It's common to need to connect a new device to a network but forget the password. It often happens that a smartphone has been successfully connected to the internet for a long time, but it's impossible to remember the password for a TV or laptop. Fortunately, modern operating systems allow not only automatic connections to known networks, but also view saved access keys right in the settings.
Depending on the operating system version and the model of your gadget, the process of obtaining this information may vary significantly. If you are the owner Android 10 or newer, and also the user iOS 16 For Android devices running iOS 11 and above, the process is extremely simplified and doesn't require root access or jailbreaking. However, for older software versions, you'll need to resort to more complex methods, including using special commands or third-party software.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all current password extraction methods. We'll cover the system's built-in tools, working with QR codes, and specific methods for advanced users. Please note: Viewing passwords on older versions of Android (below 10) most often requires superuser (Root) rights. Without these rights, access to the system file where the keys are stored will be closed.
View your Wi-Fi password on Android 10, 11, 12, and later
Starting with the tenth version of the operating system Google We've implemented a native feature that allows you to share network access via a QR code. This feature also allows you to view the password in plain text. You don't need to install any additional apps or obtain extended file system permissions.
To get started, open your device's settings and navigate to the wireless connections section. Depending on the operating system (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS), this section may have different names, but it's usually Settings → Wi-Fi or Connections → Wi-FiFind the network you're currently connected to, or select one from the list of saved ones.
Click the gear icon next to the network name or simply tap on the name. On the screen that opens, find the button Share or a QR code icon. The system will ask you to verify your identity using your fingerprint, Face ID, or screen unlock PIN. Once successfully authenticated, a QR code will appear on the screen.
- 🔑 The plaintext password is often displayed immediately below the QR code image.
- 📱 If there is no text, take a screenshot of the screen with the code.
- 👁️ Open the screenshot using Google Lens or any QR code scanner.
- 📝 The scan results will contain a line like this
WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;, where P is your password.
This method is the most secure and stable. It works on the vast majority of modern smartphones, including Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi, Poco and devices with clean AndroidThe interface may differ slightly, but the logic of actions remains the same throughout the ecosystem.
How to find the password on an iPhone (iOS 16 and later)
Product users Apple For a long time, it was impossible to view saved Wi-Fi passwords directly on the device. The situation changed dramatically with the release of iOS 16This feature is now built into the system and is accessible without any complicated manipulations.
To find the required key, open the standard application Settings and select a section Wi-Fi. In the upper right corner of the screen, find the button Editing (or simply tap the "i" information icon next to the desired network in older interfaces). This will open a list of all networks your phone has ever connected to.
Find the desired network in the list and click the information icon next to it. In the field Password The characters will be hidden by dots. Simply tap this field. The system will ask you to complete biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) or enter your device passcode. After confirmation, the password will be displayed in plain text, and you can copy it.
⚠️ Attention: The password viewing feature is not available on iPhones and iPads running iOS 15 and earlier. In these cases, the only native option is to sync with a Mac via iCloud Keychain or use another Apple device running the latest OS.
It's important to note that this feature only works if the device is unlocked and has passed security verification. This is to protect your data in the event of a lost phone. Passwords may also not be displayed if they were saved through a corporate mobile device management (MDM) profile.
Methods for older Android versions (with and without root)
If your smartphone is running Android 9 Pie or an older version, you won't be able to view the password using standard tools. The Android security system strictly limits app access to the file. wpa_supplicant.conf, where all the keys are stored. However, there are workarounds.
The first method doesn't require root privileges, but it does require another device (a laptop or a second phone) already connected to the network, or using Google Lens. You can generate a QR code on the router (if you have access to its web interface) or on another modern phone, and then scan it with the old device to connect, although you won't see the password in the text.
The second method is relevant only for advanced users who have received Root rightsIf your phone is rooted, you can use a file manager with access to system partitions (for example, Root Explorer or RE Manager). You need to follow the path /data/misc/wifi/ and open the file wpa_supplicant.conf any text editor.
| Parameter | Without root rights | With root rights |
|---|---|---|
| File access | Prohibited | Full access |
| Complexity | Low (QR only) | High (risk of breakage) |
| Security | High | Average (depending on the user) |
| Applicability | All devices | Only modified ones |
Using third-party apps from the Play Market that promise to reveal passwords without rooting is, in most cases, a marketing ploy. They either display a QR code (which can be generated using native tools on newer Android devices) or require a USB debugging connection to a computer to run scripts.
What are Root rights?
Root (superuser) privileges are the equivalent of administrator privileges in Windows. Obtaining them grants complete control over the system, but voids the device's warranty and can cause instability if system files are deleted.
Using ADB to View Passwords Without Root
There is a more complex but effective method to extract the password from a device based on Android Without gaining superuser privileges, provided USB debugging is enabled. This method requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge.
The essence of the method is to use the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge)You need to connect your phone to the PC via a cable, enable debugging on the smartphone screen, and run a special command that will attempt to copy the system Wi-Fi configuration file to a temporary, readable folder.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 💻 Install ADB drivers on your computer and connect your smartphone.
- 🔌 Enable USB debugging in the developer menu (
Settings → About phone → 7 times by build number). - ⌨️ Open a command prompt in the ADB folder and enter the command to backup your Wi-Fi settings.
- 📂 Unzip the resulting file and find a text document with keys inside.
adb backup -f wifi.ab -noapk com.android.providers.settingsadb pull wifi.ab
python ab_extractor.py wifi.ab
notepad wifi.tar
It's worth noting that Google has patched many vulnerabilities exploited by older ADB scripts on modern Android versions (especially 12 and above). Therefore, this method may not work on newer smartphones without additional data backup or specific security settings.
⚠️ Attention: Using ADB requires caution. Incorrect commands can lead to data deletion or system instability. Always verify commands with official sources or verified guides.
☑️ Preparing to use ADB
Viewing the password through the router's web interface
If you don't have another connected device handy, but have access to the router's settings, you can find the password there. This method is universal and doesn't depend on your phone's operating system version. The main thing is to know the control panel login address and the administrator username/password.
Open a browser on your phone and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address, as well as login/password information, are usually indicated on a sticker on the bottom or back of the router.
After logging in, you need to find the section related to wireless network. It may be called Wireless, Wi-Fi, WLAN or Wireless mode. Within this section, look for the subsection Wireless Security or Wireless securityThere in the field PSK Password, WPA Key or Password Your combination will be indicated.
If the field is covered with asterisks, try to find a check mark next to it. Show Password (Show password). If this option isn't checked, you can simply enter a new password, save the settings, and all devices will need to be reconnected with the new key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When restoring access, users often encounter technical nuances that aren't covered in standard instructions. Below are answers to the most common questions to help solve related problems.
Is it possible to view the password if the phone is not connected to the network?
Yes, on Android 10+ and iOS 16+, you can view the password for any previously saved network, even if you're not currently connected to it and are far from the router. Just go to the list of saved networks in Wi-Fi settings.
What to do if the QR code is unreadable?
Make sure the screen isn't cracked in the code area, the brightness is set to maximum, and the camera lens is clean. If scanning fails, try taking a screenshot and opening it using Google Photos or Google Lens, which often performs better than the live camera.
Are Wi-Fi hacking apps safe to use?
This is strongly discouraged. Most such apps contain malicious code that steals your personal data, including banking app passwords. Use only built-in system tools or official utilities from router manufacturers.
Why isn't my corporate network password displayed on my iPhone?
Corporate networks often use security certificates and configuration profiles that don't store cleartext passwords in iCloud Keychain. Connecting to such networks typically requires entering domain credentials or installing a special profile.