Many users are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new device to an existing network, but the password has been forgotten or lost. Fortunately, the operating system Android Stores data on all previously used access points in the smartphone's memory. This makes it easy to retrieve the necessary information if you have access to the device's settings or administrator rights.
Recovery methods depend on the version of the operating system installed. Older versions required obtaining root rightsHowever, modern Android releases, starting with version 10, offer built-in tools for secure data viewing. You don't need to be an IT expert to handle this task.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available methods: from standard settings to using specialized software. If you have never connected to the router, you won't be able to find out the key via your phone.
Using the built-in QR code in Android 10 and later
Starting with Android 10, Google introduced a convenient QR code generation feature for quickly connecting other devices. This same mechanism allows you to view the saved security key in text format or scan it with another device. This method is the simplest and doesn't require installing any additional software.
To get started, you need to open your smartphone's settings and go to the wireless connection management section. This is usually called Wi-Fi or Network and InternetFind the network you need to find the password for in the list of networks and click the gear icon next to its name.
On the network information screen that opens, you will see a button Share or a QR code icon. The system will ask you to verify your identity using a PIN, fingerprint, or face scan. Once successfully authenticated, a QR code will appear on the screen.
In most modern shells, such as MIUI from Xiaomi or One UI From Samsung, the password is displayed directly below the QR code. If the text is hidden, you can take a screenshot and scan the resulting image with any QR code reader or Google Lens.
It's worth keeping in mind that the interface may differ depending on the manufacturer. For example, on a stock Android, the path might look like this: Settings → Network & Internet → Internet, whereas on Huawei devices it may be Wireless Networks → Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Note: On some smartphone models with heavily modified skins, the text password display feature may be hidden by the developer. In this case, the only option left is to scan the QR code with a second device.
Viewing passwords through Google Chrome
If you have syncing enabled with your Google account, saved Wi-Fi passwords can be accessed through the Chrome browser. This works thanks to the autofill feature, which transfers data between devices linked to the same account.
Open your browser Google Chrome on your smartphone and go to the settings menu. You're looking for the section related to security or autofill. Depending on your browser version, the path may look like this: Settings → Autofill → Password Manager.
In the list of saved data, find the entry corresponding to your Wi-Fi network. They often have a corresponding icon or are labeled "Wireless Network." Tap the desired entry. The system will again ask you to verify your identity.
Once unlocked, you'll see a password field, which is hidden by dots by default. Click the eye icon to reveal the symbols. This method is especially convenient if you need to copy a complex key and paste it onto your computer.
- 🔍 Open Chrome settings and select "Password manager".
- 📡 Find your Wi-Fi network in the list by name (SSID).
- 👁️ Click on the eye icon to reveal hidden text.
- 📋 Copy the data to the clipboard for use.
This method doesn't require root privileges and works reliably on most devices. However, it's only effective if you've previously allowed your browser to save login information or synced your system settings.
How to find the password on Android 9 and below without root
On devices running an operating system version earlier than Android 10, the security system prevents apps from directly accessing system files where encryption keys are stored. However, there are workarounds that utilize the operating system's capabilities.
One method is to use the "Guest Mode" feature or create a new hotspot, but these often don't provide direct access to the other network's password. A more reliable method is to use special scripts or ADB (Android Debug Bridge) if USB debugging is enabled on the phone.
To use ADB, you'll need to connect your smartphone to your computer. Drivers and a utility must be installed on the computer. ADBOnce connected, run the command to get a list of saved networks.
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep"mConfigKey"The command output may contain network configuration information, including keys, although modern firmware often hashes this data. If standard methods fail, the only option is to reset the router or log into its admin panel.
| Method | Root is required | Android version | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code | No | 10+ | Low |
| Google Chrome | No | Any | Low |
| ADB Commands | No (PC required) | Any | High |
| wpa_supplicant file | Yes | Any | Average |
Why can't I just view the password on older Android devices?
The Android security system isolates apps from each other. Without root access, no app has permission to read the system's Wi-Fi configuration files, which store passwords in cleartext or encrypted form.
Using file managers with root rights
If your smartphone is unlocked Bootloader If you have root privileges, obtaining the password becomes trivial. All connection data is stored in the system configuration file.
You will need a file manager with root access support, such as Root Explorer, Solid Explorer or MT ManagerAfter launching the application, grant it administrator rights when prompted.
Navigate to the following path in the root directory: /data/misc/wifi/In this folder, you are interested in the file named WifiConfigStore.xml or wpa_supplicant.confThe file name may vary slightly depending on your Android version.
Open the file in text mode. You need to find the tag or line containing SSID your network. There will be a field next to it PreSharedKey or simply the text after the key label, where the desired password is stored in clear text.
⚠️ Warning: Making changes to system files may cause instability in the Wi-Fi module. Open files in read-only mode if you only want to find out the password.
☑️ Preparing to work with Root
This method is universal and works even on very old versions of Android. However, rooting your device is a risky procedure that can void your device's warranty.
Specialized recovery applications
In the store Google Play There are many apps that promise to reveal passwords. Most of them only work on rooted devices, as they use the method described above to read system files, but do so automatically.
One of the popular solutions is the application WiFi Password ViewerIt scans system storage and displays a list of all saved networks with passwords. The interface of such programs is usually very simple.
There are also apps that work without root, but their functionality is limited. They can only reveal passwords for networks saved in a Google account or exploit vulnerabilities in specific router models (which is a less secure method).
- 📲 WiFi Password Viewer — a classic solution for rooted devices.
- 🔑 Keychain Access — an analogue for viewing saved keys.
- 🛡️ WiFi Map — a database of common passwords (does not show your personal ones).
- 📶 Instabridge — a service for sharing access, not recovery.
Be careful when installing such apps. Many of them may contain intrusive advertising or collect data about your connections. Always check the permissions the app requests during installation.
Entering the router settings as an alternative
If none of the software methods work, the most reliable option is to log into the router's web interface. To do this, your device must be connected to a Wi-Fi network (even without internet) or connected to the router via a LAN cable.
Open any browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Standard addresses: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.31.1The exact address is often indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device.
You'll need to enter your administrator username and password. If you haven't changed them, try the default combinations: admin/admin or admin/passwordIf the password has been changed and forgotten, you will have to reset the router to factory settings using the button Reset.
After logging into the control panel, find the section Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless network. In subsections Security or Security settings There will be a field with the current password, which can be changed or simply copied.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting the router using the Reset button will completely erase all settings, including your ISP's PPPoE settings. Make sure you have your internet connection information before resetting the device.
This method guarantees the receipt of a valid password, as you are accessing the signal source directly. It does not depend on the Android version or whether the smartphone has root access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if I have never connected to this network?
No, software methods only allow access to networks to which the smartphone has previously connected and saved data. The password for a new network can only be found through the router's admin panel (if access is available) or through special password databases, which is not a secure method.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Apps that require root access have deep system privileges. Download them only from trusted sources, such as Google Play, and read reviews carefully. Such apps could potentially steal your stored data, so it's best to uninstall them after use.
What to do if the wpa_supplicant.conf file is empty?
In modern versions of Android (starting from 6.0 and above), data is often stored in XML format (file WifiConfigStore.xml) or in encrypted form, which cannot be read without decryption keys. In this case, only a QR code or access to the router will help.
Does this method work on all phone models?
The QR code method works on Android 10+, regardless of brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, etc.), but the button location may vary. The root file method is universal, but the file path may vary depending on the firmware.