How to view your Wi-Fi password on your phone: instructions for Android and iOS

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has long since worn off? Don't rush to reset your router or call your ISP. Your smartphone already knows the password—you just need to retrieve it correctly. In this article, we'll explain how. all working methods For Android And iPhone, including hidden system menu functions and third-party applications.

Important: The methods vary depending on the operating system version and phone model. For example, on Android 10+ The password can be seen in the network settings, and on iOS You'll have to use workarounds. We've tested each method on the latest firmware versions (data available at the time of publication) and noted the limitations. If your phone is displaying an error, check the alternative solutions section.

Warning: Some methods require superuser rights (root on Android) or an iCloud backup, which may violate the warranty or security of the device.We recommend trying standard methods first.

1. How to view your Wi-Fi password on Android via network settings

The easiest way is to use built-in tools AndroidIt works on most devices with the OS version 10 and above (including Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.), but may be absent on custom firmware or older models.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open SettingsNetwork and Internet (or Connections on Samsung).
  • 🔗 Tap on the name of your Wi-Fi network (under the inscription Connected).
  • 🔐 Choose Share (or Share (on English firmware).
  • 🔑 The system will ask for your device PIN/password – enter it.
  • 📝 A line will appear under the QR code Network password - this is your key.

Check your Android version (must be 10+)

Update the firmware in Settings → System → Software Update

Try an alternative method (see section 3)

Use a third-party application (section 4)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Xiaomi And Huawei This method may not work due to manufacturer limitations. In this case, proceed to the next section.

2. Alternative Method for Android: Wi-Fi Configuration File

If the standard method does not work, you can extract the password from the system file wpa_supplicant.confThis method requires access to file manager (For example, Solid Explorer or FX File Manager) And root rights (some firmware versions do without them).

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (for example, Root Explorer).
  2. Follow the path:
    /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

    or (on older versions of Android):

    /data/misc/wifi/
  3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with a text editor.
  4. Inside there will be a block like this:
    network={
    

    ssid="Your_Network_Name"

    psk="your_password"

    }

    Line psk contains the password you are looking for.

What to do if the file is missing?

On some firmware versions (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi), the file may be stored in encrypted form or in a different path: /data/vendor/wifi/Also try searching for "wpa_supplicant" in your file manager menu.

⚠️ Attention: Changing or deleting files in system folders may result in loss of Wi-Fi connectionDon't edit the file manually—only copy the data!

Manufacturer Supported method Root required? Notes
Google Pixel Network settings (section 1) No Works on Android 10+
Samsung Network settings or file wpa_supplicant.conf Sometimes Root may be required on One UI 4.0+
Xiaomi File wpa_supplicant.conf or third-party applications Yes MIUI blocks access without root
Huawei Third-party applications (section 4) No EMUI limits system methods

3. How to find the Wi-Fi password on iPhone (iOS)

Unlike Android, iOS doesn't allow viewing passwords for saved networks through the default settings. However, there are two workarounds: iCloud Keychain (if you have Mac or another Apple-device) or with the help of backup copy.

Method 1: Via a Mac (if it's connected to the same Wi-Fi)

  • 🍎 Open Spotlight (⌘ + Space) and enter Keychain Access.
  • 🔍 Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the utility's search bar.
  • 🔓 Double-click on the found entry and check the box Show password.
  • 🔑 Enter your account password Mac — the Wi-Fi password will be displayed.

Method 2: Via iTunes/iCloud backup

If you have a backup iPhone On your computer, you can extract the password using utilities like iBackup Viewer or iExplorerThese programs scan backups and display saved passwords (including Wi-Fi). Please note: this will require backup password, if it was installed.

Android

iPhone (iOS)

Both types

Other-->

4. Third-party apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

If system methods fail, specialized utilities can help. We tested several popular apps and selected the most reliable ones.

For Android:

  • 🔧 WiFi Password Viewer — shows all saved passwords (requires root on newer versions of Android).
  • 📱 WiFi Key Recovery - works without root on some firmware (for example, Samsung).
  • 🔍 WiFi Password Show - simple interface, but limited functionality.

For iOS:

  • 🔐 WiFi Passwords — extracts passwords from backups (requires jailbreak).
  • 📱 Keychain-Dumper — for advanced users (requires access to the file system).

⚠️ Attention: Applications from unofficial sources (outside Google Play or App Store) may contain viruses or spywareInstall only programs with high ratings and positive reviews.

5. How to find out the Wi-Fi password through a router (if the phone doesn't help)

If none of the methods work on your phone, the classic method remains: accessing your router settings. This is a universal option that works regardless of your smartphone model.

Instructions:

  1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (if your phone is already connected to the network).
  2. Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. This is usually:
    192.168.0.1
    

    192.168.1.1

    192.168.8.1

    (the address is indicated on the router sticker).

  3. Enter your login and password to log in (by default, it is often admin/admin or admin/password).
  4. Go to the section Wireless (or Wi-Fi, Wireless network).
  5. Find the field Password, Key or PSK password — the current key is displayed here.

⚠️ Attention: If you've never changed your router's password, it may still be the same as the factory default (found on the device's sticker). In this case, be sure to change it for security reasons - standard combinations are easily guessed by hackers.

6. What to do if nothing works?

If all the above methods do not help, there are radical measures left:

  • 🔄 Resetting the router. Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After this, the network will use the factory password (indicated on the sticker).
  • 📞 Contacting the provider. Call your internet service provider's support team - they can reset your password remotely or remind you of it (if it hasn't been changed).
  • 🛠️ Replacing the router. If the device is old and does not support modern security standards (for example, WPA3), it makes sense to update it.

💡 Helpful tip: After restoring Wi-Fi access save your password in a safe place (for example, in a password manager 1Password or KeePass). This will save you from similar problems in the future.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing your Wi-Fi password on your phone

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that my phone has connected to before but is not connected to now?

On Android - yes, if the password is saved in a file wpa_supplicant.conf (See Section 2). iPhone — only through a backup copy (section 3). If the network hasn't been used for a long time, the data may have been erased.

Is it safe to use third-party password viewer apps?

There is always a risk. Apps from official stores (Google Play, App Store) are moderated, but even they can collect data. Avoid apps that request unnecessary permissions (such as access to SMS or geolocation).

Why is there no "Share" option in Wi-Fi settings on my Android?

It depends on the manufacturer and firmware version. Xiaomi, Huawei On some other brands, this feature may be disabled. Try updating your OS or using alternative methods (sections 2 or 4).

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

No, not if you're not connected to that network. All the methods described only work for networks to which your phone is already connected. Hacking other people's Wi-Fi networks is illegal and punishable under Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information").

How do I change my Wi-Fi password after I know it?

Go to your router settings (see section 5), find the section Wireless Security (or similar), enter a new password, and save the changes. We recommend using a combination of 12+ characters, including letters, numbers, and special characters.

If you regularly find yourself searching for Wi-Fi passwords, consider using QR code for guest access (This feature is available in most modern routers.) This will allow you to connect new devices without entering a password—just scan the code.