How to view passwords for saved Wi-Fi networks on Android: all the methods in 2026

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new gadget but can't be bothered to look for the piece of paper with the code? There are several ways to retrieve saved wireless network passwords on your Android phone—and they don't always require root access or complicated steps. In this article, we'll cover how. all current methods for different operating system versions and manufacturers, from standard tools to hidden functions.

It is important to understand that the ability to view passwords depends on Android versions, manufacturer's firmware (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS) and even smartphone modelsSome require just a couple of clicks, while others require connecting to a computer. We've compiled instructions for all situations—choose the appropriate option and follow the step-by-step instructions.

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

Starting from Android 10Google has added a built-in tool for viewing passwords for saved Wi-Fi networks. However, not all manufacturers leave this function in their shells. For example, on "pure" Android (Google Pixel, Nokia) it works out of the box, and on Xiaomi or Samsung may be hidden.

To check if this method is available on your device:

  1. Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections).
  2. Select Wi-Fi, then click on current network (or click "Saved Networks").
  3. Tap on the icon ⚙️ Settings (or "Share") next to the desired network.
  4. The system will ask PIN code, pattern or fingerprint - enter it.
  5. After authentication, a QR code and text password will appear under the inscription Network password.

Administrator rights are not required

Android 10 or later

The phone is not from a manufacturer that blocks the function (for example, some Huawei models)

The network is saved in the device's memory (you have connected to it before)-->

If the "Show Password" option isn't present, the manufacturer has removed it from the firmware. In this case, proceed to the next method.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Samsung With One UI 5.0+ The password is displayed only if the network active (The phone is connected to it.) Connect to Wi-Fi before checking.

2. Viewing the password via QR code (universal method)

If there is no direct display of the password in the settings, you can generate a QR code for the network and decrypt it using a third-party application. This method works on 90% of devices, including Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo and others.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
  2. Click on the saved network, then select Share (or "QR code").
  3. The system will display a QR code - take a picture of him or copy.
  4. Install a QR reader app (e.g. QR & Barcode Scanner from Gamma Play).
  5. Scan the code - the results will contain a string like this: 
    WIFI:S:MyWiFi;T:WPA;P:your_password;;

    Where P:your_password - this is the password.

This method doesn't require root access and works even on manufacturer-locked firmware. The main requirement is that you have the ability to generate a QR code.

3. Using ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work, you can extract the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — a debugging tool. This method requires connecting to a computer and inclusions Developer mode, but does not require root rights.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Enable developer mode:
    • Go to Settings → About phone.
    • Click 7 times on Build number (or MIUI version for Xiaomi).
    • Return to Settings → System → For Developers.
    • Activate USB debugging.
  • Connect your phone to PC:
    • Download ADB Tools (or use Platform Tools from Android Studio).
    • Open Command Prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
    • Enter: 
      adb shell

      su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep -oP '(?<=psk=\").*?(?=\")'"

    • If the command returns an error, try an alternative path: 
      adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

      Then open the downloaded file in notepad and find the line psk="your_password".

    ⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ The path to the password file may differ (/data/vendor/wifi/...). If the command didn't work, check the current path for your OS version.

    On some firmware versions (for example, Huawei's EMUI), files with passwords are encrypted, and it is impossible to extract them via ADB without root.

    Xiaomi (MIUI)

    Samsung (One UI)

    Google Pixel (pure Android)

    Huawei/Honor (EMUI)

    Another brand-->

    4. Password viewer apps (requires root)

    If you have root rights, the process is simplified to installing a single app. The most reliable options are:

    • 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer — displays all saved networks and their passwords in a single list. Supports export to a file.
    • 📱 Root Browser — a file manager with access to system folders. Passwords are stored in /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml.
    • 🛠️ ES File Explorer (old version) - has a built-in root file viewer.

    How to use:

    1. Install one of the applications (for example, WiFi Password Viewer).
    2. Provide root access when prompted.
    3. A list of networks with a column will appear in the main window. Password.
    4. Click on the network to copy the password.
    Application Requires root Pros Cons
    WiFi Password Viewer ✅ Yes Simple interface, password export Not updated since 2021
    Root Browser ✅ Yes Full access to system files It's difficult for a beginner
    ES File Explorer ✅ Yes (old version) Multifunctional Removed from Google Play
    ⚠️ Attention: Installing apps from third-party sources (APKs) can be dangerous. Check reviews before downloading. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

    5. Features for different brands

    Manufacturers often modify Android, adding or removing features. Here's how things stand for popular brands:

    • 📱 Xiaomi (MIUI):
      • On MIUI 12+ the password can be seen through Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → Share (QR code).
      • Older versions (MIUI 11 and below) require root or ADB.
    • 🤖 Google Pixel (pure Android):
      • The password is displayed directly in the network settings (see first method).
      • Supports QR code generation without additional applications.
    • 🌌 Samsung (One UI):
      • On One UI 4.0+, the password is only visible to current network.
      • For older networks, root or ADB is required.
    • 🍎 Huawei/Honor (EMUI):
      • Passwords are encrypted, standard methods do not work.
      • The only option is root or a backup via HiSuite (if the password is saved in the cloud).
    How to find out the MIUI or One UI version?

    Open Settings → About phoneLook for lines like:

    - MIUI version (for example, MIUI 14.0.5)

    - One UI version (eg One UI 5.1)

    - Build number (e.g. TP1A.220624.014 for Pixel)

    This information will help you choose the exact instructions.

    6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

    If none of the methods work, there are radical measures left:

    • 🔄 Resetting the router: Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10 seconds). The password will be reset to the factory default (indicated on the sticker).
    • 🖥️ View on another device: If your phone or laptop is already connected to this network, retrieve the password from it (for example, via Network and Sharing Center on Windows).
    • ☁️ Cloud backups: On some phones (eg. Samsung with an account Samsung Cloud) Passwords are synced. Check your backups in the web version of the service.

    If you rent a place to live or are connected to a public network (for example, in a cafe), do not reset the router — this may violate the terms of use. In such cases, please contact your network administrator.

    7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    When attempting to extract a password, users encounter common problems. Here's how to solve them:

    • 🔌 "I don't see the 'Share' or 'Show Password' option":
      • Update your phone firmware to the latest version.
      • Check if you are connected to the network (on some devices the password is only visible for an active connection).
    • 📵 "ADB does not find the device":
      • Install drivers for your phone (download from the manufacturer's website).
      • Turn on USB debugging and select the mode File transfer when connecting.
    • 🔒 "The app asks for root, but it doesn't exist":
      • Root rights can be obtained through Magisk or KingRoot, but this will void the warranty.
      • An alternative is to use ADB (see third way).

    If you see the message "Command not allowed" when using ADB, it means your firmware is blocking access to system files. In this case, only root will help.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without rooting any Android device?

    No, not on any. On "pure" Android (Pixel, Nokia) and some firmware (for example, OxygenOS from OnePlus) it is possible through the settings. But manufacturers like Huawei or Samsung This function is often blocked. In such cases, only ADB or root will help.

    Will the password be visible if I connected to the network a long time ago and am now out of range?

    Yes, the password is saved in your phone's memory even if the network is unavailable. The main thing is that you've connected to it at least once. The exception is if you manually deleted the network from your saved ones.

    Is it possible to extract the password from a phone if it is locked?

    No. Without unlocking the screen, you won't be able to access Wi-Fi settings or connect via ADB (debugging confirmation is required on the phone). In this case, the only solution is to reset the router or use another unlocked device connected to the network.

    I changed the password on my router. Will it update automatically on my phone?

    No. The phone saves the password that was valid the last time you connected. After changing the password on the router, you'll have to reconnect (enter the new password)—only then will it be updated in the device's memory.

    Is it legal to use these methods on other people's networks?

    No. Password extraction is only allowed for your own networks (For example, home Wi-Fi). Connecting to someone else's network without the owner's permission may be considered a violation of the law (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code - "Unauthorized access to computer information").

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