How to find your Wi-Fi password on an Android phone if you forgot it: all the working methods

Forgot your home or work Wi-Fi password, but you're still connected on your phone? It's a familiar situation: your smartphone automatically connects to the network, but when you need to enter the password on a new device, you're stumped. Luckily, Android There are several ways to retrieve a saved password, even if you don't remember it.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods — from simple (via phone settings) to advanced (using ADB or root rights). Important: not all methods work on modern versions. Android 12+, where Google has tightened its security policy. But for most devices, at least one of these options will work.

Before you begin, make sure your phone is already connected to the desired Wi-Fi network—otherwise, the password data may not be saved in the system. Also, remember: some methods require superuser rights or computer.

1. View password through Android settings (without root)

The easiest way is to use the built-in system tools. On some versions Android (mostly before Android 10) You can see the password directly in the Wi-Fi menu. Here's how:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Find your network in the list and tap on its name.
3. In the window that opens, click Network management or Share (the name may differ).
4. The system will ask PIN code, pattern or fingerprint - enter it.
5. After authentication, a QR code and a text password below it will appear.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ (especially on Samsung One UI 4.0+ And Google Pixel) This method often doesn't work—instead of a password, only a QR code is shown. In this case, proceed to the next methods.

- The phone is connected to the desired Wi-Fi network

- You have administrator rights (if required)

- Android version below 11 (for simplified method)

- VPN is disabled on the phone (it may block access to system files)-->

2. Using QR code to retrieve password

If your settings only show a QR code instead of a text password, don't despair! It can be decrypted using third-party apps. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. In the Wi-Fi settings, find the option Share or QR code (as in the previous method).
2. Take a screenshot of the QR code or photograph it with another device.
3. Install a QR scanning app on your phone, for example:
   • 📱 QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play)
   • 🔍 QR Code Reader (from Kaspersky)
   • 🖼️ Google Lens (built in Google Photos)

WIFI:S:{network_name};T:WPA;P:{password};;

💡 Helpful tip: If the QR code is not scanned, try increasing the contrast of the image in any graphic editor (for example, in Snapseed or Lightroom).

3. Viewing the password via a file wpa_supplicant.conf (root required)

On devices with root rights Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a system file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml (on new Androids) or /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf (on old ones). To remove them:

1. Install a file manager with root support, for example:
   • 📁 Root Explorer
   • 🔧 FX File Explorer (enable root access in settings)
   • 🛠️ Solid Explorer (root plugin)

⚠️ Attention: Editing system files without experience can lead to loss of Wi-Fi connection or malfunctions of the wireless network module. Do not change the contents of this file unless you are sure of what you are doing!

4. Extracting the password using ADB (without root, but debugging is required)

If you don't have root rights but it is enabled USB debugging, you can try to extract the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method works on most devices up to Android 10:

1. Download and install ADB Tools to the computer.
2. Turn on your phone:
   • 🔌 Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times to activate developer mode).
   • 🖥️ Settings → System → Developer options → USB debugging.

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

adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

On Android 11+ This method may not work due to restrictions on accessing system files via ADB. In this case, the only options left are root or alternative methods (see the next section).

5. Alternative methods: apps and backups

If the previous methods don't help, try specialized utilities or backups. Options:

💡 Helpful tip: On devices Xiaomi, Realme And Oppo sometimes the function helps Mi Mover or Clone PhoneWhen transferring data to another device, the Wi-Fi password may appear in the logs.

What to do if none of the methods worked?

If all the above methods have failed, there are radical measures left:

• 🔄 Reset your router settings (button Reset on the back panel). Minus: You will have to configure the network again, including the name (SSID) and password.
• 📞 Contact your provider. Many operators (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS) the Wi-Fi password is specified in the contract or personal account.
• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and scan the memory for files with the extension .conf or .xml, containing wpa_supplicant.
• 🔧 Use boot image TWRP (for advanced users). Allows access to system files without full root access.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting your router will return it to factory settings. This means that all personalized settings (including IP addresses, port forwarding, guest network) will be lost. Before reset take a photo of the current settings (page 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).