Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and your router is in another city? Or need to connect a new device, but the sticker with the code has long since worn off? If you have a phone ZTE (For example, Blade A7, Nubia Z50 or Axons), then the password for a saved network can be retrieved directly from the device settings—without resetting the router or calling the provider. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods: from standard functions Android Before working with system files for advanced users.
It is important to understand that the capabilities of the phone depend on the firmware version and availability ROOT rightsOn new models ZTE With Android 12+ Some methods may be blocked for security reasons. We tested the instructions on devices with MIUIFans (custom firmware for ZTE) and stock shell MyOSIf your phone is running on Android Go (For example, ZTE Tempo Go), some functions may be missing.
Before you begin, please check:
- 📶 The phone is connected to the target Wi-Fi network (otherwise, the password information is not saved).
- 🔒 You have administrator rights (for methods with
ROOT). - 📱 USB debugging is enabled on your phone (if you plan to use it)
ADB).
1. Standard method: via Android settings (without ROOT)
On most phones ZTE With Android 10 and later You can view your Wi-Fi password through the settings menu—but only if your device is already connected to that network. The interface may differ slightly depending on the operating system (MyOS, MIUIFans or pure Android One), but the general algorithm is the same.
Instructions:
- Open
Settings→Wi-Fi. - Find the desired network in the list and tap on its name (not on the switch!).
- In the window that opens, select
Share(orShare(on English firmware). - The system will ask you to confirm your identity: enter PIN code, graphic key or scan your fingerprint.
- A text password will appear under the QR code. You can copy it or view it in full (tap the "eye" icon).
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ Doesn't work on Android 9 and later, if the phone is not currently connected to the network.
- ❌ Some operators (eg. Beeline or Tele2) block this function on firmware with branding.
- ❌ On ZTE Blade V40 and newer may require additional confirmation through ZTE Account.
☑️ Preparing to view your password
⚠️ Attention: If after pressing Share If the error "Unable to display password" appears, it means the network is saved without viewing permission. This is typical for corporate access points (e.g., in offices or hotels). In this case, the only solution is to reset the router or contact the network administrator.
2. Method for ROOT users: wpa_supplicant.conf file
If on yours ZTE There is ROOT rights, you can extract the password directly from the system file, where Android stores all saved networks. This method works on any version of Android, but requires caution - incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of the Wi-Fi module.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Install any file manager with support ROOT (For example, Root Explorer or FX File Manager).
- Follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/On some firmware versions the file may be located here:
/data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf - Open the file
wpa_supplicant.confin a text editor. - Find the block with the name of your network (parameter
ssid="..."). There will be a line belowpsk="..."- this is the password.
Example of file content:
network={ssid="MyHomeWiFi_5G"
psk="12345678"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
priority=1
}
If the file is not at the specified path, check alternative locations:
- 📁
/data/vendor/wifi/WifiConfigStore/(on Android 11+). - 📁
/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/(for devices with Project Mainline).
⚠️ Attention: Editing or deleting a file wpa_supplicant.conf may lead to loss of all saved networksBefore making any changes, make a backup copy of the file (copy it to another location).
What to do if the file is encrypted?
On some firmware versions (for example, on ZTE with Android 12+), the wpa_supplicant.conf file may be encrypted. In this case, the following utility will help. sqlite3 For working with the Wi-Fi database. Commands for extracting the password:
susqlite3 /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreFile/WifiConfigStore.db
select * from networks;
Look for the field pre_shared_key in the conclusion.
3. Using ADB (without ROOT, but with debugging)
If ROOT rights no, but it is included USB debugging, you can try to extract the password through ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not work on all firmware versions. ZTE, but has a chance to work on Android 10 and below.
Instructions:
- Download and install ADB Tools to the computer (for example, Platform Tools from Google).
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB and allow debugging (a prompt will appear on your phone).
- Open Command Prompt (
cmdin Windows) and run:adb shellsu -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf" - If the command doesn't work, try this alternative:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf C:\(the file will be copied to the disk
C:\).
Common mistakes and solutions:
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
permission denied |
No permission to read the file | Get ROOT or use another method |
no such file or directory |
The file has been moved or deleted. | Check alternative routes (see section 2) |
device unauthorized |
Debugging on the phone is not confirmed | Reconnect the USB and allow access in the pop-up window. |
4. Resetting the password via the router (if nothing helps)
If all the above methods did not work, there remains a universal method - resetting the router settingsThis will reset the device to its factory password, which is usually found on the device's sticker. The downside of this method is that all connected devices will be disconnected, requiring you to set up the network again.
How to reset a router:
- Find the button on your router
Reset(usually it is recessed into the body). - Press and hold it 10-15 seconds (until the indicators start flashing).
- Wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes).
- Connect to the network with the factory name (eg.
TP-Link_1234) and use the password from the sticker.
Important: After reset:
- 🔧 Reconfigure your router (SSID, password, security type)
WPA2-PSKorWPA3). - 📡 Update your router firmware (via the web interface, usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - 🔄 Save your new password in a safe place (for example, in Google Keep or 1Password).
⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, from Rostelecom or MTS) A reset may block internet access until you re-authorize through your provider's personal account. Check your contract or contact support for this information.
5. Alternative methods (for advanced users)
If standard methods do not work, and ROOT rights No, you can try workarounds. They require technical skills and don't guarantee 100% results, but they sometimes help.
Method 1: Backup via Titanium Backup
- 📱 Install Titanium Backup (requires ROOT).
- 🔄 Make a backup copy of the app
Wi-Fi settings(com.android.settings). - 🔍 Extract the file from the backup
wpa_supplicant.conf(see section 2).
Method 2: Reading via TWRP Recovery
- 🛠️ Install a custom recovery TWRP for your model ZTE.
- 📁 Boot into
TWRPand go toAdvanced → File Manager. - 🔍 Find the file
wpa_supplicant.confon the way/data/misc/wifi/.
Method 3: Traffic Analysis (for experts only)
- 🖧 Install Packet Capture or tcpdump on the phone.
- 🔍 Capture packets when connected to Wi-Fi (search for
EAPOLorWPA Handshake). - 🔑 Decipher the handshake with Aircrack-ng (requires a password dictionary).
6. How to avoid losing your password in the future
To avoid having to look for ways to extract your password every time you need it, follow these simple rules:
- 📝 Save passwords in the manager (For example, Bitwarden, KeePass or built-in Google Password Manager).
- 🏷️ Take a photo of the router sticker when connecting for the first time (especially if this is rented equipment from a provider).
- 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly - This eliminates vulnerabilities that allow attackers to hack your Wi-Fi.
- 🔐 Use complex passwords (For example,
K7#pL9!mQ2*instead of12345678). Password generators are available in 1Password or LastPass.
Advice for owners ZTE: On some models (eg, ZTE Axon 30 Ultra) there is a built-in function Wi-Fi Easy ConnectIt allows you to connect new devices using a QR code without entering a password. It can be activated in Wi-Fi settings → Additionally → Easy Connect.
On ZTE phones running MyOS 11+, Wi-Fi passwords are encrypted and linked to your ZTE account. If you reset your phone without signing out, you can restore access to saved networks using the official ZTE Account app (SMS confirmation required).
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that my phone was previously connected to but is not currently connected to?
Yes, but only if you have ROOT rightsWithout them Android erases network information after disconnection (starting from Android 10). Check the file. wpa_supplicant.conf If the network is there, the password can be retrieved. If not, it's impossible to recover without resetting the router.
Why isn't there a password sharing option on my ZTE Blade A5 2020?
This is a firmware limitation. On budget models ZTE (For example, Blade A5, Tempo Go) the function may be disabled by the manufacturer. Try updating the firmware via Settings → System → Software Update or use the method with ADB.
Is it safe to use ROOT to extract password?
By myself ROOT It is not dangerous if you download files only from trusted sources (for example, Magisk (from the official website). Risks:
- 🚫 Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty).
- 🛡️ Vulnerability to malware (if you install unverified modules).
- 🔧 Possible problems with Wi-Fi or other functions.
For one-time password extraction it is better to use ADB or reset the router.
Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password using a ZTE phone?
No, if the phone has not connected to this network before. Android Stores passwords only for saved networks. Connecting to someone else's access point without the owner's permission is illegal (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code - "Unauthorized access to computer information").
How to transfer Wi-Fi passwords to a new ZTE phone?
There are several ways:
- Backup via Google: Turn on sync
Settings → Google → BackupWi-Fi passwords will be transferred automatically when you set up a new device. - Export via Titanium Backup: Create a backup
Wi-Fi settingsand restore it on a new phone (requires ROOT). - QR code: On your old phone, generate a QR code for the network (via
Share), and scan it on the new one.