How to View WiFi Password on Android 10: Complete Instructions

Losing network access at the most inopportune moment is a classic situation faced by every smartphone user. It often happens that you successfully connected to the router, but forgot the complex set of characters you entered months ago. Now, when you need to connect a new gadget or laptop and can't access the router's admin panel, the operating system itself comes to the rescue. In version Android 10 Google engineers have finally implemented a feature that allows you to legally and easily view saved access keys.

Previously, such manipulations required root rights, which made the procedure risky and complicated for the average user. Now, standard resolutions and a couple of screen taps are sufficient. However, despite its simplicity, there are several nuances that depend on your device's manufacturer and firmware version. In this article, we'll cover all the working methods, from standard QR code scanning to system settings hidden in the developer menu.

It is important to understand that data security is Android 10 is the first priority. The system doesn't display passwords in plain text, so that an attacker who gains access to an unlocked phone can't instantly copy all the keys. Therefore, you will have to go through a short verification process using biometrics or a PIN code. This is a necessary barrier that protects your personal information.

The standard method is via a QR code in the network settings.

The simplest and most reliable method, which works on most stock Android versions and Samsung or Xiaomi skins, is to use the built-in QR code generator. When you're in the menu with information about your current connection, the system generates an image containing an encrypted key. Scanning this code with another device allows you to instantly connect, but we need to see the symbols.

To get started, open Settings → Connections → Wi-FiFind the network you're already connected to and tap the gear icon or arrow next to its name. The menu that opens often contains a "Share" button or a QR code icon. Tapping it will prompt you to verify your identity with your fingerprint or Face ID. A code will then appear on the screen.

• 🔍 Point the second phone's camera at the screen to connect but not see the password.
• 📸 Take a screenshot of the QR code that appears if you only have one device.
• 👁️ Open the screenshot using Google Lens or any QR scanner to convert the text into a readable format.

This method is good because it doesn't require installing third-party software. However, on some custom firmware versions, the password text may be hidden by asterisks even after scanning. In this case, it's worth considering the alternative methods offered. system menu.

Using a Google account for synchronization

The Google ecosystem includes a password syncing mechanism that's often overlooked by users. If syncing is enabled on your device, your network keys are stored in a cloud profile. This allows you to not only restore access after a factory reset but also view them in a browser on a computer or other device.

To use this method, go to your phone settings, select the section Google → Manage your Google accountNext, find the "Security" tab and scroll to "Password Manager." This is where all your saved data is stored, including Wi-Fi network keys. Find the desired network in the list and tap it.

The system will ask you to confirm your identity again. After successful verification, you'll see a password field. Next to it, there's usually an eye icon that reveals hidden characters and a copy button. This is especially convenient if you need to enter a long, complex password on a device without a camera or fingerprint scanner.

⚠️ Attention: For this method to work, the device must be connected to the Internet (at least via a mobile network) to update the list of saved data from the cloud.

Checking via the "Network Password" menu in MIUI and EMUI

Smartphone owners Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS shell) and Huawei (EMUI) are in a more advantageous position. The developers of these interfaces have added the ability to view passwords directly in the Wi-Fi network card, without requiring scanning codes or opening a browser.

The algorithm of actions is simple: go to Settings → Wi-FiClick on the name of the active network or the arrow to the right of it. In the window that opens, you'll see the "Password" field. It's hidden by default, but next to it is a "Show" button or an eye icon. Click it, enter your pattern or biometric password, and the symbols will become visible.

If there's no standard field, try clicking the "Share" button (if available in the interface). On some firmware versions, after the QR code is generated, the text "Password: your_password" appears in small font directly below the image. Carefully inspect the screen.

This variability in interfaces stems from each manufacturer's desire to improve the user experience in its own way. So, while the password on one phone is hidden behind a QR code, on another it may be accessible with a single click.

Hidden system commands and debugging

For advanced users who aren't afraid to experiment, hidden menus can be accessed through engineering codes or ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to retrieve the configuration file, which stores all passwords ever entered in clear text.

To use ADB, you'll need a computer and a USB cable. Developer options must be enabled on your phone. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly tap "Build number" seven times. Then, in the "Developer options" menu that appears, enable USB debugging.

adb shell pm dump com.android.providers.settings | grep -A 5 "ssid"

Running this command in the computer console will list all saved networks. However, in modern versions of Android, access to this file is restricted, and the command may not work without root access. In this case, you can try entering a special code in the dialer: ##4636##If the testing menu opens, go to Wi-Fi information → Wi-Fi status, where the current SSID and key are sometimes displayed.

⚠️ Attention: Using engineering codes and ADB requires caution. Changing random parameters in the test menu may cause instability in the communication module.

Viewing through configuration files (Requires Root)

If your phone has superuser rights (Root), then the question "how to view the Wi-Fi password on an Android 10 phone" is easily resolved. All wireless network data is stored in a system file. wpa_supplicant.confThis file contains a complete list of networks and passwords in plain text.

To access it you will need a file manager with root rights, for example, Root Explorer or RE ManagerThe file path usually looks like this: /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confIf you open this file with a text editor, you will see lines like this: ssid="Network_Name" And psk="Password".

This method is the most powerful, as it even shows networks the phone isn't currently connected to but has connected to in the past. However, rooting the device voids the warranty and can disrupt banking apps unless special hiding mechanisms are used.

Is it possible to recover a password without root if the file is damaged?

If the system configuration file is corrupted, Android may no longer recognize saved networks. In this case, the only solution is a full network settings reset or a device reflash, which will delete all saved keys.

Common problems and their solutions

Even following the instructions, users may encounter difficulties. For example, the "Share" button may be disabled, or the QR code may not be scanned. Often, the problem lies in the company's security policy if the phone is corporate-owned, or in an outdated Wi-Fi driver.

It's also worth keeping in mind that interfaces are constantly being updated. What worked at the beginning of the release Android 10, may be changed in a security patch. If standard methods don't work, try simply rebooting the router and phone—this often resolves the frozen connection issue. You may then be prompted to re-enter the password, which you can either remember or see on a sticker on your device.

In some cases, clearing the Settings cache can help. Go to Apps → Show system → Settings → Storage → Clear cacheThis will not delete your data, but will refresh the menu display.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?

Without root access and without using Google cloud sync—no. The system only stores passwords for networks to which you've successfully connected. If a network is removed from the list of saved networks, the password disappears from the phone's memory.

Are Wi-Fi hacking apps safe to use?

Most of these apps on Google Play are either scams or contain viruses. They can't crack the modern WPA2/WPA3 encryption protocol in seconds. It's better to use legitimate methods to recover your password.

What should I do if the QR code shows a format error?

This can happen on very old devices or when the screen brightness is low. Try taking a screenshot, increasing the brightness to maximum, or using a different scanning app, such as the built-in scanner in Chrome or Yandex.

Will the password be reset when updating Android?

Usually not. When updating the system (OTA), Wi-Fi settings and saved passwords are preserved. However, when performing a factory reset (hard reset), all keys will be permanently deleted.