How to view your Wi-Fi password if you're connected to the network via your phone

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but your phone is already connected? This situation is familiar to many: your router was set up by your provider a year ago, the sticker with the password has worn off, and now you need to connect a new device. Luckily, You can find out your saved Wi-Fi password directly from your phone. — without access to the router or calling support. In this article, we'll cover all the working methods for Android And iPhone, including hidden features and third-party applications.

It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the version of the operating system, the phone model and even the manufacturer (on Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei The paths to the settings may vary). We've compiled some general instructions, but if your case is unique, there are some at the end of the article. FAQ with solutions for rare problems.

Let us warn you right away: some methods require root rights (for Android) or jailbreak (for iPhone), which voids the warranty and creates safety risks. We'll explain where such measures are mandatory and where they can be avoided.

1. Standard method for Android (without root)

On most modern smartphones with Android 10 and the newer Wi-Fi password can be viewed directly in the network settings - without additional applicationsHere are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung).
2. Select Wi-Fi, then tap on the name of your network (it must be connected).
3. Click on the icon Gear (⚙️) or Read more.
4. Scroll down to the item Password (sometimes hidden under Additionally or Security settings).
5. The system will ask you to enter PIN code, pattern or fingerprint - this is protection from prying eyes.

If the point Password No - it means your Android version or manufacturer's firmware does not support this feature. For example, on Xiaomi With MIUI 12 On Windows 10 and later, the password is visible, but on older versions it isn't. In this case, proceed to the next method.

Check if your phone is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network|

Make sure you have administrator rights on your phone|

Remember your screen unlock PIN - you'll need it|

Disable your VPN (it may block access to system settings)-->

⚠️ Note: On some phones (eg. Huawei With EMUI) instead of a password only asterisks are displayed (••••••••). To see the symbols, click the eye icon (👁️) next to the field - but this will only work if you have superuser rights (root).

2. Viewing the password via the configuration file (for Android with root)

If the standard method did not work, and root rights There is a password on the phone, you can extract it from the system file wpa_supplicant.confThis method works on all versions of Android, but requires caution - incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of Wi-Fi.

Instructions:

1. Install any file manager with root access (For example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore

   On some firmware versions the file may be located here:

   /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

3. Open the file wpa_supplicant.conf in a text editor.
4. Find the block with the name of your network (after the line network={). It will contain a line psk="your_password".

Critical: Do not edit this file manually! Even an extra space can result in the loss of all saved Wi-Fi networks. If you need to copy the password, take a screenshot or use the "Share" function in the file manager.

What to do if the wpa_supplicant.conf file is missing?

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) This file may have a different name or be stored in encrypted form. Try searching for it using the file manager's built-in search keyword. wpaIf you don't find it, use the ADB method (section 4).

3. Special applications for Android

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use third-party utilities. We tested several and selected the most reliable:

• 🔍 WiFi Password Viewer — shows all saved passwords (requires root). Download at Google Play, but be careful: some clones of this application contain adware.
• 📱 WiFi Key Recovery - works without root on some firmware (for example, LineageOS). Supports exporting passwords to a file.
• 🛠️ Root Browser — a file manager with access to system folders. Useful if you need to manually find something wpa_supplicant.conf.

Warning: Do not install applications from untrusted sources (for example, from sites like apkpure.com). They may contain viruses or spyware that will steal not only Wi-Fi passwords but also bank card details. Always check reviews and ratings in Google Play.

Android (without root)|

Android (with root)|

iPhone (no jailbreak)|

iPhone (jailbroken)|

Other-->

4. Method for iPhone (without jailbreak)

On iPhone the situation is more complicated: Apple doesn't provide direct access to saved Wi-Fi passwords. without hacking the system. However, there is a workaround through iCloud Keychain (if you have Mac or another device on macOS):

1. Make sure that password syncing is enabled on your iPhone. Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Keychain.
2. On Mac open the application Bunch of keys (can be found via Spotlight on request "Keychain").
3. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
4. Double-click on the found entry and check the box. Show password and enter the password for your account Mac.

If Mac No, there is only one option left - reset the router settings (but this will delete all settings, including the password). Or try guessing the password using your provider's default combinations (more on this in section 6).

⚠️ Note: On iPhone with iOS 17 and newer Apple has tightened its security policy. Now even through Keychain Wi-Fi passwords may not be displayed if the device hasn't connected to a network in the last 30 days. This is to protect against data leaks.

5. Using ADB (for advanced users)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) — is a tool for debugging Android devices via a computer. It can be used to extract Wi-Fi passwords even without root access. This method works on most phones, but requires some preparation:

What you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 USB cable to connect your phone.
• 🔧 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → Developer Options).
• 🛠️ Utility ADB (You can download it from the official website) Android Developers).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and trust the device.
2. Open Command Prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS) and enter:

   adb shell
   su
   cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftAp/wpa_supplicant.conf

   If the folder SoftAp missing, try:

   cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

3. Find the line in the output psk="..." - this is the password.

If the team su If it doesn't work, it means your phone doesn't have root access, and this method won't work. In that case, try this alternative command:

adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf C:\

It will copy the file to the disk. C:\ your computer, where you can open it with Notepad.

6. Guessing the password according to provider standards

If none of the methods worked, you can try recover password using patterns, which are used by providers. Many operators (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS) set default passwords on routers that are issued to clients. Here are the most common combinations:

The password may also match:

• 📇 Serial number of the router (written on the sticker below).
• 📞 Phone number, to which the Internet is connected.
• 🏠 Personal account number (indicated in the receipt for the Internet).

⚠️ Please note: If you are renting an apartment, your Wi-Fi password may have been changed by previous tenants. If this happens, please contact the property owner or your provider (they will need a contract).

7. Alternative solutions if nothing helps

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

• 🔄 Resetting the router to factory settingsTo do this, press and hold the button Reset on the back panel of the router for 10–15 seconds. Minus: all settings (including the password) will be reset, and you will have to set up the network again.
• 📞 Call the provider's support teamTell them you forgot your Wi-Fi password and ask them to reset it. You'll need to provide your contract information (full name, address, and account number).
• 🛠️ Connection via WPSIf the router supports WPS, press the button WPS on it, then on the phone select Connect via WPS in the Wi-Fi settings. This will temporarily connect the device without a password.

If the router belongs to your employer, university or hotel - don't try to hack itThis may be considered an attempt at unauthorized access and will result in legal liability. Contact your network administrator.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password from a phone without rooting?

Yes, but only on Android 10+ through the network settings (section 1) or on iPhone through Mac And Keychain (Section 4). On older versions of Android, this is not possible without root.

Why is there no "Password" option in the Wi-Fi settings?

It depends on the firmware. Manufacturers like Xiaomi, Samsung or Huawei may hide this item. Try updating your phone to the latest version of Android or use the ADB method (Section 5).

Are password viewer apps safe to use?

Only if you download them from the official Google PlayAvoid apps that ask for too many permissions (such as access to SMS or contacts). It's better to use trusted utilities like WiFi Password Viewer.

What should I do if the internet doesn't work after resetting my router?

After the reset, you'll need to reconfigure your connection to your ISP. Typically, you'll need to enter your login and password (specified in your contract) in the router's web interface at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1If you don't know the details, call support.

Is it possible to find out the password for someone else's Wi-Fi that their phone is connected to?

Technically yes, but it's illegalUnauthorized access to someone else's network is considered a violation. Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Unauthorized access to computer information"). The maximum penalty is a fine of up to 200,000 rubles.