Many users are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new gadget to a wireless network, but the password has long been forgotten and is not written down anywhere. Fortunately, modern mobile devices running the operating system Android They can save access keys to access points they've previously connected to. This allows them to not only automatically reconnect to networks but also share access with friends or other devices.
In earlier versions of the system, access to this data was hidden deep in system files, access to which required obtaining rights. rootHowever, with the release of Android 10, Google changed its security and usability policy by introducing a native feature for viewing QR codes and text passwords for authorized networks. Now, you can find a forgotten combination of characters using standard tools, without resorting to complex terminal manipulation.
In this article, we'll cover all current password extraction methods in detail, from standard interface settings to using the ADB command line. We'll also discuss the specifics of working with different shell versions and smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi And Pixel.
Using stock settings on Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version of the operating system, the Wi-Fi mechanism has become more transparent to the user. If your device is running Android 10, 11, 12, or later, you can view the password directly in the settings menu. To do this, go to the "Settings" section. Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-FiHere you will see a list of available networks and the one you are currently connected to.
Tap the name of the active network or the gear icon next to it. The connection settings menu that opens often includes a "Share" button or a QR code icon. Tapping it will prompt you to verify your identity using biometrics (fingerprint, Face ID) or a screen unlock PIN. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your data.
After successful authorization, a QR code will appear on the screen for quickly connecting other devices. Below this code is usually a text string containing the password. If the text is hidden by asterisks, try tapping the eye icon next to the input field. On some skins, such as MIUI or OneUI, the password may be visible immediately after scanning your fingerprint.
⚠️ Note: On some custom ROMs or stripped-down versions of Android (Android Go), the option to display the password as text may be missing, leaving only a QR code. In this case, to extract the characters, you'll need to take a screenshot and scan the code using a third-party scanner app.
Viewing passwords on Samsung devices
Owners of smartphones from the Korean company Samsung The OneUI shell has a slightly modified settings interface, but the principle remains the same. To find the saved key, go to Settings → Connections → Wi-FiHere you need to tap on the currently active network. Unlike stock Android, Samsung often hides the (Share) button in the top or bottom corner of the network settings screen.
After clicking the "Share" button and verifying your identity, a QR code will appear on the screen. A unique feature of Samsung devices is that the password is often written in clear text underneath the code. If you only see a graphic code, use Google Lens or any other QR scanner built into the camera to scan the data.
You can also view a list of all saved networks, even those to which your phone isn't currently connected. To do this, tap the three dots in the corner of the Wi-Fi menu and select "Manage Networks" or a similar option. You'll see a list here, but to view the password, you'll still need to go to the specific access point's settings.
- 📱 Make sure your screen is unlocked before attempting to view your password.
- 🔒 Access will require confirmation via PIN code or biometrics.
- 📶 This feature only works for networks to which the phone has previously connected.
Methods for Android 9 and older versions
If your device is running Android 9 (Pie) or earlier (8.0 Oreo, 7.0 Nougat), you won't be able to view your password using the built-in tools. The system stores this data in a protected system file. wpa_supplicant.conf, which is inaccessible to regular applications. The only legal way to access this file on older versions is with permissions. root.
If you have superuser rights, you can use a file manager with access to system folders, for example, Root Explorer or ES File Explorer (with root enabled). You need to go to the path /data/misc/wifi/ and find the file wpa_supplicant.conf. By opening it as a text document, you will see a list of all networks in the format ssid="Network Name" And psk="Password".
An alternative to manually searching through files is specialized apps from Google Play, such as "WiFi Password Viewer." However, keep in mind that without root access, these apps are often useless or display ads. With root access, they instantly display a list of all saved keys in a convenient format.
What are root rights and is it worth getting them?
Root access (superuser) gives complete control over the Android system. Obtaining this access allows you to remove system apps, update firmware, and access protected files, but it voids the device's warranty and may interfere with banking apps.
Using the ADB command line without root
For advanced users who do not want to gain root rights but need access to system data, there is a method using the debug bridge. Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method requires connecting your smartphone to your computer via a USB cable and having the driver and SDK Tools platform installed on your PC. This method works on Android 10+, which has the configuration export feature.
First, you need to enable developer mode on your phone. Go to Settings → About phone Tap the build number seven times. Then, in the "Developer options" menu, enable "USB debugging." Connect your phone to your computer and open a command prompt (CMD or PowerShell) in the ADB folder.
Enter the command to check the connection:
adb devicesA debugging permission prompt will appear on your phone's screen. Confirm it. Next, to attempt to display the Wi-Fi configuration, use the following command, which may work on some devices with certain shells:
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep"mConfiguredNetworks" -A 50However, a more reliable way via ADB is to create a backup copy of the Wi-Fi settings, if the system allows it. The command adb backup -f wifi.apk com.android.providers.settings may create a file that can then be analyzed, but this method is complex and vendor-specific.
⚠️ Note: ADB commands may vary depending on your Android version and manufacturer. Incorrect use of debug commands can lead to system instability, so follow only verified instructions.
☑️ Getting Started with ADB
Comparison of password retrieval methods
The method you choose to restore access depends on your operating system version and your technical experience. Below is a table to help you navigate the available options and their requirements.
| Method | Android version | Root is required | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings (QR code) | 10 and above | No | Low |
| wpa_supplicant.conf file | Any | Yes | Average |
| ADB commands | Any | No (but you need a PC) | High |
| Applications (Root Viewer) | Any | Yes | Low |
As the table shows, for most modern users, the built-in settings feature remains the optimal option. It doesn't require installing additional software and is secure. Root-based methods are only suitable for enthusiasts or owners of older devices.
Restoring access via a router
If you can't find the password on your phone, you can always access the router's settings. To do this, your device must be connected to a Wi-Fi network (even if you don't know the password, you're already connected) or via a LAN cable. Enter the router's IP address in the browser's address bar, usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
You'll need to enter your administrator login and password. If you haven't changed them, they're located on a sticker on the bottom of the router (often admin/admin). After logging into the control panel, find the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" section. The current access key will be displayed in the "Password," "WPA Pre-Shared Key," or "Password" fields.
This method is universal and doesn't depend on Android version. It allows you not only to find out the password but also to change it to a more complex one if you suspect your neighbors are using your internet. After changing the password on the router, all devices will be disconnected and will need to be reconnected with the new key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the phone has never connected to this network?
No, that's impossible. A phone physically can't know the password if it's never authenticated to that network. Connecting always requires entering the key or using the WPS button on the router.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Apps that require root access have full access to the system. Download them only from trusted sources (Google Play) and reputable developers to avoid having your personal data stolen.
What should I do if the Share button doesn't show the password, but only the QR code?
Take a screenshot of the screen containing the QR code. Then open Google Lens (in the Google app or Gallery) and select the screenshot. The system will recognize the code and display a text string containing the password.
Will the router password be reset if I look at it on my phone?
No, simply viewing the password through your phone settings or the router control panel will not affect network operation. The password will only change if you manually edit the field and save the new settings.