It's a common situation when you need to connect a new gadget to a wireless network, but the password is long forgotten or written down in a notebook that can't be found. Fortunately, modern smartphones based on Android Often store data about previously connected networks in their memory. If your device has already been authorized to a specific access point, retrieving saved credentials becomes a very real task. Previously, this required complex manipulations with superuser rights, but in recent versions of the operating system, Google has significantly simplified this process for regular users.
However, methods for restoring access may vary significantly depending on the firmware version and the manufacturer's shell. Android 10 and newer versions have built-in functionality for secure data exchange via QR codes, which hides the text password itself but makes it easy to read. In older versions, such as Android 9 Pie or Android 8 OreoThe situation is more complex and often requires third-party software or root access. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods, from built-in system tools to specialized utilities, so you can restore network access in any situation.
It's important to understand that data security is a priority for Google, so the direct display of passwords in clear text has been hidden from users for a long time. Direct viewing of a text password without root access is only possible in Android 10 and later versions through the sharing feature. If you're trying to do this on a very old device, be prepared for the fact that standard tools won't work. Below, we'll cover step-by-step instructions for different scenarios.
Using the built-in QR code feature on Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version of the operating system, Google engineers implemented a convenient mechanism for quickly connecting guests. This mechanism also allows the device owner to view the saved password. You don't need to install any additional apps or have programming skills. Simply go to the Wi-Fi settings and select the desired network from the list of saved networks.
After selecting a network, the system will prompt you to share access. A screen will appear QR code, containing encrypted information about the network name (SSID) and security key. Under this code, depending on the smartphone model (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel), the text password may be displayed immediately. If the text is hidden by asterisks, the code can still be scanned with any QR code scanner, and it will give you the access string in clear text.
⚠️ Attention: On some custom skins (such as older versions of MIUI or EMUI), the text password below the QR code may not be displayed immediately. In this case, take a screenshot of the code and open it with Google Lens or any third-party QR scanner to view the text string.
The process is as follows: first, open the settings menu, then go to the wireless networks section. There, select the desired access point. The system will ask you to verify your identity via biometrics (fingerprint or Face ID) or a screen unlock PIN. This is a standard security measure to prevent password theft if your phone falls into the wrong hands.
☑️ Check your password before viewing it
View passwords on Android 12 and Android 13 without third-party apps
In more recent versions of the mobile operating system, such as Android 12 And Android 13, the interface has become even more user-friendly. Google is gradually moving away from hiding passwords, allowing users to see them directly in the settings menu after authentication. This is especially relevant for owners of smartphones Pixel and devices with "pure" Android.
To find the required code, you need to follow the path Settings → Network & Internet → InternetThis section displays a list of all networks the device has ever connected to. A gear icon or a "Share" button often appears next to an active or previously saved network. Tapping it reveals the same QR code, but now the password itself is often written in plain text underneath.
If there is no text display, you can use the "Share" function via messengers. By sending the network card to yourself Telegram or WhatsApp, you'll receive a message that may sometimes (depending on the OS and app version) specify the password explicitly or as a command link. However, the most secure method is to scan the QR code with a second device.
It is worth noting that on devices with a strong interface modification, for example, from the company Samsung With the One UI shell, the path may be slightly different. Here you often need to go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi, click the gear icon next to the network name, and select the "QR code" button at the bottom of the screen. After verifying your identity, the password may be displayed below the image.
How to find out the password on Android 9 and earlier versions
For owners of devices running on the platform Android 9 Pie and earlier versions, you will have to deal with security restrictions. In these OS versions, access to Wi-Fi configuration files (wpa_supplicant.conf) is closed to regular applications. Without obtaining superuser rights (Root) It is almost impossible to view the saved password using standard tools.
However, if you have access to a computer and USB debugging is enabled, you can try to get information through ADB (Android Debug Bridge)This is a developer tool that allows you to issue commands to your phone from a PC. To do this, connect your smartphone with a cable, open the command prompt on your computer, and enter a special command to display the contents of a system file.
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confIn the text that opens, you need to find the block network, corresponding to your network, and look at the value of the field pskThis string is your password. However, remember that on modern devices without root access, this command will return an access error. There are also apps that require a USB connection and use ADB commands automatically, without requiring root access, but their functionality depends on the specific phone model.
⚠️ Attention: Rooting (jailbreaking) will void your device's warranty and may result in system instability or data loss. Only attempt this if you fully understand the risks and have a backup of your important files.
Using file managers with root access
If your device already has root access, then extracting the password becomes trivial. Any file manager app with root access support, for example, Root Explorer, Solid Explorer or MT Manager, will allow you to look into system folders. You will need to navigate to the root directory using the path /data/misc/wifi/.
There is a file in this folder wpa_supplicant.confOpening it as a text document will show you a list of all the networks the phone has connected to. The entry format looks like a set of parameters: ssid (network name) and psk (password). Meaning psk and the security key you're looking for. This method works on all rooted Android versions, regardless of the year of release.
Besides text files, there are specialized applications such as WiFi Password ViewerThey automatically read this configuration file and display the data in a convenient table format. The user doesn't need to dig into the code; they simply open the app and find the desired network name in the list.
What to do if the wpa_supplicant.conf file is empty?
If the file is empty or doesn't contain your networks, your device may be using a new key storage mechanism (Hardware Keystore) or you may be looking in the wrong folder. Some new Qualcomm chips store passwords in binary format and are unreadable in plain text, even with root access.
Specialized applications for password recovery
In the store Google Play There are many utilities available that promise to reveal saved passwords. Most of them, such as WiFi Key Recovery or WiFi Password Viewer, all operate on the same principle: they request root access and read the system configuration file. Without root access, these apps are useless and only display ads.
There are also apps that don't require root access but work by creating a local hotspot or using accessibility features. However, their effectiveness on modern Android versions is extremely limited due to strict security restrictions. Google is consistently closing the loopholes that these apps exploited. Therefore, relying on "magic" apps without root access on Android 10+ isn't recommended—it's better to use the built-in QR code.
When choosing an app, pay attention to the permissions it requests. If a simple password viewer requires access to contacts, microphone, or geolocation, that's a red flag. It's safer to use proven open-source tools or rely on system functions.
Below is a table comparing password recovery methods depending on the conditions:
| Method | Root is required | Android version | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code (system) | No | 10+ | Low |
| F |