How to view your Wi-Fi password on Android 10: all the working methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and the router is out of reach? Or need to connect a new device but the password sticker has long since worn off? Android 10 offers several ways to retrieve a saved network password: without resetting the router and unnecessary manipulations. The main thing is that your phone must have already connected to this network at least once.

Unlike newer versions of Android (11+), where Google has made it easier to view passwords through settings, Android 10 This functionality is often hidden or requires additional actions. It all depends on smartphone manufacturer and shells: on Samsung One UI there is only one way, Xiaomi MIUI - another, and to the owners Google Pixel we'll have to use workarounds. We've collected 5 working methods, including options without root rights and using ADB.

If you are unsure of your Android version, check it in Settings → About phone → Android version. Make sure the phone connected to the target Wi-Fi network - otherwise none of the methods will work.

1. The standard method through settings (doesn't work on all phones)

On some smartphones with Android 10 Manufacturers left the option to view the password directly in the Wi-Fi menu. This method does not require root rights and additional programs, but it doesn't work on all devices. Most often, it's available on Samsung And Huawei with branded shells.

To check if your phone supports this method:

1. Open Settings and go to the section Wi-Fi (or Connections → Wi-Fi on Samsung).
2. Find in the list active network, the password for which you want to know, and tap on its name.
3. Scroll down to the item Password, Show password or Share (on English firmware).
4. The system may ask PIN code, pattern or fingerprint for confirmation.

If there is no password option, it means your firmware does not support this method. Don't despair: Below we have looked at alternative options.

2. Using a network QR code (alternative for Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme)

If there is no direct display of the password in the settings, but there is an option Share Network or QR code, you can extract the password indirectly. This method works on most phones with MIUI, ColorOS And Realme UI.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi and tap on the name of the current network.
• 🔍 Find the button Share, QR code or Share (may be hidden under the three dots ⋮).
• 🔐 The system will display a QR code for connection. A message may appear below or next to it. text password (on some firmware versions).
• 📸 If there is no password, take a photo of the QR code and scan it with another device (for example, via Google Lens). The password will be visible in the connection details.

This method does not require superuser rights, but it doesn't work on all models. If the QR code doesn't contain a readable password, proceed to the next methods.

How to scan a QR code without a second device?

If you don't have a second phone, install a QR reader app on your current device (for example, QR & Barcode Scanner from Gamma Play). Scan the code on the screen - some scanners show network data, including the password.

3. Viewing the password via the configuration file (requires a file manager)

Android stores data about saved Wi-Fi networks in a system file. wpa_supplicant.conf. You can access it without root rights, but only if you have a file manager installed that supports system folders (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).

Attention: This method may not work on phones with heavily modified firmware (for example, on some models Meizu or Nokia).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Install FX File Explorer from Google Play and open it.
2. Go to the app settings and enable the option Show hidden files.
3. Open the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

   Or alternative (on some firmware):

   /data/misc/wifi/

4. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with any text editor.
5. The file will contain lines like this:

   network={
   ssid="Network_Name"
   psk="wifi_password"
   
   }

   Copy the parameter value psk - this is your password.

⚠️ AttentionDo not edit or delete this file! Changes may result in the loss of all saved Wi-Fi networks.

Install FX File Explorer|Enable display of hidden files|Grant access to storage|Check path /data/misc/wifi/|Do not edit this file!-->

4. Using ADB (for advanced users)

If the previous methods did not work, you can extract the password using Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method requires connecting your phone to your computer, but does not require root rights.

What you will need:

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

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and confirm debugging permission.
2. Open Command Prompt (or Terminal) and type:

   adb shell
   su -c"cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftApState.txt"

   If the file is not found, try:

   su -c"cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf"

3. In the output, find the line with psk="..." - this is the password.

If the command returns an error Permission denied, then your firmware is blocking access. In this case, only obtaining root rights (see next section).

⚠️ AttentionUse ADB with caution. Don't execute unknown commands, as this may damage your system.

5. Obtaining root rights (extreme case)

If none of the above methods worked, the only thing left is obtaining root rightsThis will give you full access to system files, but voids the warranty and may interfere with the operation of some applications (such as banking)Use this method only if you understand the risks!

How to root Android 10:

• 🔧 Use utilities like Magisk or KingRoot (at your own risk!).
• 📱 Unlock Bootloader (instructions vary depending on your phone model).
• 🔐 Once you have root, install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer).
• 📂 Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/ and open the file wpa_supplicant.conf.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ The warranty will be lost (on most brands).
• ⚠️ Some applications (eg. Google Pay, Sberbank Online) will stop working.
• ⚠️ Risk of bricking your phone if you do it incorrectly.

What to do if nothing helps?

If none of the methods worked, you have 3 alternative options:

1. Reset your router settings:
   • 🔄 Click the button Reset on the back panel of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds).
   • 🔑 The password will be reset to the factory default (indicated on the router sticker).
   • ⚠️ All network settings (including the Wi-Fi name) will also be reset!

View password on another device:

If a laptop is connected to this network, Windows or macOS Allows you to easily extract the password through system settings.

Contact your provider:

If your router was provided by your internet service provider, call support—they can reset your password remotely.

If you rent a place to live or are connected to a public network (for example, in an office), Do not reset the router without permission. - This may disrupt the internet for other users.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing your Wi-Fi password on Android 10

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network to which the phone is not connected?

No. All methods require the device to be was already connected connect to the network at least once. If there's no connection, the only option is to reset the router or get the password from the network owner.

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

It depends manufacturer and firmware versionFor example, on Google Pixel with pure Android this item is missing, but on Samsung or Huawei It may be hidden in additional settings. Try updating your firmware—sometimes the feature appears after an upgrade.

Are Wi-Fi hacking apps safe to use?

❌ No, it's not safe.Most of these applications:

• 🦠 Contain viruses or spyware.
• 🚫 They are breaking the law (unauthorized access to the network - Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
• 🔒 Doesn't work on modern routers WPA3.

It's better to use the legal methods from this article.

How to save your password so you don't forget it again?

ways to securely save your password:

• 📝 Write it down Google Keep or Notes marked "Wi-Fi".
• 🔐 Save in password manager (For example, 1Password or Bitwarden).
• 📱 Take a photo of the sticker from your router and save it to the cloud.
• 🖨️ Print out the password and keep it in a safe place (if you're worried about digital leaks).

Why did the password stop displaying after updating to Android 11?

IN Android 11+ Google has made it easier to view passwords, but some manufacturers (such as Xiaomi) may block this functionality in their shells. If the old method stops working after an upgrade, try:

• 🔄 Use ADB (method No. 4).
• 📱 View password via Google Home (if the router is supported).
• 🔧 Revert to factory firmware (last resort).