It's quite common to need to connect a new gadget to a network but lose or forget the password. Fortunately, modern mobile operating systems make it easy to retrieve saved internet access data. If your device is already connected to a hotspot, you can find the security key in minutes without using third-party software.
Recovery methods vary depending on the version. Android and your smartphone model. In newer OS versions, starting with OS 10, the process is extremely simplified and doesn't require superuser rights. However, owners of older devices will have to resort to more complex technical solutions or use a computer.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the current methods for retrieving forgotten passwords. You'll learn about standard system functions, working with QR codes, using console commands, and specialized applications. It's important to understand that some operations may require root rights, receipt of which will void the warranty for the device.
Using stock settings on Android 10 and later
Since version Android 10Google engineers have implemented a convenient QR code sharing feature. This method is the most secure and doesn't require any additional software. It works on most modern smartphones, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel and other clear-shell brands.
First, you need to open the settings menu and go to the section Connections or Network and Internet. Find the item Wi-Fi and click on it. A list of available networks will open, with the currently active connection marked with the appropriate status.
Click on the name of the network you're connected to or the gear icon next to it. In the settings menu that opens, find the button QR code or ShareThe system may request identity verification via a fingerprint scanner, pattern key, or Face ID.
After successful authentication, a QR code will appear on the screen. Below it, you'll often see a text string containing your password in plain text. If the text is hidden by asterisks, take a screenshot or use a second device with a camera and a built-in QR code scanner to read the data.
⚠️ Note: On some custom shells, for example, in older versions MIUI or EMUI, the password may not be displayed in plain text immediately. In this case, use the "Share" feature to send the data to a messenger, where the key will be visible in plain text.
Viewing via QR code menu and scanning
While the password itself isn't visible, the QR code itself contains all the necessary information in encoded form. You can scan it with any other device or a dedicated scanner app on the same smartphone by splitting the screen or using a screenshot.
Take a screenshot of the QR code using the volume and power button combination. Then, open your gallery, select the image, and tap the "Share" or "Lens" button. The system will analyze the image and return network data in the following format: WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;.
In this line, the combination of characters you are interested in will be after the prefix P:This is the access key you're looking for. This method works reliably on all devices with the services installed. Google Play.
- 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings and tap "Share."
- 📸 Take a screenshot of the QR code that appears.
- 🔍 Open the screenshot using Google Lens or any QR scanner.
- 📝 Copy the value after the symbol
P:to the clipboard.
Getting a password on Android 9 and older versions
On devices running OS versions earlier than version 10, it's impossible to view a saved password in plaintext using standard tools. Security architecture of older versions Android did not allow applications and the user to read system configuration files without special rights.
The only working way for such devices is to obtain rights root (superuser). This gives full access to the file system, including protected partitions where Wi-Fi connection data is stored. Without this procedure, it will be impossible to recover the key.
Once you have root access, you will need a file manager that supports system partitions, such as Root Explorer or RE Manager. It is necessary to follow the path /data/misc/wifi/ and find the file wpa_supplicant.confBy opening it with a text editor, you will see a list of all networks and their passwords.
⚠️ Please note: Rooting your device will void your warranty and may result in data loss if done incorrectly. Some banking apps may stop working on rooted smartphones without additional security settings.
What is wpa_supplicant.conf?
This is a system configuration file in Linux and Android that manages wireless network settings. It stores network SSIDs and their corresponding security keys in clear or hashed form.
Using ADB commands without root access
There is a more advanced method that allows you to extract passwords on some devices without rooting the phone. This tool is used for this. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and a computer. This method doesn't work on all models, as it depends on the access rights granted to the debug interface by the phone manufacturer.
You need to enable developer mode on your smartphone. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly tap the build number seven times. In the developer menu that appears, enable the option USB debugging.
Connect your phone to your computer via a USB cable. Your PC should have the drivers for your device and the package installed. Platform ToolsOpen a command prompt in the ADB folder and enter the following command to test the connection: adb devicesA debugging permission request will appear on your phone's screen, which you must confirm.
adb backup -noapk com.android.providers.settings > settings.abThis command will create a backup copy of your settings. However, to directly extract passwords, you can often use the command to display the contents of the configuration file, if your permissions allow it:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confIf the command is successful, the file will be saved on your computer and you can open it with Notepad. Otherwise, the system will return an access error, indicating that root privileges are required for this method.
- 💻 Install drivers and ADB on your computer.
- 📱 Enable USB debugging in the developer menu.
- 🔌 Connect the cable and confirm debugging on the screen.
- ⌨️ Enter the command
adb pullto copy the configuration file.
Third-party apps for access recovery
In the store Google Play There are numerous apps out there that promise to reveal passwords. Most of them only work on rooted devices, as Android system restrictions prevent regular apps from reading Wi-Fi configuration files.
However, there are utilities that act as password managers or use cloud databases. They can reveal a password if it was previously saved in the cloud or if the application has the appropriate system permissions. An example is the app WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).
Be careful when installing such software. Many free programs are filled with ads or may collect your personal data. Always check the permissions an app requests during installation.
Android Method and Version Compatibility Chart
For ease of understanding, we've organized the available methods based on your operating system version. This will help you quickly determine which method will be most effective for your specific situation.
| Android version | QR code in settings | Password text | Root rights | ADB method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Android 14+ | Eat | Eat | No need | Works |
| Android 10-13 | Eat | Often there is | No need | Works |
| Android 9 | No | No | Needed | Depends |
| Android 8 and below | No | No | Needed | Difficult |
As the table shows, owners of modern smartphones are the luckiest. All they need to do is look into the settings. Users of older devices will have to show more technical savvy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?
No, this can't be done using standard Android tools. The phone only stores passwords for networks it has previously connected to. To recover the password for a network the device doesn't have access to, you'll need specialized hacking tools (such as Aircrack-ng with the adapter in monitor mode) and deep knowledge of cybersecurity, which goes beyond the typical user scenario.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Using apps that require root access carries potential risks. Granting full rights to an unknown developer can lead to data leakage. We recommend using only trusted open-source utilities or built-in system functions. Always check the app rating and reviews before installing.
What should I do if the QR code button is inactive?
If the button is inactive or missing, your smartphone's operating system may be limited by the manufacturer. Try updating to the latest version. Resetting network settings can also sometimes help, but this will delete all saved passwords, so this method is not recommended if your goal is to restore access.
Where is the password file physically located?
The system file that stores the wireless network configuration is located at the path /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confAccess to this directory is restricted for regular users and applications due to the security of the Linux operating system on which Android is built.
Can resetting your phone help you find out your password?
No, a hard reset will erase all data, including saved Wi-Fi passwords. After the reset, you'll have to re-enter access keys for all known networks. This method is only useful if your phone is locked and you can't access the settings menu.