How to Find a Wi-Fi Password on Android: All Working Methods in 2026

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 remember the combination? On Android devices, there are several ways to retrieve a saved wireless network password, including with root access (root), and without them. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods, including hidden system functions, third-party apps, and workarounds for different versions. Android (from Android 6.0 Marshmallow to Android 14).

Important: Not all methods work on modern smartphones due to stricter security policies. For example, Samsung And Xiaomi actively block access to system files with passwords, and Android 10+ many applications require root accessBut even without it, there are working solutions—read on.

If you are looking for a way to iPhone or a tablet on iOS, this instruction will not work on devices: Apple The password can only be extracted through Settings → Wi-Fi → [network name] (provided that the device is already connected). Here we will talk exclusively about Android.

1. Standard method: view the password in settings (Android 10 and newer)

Starting from Android 10, Google Added a built-in feature for viewing passwords for saved networks—but with some caveats. It doesn't work on all devices (depending on the manufacturer's operating system) and requires identity verification.

Here's how to do it:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of the connected network (or select a saved one from the list).
3. Click on the button Share (or Share (on English firmware).
4. The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, imprint or graphic key.
5. After authorization it will appear QR code and a text password underneath it.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones Samsung (shell One UI), Xiaomi (MIUI), Oppo This method may not work for some devices, as manufacturers may remove the feature from the firmware. In this case, proceed to the next steps.

2. Using the file wpa_supplicant.conf (without root)

On Android before version 9.0 Pie Wi-Fi passwords were stored in clear text in a system file wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be accessed through Explorer with root rights or in a roundabout way - with the help of ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Instructions for Android 6.0–9.0:

1. Turn on USB debugging V Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → Developer Options).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
3. Open command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter:

adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml C:\wifi_passwords\

File WifiConfigStore.xml will be copied to your computer. Open it with any text editor (for example, Notepad++) and find the line:

<string name="PreSharedKey">Your_password</string>

⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ This method doesn't work - the file is encrypted. Also, some manufacturers (for example, Huawei) block access to this folder even through ADB.

3. Password Viewer Apps (No Root)

There are several apps that can extract saved Wi-Fi passwords without root access. They don't work on all devices, but they're worth a try:

• 🔍 WiFi Password Viewer — shows passwords for networks you've connected to previously. Supports Android 5.0–10.0, but may not work on Samsung And Xiaomi.
• 📱 WiFi Password Recovery — analyzes system files and attempts to extract passwords. Requires ADB access (see method #2).
• 🔑 WiFi Key Recovery - works on some firmware Android 8.0–9.0, but does not guarantee results on new versions.

How to use:

1. Download one of the applications from Google Play.
2. Run it and grant the necessary permissions (access to storage, network, etc.).
3. The application will scan the system and display a list of networks with passwords.

⚠️ Attention: Many of these utilities contain ads or require purchase. Pro versions For full functionality, please check reviews and ratings before installing. Play Market.

Make sure your smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi.

Enable installation from unknown sources (if downloading APKs)

Check reviews of the app

Create a backup copy of your data (in case of failure)-->

4. Method for devices with root access

If you have it on your smartphone root rights, you can extract a Wi-Fi password in a few seconds. The most reliable method is to use a root-enabled file manager (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Root Explorer and follow the path:

/data/misc/wifi/

2. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf (or WifiConfigStore.xml on new versions).
3. Open it with a text editor.
4. Find the block with the name of your network (ssid="...") and the line psk="..." - this is the password.

An alternative way is to use an app WiFi Password Root, which automatically retrieves all saved passwords.

⚠️ Attention: Receipt root rights may result in loss of warranty, unstable system operation or problems with banking applications (due to SafetyNet). Use this method only if you understand the risks.

5. Workaround: Connect to the router via WPS

If none of the above methods worked, you can try connecting to the router via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) and view the password in its web interface. This method is suitable if you have physical access to the router.

Instructions:

1. Click the button WPS on the back panel of the router (usually it is labeled).
2. On your smartphone, open Settings → Wi-Fi and select the network marked WPS is available.
3. Once connected, open your browser and enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
4. Log in (default logins/passwords: admin/admin, admin/1234 or look at the router sticker).
5. Go to the section Wi-Fi → Security (or Wireless → Security) - the current password will be displayed there.

⚠️ Attention: Not all routers support WPS, and some manufacturers (for example, ASUS) disable this feature by default for security reasons. If the buttons WPS No, this method will not work.

What to do if you don’t know your router’s IP address?

If standard 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 They don't work. You can find out the IP address like this:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi from your phone.

2. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → [network name] → Advanced.

3. Look at the line Gateway or Router IP address - this is the address you need.

6. Resetting the router to factory settings (extreme case)

If none of the methods helped, and you urgently need Wi-Fi access, there is one last option - reset the router to factory settingsThis will clear all current settings, including the password, and you will be able to set a new one.

How to reset:

1. Find the small button on the back of the router. Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press and hold the button 10-15 secondsuntil the indicators start flashing.
3. After rebooting, the router will return to factory settings. Connect to its network (usually named by its model, for example TP-Link_1234) - the password is indicated on the sticker.
4. Then go to the web interface (192.168.0.1) and set up a new network with the desired password.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting your router will disconnect all connected users and delete personal settings (such as port forwarding, parental controls, and guest networks). Use this method only if you are ready to set up your device again.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Not all methods are equally effective. Below is a table comparing reliability, complexity, and compatibility:

On Samsung smartphones with One UI 3.0+ and Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12+, most methods without root are blocked. The only reliable way in this case is to reset the router or access its web interface.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network I've connected to before but am currently offline?

Yes, but only if the network is saved in the phone's memory. Use apps like WiFi Password Viewer or check the file wpa_supplicant.conf (if you don't have root, try it through ADB). On Android 10+ chances are minimal without superuser rights.

Why is there no "Share" button in the settings to view the password?

This feature depends on the manufacturer's shell. Samsung, Xiaomi and some other brands remove it. The alternative is to use ADB or password extraction applications.

Are password extraction apps safe to use?

Most of the applications from Google Play They are safe, but some may contain ads or collect data. Before installing, check the reviews and permissions the program requests. Well-known utilities: WiFi Password Viewer, WiFi Key Recovery.

What to do if none of the methods work?

There are two options left:

1. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset).
2. Contact your provider - some operators (eg Rostelecom, Beeline) can recover the password using the contract number.

Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password?

Technically yes, but that's illegallyUnauthorized access to other people's networks is considered a violation. Federal Law No. 13-FZ "On Personal Data" and may result in administrative or criminal liability. Use these methods only for your own networks!