The situation of needing to connect a new device to a wireless network but hopelessly forgetting its password is familiar to many smartphone users. Fortunately, modern versions of mobile operating systems Android Offer built-in mechanisms for restoring this data without having to reset the router or find your ISP contract. Starting with version 10, Google has implemented a QR code feature that not only simplifies connecting devices but also allows you to view the saved character combination in plain text.
Previously, to access stored security keys, you had to obtain root rights, which was unsafe and complicated for the average user. Now the process has become much more transparent and accessible, although it still has its own peculiarities depending on your smartphone manufacturer. In this article, we'll detail all the current password recovery methods, explore the nuances of different brands' interfaces, and answer frequently asked questions when trying to restore network access.
Before you begin, it's important to understand that to view the password, your device must already be connected to the desired network or have a connection history. If the phone has never connected to this router, software methods won't work—physical access to the router itself will be required. However, if the device has successfully authenticated at least once, the data is securely stored in the system storage, and we can help you retrieve it from there.
Using a QR code in Android's default settings
The simplest and most common method, available on most smartphones running Android 10 and newer versions, involves generating a QR code for guest access. This functionality is built directly into the system shell and does not require third-party software. To use it, go to the settings menu, select Connections or Network and Internet, and then tap the gear icon next to the name of your Wi-Fi network.
After opening the detailed connection information, a button will appear on the screen Share or a QR code icon. When you click it, the system will ask you to confirm your identity using a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint—this is a standard security measure. AndroidAfter successful authentication, a square code will appear on the screen, which can be scanned with another device.
⚠️ Note: On some smartphone models, the password may be hidden by asterisks under the QR code. In this case, take a screenshot and open it in the Google Lens app or any other QR code scanner from your gallery so the system can recognize the text.
It's important to note that the menu's appearance may vary. For example, on a clean Android (Pixel, Motorola) the path will look like this Settings → Network & Internet → InternetOn devices Samsung This Settings → Connections → Wi-FiRegardless of the shell, the logic remains the same: find an active connection and open the sharing menu.
If after generating the code the password is still not visible in text, try the following:
- 📱 Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code.
- 🖼️ Open the Google Photos or Gallery app.
- 🔍 Click on the "Lens" or "Search by image" button.
- 📝 The system will automatically recognize the password text and display it in the search results.
Features of Xiaomi, Samsung, and Huawei interfaces
Chinese manufacturers and the Korean giant often modify the standard interface Android, adding your own add-ons. This also applies to wireless network management. For device owners Xiaomi (MIUI or HyperOS shell) are luckier than others: their password is often displayed directly below the QR code in plain text, without the need to take screenshots. Just go to Settings → Wi-Fi, click on the arrow next to the network name and select Share.
Devices Samsung The One UI shell also has its own algorithm. After clicking on the gear icon for the active network and selecting QR code, the system will display the access code. In newer versions of One UI, the password may be written in small print below the code. If it's not there, use the screenshot and OCR method described above. Interestingly, Samsung also allows you to scan QR codes directly from the Wi-Fi widget in the notification shade.
Smartphones Huawei And Honor (with and without Google services) follow a similar scenario. In the Wi-Fi menu, select a specific network, after which a button will appear Share.
- 🔐 On older versions of EMUI, the password may require root access.
- ✅ On current firmware versions, data is available after biometric verification.
- 👁️🗨️ In some cases, the password text is hidden, and only the QR code is visible.