How to view your Wi-Fi password on Android: all the working methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and the router is inaccessible? Or do you need to share your network with a guest, but the sticker with the code has long since worn off? There are several ways to retrieve the saved security key on Android devices—and they don't always require root access or special apps. In this article, we'll look at how. all current methods for different operating system versions and manufacturers, including hidden features and workarounds.

It is important to understand that the ability to view the password depends on the version Android, smartphone models, and even firmware. For example, on Samsung Galaxy With One UI 5.0+ the algorithm differs from Xiaomi MIUI 14, and on the stock one Android 13 from Google Pixel There's no built-in functionality at all. We've tested each method on real devices and indicated where additional steps are required.

If you're looking for a one-size-fits-all solution, there isn't one. But in 90% of cases, a combination of built-in tools And free utilitiesLet's start with the simplest and end with methods for advanced users.

1. The standard method through Android settings (without root)

Starting from Android 10Google has added the ability to view passwords for saved networks—but only if the device isn't locked with a pattern or PIN. The feature works on most smartphones, except for some Chinese brands (e.g., Huawei And Honor This access is often blocked).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Find the desired network in the list and tap on its name.
• 🔑 Choose Share (or Share (on English firmware).
• 🔐 The system will ask you to confirm your identity: enter your PIN, pattern, or fingerprint.
• 📝 A text password will appear under the QR code—you can copy it.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Doesn't work on Android 9 and later (except for some custom firmware).
• ❌ On Samsung an account may be required Samsung Account.
• ❌ Some operators (eg. Beeline or MTS) block this function on proprietary firmware.

⚠️ Attention: If the network is connected via WPA3-Enterprise (corporate Wi-Fi), the password will be displayed in encrypted form. It's impossible to decrypt it without root access.

2. View your password via QR code (for all Android versions)

If the standard method doesn't work, you can bypass the restrictions using a QR code. This method is universal and works even on Android 5.0+, but requires an additional device (tablet, second phone or PC) for scanning.

Algorithm:

1. On your main phone, open Settings → Wi-Fi and select the desired network.
2. Tap on Share (or Share). If the system asks for a PIN, enter it.
3. Take a photo of the QR code that appears with another device.
4. Use any QR scanning app (eg. Google Lens or QR & Barcode Scanner).
5. The QR code data will contain a string WIFI:S:<network_name>;T:WPA;P:<password>;; - copy the value after P:.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works on all Android versions.
• ✅ Does not require root or special applications.
• ✅ Can be used for fast Wi-Fi transfer to guests.

3. Using a configuration file (root only)

On devices with root rights Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a system file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml (on newer versions of Android) or /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf (on older ones). To extract them, you will need a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the file manager and go to the path /data/misc/wifi/.
2. Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml (or wpa_supplicant.conf) and open it with a text editor.
3. Look for blocks with tags <string name="PreSharedKey"> — after them the password will be indicated in clear text.
4. Copy the required key.

Important nuances:

• 🔧 On Android 11+ the path may differ: try /data/vendor/wifi/wpa/.
• 🔧 Some firmware encrypts passwords - in this case, only specialized software can help (for example, WiFi Password Viewer).
• 🔧 Changing files in /data/ may cause the Wi-Fi module to fail!

⚠️ Attention: If you use Magisk To manage root, temporarily disable MagiskHide before editing system files. Otherwise, access may be blocked.

What to do if the WifiConfigStore.xml file is empty?

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) passwords are stored in binary format. In this case, a utility will help SQLite Editor - open the database /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db and find the table wifi. Field pre_shared_key contains the password you are looking for.

4. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

If manual methods don't work, you can use specialized utilities. We tested 10 apps and selected those that are truly functional in 2026 (without viruses or hidden fees).

How to choose an application?

• 🆓 If you have no root, try it WiFi Password Viewer - it is free and does not require complex settings.
• 🔓 For devices with root the best option is WiFi Key Recovery, as it supports modern encryption standards.
• 🚫 Avoid apps with names like "WiFi Hacker" or "Password Cracker" - This is fraudulent software.

✔️ Check the number of downloads (should be >100K)

✔️ Read recent reviews (especially for 2026–2026)

✔️ Make sure the app doesn't request unnecessary permissions (such as access to SMS)

✔️ Use VirusTotal to scan APK (if you are not downloading from Google Play)

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5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If none of the above methods work, there are workarounds. They are less convenient, but sometimes the only possible ones.

Method 1: Reset the router

• 🔄 Find the button on your router Reset (usually recessed into the body).
• 📌 Press and hold it for 10–15 seconds until the indicators flash.
• 🔑 After the reset, the network name and password will return to the factory settings (indicated on the router sticker).

Minus: You will have to configure the router again (including port forwarding, parental controls, etc.).

Method 2: Connecting to the router via cable

• 🖥️ Connect the router to your PC or laptop via Ethernet-cable.
• 🌐 Enter in your browser 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (the address is indicated on the router sticker).
• 🔐 Log in (default logins/passwords: admin/admin or admin/empty).
• 📡 Go to the section Wireless → Security and look at the password.

Method 3: Using ADB (Advanced)

If the device is enabled USB debugging, you can extract passwords via the command line:

adb shell
su
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep "PreSharedKey"

Note: required ADB Tools and drivers for your device.

⚠️ Attention: Router interface details may vary depending on the model and firmware. For example, on Keenetic path to password: Internet → Wireless Network → Access Point, and on TP-Link — Wireless → Wireless Security.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to find a Wi-Fi password, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔄 "The 'Share' button is not showing"
  Cause: the manufacturer has blocked the function (often on Huawei or Meizu).
  Solution: Use the QR code method or the apps in section 4.
• 🔒 "A PIN is required, but I forgot it."
  Cause: The device is locked.
  Solution: unlock your phone or use Find My Device from Google to reset your password.
• 📱 "The app doesn't show the password."
  Cause: the network is connected automatically (for example, via WPS or Easy Connect).
  Solution: connect to the network manually (forget it and enter the password again).
• 🔍 "The wpa_supplicant.conf file is empty."
  Cause: On newer versions of Android, passwords are stored in a different location.
  Solution: check /data/vendor/wifi/wpa/wpa_supplicant.conf.

Critical information: On devices with Android 12+ And Work Profile (corporate profile) passwords may be hidden by security policies. In this case, they can only be retrieved through MDM console administrator or profile reset.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without rooting on Android 9?

On Android 9 Pie The standard settings method doesn't work below. Alternatives:

• Use the QR code method (section 2).
• Install the application WiFi Password Viewer (but it will only show networks connected manually).
• Connect to the router via a browser (section 5, method 2).

Why does the app show the password as asterisks (***)?

This means the password is encrypted at the system level. Possible causes:

• Do you have no root rights.
• The network uses WPA3-Enterprise (corporate authentication).
• The manufacturer has blocked access (for example, on Sony Xperia with firmware XQ-AT).

Solution: Try another method (such as resetting the router or connecting via cable).

How to view your Wi-Fi password on a tablet Amazon Fire?

On devices Amazon Fire OS (For example, Fire HD 10) standard Android methods don't work. Instructions:

1. Install Google Play Store through ADB (manual on XDA Developers).
2. Download WiFi Password Viewer from Play Market.
3. Open the app and find the desired network.

Alternative: Connect to the router via 192.168.1.1 (as in section 5).

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

No, it's illegal. All methods in this article are for your own networksto which the device is already connected. Unauthorized access to other networks:

• Violates Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (up to 7 years imprisonment).
• May result in your device's MAC address being blocked.
• Modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U) detect hacking attempts and automatically change the password.

How to save your Wi-Fi password so you don't forget it?

Recommendations:

• 📝 Use password managers (Bitwarden, 1Password) - they support Wi-Fi data storage.
• 📱 Take a photo of the network QR code (from section 2) and save the photo in a secure folder.
• 🖨️ Print a sticker with the password and attach it to the router (if it is in a safe place).
• ☁️ Save your password in Google Keep tagged #WiFi for quick search.