Forgetting to set a password for the modem mode will instantly block the connection of a laptop or tablet, since without the exact combination of characters, the second device will not be able to access the network, despite the activated sharing.
Fortunately, modern operating systems allow you not only to create access points but also to manage their settings, including viewing the security key. The process of recovering a forgotten password does not require No complex technical knowledge or installation of malware is required. All the necessary tools are already built into the smartphone interface.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to find your hotspot password on Android and iOS devices. We'll cover the standard methods available to every user, as well as the technical nuances of the WPA2 and WPA3 security protocols.
It's worth noting that menu interfaces may differ depending on the manufacturer of your gadget. Companies like Samsung, Xiaomi or Pixel often add their own shells on top of the standard one Android, which affects the button layout. However, the system's operating logic remains the same across all versions.
Where to find hotspot settings on Android
Finding internet tethering settings starts with your smartphone's main menu. In most cases, the path to the desired section is through the standard system "Settings." You'll need to find the section related to network connections, usually called "Connections," "Network & Internet," or "Wireless Networks."
After entering the network settings, you need to find the "Wi-Fi hotspot" or "Tethering" option. This is where all the settings for the network you're creating are located. If you've previously set up a hotspot, the system may have saved your preferences, including the network name (SSID) and encryption method.
⚠️ Note: On some smartphone models with heavily modified shells (for example, older versions of MIUI or EMUI), the menu may be hidden in the "Additional" or "More" subsection.
The settings interface may change with the release of new operating system versions. The interfaces of Android 12, 13, and 14 have differences in the grouping of menu items. It is recommended to consult the official user manual for your specific model if the standard approach doesn't work.
It is important to understand that you do not need to change or view your password. root rightsStandard user access is sufficient to perform these operations. Android's security system allows the device owner to manage their access points without restrictions.
View your password on Android 10 and later
Starting with version 10 of Google's mobile operating system, the password viewing process has become as simplified and visual as possible. You no longer need to search for hidden text files or use the command line. Everything is done through the graphical settings interface.
To get started, go to the "Wi-Fi Hotspot" menu and click on your network name or the "Configure" button. A window will open displaying the basic settings: network name, frequency range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), and, most importantly, the "Password" field.
There's usually an eye-shaped icon next to the password entry field. Clicking on this interface element makes the hidden characters visible. This is a standard mechanism. authentication, which allows you to verify that the entered combination is correct before saving.
- 📱 Click on “Configure access point” in the corresponding menu.
- 👁️ Tap the eye icon in the password field to see the characters.
- 📝 Copy or write down the displayed character combination.
- ✅ Click "Save" if you made any changes, or simply close the window.
If the eye icon is missing, try tapping the input field itself. On some devices, the password is displayed immediately when you focus on the input field. It's also worth checking if "Show password" is checked in the advanced screen settings.
Interface features on different Android operating systems
Electronics manufacturers often modify the default Android interface, adding their own proprietary features and rearranging elements. This includes the Internet tethering menu. Understanding these differences will help you quickly find the right option on your specific device.
On smartphones Samsung With One UI, the path might look like "Connections" → "Mobile Hotspot." This often involves a horizontal menu with tabs, then selecting "Settings." Unlike stock Android, biometric or PIN confirmation may be required.
Devices Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS) often hide settings deeper. The path might be: "Settings" → "Connection and Sharing" → "Wi-Fi Hotspot." At the bottom of the screen, there's often a separate "Set up hotspot" button that opens the full menu of options.
| Brand / Shell | Path to settings | Peculiarity |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Connections → Mobile Hotspot | Identity verification required |
| Xiaomi (MIUI) | Connect and share → Access point | Separate configuration button |
| Google Pixel | Network and Internet → Access Point | Standard Android interface |
| Huawei (EMUI) | Wireless Networks → Tethering | Combined menu with USB modem |
For owners of devices of other brands, such as Realme, Oppo or Motorola, it's worth looking for section names that are similar in meaning. The naming logic remains conservative: the words "Wi-Fi," "Hotspot," "Modem," or "Point" are key search terms.
What if the menu is in Chinese?
If you bought a smartphone on a global market but the interface is still Chinese, look for the characters corresponding to the word "Network" (usually a fan-shaped icon) or use the on-screen translator. Changing the system language to English in the "Language & Input" menu often helps.
Is it possible to find out the password on an iPhone (iOS)?
In the ecosystem Apple The approach to security is built differently than in the Android world. Users often ask: how do I view my own hotspot password on an iPhone? The answer may seem surprising: you can view or change the tethering password using iOS's built-in tools. impossible.
The system generates a random security key the first time you enable tethering and securely encrypts it. In the settings menu, you can only enable or disable the "tethering" feature, but the password field is hidden from the user. This is to prevent unauthorized changes to security settings.
⚠️ Warning: Apps from the App Store that promise to reveal Wi-Fi or hotspot passwords on an iPhone without jailbreaking are scams. They do not have access to iOS system security keys.
The only legal way to change or "find out" (effectively, set a new one) the iPhone password is to reset the network settings. This will return all network settings, including the hotspot password, to factory defaults. After the reset, the system will generate a new random password, which will be visible in the menu.
To reset your iPhone, go to Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings. Please note that this will also delete saved passwords for other Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth settings.
☑️ Preparing for a network reset
Alternative ways to connect without entering a password
If the goal isn't to learn a password, but rather to quickly connect to another device, there are more modern and convenient methods. They avoid manually entering complex character combinations and use near-field technology for authorization.
One of the most popular methods is the use of QR codeIn the Android hotspot settings (usually just below the password field or in the "Share" menu), there's a button to generate a QR code. By scanning it with another smartphone's camera, a guest can instantly connect to your network without entering a key.
Apple devices have a "Passwords" feature. If you're trying to share internet from your iPhone to another iPhone or iPad in your contacts, you don't need to enter a password. Simply bring the devices close together, and a sharing option will appear on the screen.
- 📷 Scan the QR code on the dispenser screen with your phone camera.
- 🍏 Use the "Share Password" feature between Apple devices.
- 🔗 Connect via USB cable for stable wired internet.
- 📡 Use Bluetooth modem to save battery power.
A wired connection via USB cable is often overlooked by users, despite providing the best speed and connection stability. In this case, a password is not required at all, as authentication occurs at the hardware connection level between devices.
Security issues and recommendations for protection
By sharing the internet, you create a local network where access is controlled by a password. Using weak passwords or manufacturer-set defaults makes your network vulnerable to attacksAn attacker can not only use your traffic but also try to intercept transmitted data.
It's recommended to change your hotspot password regularly, especially if you use the hotspot feature in public places. A strong password should contain mixed-case letters, numbers, and special characters. The key should be at least 8 characters long, and 12 or more is ideal.
It's also worth paying attention to the encryption standard. Modern devices support WPA3, which provides better protection against brute-force attacks than the outdated WPA2. If your device allows you to select the security type in the access point settings, select WPA3-Personal.
⚠️ Caution: Do not use public hotspots labeled "Free Wi-Fi" without a password to transmit confidential information. Always enable visibility mode for trusted devices only, if available.
Monitor the number of connected devices. The access point menu usually displays a list of clients. If you see an unfamiliar device there, change the password immediately and disconnect it. This is a sign that your network has been hacked.
What is WPA3 and why is it better?
WPA3 is the latest Wi-Fi security standard. It uses stronger encryption and protects against attacks even when an attacker knows the password but attempts to intercept the handshake when a new device connects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to see the password for the Wi-Fi I'm connected to, not the one I'm sharing?
Yes, on Android 10 and newer, you can do this in the Wi-Fi settings by tapping the gear icon next to the network name and selecting "Share" or "QR Code." On iPhone, you can only view saved passwords through iCloud Keychain on a Mac or iPad, not in the phone's settings.
Why can't my laptop see the access point from my phone?
Most often, the problem lies in the frequency range. If your phone's Wi-Fi is broadcasting on the 5 GHz band, but your laptop's network card only supports 2.4 GHz, the network won't appear in the list. Try changing the frequency range to 2.4 GHz in the access point settings.
How many devices can connect to the hotspot at the same time?
Modern smartphones typically allow for 5 to 10 simultaneous connections. The exact number depends on the phone model, operating system version, and processor load. If the limit is exceeded, new devices will be blocked. authentication.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect mobile internet speed?
Yes, the speed is shared among all connected devices. Furthermore, the process of creating a hotspot itself places additional strain on the phone's radio module, which can lead to a reduction in overall channel throughput and rapid battery drain.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if my phone has a data limit?
Yes, technically, data sharing is possible, but the system may warn you about data usage. If you've set a limit in the settings ("Data Saver"), once it's reached, the internet may stop working or only work for system apps, blocking data sharing.