debuggingConnect your phone to the PC using a cable.
On the computer with Platform Tools installed, open a command prompt. Enter the following command to back up your Wi-Fi settings:
adb backup -f wifi.ab -noapk com.android.providers.settingsAfter executing the command, a backup confirmation may appear on your phone screen—confirm your decision. The resulting file wifi.ab You'll need to convert it to tar format, and then extract the database or XML file containing the settings, which will reveal the password. This is a complex technical process that requires careful attention.
☑️ Checking ADB readiness
Comparison of methods for different platforms
The choice of password recovery method directly depends on the ecosystem you're in. Below is a table to help you quickly navigate the available options for your specific situation.
| Platform/Version | Root/Jailbreak required | Need a PC | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10+ | No | No | Low |
| iOS 16+ | No | No | Low |
| Android 9 and below | Yes | No (preferred) | High |
| iOS 15 and below | Yes (Jailbreak) | Yes (Mac) | Very high |
As the table shows, modern operating system versions have made life much easier for users. If you have an older device, the easiest way is to use another device already connected to the network or access your router settings through a browser.
Critical: If you're using a corporate device, your organization's security policies may block the ability to view passwords even on newer versions of Android. In this case, please contact your company's IT department.
Alternative methods and safety
If none of the software methods work, you can always access the router physically. Most devices have a sticker on the back with the factory password (unless you've changed it). You can also connect your computer to the router via a LAN cable and access the web interface at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
In the web interface, by entering the login and administrator (often this is admin/admin), you will be able to see the current password in the wireless security section (Wireless Security). This is the most reliable method, which works regardless of the phone model.
Don't forget about security: never share Wi-Fi passwords in plaintext via messaging apps with strangers. Use a guest network for visitors to isolate them from your personal devices and files on the local network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?
No, this is impossible. The phone only stores the password after a successful connection. If the device has never connected to this network, there is no access key in its memory.
Are QR code scanner apps safe to use?
Most standard scanners are safe, as they simply decode the image. However, be wary of apps that require suspicious permissions or promise to "hack" Wi-Fi—these are often scams.
What should I do if I forgot my router password to access the settings?
If the default login and password (indicated on the sticker) don't work, they've likely been changed. The only solution is to reset the router to factory settings (press the Reset button), which will restore it to its factory defaults.
Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored on a Windows computer?
In Windows, you can find out the password through the command line using the command netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clear or in the graphical interface of the wireless network properties in the "Security" tab.