It's a common situation to need to connect a new device to your home network, but you've forgotten the password and only have a smartphone handy, which is already connected to the router. Fortunately, modern operating systems provide tools for viewing saved access keys, although this functionality is often hidden from the average user. Restoring access It's possible without using complex hacking utilities if you know where to look for the desired numbers and symbols.
The procedure for extracting the security key directly depends on the operating system version installed on your mobile device. Owners of devices based on Android 10 and newer versions are in a more advantageous position, as Google has built-in a native QR code generator that instantly generates a text version of the password. On older versions of the system, things are more complicated, requiring either root rights, or access to the router's web interface.
It's important to understand that wireless network security is built on the confidentiality of this data. Therefore, by default, the operating system hides password characters with asterisks or periods to prevent accidental viewing by third parties. The text version of the password is displayed only after successful biometric authorization or entering the screen unlock PIN. This is an additional barrier that confirms that only the owner of the device has access to the network settings.
Built-in tools of Android 10 and later
Starting with Android 10, Google introduced a convenient mechanism for sharing Wi-Fi networks via QR codes. This tool was designed to quickly connect guests, but it also became a lifesaver for those who forgot their password. It works simply: the system generates an image containing encrypted network data, including the SSID and security key in plaintext.
To access this feature, you need to go to the wireless settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (for example, MIUI, OneUI or ColorOS), but the logic remains the same. You'll need to find an active connection and initiate the process of generating a code to connect another device.
- 📱 Open
Settingsand go to the sectionWi-FiorConnections. - 🔗 Click on the gear icon or the name of the network you are currently connected to.
- 📡 Select an option
ShareorQR code(usually located at the bottom of the screen). - 👁️ Verify your face, fingerprint, or pattern.
After successful identification, a QR code will appear on the screen. The password itself is usually written in small print underneath it. If the text isn't immediately visible, you can take a screenshot and open it in Google Lens or any other QR code scanner capable of reading image data. This will yield a text string that can be copied.
Using Google Password Manager
Another secure method that users often overlook is syncing passwords via a Google account. Starting with Android 10, the system automatically stores Wi-Fi network access keys in Google's secure password vault. This allows you to not only sync data between devices but also access it at any time.
This storage is accessible through system settings or the Chrome browser. It contains all your saved logins and passwords, including wireless network keys. The main requirement is that syncing with your Google account must be enabled on your device.
To find the key you need, follow these steps:
- Go to
Settingssmartphone. - Find the section
Googleand selectAutofill. - Go to
Google Autocompleteand pressGoogle Password Manager. - Find the name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID) in the list.
After clicking on the network name, the system will again ask for identity verification. A data card will then open, with hidden text in the "Password" field. Clicking the eye icon will reveal the character combination. This method is convenient because it allows you to access passwords even for networks you're not currently connected to, as long as they were previously saved.
⚠️ Note: If you changed the password on your router but haven't updated it on your phone, your password manager may display an old, outdated password. Always double-check your password when changing security settings.
Methods for Android 9 and older versions
On devices released before 2019 and running Android 9 Pie and earlier, the situation is radically different. The security system of these operating systems prevented apps and users from viewing saved passwords in plaintext without root access. The file that stores network data (wpa_supplicant.conf), is readable only by the system.
There are two main ways to solve the problem on such devices. The first is to get root rightsThis provides full access to the file system, allowing the configuration file to be read directly. However, this method comes with risks: it voids the warranty, can brick the device if done incorrectly, and reduces the overall security of the smartphone.
The second, more secure and recommended method is accessing via the router's web interface. If your smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi, it's on the same local network as the router. This allows you to open the router's settings page in a browser and change the password there. To do this, you'll need the gateway IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and the router administrator login and password.
What are root rights and is it worth getting them?
Root (Superuser) privileges are similar to administrator privileges in Windows. Gaining full access allows you to modify system files, remove built-in apps, and, in our case, read Wi-Fi configuration files. However, this voids the warranty and may make the device vulnerable to viruses. For a one-time password review, it's best to use a PC or the router's web interface.
Viewing via the router's web interface
This method is universal and works on any version of Android, iOS, and even on feature phones with a browser. The trick is to access the "brains" of your router. Since you're already connected to the network, your phone acts as a client, accessing the device's local management page.
First, you need to find the gateway IP address. On Android, you can do this by going to Wi-Fi settings, tapping on the connected network, and finding the "Gateway" or "Router" field. On iOS, this information is in the "Wi-Fi" section; tap the blue icon. (i) next to the network name and find the line "Router".
Enter the received IP address into the address bar of any browser (Chrome, Safari, Yandex). This will open the router's login page. You'll need your username and password. If you haven't changed them, they're located on a sticker on the bottom of the router (often it's "admin/admin"). After logging in, find the section related to wireless networking.
| Router brand | Typical address | Settings section | Password field |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless -> Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | Wireless Network -> General | Authentication Method / Key |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wi-Fi -> Security Settings | PSK encryption key |
| Keenetic | my.keenetic.net | My Networks and Wi-Fi -> Home Network | Wi-Fi network password |
Once you find the corresponding field, you'll be able to see your current password. In some interfaces, it's hidden behind dots, but there's often a "Show password" checkbox or an eye icon next to it. If there's no such option, you can simply enter a new password, remember it, and save the settings. The device will reconnect automatically.
☑️ Check before logging into the router
Using the ADB Command Line (Advanced)
For users who don't want to root but are comfortable using a computer, there's a debugging method via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to extract the system password file if USB debugging is enabled on the phone. This method works on most devices, but requires a PC with the platform SDK installed.
The method involves executing a command that copies the contents of the system Wi-Fi configuration file to the phone's memory and then displays it on the computer screen. This is possible because the shell process (which is ADB) often has higher file read access rights than regular applications.
The sequence of actions is as follows:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf c:/wpa.confOr, to output directly to the console:
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confIn the text file that opens, you need to find the block network, corresponding to your SSID, and see the value of the parameter pskThis is your password. It's worth noting that on modern Android versions (especially with 2020+ security patches), access to this file via ADB without root may be blocked, so this method isn't 100% guaranteed.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and system file paths may change with firmware updates. If the default paths don't work, please consult the documentation for your device manufacturer or router model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone without jailbreaking?
On iOS 16 and later, you can now view your passwords. Go to Settings -> Wi-Fi, click on the icon (i) next to the network and tap the hidden "Password" field. The system will ask you to verify your face (FaceID) or finger (TouchID), after which it will display a code. On older iOS devices, this is only possible via iCloud Keychain on a Mac or Windows PC.
Is it safe to use Wi-Fi hacking apps from the Play Store?
Most of these apps (WiFi Password Viewer and similar apps) either don't work without root access or are just adware. They can't bypass Android's system protections. Furthermore, installing questionable software can lead to the theft of your personal data. It's better to use the system's built-in tools.
What should I do if I changed the password on my router, but my phone won't connect?
You need to "forget" the network on your phone. Go to Wi-Fi settings, select your network, and tap "Delete" or "Forget." Then try connecting again using a new password. Old access keys may conflict with the new security settings.
Where is the Wi-Fi password file stored on Android?
The system file containing the wireless network configuration is usually located at /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confFor security reasons, access to this directory without superuser (root) rights is blocked for regular applications and file managers.