How to view the password for a connected Wi-Fi network on Android: all working methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or do you need to share your network with a guest, but don't have time to fiddle with the router settings? On your Android smartphone, you can quickly retrieve saved passwords for your current or previously connected networks—and it doesn't always require root privileges.root).

In this article we will analyze all current methods Viewing Wi-Fi password on Android: from standard system tools to hidden manufacturer functions (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei etc.). We'll also explain why some methods no longer work in newer OS versions and how to bypass these limitations. Important: Some instructions may vary by version. Android and shells - if your method didn't work, check out alternative options.

1. The standard method through Android settings (without ROOT)

IN Android 10 Google added a built-in feature for viewing passwords for saved networks—but with some caveats. First, it doesn't work on all devices (depending on the manufacturer). Second, it requires confirmation. pattern, PIN code or fingerprint.

How to check:

• 📱 Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Find the desired network in the list and tap on its name.
• 🔑 Select an item Share (or Share (on English firmware).
• 🔐 Confirm screen unlock (PIN, pattern, biometrics).

After this the system will show QR code for quick connection and the password itself in text form. If the item Share No - your manufacturer has disabled this feature (see the section on proprietary shells below).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (eg. Samsung With One UI) after pressing Share The password is displayed only as a QR code. To view the text version, click on the QR code itself—a pop-up window with the password will appear.

2. Proprietary shells: instructions for Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei

Manufacturers often modify the standard Android, adding or removing features. Let's look at how to view Wi-Fi passwords on popular brands.

2.1. Samsung (One UI)

On smartphones Samsung With One UI 3.1 and the new password is displayed through the menu Share, but there's a catch: after generating the QR code, you need to tap on it to see the text version. On older versions (One UI 2.5 and below) the function may be absent.

An alternative way to Samsung:

• 📱 Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Select the network and press Network management.
• 🔑 Scroll down to the item Show password (if there is one).

2.2. Xiaomi (MIUI)

In the shell MIUI (starting with version 12) the password can be viewed through the menu Share password, but only if the device Mi Account is not blockedIf the function is missing, try:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Tap on the network name → Share.
• 🔑 Enter your PIN or fingerprint.
• 📱 Click on the generated QR code - a text password will appear.

On Xiaomi With MIUI 11 and older may be required enable USB debugging (see section about ADB).

2.3. Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS)

Huawei Strictly restricts access to Wi-Fi passwords. On devices with EMUI 10+ or HarmonyOS The standard method doesn't work. Alternative:

• 📱 Use Huawei Mobile WiFi (if the router is from Huawei) - the password can be seen in the application.
• 🔧 Connect to the router via a browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

⚠️ Attention: On Huawei With HarmonyOS 3.0+ Viewing Wi-Fi passwords through settings is blocked at the system level. The only reliable way is resetting the router or access to its web interface.

Check your Android version (Settings → About phone)

Make sure your phone is unlocked (PIN/pattern)

Connect to the desired Wi-Fi network

Battery charge is at least 20% (in case of reset)-->

3. ADB method (without ROOT, but from a PC)

If standard methods don't work, you can extract the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that runs without root privileges. You'll need a computer (Windows, Mac or Linux) and USB cable.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging:
   • 📱 Go to Settings → About phone → Build number.
   • 🔧 Tap on Build number 7 times until a notification appears You have become a developer.
   • 🔙 Return to Settings → System → Developer Options.
   • 🔘 Turn it on USB debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm trust of the device.

Download ADB:

• 🖥️ For Windows: Platform Tools (official website).
• 🐧 For Linux/Mac: install via package manager (sudo apt install adb).
• Execute the commands:

  adb shell
  su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep 'SSID\|PreSharedKey'"

  If the command doesn't work, try:

  adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

  Then open the downloaded file in any text editor and find the line PreSharedKey="your_password".

⚠️ On Android 11+ The path to the password file has changed. Try an alternative command:

adb shell cmd wifi list_networks

Then:

adb shell cmd wifi get_network_info <network_id>

(replace <network_id> on the network ID from the first output).

4. Viewing the password via the configuration file (requires ROOT)

If your device has superuser rights (root), you can directly open the file with saved passwords. This method works on all versions. Android, but requires caution - incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of the system.

Instructions:

1. 📱 Install any file manager with support root (For example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. 🔍 Follow the path: /data/misc/wifi/ (For Android 9 and older)

   or

   /data/misc/wpa_supplicant/ (For Android 8 and below).
3. 📄 Open the file WifiConfigStore.xml or wpa_supplicant.conf.
4. 🔑 Find the line with SSID (network name) and PSK (password).

On Android 10+ The file may be encrypted. In this case, use the app WiFi Password Viewer (requires root), which automatically decrypts data.

⚠️ Warning: Editing files in /data/misc/ without a backup it can lead to loss of all saved Wi-Fi networksBefore making any changes, copy the file to a safe place.

5. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

IN Google Play There are dozens of apps that promise to reveal Wi-Fi passwords. Most of them either don't work or require rootWe tested current options and selected those that really help.

Application	ROOT required?	Does it work on Android 12+?	Peculiarities
WiFi Password Viewer	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Shows all saved passwords, export to file
WiFi Key Recovery	❌ No (but USB debugging is required)	❌ No (before Android 9)	Works through ADB, without root
WiFi Password Show	❌ No	⚠️ Partially	Only for manually connected networks
Router Setup Page	❌ No	✅ Yes	Redirects to the router's web interface

⚠️ Beware of apps with suspicious permissions (access to SMS, contacts, geolocation). Most of them fraudulent and have nothing to do with Wi-Fi passwords.

How to recognize a scam Wi-Fi app?

🚩 Requests access to SMS/calls (not needed for Wi-Fi).

🚩 Promises to reveal passwords strangers networks (technically impossible without hacking).

🚩 It has a low rating and reviews like "doesn't work".

🚩 Requires payment to "unlock" the feature (all legal utilities are free).

6. Alternative methods: if nothing helps

If none of the methods worked, there are universal solutions that will work for any device and version. Android.

• 🔧 Router web interface:
  1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (even without internet).
  2. Open your browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  3. Enter login/password (usually admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).
  4. Go to the section Wireless → Security (names may differ).

📱 Resetting the router:

Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10 seconds). After resetting, use the default password (indicated on the sticker).

🔄 Connecting via WPS:

If the router supports WPS, press the button WPS on it, then on the phone select Connect via WPS in the Wi-Fi settings.

⚠️ Note: Resetting your router will return all settings to factory defaults, including passwords, network name and linked devicesThis method should only be used as a last resort.

7. Why did some methods stop working?

With each update Android Google is tightening its security policies. Here's why old methods may not work:

• 🔒 Android 10+: Direct access to files with passwords is prohibited without root.
• 🛡️ Data encryption: Files wpa_supplicant.conf are now encrypted.
• 📱 Manufacturers: Samsung, Xiaomi etc. block access to passwords at the shell level.
• 🔧 ADB limitations: New devices require debug confirmation each time you connect.

💡 Bypassing restrictions:

• Use ADB on Android 9 and below - there is less protection.
• On Android 11+ try it adb backup (See instructions for your specific model).
• For Samsung And Xiaomi look for proprietary utilities (for example, Samsung Smart Switch sometimes saves passwords in backup).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without rooting or using a PC?

Yes, but only if:

• Your Android version 10+ and the manufacturer has not blocked the function Share.
• You are using a smartphone Google Pixel, OnePlus or another device with "clean" Android.
• You have access to the router's web interface (via a browser).

On Samsung, Xiaomi And Huawei without root or ADB the chances are minimal.

❓ Why isn't my network listed in the WifiConfigStore.xml file?

Possible reasons:

• The network is connected via WPS or QSS — the password is not saved in the file.
• You connected via Google Wi-Fi (automatic connection function).
• The file is corrupted or the device is using a different storage (for example, /data/vendor/wifi/).

Try reconnecting to the network manually.

❓ Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password using their phone?

No, it's technically impossible. Without hacking the router or physically accessing it. All apps that promise to "hack Wi-Fi" are scams. The only legal methods are:

• Ask the network owner for the password.
• Use WPS, if the router supports it (but this requires physical access to the button on the router).

⚠️ Attempts to hack someone else's network are punishable by law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - "Unauthorized access to computer information").

❓ How do I save my Wi-Fi password so I don't forget it?

Several reliable methods:

• 📱 Take a photo of the sticker from the router and save the photo in a secure folder (for example, Google Photos with encryption).
• 🔐 Use a password manager (Keepass, 1Password) and save the password as a record.
• 📄 Export your router settings to a file (section System Tools → Backup in the web interface).
• 📧 Send the password to yourself via email (for example, in an email marked "Wi-Fi at home").

❗ Don't store your password in plain text in notes or SMS!

❓ Why did all the methods stop working after updating Android?

Google and manufacturers regularly close security loopholes. For example:

• Android 10: access blocked /data/misc/wifi/ without root.
• Android 11: password storage format (encryption) has been changed.
• One UI 4.0 (Samsung): the ability to view a text password has been removed (only a QR code).

Solution: Use alternative methods (router web interface, ADB or proprietary utilities).