Introduction: Why there is no standard way to view the password on the Honor 8
Smartphone Honor 8 (model FRD-L09/L19/L04), released in 2016, was based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with a branded shell EMUI 4.1 (later updated to EMUI 5.0 on Android 7.0). It was this software combination that caused headaches for users trying to find their saved Wi-Fi password. Unlike modern devices, where the password can be found in the network settings, on Honor 8 such an option no default due to Huawei's security policies of that era.
The problem is aggravated by the fact that the manufacturer has blocked access to system files with passwords without root rights. Even the standard menu Settings → Wi-Fi does not show the "Share password" button (the function appeared only in EMUI 9+). However, there are workarounds—and we'll look at them all, from the simplest to the most technically complex.
It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the firmware version. For example, on EMUI 4.1 The method with the file works wpa_supplicant.conf, and on EMUI 5.0 — No longer. We'll look at both options.
Method 1: View the password via the wpa_supplicant.conf file (EMUI 4.1 only)
This method is relevant for Honor 8 on Android 6.0 with EMUI 4.1In this firmware version, Wi-Fi passwords were stored in clear text in a system file. You will need any file manager with root access (For example, Root Explorer or FX File Manager) or ADB commands.
Instructions:
- 📁 Open the file manager and go to this path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore - 🔍 Find the file
wpa_supplicant.confand open it with a text editor - 🔑 In the block
network={...}find the linepsk="your_password" - 📋 Copy the value after
psk=(this is the password)
⚠️ Attention: Starting from EMUI 5.0 (Android 7.0) This file is encrypted. This method will not work if your Honor 8 was updated.
If you don't have root access, you can try reading the file via ADB:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf
Install Huawei drivers on your PC
Enable USB debugging in Developer Options
Connect Honor 8 to a computer via cable
Run Command Prompt as Administrator-->
Method 2: Using Password Viewer Apps (No Root)
For Honor 8 on EMUI 5.0 (Android 7.0) specialized utilities that can extract passwords from system storage without full root access are suitable. The best options are:
| Application | Root required? | Runs on EMUI 4.1 | Runs on EMUI 5.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Partially |
| WiFi Key Recovery | ⚠️ Conditionally | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| WiFi Password (Root) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
The most universal solution is WiFi Password ViewerIt exploits a vulnerability in Android Backup Service, which allowed some applications to read backup copies of system data. Here's the procedure:
- Download and install WiFi Password Viewer from Google Play
- Launch the app and grant access to the storage
- Click "Scan" - the program will display all saved networks
- Tap the desired network - the password will be displayed
⚠️ Note: Since 2021, Google has closed this vulnerability for new devices, but Honor 8 The method still works due to the old version of Android.
Method 3: Reset the router and reconnect (last resort)
If the previous methods didn't work, there remains a radical solution - reset the router settings to factory settings and reconnect to it. This is relevant if:
- 🔄 You have physical access to the router
- 📝 The router sticker contains the standard password (usually
admin/adminor12345678) - 🚫 No critical settings (such as forwarded ports)
Reset instructions:
- Find the button on the back of the router. Reset (usually recessed into the body)
- Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash
- Connect to the network with the factory name (eg.
TP-LINK_1234) - Enter the password from the router sticker
After the reset, we recommend:
- 🔒 Change your default password to a complex one (at least 12 characters)
- 📡 Update your router's firmware via the web interface
- 📱 Save your new password in your phone's notes
What should I do if the Internet doesn't work after a reset?
If the Internet doesn't appear after resetting the router, check:
1. Is the provider's cable connected to the WAN port (usually blue)?
2. Is the connection type (DHCP/PPPoE) configured in the router's web interface?
3. Are the login details (logins/passwords from the provider) up to date?
When connecting via PPPoE, you may be required to enter the login/password from your contract with your provider.
Alternative methods: if nothing helps
When standard methods are exhausted, non-obvious solutions remain:
Method 1: View password on another device
If another phone, tablet, or computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can find the password there:
- 📱 On Android 10+:
Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → Share(PIN required) - 💻 On Windows: run the command in CMD
netsh wlan show profile name="network_name" key=clear - 🍎 On iPhone: the password can only be viewed through iTunes Backup (applications like iExplorer)
Method 2: Connecting via WPS
Many routers support the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which allows you to connect without entering a password:
- Press the button on the router WPS (usually indicated by the 🔄 icon)
- On Honor 8 go to
Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → WPS Connection - Select your network and your phone will connect automatically.
⚠️ Warning: WPS is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. After connecting, disable this feature in your router settings.
Method 3: Contacting your provider
If the router is provided by the Internet service provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), Can:
- 📞 Call support and ask them to remind you of your password (identity verification will be required)
- 🌐 Log in to your personal account on the provider's website - sometimes the Wi-Fi password is listed there
- 📧 Check the email with your settings that was sent when you connected
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to find out the password, users Honor 8 face typical problems:
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
File wpa_supplicant.conf empty |
Update to EMUI 5.0+ | Use apps like WiFi Password Viewer |
ADB gives an error permission denied |
No superuser rights | Get root or use alternative methods |
| The app doesn't show passwords. | Outdated version of Android | Update firmware or reset the router |
| There is no internet after resetting the router. | Incorrect PPPoE settings | Check with your provider for connection details |
Another common mistake is trying to use recovery mod to extract passwords. On Honor 8 it's useless because in TWRP The standard recovery doesn't allow access to password files. Resetting the phone to factory settings also won't help—it will delete all saved networks but won't reveal the passwords.
If you see the message "Unable to read file" when working with wpa_supplicant.conf, check:
- 🔧 Is the path specified correctly (in newer versions of EMUI the file may be in
/data/vendor/wifi/...) - 🛠 Does the file manager have permission to read system files?
- 📱 Is your antivirus blocking access (for example, Huawei Mobile Services)
Security: How to Protect Your Wi-Fi After Access Restores
Having learned the Wi-Fi password, many users forget about it. network protectionMeanwhile, outdated router settings make it vulnerable to hacking. Here's what you absolutely must do:
- 🔐 Change the default password a combination of 12+ characters (use letters, numbers, symbols)
- 🔄 Update your router firmware - Old versions have critical vulnerabilities (for example,
CVE-2017-6077(for TP-Link) - 📡 Disable WPS - This feature simplifies the connection, but allows you to hack the network in a few hours
- 👥 Configure MAC address filtering (although this is not a panacea)
- 🌐 Change the network name (SSID) — do not use personal information (for example, "Ivanov_kv5")
To generate a strong password, you can use password managers (for example, Bitwarden or KeePassDX) or online services like 1PasswordAn example of a secure password:
k7#pL9!vQ2$mR4@xP1
Also check the encryption settings on your router:
- 🔒 Use only WPA2-AES or WPA3 (not WEP or TKIP)
- 📶 Turn off WPA/WPA2 Mixed Mode - it weakens the defense
- 🔌 Change the router's IP address from the default one
192.168.1.1to another (for example,192.168.3.254)
⚠️ Warning: If your router is older than 5 years, consider replacing it. Devices manufactured before 2018 often have unpatched firmware vulnerabilities.
FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find the Wi-Fi password on an Honor 8 without root access?
Yes, but only if you have EMUI 4.1 (Android 6.0). In this case, the password is stored in clear text in a file wpa_supplicant.conf, which can be read via ADB or some file managers. EMUI 5.0 (Android 7.0) without root only the app will help WiFi Password Viewer or reset the router.
I updated my Honor 8 to EMUI 5.0, and now nothing works. What should I do?
In your case, there are 3 options left:
- Reset the router to factory settings (Reset button)
- Get root rights on your phone (for example, through KingRoot or Magisk)
- Find out the password on another device that is connected to this network
Root on Honor 8 It doesn't always work - success depends on the firmware and bootloader version.
Is there any way to extract passwords from an Honor 8 backup?
In theory, yes, but in practice it's difficult. Backups created through HiSuite or Huawei Backup, are encrypted. To extract the data you will need:
- Download the backup to your PC
- Use a utility like Huawei Backup Extractor
- Find a file with the extension in the unpacked data
.db(Wi-Fi database) - Open it through SQLite Browser and find the table with passwords
The process is labor-intensive and requires technical skills. Success is not guaranteed.
After resetting my router, my internet isn't working. What should I do?
Most likely your ISP is using PPPoE connection, and after the reset, you'll need to re-enter your login/password. Here's how:
- Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi with the factory password
- Open your router's web interface (usually
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1) - Go to the section
InternetorWAN - Select connection type PPPoE
- Enter the login and password from the contract with the provider
- Save the settings and reboot the router.
If you don't know your PPPoE details, call your provider's support team—they're required to provide them.
Is there a way to save all Wi-Fi passwords before resetting my phone?
On Honor 8 There is no built-in password export function, but you can use workarounds:
- Install the application WiFi Password (Root) and save the list of networks to a file
- Make a backup copy of the folder
/data/misc/wifi/via ADB:adb backup -f wifi_backup.ab -shared -apk com.android.providers.settings - Write down the passwords manually in a secure note (for example, in Google Keep with encryption)
After resetting your phone, you will have to re-enter your passwords, but you will have a backup copy.