A situation when you urgently need to connect a new gadget to the network, but the password Wi-Fi A completely forgotten problem, it's familiar to many users. Previously, this would have been a serious problem, requiring resetting the router or searching for a sticker on the device's body, but modern mobile operating systems offer convenient tools for network management. Smartphone owners often wonder how to view the Wi-Fi password on Android without resorting to complex technical manipulations.
The answer depends on the version of the operating system installed on your smartphoneStarting with Android 10, Google has implemented a native feature for displaying a QR code containing encrypted login information. However, on older versions or in specific cases, alternative methods may be required. We'll cover all current methods, from standard settings to using the console.
It's important to understand that data security remains a priority, so the system restricts direct viewing of text passwords without additional authorization. However, workarounds exist and are legal if you own the device. Below, we'll detail the steps for various scenarios.
Using a QR code on Android 10 and later
The easiest and fastest way to find out the access key is available on most modern devices. If your smartphone runs under control Android 10 or later, the feature is built right into the settings interface. You don't need to install third-party software or gain superuser privileges.
To get started, open the settings and go to the section Connections or Network and Internet. Select an item Wi-Fi, where a list of available networks will appear. Click the gear icon next to the name of the network you're currently connected to or one you've previously saved.
On the network settings screen, find the button QR code or ShareAfter clicking, the system will ask you to confirm your identity using PIN code, fingerprint, or facial recognition. This is a security measure that ensures that only the device owner has access to the password.
- 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings on the connected device.
- 🔍 Click on the name of the active network or the gear icon.
- 📸 Select the "QR code" or "Share" option.
- 🔐 Complete biometric or digital authentication.
After successful authorization, a QR code will appear on the screen. Below it, often (but not always), is the password itself, written in small print. If there's no text below the code, don't despair—the data is encrypted within the image.
⚠️ Attention: Don't take a screenshot of the QR code or send it to strangers. Anyone who scans the code will be able to connect to your network without your knowledge.
If the password isn't written in plain text under the image, use a second smartphone with a camera and QR code scanning capabilities (often built into the camera app or Google Lens). Point the camera at the code, and a connection string will appear in a notification or pop-up window, showing the password in clear text after the prefix. P:.
View saved networks in Android 12 and later
In newer versions of the operating system, starting with Android 12The interface has become even more user-friendly. Google now allows users to see passwords for all previously saved networks, not just the one the device is currently connected to. This significantly simplifies the process if you need to connect a new device and your current phone has forgotten the details.
Go to Settings → Network and Internet → InternetHere you'll see a list of networks. Click the gear icon next to any saved network. In the menu that opens, select the option Show password (eye icon). The system will ask you to confirm your identity again.
This feature works reliably on stock Android and most skins from Samsung, Motorola, and Nokia. However, manufacturers may implement the interface differently. For example, in OneUI The path from Samsung may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same: network settings → view button.
The key here is to have a working screen lock method. If your phone doesn't have one installed PIN code or a graphic key, the system will not allow you to view saved data, as it will not be able to verify the user.
| Android version | Access to the current network | Access to other networks | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 13+ | Yes (in text) | Yes (in text) | Biometrics/PIN |
| Android 12 | Yes (in text) | Yes (in text) | Biometrics/PIN |
| Android 10-11 | QR code | QR code only | Biometrics/PIN |
| Android 9 and below | No (Root required) | No (Root required) | Root rights |
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may vary depending on your smartphone model. If you can't find the "Show Password" button, try searching for "Wi-Fi" in the settings.
Using Google Chrome for syncing
If your smartphone is running an older version of Android or the QR code method is unavailable for some reason, you can use the Google ecosystem. Browser Google Chrome has a built-in password manager that syncs data between devices if you're logged into the same account.
This method works if you've ever connected to this Wi-Fi network from another device (such as a laptop or tablet) that has password syncing enabled with your Google account. The password may also have been saved automatically the first time you logged in.
Open the Chrome browser on any device where your account is available, or use the web version on your computer. Follow the path Settings → Autofill → Password managerIn the search list, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
- 🌐 Open Google Chrome settings.
- 🔑 Go to the "Password Manager" section.
- 🔎 Enter the name of the Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
- 👁️ Click on the eye icon to view the password.
The system will ask you to enter your Google account password or complete biometric verification. You'll then see your login (usually the network name) and password in plain text. You can copy it and enter it manually in your phone's settings.
This method is especially convenient if your smartphone's screen is broken or the touchscreen isn't working properly, and you can't use the standard Android interface. The main thing is to remember your Google account password.
What should I do if my password hasn't synced?
If you don't see your password in the manager, check the sync settings on the device from which the password was saved. Make sure "Passwords" is enabled in the "Sync" section of your Google account.
Third-party applications and file managers
For devices running Android versions earlier than 10, built-in tools often don't allow you to view passwords in plain text. In such cases, users turn to third-party software. However, caution is advised: many apps on the Play Market that promise to "hack" or "reveal" passwords are simply scams.
Only those applications that have access to system configuration files actually work. Without Root rights (superuser rights) prevents any application from reading the file where the encryption keys are stored. If you don't have root access, such programs are useless.
If you have superuser rights, you can use file managers with access to the root directory, for example, Root Explorer or ES File Explorer (with caution). You need to follow this path: /data/misc/wifi/.
There is a file in this folder wpa_supplicant.confOpen it as a text file. Inside, you'll find a list of all networks the phone has ever connected to, in the following format:
network={ssid="Name_WiFi"
psk="Password123"
}
Here ssid — this is the name of the network, and psk — and that's the password you're looking for. Be careful when editing this file: any syntax error could prevent your phone from detecting the Wi-Fi module or connecting to any network.
⚠️ Attention: Rooting your device will void your warranty and may interfere with your banking apps. Only do this if you fully understand the risks.
☑️ Check before rooting
Login to the router's web interface
If mobile methods fail, there's always the "classic" option: the router's settings. The Wi-Fi password is stored in the router's configuration, and you can change or view it through a browser.
To do this, your phone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network (even if there is no internet) or connected to the router via a LAN cable (using an OTG adapter). Open your browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
The system will ask for a login and password to access the admin panel. By default, this is often admin/admin or admin/password, if you haven't changed them previously. This information may also be found on a sticker on the bottom of the router.
After authorization, find the section Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless networkIn the subsection Wireless Security or Wireless security there will be a field Wireless Password, PSK Password or Security keyThere, the password is displayed in plain text or hidden by asterisks, which can be removed by checking the "Show Password" box.
Router interfaces from different manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link, Keenetic) look different, but the logic is the same. Look for tabs related to wireless connections. If the password is changed in the interface, all devices will need to be reconnected.
ADB Command Line for Advanced Users
For those who do not want to obtain Root rights, but have skills in working with a PC, there is a method using USB debugging and a utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method works on many devices with debugging enabled and allows you to extract the configuration file without root privileges, if the Android version allows it (usually up to Android 10-11; in newer versions, access to wpa_supplicant files is blocked even for ADB without root).
You will need a computer, a USB cable, and installed ADB drivers. On your phone, in the menu For developers needs to be activated USB debuggingConnect your phone to your PC and enable debugging on your smartphone's screen.
Launch the command prompt on your computer and enter the command to access the shell interface:
adb shellNext, try navigating to the config directory. If your permissions allow, use the command:
cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confIf the command returns the contents of the file, you'll see a list of networks and passwords, as with root access. If the response is Permission denied, this means that your Android version or firmware blocks this access, and the method will not work without Root.
Why can't ADB see the file?
In modern versions of Android (12+), access to system partitions via ADB is restricted by SELinux security policies. Without root access, it will likely be impossible to read this file via ADB.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if I have never connected to this network from this phone?
No, this is impossible. The phone physically cannot know the password unless it has been previously entered and stored in memory. To connect to a new network, you must know the password in advance or obtain it from the router owner.
Is it safe to use Wi-Fi hacking apps from the Play Store?
Most of these apps either don't work or are malicious. They can steal your personal data, display aggressive ads, or use your phone for mining. Use only proven methods and official system settings.
What should I do if I forgot my router admin panel password?
If the default admin/admin passwords aren't working and you've changed them but forgotten, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings (use the Reset button on the router). After doing this, the password will return to the one on the sticker, but you'll need to re-enter all internet settings.
Does the QR code method work on all phones?
The QR code generation feature for Wi-Fi was introduced in Android 10. On older versions (Android 9 and below), this feature is not included in the standard interface and requires third-party solutions or root access.