Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and your router is out of reach? Or need to connect a new device, but the password sticker has long since worn off? Android-there are several ways to extract the saved network password on devices without ROOT rights — and we'll tell you about the most reliable ones. Important: these methods only work for networks the phone has previously connected to.
Many users mistakenly believe that without superuser rights (ROOT) it is impossible to view the password. In fact, smartphone manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei) often leave loopholes in firmware, and standard tools Android 10+ allow you to export network data in a readable format. The main thing is to know where to look.
In this article you will find:
- 🔍 Official methods for stock firmware (without ROOT)
- 📱 Branded solutions from Xiaomi, Samsung and other brands
- 🖥️ Methods from a PC through
ADB(for advanced) - ⚠️ Limitations and risks each method
All instructions are tested on Android 9–14 and are relevant for most modern smartphones. If your phone was released before 2018, some steps may not work due to changes in security policy. Google.
1. View the password through the settings (only for some firmware versions)
Some manufacturers (eg Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo) leave the option to view the password directly in the Wi-Fi menu. This method is the simplest, but it doesn't work on all devices.
How to check:
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Find your network in the list and tap on its name.
- Search for the item
Show password,Share passwordor an eye icon (👁️). - Confirm the action with a fingerprint, pattern or PIN code.
If there is no such item, proceed to the next method. On a clean Android (For example, Google Pixel) or smartphones Samsung This method usually doesn't work.
Why is there no "Show Password" button on Samsung?
Samsung removed this feature from Android 10+ firmware versions for security reasons. However, the button may remain on older models (pre-2019).
2. Export Wi-Fi data via QR code (Android 10+)
Modern versions Android allow share a network via QR code, which contains the network name (SSID) and an encrypted password. It can be decrypted using third-party applications.
Instructions:
- Go to
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Tap on the name of your network.
- Select
Share(orQR code). - Confirm the action by unlocking the screen.
- Take a screenshot of the QR code or save it as an image.
Now you need to decipher the code. To do this:
- 📱 Install the application WiFi Password Viewer (available in Google Play).
- 🖼️ Upload a screenshot of the QR code into it.
- 🔑 The app will show
SSIDand the password in plain text.
⚠️ Attention: Some QR code scanning apps may store data about your networks. Use only trusted apps with a high rating (4.5+).
3. Using a Wi-Fi configuration file (requires a PC)
On Android All data about connected networks is stored in a file wpa_supplicant.confIt can be extracted through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) without ROOT rights, but you need a computer for this.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Turn on
Developer modeon the phone:- Go to
Settings → About phone. - Tap the item 7 times
Build number.
- Go to
USB debugging on the menu For developers.File transfer).cmd on Windows) and enter:adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml C:\wifi_passwords\
File WifiConfigStore.xml will be saved to disk C:\. Open it with any text editor (for example, Notepad++) and find the lines:
<string name="SSID">Your_network</string>
<string name="PreSharedKey">Your_password</string>
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12+) The file path may differ. If the command doesn't work, try:adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreSoftAp.xml
Enable Developer Options|Enable USB Debugging|Install ADB Tools on PC|Connect your phone in File Transfer Mode|Create a folder to save data-->
4. Branded solutions for smartphones from Xiaomi, Huawei, and other brands
Manufacturers often add hidden features for viewing passwords. Let's look at the most popular brands.
| Brand | Method | Works on versions |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO | Menu Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → Show password |
MIUI 10–14 |
| Huawei/Honor | Application Huawei Mobile Services → Wi-Fi Master Key |
EMUI 9–12 |
| Realme/Oppo | QR code in Wi-Fi settings + scanning via Realme Link | ColorOS 7–13 |
| Samsung | Only through ADB or Smart Switch (see method 5) |
One UI 2.0+ |
For owners Xiaomi There is an alternative way:
- Install the application Mi Home (even if you don't have devices Xiaomi Smart Home).
- Go to
Profile → Settings → Wi-Fi. - The system will prompt you to show the password for the current network.
5. Back up Wi-Fi settings via Smart Switch (for Samsung)
If you have a smartphone Samsung, use the proprietary utility Smart SwitchIt allows you to back up data, including Wi-Fi passwords, and extract them to your PC.
How to do it:
- Install Smart Switch on your phone and PC (official website).
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
- In the program, select
Backup. - Once the copying is complete, open the backup file using an archiver (for example, 7-Zip).
- Find the folder
com.android.providers.settingsand open the filesettings.dbthrough SQLite Browser. - In the table
securefind the entry withname="wifi_wpa_psk"- this will be the password. - 🔄 Reset your router settings (button
Reseton the back panel). After the reset, the password will become the default one (indicated on the router sticker), but all connected devices will be disconnected. - 📡 Connect to the router via Ethernet and view the password in the web interface (
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1). - 📞 Contact your provider - some operators (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline) can recover the password using the contract number.
- 🔗 Settings guest network on the router (separate password, limited access).
- 📲 Using the function
Wi-Fi DirectorHotspoton the phone.
⚠️ Attention: Backup files Smart Switch are encrypted. To open them, you may need additional software such as Samsung Backup Extractor.
6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
If the above methods don't work, try:
If you frequently need to share Wi-Fi with guests, consider:
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is it possible to find out the password for someone else's network that the phone hasn't connected to?
No. All the methods described only work for networks whose data is already stored on the device. Hacking other people's networks requires specialized tools (e.g., Aircrack-ng), which is illegal in most countries.
❓ Why isn't there a "Show Password" option on my phone?
It depends on the firmware. Manufacturers may remove this feature for security reasons. For example, Samsung And Google Pixel do not provide direct access to passwords without ADB or ROOT.
❓ Will ADB work on a phone with a locked bootloader?
Yes, ADB does not require unlocking the bootloader (bootloader). However, on some devices (for example, Huawei After 2019, additional authorization through the manufacturer's account may be required.
❓ Is it possible to recover the password if the phone was reset to factory settings?
No. Resetting your router deletes all data about connected networks. In this case, your only option is to reset your router or contact your ISP.
❓ Is it legal to use these methods?
Yes, if you are trying to regain access to his own network. Extracting passwords from your own device is not illegal. However, distributing someone else's network data (for example, sharing a password with a neighbor without permission) may be considered a violation. privacy law.