Have you ever forgotten your Wi-Fi password because the sticker on your router wore off? Or needed to connect a new device, but the password was only stored on your phone? WiFi Password Show solves this problem in minutes—it retrieves all saved wireless network passwords from your computer, smartphone, or even router. But how do you use it correctly to avoid viruses or corrupted network settings?
In this article we will look at All the ways to use WiFi Password Show From basic password viewing on Windows to advanced methods for rooted Android devices, you'll learn how to bypass operating system restrictions, what alternatives exist for Mac and iOS, and why some passwords may not be displayed. And also— What router settings allow you to see the password without third-party programs if you have access to its web interface?.
What is WiFi Password Show and how does it work?
WiFi Password Show is a utility for extracting Wi-Fi passwords stored in the system. It doesn't hack networks, but simply reads data from the Windows registry, Android configuration files, or router settings. The program's main advantage is that it doesn't require an internet connection and works offline.
When launched, the utility scans:
- 📋 Wi-Fi profiles in the Windows registry (
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WlanSvc\Interfaces) - 📱 File wpa_supplicant.conf on Android (root required)
- 🖥️ Configuration files of network adapters (if they are not encrypted)
It is important to understand: the program will show only those passwordsnetworks you've already connected to. It won't be able to extract data from other routers or networks you've never connected to. WiFi Password Show also doesn't bypass encryption. WPA3 - It just displays the saved keys.
How to use WiFi Password Show on Windows 10 and 11
The utility works most easily on Windows computers—just download and run the executable file. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Download the program from the official website (avoid third-party sources - they often slip viruses).
- Run as administrator (right-click on the file → "Run as administrator").
- Wait for the scan — the program will automatically collect all saved networks.
- Export data (optional) in
.txtor.csvfor convenience.
If the program does not show some networks, check:
- 🔌 Are you connected to the network? Now (Some passwords are stored only in active profiles).
- 🛡️ Is your antivirus blocking the utility (add it to the exceptions).
- 🔄 Is the program version updated (older versions may not support
WPA3).
Disable your VPN (it may block access to network settings)
Close other programs that work with the network (torrents, instant messengers)
Check that the network adapter is enabled.
Download the program only from the official source-->
An alternative method for Windows is to view passwords via command line without third-party programs:
netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clearReplace NETWORK_NAME the name of your Wi-Fi network. The password will be in the line Key Content.
WiFi Password Show for Android: Instructions with and without root
On Android the situation is more complicated - without root rights The program will not be able to read the system file. wpa_supplicant.conf, where passwords are stored. However, there are workarounds:
Method 1: With root rights (full access)
If you have root, follow the steps:
- Install WiFi Password Show from Google Play or APK.
- Grant root access when prompted (use Magisk or SuperSU).
- Click "Scan" - the program will show all saved networks with passwords.
Method 2: Without root (limited functionality)
Without root the utility can show only those networks, to which you are currently connected. To do this:
- Connect to the desired Wi-Fi network.
- Open the program and click "Show current password".
- Copy the key or export it to the clipboard.
Why don't passwords appear on some Android devices even with root access?
On devices with Android 10+ And encrypted storage (File-Based Encryption) even root does not always provide access to wpa_supplicant.confIn this case, only a backup will help adb backup or flashing a custom recovery.
For owners Samsung There is an alternative - a built-in password viewing function:
- Go to
Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi. - Click on your current network and select "Manage network".
- Check the "Show password" box.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI (from Xiaomi) this method only works after disabling the "Hide passwords" feature in the advanced security settings.
How to find a Wi-Fi password through a router (without software)
If you have access to the router's web interface, you can view the password without any utilities. The instructions are universal for most models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Zyxel):
- Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
- Open your browser and type in the address bar
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1(see the exact address on the device sticker). - Enter your login and password (usually
admin/adminoradmin/empty). - Go to the section
Wireless network→Wireless Security. - The password will be in the field
PSK passwordorKey.
If you don't remember your router login details, try:
- 🔍 Look at the sticker on the back of the device (the factory login/password is often indicated there).
- 🔄 Reset the router using the button
Reset(hold for 10 seconds) - this will restore factory settings. - 📞 Check with your provider for details (if they provided you with the router).
| Router brand | Web interface address | Factory login/password |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net |
admin/admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com |
admin/admin |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 or my.keenetic.net |
admin/1234 |
| Zyxel | 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 |
admin/1234 |
⚠️ Attention: After resetting the router (Reset) All settings, including the Wi-Fi password, will be reset to factory defaults. If you don't know them, internet access will be lost until you reset them.
WiFi Password Show Alternatives: Best Programs and Methods
If WiFi Password Show isn't suitable (for example, it doesn't work on your system or is blocked by your antivirus), try these alternatives:
For Windows
- 🖥️ WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) is a portable utility that requires no installation and displays passwords in a table.
- 🔑 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer - simple interface, export to
.txt. - 📊 NetPass — displays passwords in real time with filtering options.
For Android
- 📱 WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).
- 🔓 WiFi Key Recovery — works on some firmware without root.
- 📋 ES File Explorer (with root) - open manually
/data/misc/wifi/Wpa_supplicant.conf.
For Mac and iOS
On macOS passwords are stored in Connected Keychain:
- Open
Programs → Utilities → Keychain. - Find the network name in the list.
- Open properties and check the "Show password" box.
On iPhone/iPad Without jailbreak, you can't see the password. If you jailbreak, use a tweak. WiFi Passwords from Cydia.
Security: Risks of Using WiFi Password Show
Although the program itself is not malicious, its use is associated with risks:
- 🕵️ Data leak: If you export passwords to a file, it may be leaked to third parties.
- 🛡️ Blocked by antivirus: Many antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky, Avast) mark the utility as "potentially dangerous" due to its functionality.
- 🔓 Breach of confidentiality: If you use a program on someone else's device without permission, it may be considered hacking.
How to minimize risks:
- 🔒 Delete exported password files after use.
- 📌 Download the program only from official website.
- 🛡️ Check the downloaded file via VirusTotal before launch.
⚠️ Attention: In some countries (such as the EU), unauthorized access to someone else's network settings may be considered a violation of cybersecurity laws. Use the app only for your own devices.
Common problems and their solutions
If WiFi Password Show is not working, please check these points:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The program does not start | You do not have administrator rights | Run as administrator (right-click → "Run as administrator") |
| Passwords are not displayed | The network is not saved in profiles | Connect to the network at least once before scanning. |
| Antivirus is blocking the program | False positive for "hacking tool" | Add the utility to your antivirus exclusions |
| It doesn't show passwords on Android. | No root access or FBE encryption | Use alternative methods (see the Android section) |
If you use Windows 11 and the program doesn't see the network, try:
- Disable the feature
Random Hardware Addressesin the Wi-Fi settings. - Update network adapter driver via
device Manager. - Temporarily disable Windows Defender (if it blocks access to the registry).
On Android 12+ Even root may have problems due to new restrictions Scoped StorageIn this case, only manual file viewing will help. wpa_supplicant.conf through ADB:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/Wpa_supplicant.confFAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WiFi Password Show on someone else's computer without permission?
Technically yes, but this violates privacy and may be considered unauthorized access to data. In some jurisdictions, this is punishable by fines or even criminal liability. Use the app only on your own devices.
Why does the program display passwords as dots (*) and not allow me to copy them?
This is a limitation of some versions of the utility. To view the full password, double-click the network line or export the data to a file. Also, check if your antivirus software is blocking access to the clipboard.
Does WiFi Password Show work on Linux?
No, Linux has its own utilities, for example:
sudo grep psk= /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/*or viewing through nmcli:
nmcli -s -g 802-11-wireless-security.psk connection show NETWORK_NAMEIs it possible to hack someone else's Wi-Fi using this program?
No, WiFi Password Show It doesn't hack networks. It only extracts already saved passwords from your system. Other tools are used to hack Wi-Fi (for example, Aircrack-ng), but this is illegal without the permission of the network owner.
How do I reset my Wi-Fi password if even WiFi Password Show can't remember it?
If the program doesn't display the password (for example, the network hasn't been used for a long time and its profile has been deleted), the only way is to reset the router settings:
- Click the button
Reseton the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). - Connect to it via cable and go to the web interface (
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Set up a new network with a new password.
⚠️ Attention: After the reset, all personal router settings (including guest network, parental controls, and port forwarding) will return to factory defaults.