It's common to need to connect a new gadget to your home network but have forgotten your Wi-Fi password. Fortunately, modern smartphones based on Android Store data about previously connected networks in the device's memory, allowing you to restore access to the security key at any time. This is especially useful if you're a network administrator and want to change the router's settings but have forgotten the current access key.
The data recovery process depends on the operating system version and whether you have root access. In older versions of Android, access to system files was limited, but starting with Android 10, Google has implemented a convenient mechanism for viewing passwords through system settings. Let's review all the available methods, from the simplest to the most advanced, so you can choose the one that's right for your situation.
It's worth noting that some actions will require biometric or PIN verification. This is a standard security measure to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data if your device is stolen. Therefore, make sure you remember your smartphone's unlock code.
View your password through the system settings on Android 10 and above.
Starting with version 10 of Google's mobile operating system, the process for viewing saved passwords has been significantly simplified and integrated into a standard interface. You no longer need to be an IT specialist or use complex commands to find the information you need. Access to the settings menu and device administrator rights are sufficient.
To begin, open the default application Settings on your device. Find the section responsible for connections, which may be called Wi-Fi, Network and Internet or Connections Depending on your smartphone model, find the one you're currently connected to in the list of available networks, or select the desired one from the list of saved networks.
Click on the network name or the gear icon next to it. In the connection details menu that opens, you'll often find a button. Share or a special QR code icon. This code contains encrypted information about the network name (SSID) and access password. The system will ask you to confirm the action with a fingerprint, face, or pattern.
⚠️ Note: On some smartphone models (e.g., Xiaomi or Samsung), the password may not be displayed in plain text directly below the QR code. In this case, you will need to take a screenshot of the code or use a second phone to scan it.
If the QR code doesn't have a text password, use a QR code scanner on another device or in the Google Lens app. When you point the camera at the screen, your phone will recognize the code and display the data in this format: WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;. Here P:MyPassword and there is the password we are looking for.
Using Google Smart Lock and Cloud Sync
The Google ecosystem offers another secure way to store passwords: through your Google account and Smart Lock. If password syncing is enabled on your device, all Wi-Fi access keys are stored in Google's secure vault. This allows you to access your data not only from your phone but also from any other device signed in to your account.
To check if you have a saved password, go to your phone settings and find the section Google. Next, select the tab Autofill and then Google Autocomplete. Select the item from the menu Google Passwords or Password managerHere you'll see a list of all websites and apps for which data is saved, as well as a section for Wi-Fi networks.
Find the name of your wireless network in the list. When you click it, the system will ask you to confirm your identity. After successful authentication, you'll see your username and password in plain text. Next to the password field, there's usually an eye icon that allows you to copy the data to the clipboard.
- 📱 This method works on all devices with Google Play service installed.
- 🔒 Data is securely encrypted and linked to your account.
- 🔄 Synchronization occurs automatically each time you connect to a new network.
- 🌐 Passwords can be accessed from any device (PC, tablet) via a browser.
It's important to understand that this method only works if password saving was previously enabled. If you previously disabled syncing or used incognito mode when connecting, your data may not have been saved to the cloud.
Checking the password on Samsung devices
Smartphone owners Samsung Android phones with One UI have an additional tool for managing network connections. The Korean giant's interface differs slightly from stock Android, providing more granular access to Wi-Fi settings. This allows you to change the password directly in the wireless networks menu without the need for third-party apps.
Go to Settings and select a section Connections. Click on the item Wi-FiAt the bottom of the screen or in the additional settings menu (three dots in the corner), find the option QR code or AdditionallyOn some firmware versions, simply clicking the gear icon next to the active network is enough.
Unlike other manufacturers, Samsung often displays the password in plain text directly below the QR code after identity verification. If the text is hidden by dots, try pressing the button. Show password or an eye icon. Security system Knox ensures that only the owner of the device can see this data.
⚠️ Note: The One UI interface may vary depending on your Android version and phone model. If you don't find the option right away, search for "Wi-Fi" or "Password" in Settings.
For devices where the text password is hidden, you can use the function Smart View or send network settings to another Samsung device using the function Quick ShareWhen receiving settings on the second device, the password will also be displayed in the connection details.
Methods for Android 9 and below without root access
On devices with Android versions below 9.0 (Pie), the security system prevents applications and the user from directly accessing the system file wpa_supplicant.conf, where passwords are stored. However, there are workarounds that don't require root privileges but do require a second device or access to the router.
One way is to use the function Wi-Fi Direct Or create a hotspot. Some smartphones allow you to "share" your connection, creating a guest network. When setting up guest access, the current password may be displayed on the screen for your guests' convenience. This method doesn't work on all models, but it's worth a try.
Another option is to use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) from a computer. This method requires enabling USB debugging in the developer options. After connecting the phone to the PC, you can attempt to retrieve the configuration file via the command line, if your access rights allow this without root.
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf c:/wpa.confIf the command is successful, you will receive a text file with the following in the field: psk A password will be specified. However, on most modern devices without root rights, this command will return an access error, since the folder /data/ protected.
Why can't I view the file without root?
The Android system uses application sandboxing. Without superuser privileges, no application or user can read files in system directories where critical security data is stored.
Gaining access via Root rights and system files
If your device has an unlocked bootloader and installed root rights, you gain complete control over the file system. This is the most secure way to find out the password on any version of Android, as you access the source of truth directly—the system configuration file.
To implement this method, you will need a file manager with root access support, for example, Root Explorer, Solid Explorer or RE ManagerAfter installing the app, grant it superuser privileges when you first launch it. Then, navigate to: /data/misc/wifi/.
Find the file in this directory. wpa_supplicant.confOpen it with a text editor. Inside, you'll see a list of all the networks the phone has ever connected to. Look for the block network with the right one ssid (network name), and the line psk will contain the password in clear text.
| Parameter | Description | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ssid | Wireless network name | Home_WiFi_5G |
| psk | Security password (WPA/WPA2) | SuperSecretPass123 |
| key_mgmt | Key management type | WPA-PSK |
| proto | Encryption protocol | RSN |
Be careful when editing this file. Any syntax error may cause the Wi-Fi module to stop working properly, and your phone will no longer see any networks. It is recommended to simply copy the password rather than change the settings.
☑️ Check before rooting
Resetting the router as a last resort
If none of the software methods work, or you don't have access to a phone that's already connected to the network, the only option left is to physically reset the router. This method will restore the device to its factory settings, including the default password found on the sticker on the device.
Find the button on the back of the router. Reset or a hole with an inscription ResetPress it with a paperclip or thin object and hold for 10-15 seconds until the indicators blink simultaneously. After rebooting, the router will operate with factory settings.
After the reset, connect to an open network (or the network with the password on the sticker) and access the router's web interface through a browser. The address is usually located on the same sticker (e.g. 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net). In the wireless network menu, you can set a new password.
⚠️ Please note: Resetting your router will disconnect all devices in your home from the internet. You'll need to reconnect TVs, tablets, and smart devices. Make sure you have access to your ISP settings if manual PPPoE or VLAN configuration is required.
This method is guaranteed to work, but it requires time to reconfigure your entire home network. Use it only if other options have been exhausted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password using Android?
No, it's impossible to legally obtain the password to someone else's secure network. The methods described only work for networks to which your phone has previously connected, or if you have physical access to the router. Attempting to hack someone else's network is illegal.
Are Wi-Fi hacking apps safe to use?
Most apps on the Play Market with names like "Wi-Fi Hacker" are fake or contain malicious code. They cannot bypass WPA2/WPA3 encryption. Use only system tools or trusted password managers.
What should I do if I forgot my Google account password to recover it?
You'll need to go through the Google account recovery process through the official website. Without access to your account, you won't be able to see your synced passwords. We recommend setting up a backup email and phone number in advance.
Will the internet disappear when viewing the password?
No, viewing the password through settings or the QR code does not disconnect your current connection. You can safely view the password and continue using the internet.
Where is the wpa_supplicant.conf file stored?
The file is located in the system partition /data/misc/wifi/Access to this directory without root rights is closed to regular users and applications for Android system security reasons.