How to View Wi-Fi Password on Your Phone: 5 Working Methods for Android and iPhone

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, or has the sticker on your router worn off? Or do you need to connect a new device but don't have the password handy? Every second user faces this problem, especially when guests need access to the network and can't remember the password. Fortunately, You can view your Wi-Fi password directly on your phone., if it has connected to this network at least once. However, the methods vary depending on the smartphone model and operating system version.

In this article we will look at all current methods — from standard Android and iOS features to hidden manufacturer capabilities like Xiaomi, Samsung or HonorYou'll learn how to extract a password without root access, what to do if your phone isn't rooted, and why this process requires additional steps on some devices. You'll also learn how to protect yourself from losing your password in the future.

Is it even possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on a phone?

Yes, but with reservations. The smartphone saves passwords for all connected networks. — however, access to them is restricted for security reasons. Operating system and device manufacturers deliberately complicate this process to prevent attackers from easily stealing access credentials to your network.

Here are the key points:

• 📱 Android: On most devices, you can only view the password if you have root rights (superuser). However, some brands (for example, Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung) add their own tools for viewing passwords without root.
• 🍎 iPhone (iOS)Apple has completely blocked the ability to view passwords through the default settings. But there are workarounds, for example, through iCloud Settings or backup copies.
• 🔒 RestrictionsIf the phone has never connected to a network, the password won't be known. Also, some public networks (such as those in cafes or airports) may use dynamic passwords that change each time you connect.

It is important to understand that On devices with the latest versions of Android 12+ and iOS 16+, manufacturers are tightening security measures.For example, in new firmware Samsung One UI 5.0+ And MIUI 14+ Standard methods for viewing passwords may not work - additional steps will be required.

⚠️ Attention: If you're using a corporate network (such as an office or university), the administrator may have hidden your password. You won't be able to view it on your personal phone—contact your IT department.

Method 1: Standard Android settings (without root)

On some devices Android You can view your Wi-Fi password through the settings menu—but only if the manufacturer hasn't blocked this feature. This method works on smartphones. Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, as well as on some models Huawei And Honor.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Find the desired network in the list and tap on its name.
3. In the window that opens, select Share password (or Show QR code on Xiaomi).
4. The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, imprint or face - enter it.
5. A text password will appear below the QR code (you may need to scroll down the screen).

If the point Share password No, try an alternative way:

• 🔄 Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Additionally (three dots at the top).
• 📋 Choose Network management → Find your network → Show password.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones Samsung Galaxy With One UI 4.0 and later This method may not work - the company has removed the ability to view passwords without root. In this case, use Method 3.

Make sure your phone is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

Make sure you have administrator rights (if required)

Update your firmware to the latest version (sometimes bugs interfere with viewing)

Try restarting your phone if the menu items don't appear-->

Method 2: View your password via QR code (for Android)

If your phone doesn't show the password in plain text, but there is an option Share QR code, you can extract the password from this code. This method works on most devices, including Google Pixel, Sony Xperia and some models Samsung.

How to do it:

1. Generate a QR code for the network (as in Method 1).
2. Take a photo of it with another phone or save a screenshot.
3. Use any QR scanning app (eg. Google Lens or QR & Barcode Scanner).
4. The QR code data will contain a string like this:

   WIFI:S:<network_name>;T:WPA;P:<password>;;

   Where P:<password> - this is your security key.

Example of QR code decoding:

If the QR code doesn't scan, try increasing the screen brightness or using a different app. Some phones (e.g., Huawei) generate QR codes in a non-standard format - in this case, only viewing via configuration file.

Samsung

Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO

iPhone (Apple)

Huawei/Honor

Another Android

I don't know-->

Method 3: Extracting Password from Configuration File (for Android with Root)

If standard methods do not work, and root rights If you have a password on your phone, you can extract it directly from the system file. This method is universal and works on any device, including Samsung, OnePlus And Nokia.

Instructions:

1. Install any file manager with root access (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

   or (on newer versions of Android):

   /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

3. Open the file in a text editor and find the line:

   <string name="PreSharedKey">&#x31;&#x32;&#x33;&#x34;&#x35;&#x36;&#x37;&#x38;</string>

   Here 1 corresponds to the symbol 1, 2 — 2 and so on. The full password in this example is: 12345678.

If the file WifiConfigStore.xml missing, try searching for passwords in:

/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreSoftAp.xml

(for access points distributed by the phone).

⚠️ Attention: Editing system files without root access may result in reset network settings or loss of connectionDo not change the contents of files unless you are sure of what you are doing!

adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

Method 4: View iPhone (iOS) password without jailbreak

Apple strictly limits access to Wi-Fi passwords, but there are several legal ways to extract them. The most reliable is through iCloud Keychain (if you have another device on macOS or iPadOS).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure that key syncing is enabled on your iPhone: Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Keys (should be On).
2. On Mac open Programs → Utilities → Bunch of keys.
3. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
4. Double-click on the found entry and check the box Show password.
5. Enter your account password Mac - after this the Wi-Fi password will be displayed.

If Mac not at hand, try an alternative method through iTunes backup:

• 🖥️ Back up your iPhone to your computer iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
• 🔍 Use the program iBackup Viewer (free) to view the contents of the backup.
• 📡 Find the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist — it will contain saved networks and passwords (in encrypted form).
• 🔑 To decrypt you will need backup password (if installed).

On iPhone without jailbreak and additional devices it is impossible to view the password — Apple specifically blocks this functionality. If access is critical to you, consider the option with resetting the router.

Method 5: Reset the router password (if nothing helps)

If none of the above methods worked, there remains a radical but reliable way - reset the router to factory settingsThis will change the password to the default one (indicated on the device's sticker), but all personal settings (including the network name, guest access, and parental controls) will be lost.

How to reset a router:

1. Find the button on the back of the router. Reset (usually it is recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press the button on 10-15 seconds.
3. Wait until the indicators on the router blink and it reboots.
4. Connect to the network with the default name (eg TP-Link_XXXX) and use the password from the sticker.

After the reset, we recommend:

• 🔐 Change the default password to a more secure one (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
• 📱 Save new password in a protected place (for example, in Google Password Manager or 1Password).
• 📡 Update your router's firmware - This closes vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting your router will disconnect all connected users. If you have a smart home (lights, cameras, speakers), you'll have to set them up again too!

How to avoid losing your password in the future

To stop searching for ways to extract your password, follow these tips:

1. Take a photo of the router sticker and save the photo in a protected folder (for example, in Google Photos with limited access).
2. Use password managers:
   • 🔑 Bitwarden (free, open source).
   • 🔑 1Password (paid, but with family access).
   • 🔑 Built-in Google Password Manager (synchronizes with the account).

If you have multiple devices at home (eg. Mesh system (or signal repeaters), write down the passwords for all networks in one place. For public spaces (hotels, coworking centers), use a separate notepad or a label in your password manager—these networks frequently change access keys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)