Many users are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new device to the network but forgetting the password. We often connect automatically and stop thinking about security or the password combination until an urgent need arises. Fortunately, modern operating systems such as Android And iOS, offer built-in mechanisms for restoring access to stored data without complex hacking.
There are several ways to recover a forgotten access key, depending on the version of your operating system and the model of your smartphone. In most cases, you won't need third-party software or superuser privileges, as network management functionality has been significantly expanded in recent updates. We'll cover all the current methods, from simple QR codes to router settings.
Before you begin, it's important to understand that you'll only be able to see the password for a network your phone has previously connected to. If your device has never connected to this network, Wi-Fi, you can only find the code through the router's admin panel or by asking the network owner. Let's look at the step-by-step algorithms for different platforms.
Password recovery on Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version of the operating system AndroidGoogle has introduced a native feature for viewing passwords via QR code generation. This is the easiest and most secure method, requiring no additional apps or permissions. rootThe feature is available on the vast majority of modern smartphones, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, and others.
First, you need to go to your wireless network settings. Typically, the path looks like this: Settings → Wi-Fi or Connections → Wi-FiFind the network you want to find the password for in the list. It's important that your phone is currently connected to this network, although some operating systems (such as MIUI or OneUI) allow you to view the password for saved but inactive connections.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models with heavily modified skins (such as older versions of EMUI or ColorOS), the "Share" or "QR Code" option may be hidden in the overflow menu. Tap the gear icon next to the network name to see all available options.
After tapping the network name or gear icon, look for the "Share" button or QR code icon. The system will ask you to verify your identity with your fingerprint, Face ID, or screen unlock PIN. This is a standard security measure. Android, protecting your data from prying eyes.
After successful authentication, a QR code for connecting to another device will appear on the screen. Below this code, the password itself is usually displayed in clear text in small font. If the text is too small or unreadable, take a screenshot and open it in any QR code reader or Google Lens to obtain the text string.
- 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone.
- 🔗 Click on the active network or gear icon.
- 🔍 Select the "Share" or "QR code" option.
- 👁️ Complete biometric verification or enter your PIN.
- 📝 Look at the password under the code image.
How to find the password on an iPhone (iOS 16 and later)
Device owners Apple For a long time, there was no way to view saved passwords directly in the iOS interface. This changed with the release of iOS 16, which introduced a full-fledged feature for managing saved Wi-Fi passwords. Now, you can not only copy the code, but also edit it or remove the network from the list.
To use this feature, make sure your device is updated to the latest version. Go to Settings → Wi-FiFind the network whose password you want to find out. To the right of the network name, there will be a blue button with the letter "i" in a circle—click it.
In the menu that opens, you'll see the "Password" field, which is hidden by asterisks by default. Tap this field. The system will ask you to confirm the action. Face ID, Touch ID or your device's passcode. Once verified, the asterisks will turn into readable text, allowing you to copy it or send it via AirDrop.
For devices with older versions of iOS (15 and below), there is no built-in method. In such cases, the only options are to use Mac iCloud Key syncing or access to router settings. Attempts to crack passwords using third-party apps from the App Store are generally futile due to Apple's strict security policies.
- 🍏 Go to the "Settings" menu on your iPhone or iPad.
- 📡 Select the "Wi-Fi" section and find the desired network.
- ℹ️ Click the blue information icon next to the network name.
- 🔑 Tap the hidden "Password" field and confirm your identity.
Using Google Chrome to View Passwords
If your phone's default settings don't display your password for some reason (which can happen on custom firmware or older versions of Android), you can access your synced data in your browser. Google Chrome often saves passwords for Wi-Fi networks if synchronization with a Google account was enabled.
Open your browser and go to Settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Autofill → Password Manager (or simply "Passwords"). In the list of saved data, look for entries with the name of your Wi-Fi network. Often, they may be simply called "Wi-Fi" or have a specific system identifier.
Tapping the desired item will reveal a hidden password field. Tap the eye icon, enter your Google account password or screen unlock code, and the characters will become visible. This method is especially useful if your phone isn't currently connected to a network but has previously saved data.
⚠️ Attention: Google Password Manager may be slow to update data. If you recently changed your router password, your browser may display an older, outdated version of your access key.
It is also worth noting that on Samsung devices with the OneUI shell, passwords can be synchronized via Samsung Pass or Samsung Cloud, and not just through Google. Check the relevant sections in your device's security settings if you use a Korean brand's ecosystem.
Checking via the router's web interface
The most reliable and universal method, which works on all phones regardless of OS version, is to log into your router's control panel. If you have access to the router (you're connected to its Wi-Fi or via cable), you can view or change the password in its settings.
To do this, open any browser on your phone. In the address bar, enter the router's IP address. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is usually written on a sticker on the bottom of the device. You will need to enter the administrator login and password (often admin/admin by default).
After logging in, find the section related to wireless networking. It may be called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN." Under the "Security" or "Basic Settings" subsections, you'll see a field WPA/WPA2 Password or "Wireless Network Key" where the current password is displayed.
| Router brand | Standard IP | Default login | Default password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| Asus | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | (empty) |
| Xiaomi | 192.168.31.1 | admin | (set during setup) |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | admin | 1234 |
What should I do if my admin password has been changed?
If the default login/password pair doesn't work, it means the information was changed previously. Try to remember if you wrote it down. If you can't remember, you'll have to reset the router to factory settings using the Reset button, but this will also reset your internet settings from your provider.
Third-party applications and their limitations
App stores offer numerous apps that promise to reveal Wi-Fi passwords. However, it's important to understand how they work. On Android without root access root (superuser rights) applications do not have access to the system file wpa_supplicant.conf, where the encryption keys are stored.
Most such apps (for example, WiFi Password Viewer) only work on rooted devices. Without root access, they can only show a QR code generated by the system itself or offer to guess the password from a database of popular combinations, which is rarely helpful in real-world situations.
On iOS, the situation is even more strict: due to the sandbox, no app from the App Store can access the system Wi-Fi keys of other networks. Therefore, installing such apps on an iPhone is pointless and may pose a risk of leaking your personal data.
- 🚫 Applications without root cannot access system password files.
- ⚠️ Many Wi-Fi "hackers" are adware or viruses.
- 📲 On iOS, third-party apps cannot display saved keys.
- 🔐 The only safe way is to use the built-in OS functions or a router.
⚠️ Attention: Router settings interfaces and smartphone menus may vary depending on the model and firmware version. If you don't find an exact match, look for synonyms (Wireless = Wi-Fi, Security = Security).
☑️ Check before resetting your router
Resetting the router as a last resort
If none of the software solutions have helped, and you urgently need internet access, the only drastic solution is to completely reset the router to factory settings. This will restore the device to its factory Wi-Fi password, which is located on the sticker on the device (usually a complex combination of letters and numbers).
To reset, find a button or hole with the inscription on the back of the router. Reset or WPS/ResetPress and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators on the device flash simultaneously. After rebooting, the network will be named after the router model, and the password will match the factory default.
The main drawback of this method is that the router will "forget" your provider's settings. You'll have to re-enter the login and password for internet access (if using PPPoE or L2TP), which are provided when you sign your contract with your provider. Without these details, the internet won't work, even if Wi-Fi is available.
After the reset, connect to the network using the password from the sticker and complete the initial setup through your browser. This will take a few minutes, but it's guaranteed to solve the forgotten password issue. We recommend saving the new information in a safe place immediately after setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the phone has never connected to this network?
No, this is technically impossible without access to the router. The phone doesn't store information about networks it hasn't connected to. The only option is to look at the password on the router's sticker (if it hasn't been changed) or access the router's settings via a cable or other connected device.
Is it safe to use Wi-Fi hacking apps?
Most of these apps in official stores (Play Market, App Store) are either useless imitations or contain malicious code. They can't actually crack a complex WPA2 password in a reasonable amount of time. It's better to use legitimate recovery methods using a QR code or router settings.
What to do if there is no QR code function on Android 9 and below?
On older versions of Android (below 10), there's no system password viewer. You'll need to either root your router (which is difficult and risky for the average user) or log in to the router's web interface via a browser by entering its IP address.
Where can I find the Wi-Fi password on the router sticker?
Turn the router over. There should be a sticker with technical information on the bottom or back of the case. Look for a field labeled "Wireless Password," "WPA Key," "PIN," or "Password." If the password was changed manually, the information on the sticker will be out of date.