Many users are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new device to a home or office wireless network, but the password has long been forgotten or written down in an inaccessible place. Fortunately, modern smartphones have built-in features that make it easy to retrieve this information without having to reset the router or search for the ISP contract. Restoring access has become much easier thanks to operating system updates that take into account user needs for security management.
In this article, we will examine in detail the action algorithms for owners of devices based on Android And iOSYou'll learn what system limitations may arise during the process and how to legally circumvent them using the gadget's standard interface. Please remember that access to passwords is only possible for networks to which your phone has previously connected and stored the data in memory.
We'll cover not only the built-in operating system tools, but also the potential risks of using third-party software. Understanding how exactly the operating system stores encryption keys, will help you better navigate the security settings of your mobile device.
View Wi-Fi passwords on Android 10 and later
Starting with version 10, Google's operating system introduced a native QR code access sharing feature, which also allows you to see the access key itself. This solution has become the standard for most manufacturers, including Samsung, Xiaomi And PixelTo get started, you need to go to the settings menu and select the section responsible for wireless connections.
Depending on your device model, the steps may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same. Find an active connection and tap the gear icon or arrow next to the network name. This is where the "Share" or "QR code" button is hidden.
Once the feature is activated, the system will ask you to confirm your identity. This may be biometric scanning (fingerprint or face) or entering a screen unlock PIN. This is a critical security step that prevents data theft by unauthorized persons if they get their hands on the phone.
⚠️ Note: On some custom skins (such as older versions of MIUI or EMUI), the password text may be hidden by asterisks even after the QR code appears. In this case, take a screenshot and open it with Google Lens or any other QR code scanner from your gallery—the password text will be recognized automatically.
Different brands' interfaces have their own unique layout of controls. To help you navigate, we've prepared a comparison chart of access paths:
| Brand / Shell | Path to the menu | Display feature |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Gear → QR code | The password is written in text under the code. |
| Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS) | Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name | Requires code scanning to view |
| Google Pixel | Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Gear → Share | The text is visible immediately after authentication. |
| Huawei (EMUI) | Settings → Wi-Fi → QR code | Scanning the screen with another device is often required |
After successful authentication, a square code will appear on the screen, along with, most often, a text string containing the access key below. You can copy it, dictate it to another device, or simply rewrite it. This method is the most secure, as it doesn't require installing any additional software.
How to find the password on an iPhone (iOS 16 and later)
Equipment owners Apple For a long time, we were unable to view saved keys directly due to the company's strict security policy. The situation changed dramatically with the release of iOS 16, which now features a fully functional iCloud Keychain. Now you can not only see your passwords but also easily share them with your contacts.
To access the data, open "Settings" and go to the "Wi-Fi" section. Find the network whose key you want to access and tap the blue information icon (the letter "i" in a circle) to the right of the name. The menu that opens will contain the "Password" field, which is hidden by dots by default.
Tap the dotted field. The system will immediately ask for confirmation via Face ID, Touch ID or the device's passcode. Once verified, the dots will turn into readable text, and a "Copy" button will appear above the keyboard, allowing you to instantly paste the data into any app.
There is also an alternative route through the phone's settings menu, which can sometimes be more convenient. Go to Settings → PasswordsAll saved logins and keys, including website and app data, are collected here. Search by network name (SSID) to quickly find the entry you need.
⚠️ Note: The password viewing feature in iOS only works if the device is unlocked with your Apple ID profile. If the phone is corporate-owned or managed by MDM profiles, the administrator may prevent the display of stored data for security purposes.
This feature is especially useful when changing providers or purchasing a new router, when you need to quickly reconnect multiple devices in your home. It's convenient because you no longer need to dictate a complex combination of characters to guests—just show them the QR code from the lock screen or widget.
Using the ADB Command Line (for advanced users)
For those who prefer technical solutions and aren't afraid to work with code, there's a method for retrieving saved configurations via USB debugging. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and having the package installed. Android Debug Bridge (ADB)It allows you to download a system file that stores all keys ever entered.
Before you begin, you need to enable developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone Tap the build number seven times quickly. This will open a hidden "Developer options" section in the settings menu, where you need to enable "USB debugging."
Connect your phone to the PC with a cable and open a command prompt. Enter the command to gain superuser privileges to read system files. Please note that on modern versions of Android without root access, this command may return an empty result or an access error, as Google has strengthened app isolation.
adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml"In the resulting XML file you need to find the tag <SSID> with the name of your network and the tag below <PreSharedKey>The password you're looking for will be stored in plaintext within this file. If the file is encrypted, the system will display a set of unreadable characters, indicating an additional layer of protection.
What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?
Make sure the drivers for your phone model are installed on your computer. When you connect the cable to your smartphone, a window should appear asking for debugging permission—be sure to click "Allow." Also, try replacing the USB cable, as some cables only support charging.
Third-party applications and their limitations
In stores Google Play And App Store You can find hundreds of apps promising to reveal forgotten passwords. However, it's important to understand how they work. After the release of Android 10, access to system files wpa_supplicant.conf or its analogs was completely closed to regular applications without superuser rights (Root).
Most such programs today operate in one of two ways. Either they require root access, which is a complex and risky procedure for the average user. Or they simply display the data the system allows through the standard API, essentially doing the same thing as the built-in QR code function, but with ads.
Using unverified software carries serious risks. An app with access to the network and clipboard could potentially transmit your data to third parties. Data security in this case, it is compromised for the sake of convenience, which is often illusory.
- 🛡️ WiFi Map — is a popular app, but it mostly shows passwords shared by other nearby users rather than recovering your local data.
- 📱 WiFi Password Viewer — requires root access, without which functionality is limited.
- 🔓 Root Explorer — a file manager for accessing system folders, useful only if you have superuser rights.
If you do decide to use such utilities, carefully review the permissions they request. If a simple code viewer requires access to contacts, microphone, or location, that's a warning sign. It's better to use the OS's built-in tools to ensure that your data doesn't leave your device.
Resetting your router as a last resort
If none of the software methods work, or you don't have physical access to the device where the password was saved (for example, you lost your old phone), there's one last option: resetting your wireless router to factory settings. This will reset the login and password to the values found on the sticker on the bottom of the device.
To do this, find the button on the router body. Reset (often recessed into the case). Press it with a paperclip or needle and hold for about 10-15 seconds until the lights flash. After rebooting, the network will be named as indicated on the label (e.g. TP-Link_XXXX), and the access key will also be standard.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting your router will completely erase all user settings. You'll have to re-enter your ISP information (PPPoE, L2TP, etc.) if it doesn't load automatically, and configure your network name again. Only do this if you're confident in what you're doing.
After the reset, connect to the network using the information on the sticker and log into the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). In the wireless network section (Wireless or Wi-Fi) you will be able to not only see your current password, but also set a new one that will be easier to remember.
This method is "nuclear" and requires time to reconfigure your entire home internet connection. However, it guarantees 100% success even if you've forgotten your previously changed password and can't access it any other way. Always write down the new settings in a safe place after the procedure.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without rooting Android 13?
Yes, you can. Starting with Android 10, the standard QR code or network menu viewing feature works without the need for root access. You'll only need biometric authentication or a screen unlock PIN.
Why isn't my iPhone showing my password even though I have iOS 16?
Make sure you're trying to view the password for a network your phone has previously connected to. Also, check that iCloud Keychain sync is enabled in your Apple ID settings. Otherwise, the password may not appear in the list of saved passwords.
Are password recovery apps safe to use?
Using third-party apps carries the risk of data leakage, especially if they require extensive permissions. On modern OS versions, they are often useless without root access. It is recommended to use built-in system tools.
What to do if the QR code cannot be read?
Try increasing your screen brightness. If that doesn't help, take a screenshot of the code and open it using Google Lens or the built-in image analyzer. Sometimes simply pointing another phone's camera directly at the screen helps.
Where can I find the password if I forgot the sticker on the router?
If the sticker has worn off and you don't remember the password and haven't saved it on any device, the only solution is to completely reset the router using the Reset button. After that, the default data printed on the device itself will become the access key.