Needing to connect a new gadget to your home network but forgetting the password is a common occurrence. Fortunately, modern smartphones Android Store data about connected access points for automatic authentication in the future. If you've already logged into the network from this device, the encryption key is technically stored in the system's memory, even if you don't remember it.
The process of restoring access depends primarily on the operating system version. Starting with Android 10Google has implemented a native feature for viewing passwords via QR code, making the procedure accessible to regular users without the need for root access. In older versions, the situation is more complex and often requires the use of ADB or third-party applications.
In this article, we'll cover all current methods, from standard interface tools to advanced console tools. You'll learn how to safely extract data and why older file manager methods no longer work on current firmware versions.
Standard tools for Android 10 and later
Starting with version 10 of the operating system, the procedure has become extremely simple and standardized across most manufacturers. You don't need to install additional software or delve into system folders. Simply go to the wireless network settings menu.
Find the section Wi-Fi or Connections in the main settings menu. A list of available networks will be displayed, and the currently active connection will be marked with an icon or the word "Connected." Click on your network name or the gear icon next to it to open detailed information.
In the menu that opens, look for the button Share, QR code or an icon with square lines. This is where the information you're looking for is hidden. On some shells, for example, MIUI or One UI, the password may be hidden by asterisks, but often it is displayed directly below the QR code in small print.
⚠️ Note: On Samsung devices with One UI, the password may not be displayed in text immediately. In this case, take a screenshot of the QR code and open it using Google Lens or the gallery. The system will recognize the text and display the passkey.
If the text under the code is not visible, take a screenshot. Then open this screenshot in the Google Photos app or any other viewer with the Google LensPoint the analysis camera at the image of the code, and the system will display a text string containing the password.
Using Google Password Manager
The Google ecosystem allows you to sync saved passwords across devices. This means Wi-Fi keys saved on your phone can be accessed through your cloud account. This is especially convenient if your phone's interface doesn't allow you to view the key directly.
To access this data, open your phone settings and find the section Google. Go to the menu Autofill and select Google AutocompleteNext, click on "Password Manager" or "Passwords."
In the list of saved data, find the name of your wireless network. They are usually sorted alphabetically or by date saved. After authentication (fingerprint or Face ID), you will see your login and password in plain text.
- 🔑 Open your system settings and find the Google section.
- 📱 Go to the Autofill menu and select Password Manager.
- 🔍 Enter the network name in the search or find it in the list.
- 👁️ Click on the eye icon to reveal hidden text.
This method works stably on clean Android and most custom firmware versions. However, if syncing was disabled or the data wasn't saved to the account, this method will be useless.
Advanced Method: ADB Without Root
Owners of devices with an older OS version (below 10) or specific shells can use debugging USBThis method requires a computer and an installed platform. Android Debug BridgeIt allows you to request data from the system directly, bypassing the graphical interface.
First, you need to enable developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly tap the build number seven times. This will add a new option to the settings menu. For developers. Enable the option there. USB debugging.
Connect your smartphone to your computer using a cable. Open the command prompt on your PC in the ADB folder and enter the following command to test the connection:
adb devicesA debugging permission request will appear on your phone's screen. Confirm it. Next, use a command to display the contents of the system file where the keys are stored. Please note that on modern versions of Android, access to this file may be restricted even via ADB without root access, but this method works on many devices prior to Android 12.
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlFind the tag in the command output. PreSharedKeyYour password will be displayed in clear text next to it. If you see an access error or an empty file instead, it means your operating system version prevents reading this file without full superuser privileges.
What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?
Make sure the drivers for your phone model are installed. Try replacing the USB cable with the original or a higher-quality one, as some cables only support charging.
Specifics of different manufacturers
Various vendors make their own changes to the interface Android, which influences the layout of controls. Understanding the logic of a specific manufacturer helps you find the function you need faster.
On devices Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS): After tapping a network and selecting "Share," the password is often displayed directly below the QR code. If it's not there, use a screenshot. In some cases, fingerprint confirmation is required.
Owners Samsung You may encounter a situation where your password text is hidden. In this case, as mentioned earlier, a screenshot and Google Lens can help. On Samsung devices, you can also view your password through the Samsung Pass security settings if this feature was previously enabled.
Smartphones Huawei And Honor (with and without Google services) usually have a standard path through the Wi-Fi menu. However, on models without Google services (GMS), the QR code function may work differently, requiring scanning by another Huawei device to transfer data, but without explicitly displaying the text.
| Manufacturer | Path to password | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Wi-Fi → Click on the network → QR code | The password is often visible just below the code. |
| Samsung | Connections → Wi-Fi → Gear → QR | Requires scanning code to view text |
| Pixel / Motorola | Network and Internet → Wi-Fi → Gear → Share | Clean Android, password under code |
| Realme / OPPO | Wi-Fi → Click on the network → Click on the QR code | Similar to Xiaomi, text is usually visible |
Why don't old methods work with Root?
Previously, a popular method was to use file managers with access to the system root (/data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf). This file contained all saved networks in text form. However, modern versions Android significantly increased security.
Starting with Android 6, and especially in versions 11, 12 and higher, access to the system partition /data is strictly controlled. Even with root access, the file system can be encrypted or mounted read-only in certain modes. Furthermore, rooting new devices often voids the warranty and makes it impossible to use banking apps.
Modern apps that promise to "show passwords without root" are often scams or advertising platforms. They can't bypass system security restrictions unless the operating system itself does so through built-in APIs. Therefore, relying on third-party software from untrusted sources is dangerous.
⚠️ Warning: Installing apps that require root access to view passwords may result in malware infection. Use only proven methods through system settings.
If your phone is running on Android 9 If you have a device with a lower version of Android and don't want to update, the risk of using root managers is lower, but still exists. In such cases, it's better to use the ADB method described above, as it doesn't require any system modifications.
Security and Access Recovery
Once you've learned the password, it's recommended to secure your network. If you discover unauthorized devices are connected to your network, or your password was too simple, you should change it.
To change your password, you'll need access to your router. This is usually done through a browser at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Enter your login and administrator (often admin/admin) and find the section Wireless Security or Wireless mode.
Create a strong password using a combination of letters and numbers. After changing the key on your router, you'll need to "Forget Network" on all your devices and reconnect with the new code.
- 🔒 Use WPA2/WPA3 encryption for maximum security.
- 📝 Write down complex passwords in a safe place or a password manager.
- 🔄 Change your access keys periodically, at least once a year.
Remember that knowing how to view an Android password is a tool for restoring access to your data, not for hacking other people's networks. Using this knowledge for illegal purposes is punishable by law.
☑️ Network security check
Is it possible to view the Wi-Fi password on Android without a computer?
Yes, if you have Android 10 or later. Simply use the built-in QR code feature in the Wi-Fi settings. On older versions, this is practically impossible without a computer and root access.
Where is the password physically stored in the Android system?
In modern versions, data is stored in an encrypted file. WifiConfigStore.xml in the section /data/misc/wifi/Only system processes have access to this section.
Are password recovery apps safe to use?
Most of these apps either don't work on newer Android devices or contain ads and malware. It's safer to use built-in system functions or the ADB method.
What should I do if the QR code doesn't show the password in text?
Take a screenshot of the code and open it in Google Photos or the Google Lens app. Tap the "Search" or "Translate" button, and the password text will be recognized and highlighted.