Have you ever forgotten your home Wi-Fi password, but you already have the network saved on your phone? Or needed to connect a new device, but lost the password? Android There are several ways to extract saved network data, from simple built-in functions to advanced methods using ADB or ROOT rightsIn this article, we'll cover all the current methods, including limitations and nuances for different versions. Android (from Android 10 to Android 15).
It is important to understand that not all methods will show cleartext passwordOn some devices (eg. Samsung or Google Pixel) the system hides passwords by default, and Xiaomi or Realme You can see them without any additional manipulation. We'll also explain how to bypass restrictions if you don't have superuser rights, and what to do if the network is saved but won't connect.
A word of warning: some methods require technical skills. If you're unsure, use official tools or consult a specialist. Now, let's get to practice!
1. Standard viewing of saved networks without a password
On most devices Android can be seen list of saved Wi-Fi networks, but not their passwords. This method is suitable if you simply need to remind the network name (for example, to connect another device).
Instructions:
- 📱 Open
Settingson the phone. - 🔍 Go to the section
Wi-Fi(orNetwork and Internet → Wi-Fion some firmware). - 📋 Scroll down to the block
Saved networks(on Samsung can be calledOther networks). - 👀 All networks you've ever connected to will be displayed here. Click on one to see the details (but not the password!).
On some devices (eg. Xiaomi with firmware MIUI 14+) there may also be a button here Share - she generates QR code To connect other devices without entering a password. This is convenient, but it doesn't reveal the password itself.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 12 Google has restricted access to Wi-Fi passwords through default settings. If you need the password, read the following sections.
2. View Wi-Fi password on Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco
Smartphones Xiaomi (including Redmi And Poco) allow you to see the password of the saved network without ROOT rights and additional programs. This is one of the key advantages of the firmware MIUI.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Open
Settings→Wi-Fi. - Find the desired network in the list and tap on it.
- In the window that opens, select
Share(orShare(on English firmware). - The system will ask for confirmation.
PIN code,fingerprintorgraphic key. - After confirmation, a screen will open with QR code and the text line below it - that's the password!
If you don't need the QR code, just copy the text below it. MIUI 13/14 The password may be hidden behind asterisks - click on the eye (👁️) to see it.
| Model/Firmware | Is password viewing supported? | Is authentication required? |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 11/12/13 (MIUI 12-14) | ✅ Yes | ✅ PIN/fingerprint |
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Any unlocking method |
| Poco F3/F4/F5 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (except for the pattern key) |
| Xiaomi on Android One | ❌ No | — |
⚠️ Attention: On some global firmware versions MIUI The function can be disabled. If the buttons Share no - try updating the system or use the method with ADB (section 4).
3. How to find the Wi-Fi password on a Samsung device (with or without rooting)
On smartphones Samsung (series Galaxy S, A, Note) see the password using standard tools it is forbidden — even if the network is preserved. However, there are workarounds:
Method 1: Via Samsung Smart Switch (without ROOT)
If you have Mac or Windows-PC, you can extract passwords using the official utility Samsung Smart Switch:
- 💻 Install Smart Switch to the computer.
- 📱 Connect your phone via
USB(select modeFile transfer). - 🔄 In the program, select
Backupand save the data on your PC. - 🔍 The backup will be in the following format:
.sbkUse third-party tools like Samsung Backup Extractor (requires Java) to extract the filewpa_supplicant.confwith passwords.
Method 2: With ROOT rights (for advanced users)
If there is one on the phone ROOT, download any file manager that supports root access (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer) and follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
This file will store all networks and their passwords in encrypted form. To decrypt them, use online services like WiFi Password Decrypt (does not work on all versions) Android).
⚠️ Warning: Changing files in /data/misc/ May cause Wi-Fi issues. Back up before editing!
Why does Samsung hide passwords?
Samsung follows Google's security policy, which states that Wi-Fi passwords should not be made publicly available to the user without additional action. This reduces the risk of data leakage if the device is stolen.
4. Using ADB to extract passwords (without ROOT)
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — is a debugging tool that allows you to extract data from a device via USB. The method works on most smartphones (except Samsung and some models Huawei), but requires inclusion USB debugging.
Instructions:
☑️ Getting Started with ADB
- Connect your phone to PC and open
Command line(cmdon Windows) orTerminal(on Mac/Linux). - Enter the command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf the device is displayed, continue.
- Extract the Wi-Fi settings file:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml - Open the downloaded file in any text editor and find the line:
<string name="PreSharedKey">YOUR_PASSWORD</string>
On Android 10+ The file may be encrypted. In this case, use the command:
adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep 'PreSharedKey'"
On some devices (eg. Google Pixel) passwords are stored in a file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreSoftAp.xml — check both options.
5. Applications for viewing saved Wi-Fi (with ROOT)
If you have ROOT rights, you can use specialized applications. They automate the password extraction process and often display additional information (such as the encryption type).
Top 3 verified apps:
- 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer — simple interface, shows all saved networks and passwords. Works on Android 5.0+.
- 📡 WiFi Key Recovery - supports exporting passwords to a file
.txtorQR code. - 🛡️ Root Browser — a file manager that allows you to manually find
wpa_supplicant.conf.
How to use:
- Install one of the applications from Google Play or APK (for example, with APKMirror).
- Provide ROOT access upon request.
- In the main menu, select
Saved NetworksorWiFi Passwords. - Copy the desired password or export the list.
⚠️ Attention: Some antivirus programs (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) may block such applications as "potentially dangerous." This is a false positive—add the program to the exceptions.
6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
If none of the methods worked, try these options:
Method 1: Reset the router
If you have physical access to the router, you can reset it to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel). After that, connect to the network with the default password (usually indicated on the router sticker) and change it in the web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Method 2: View on another device
If connected to the same network Windows laptop or Mac, you can extract the password from there:
- 🪟 On Windows: open
Network Settings → Network and Sharing Center → Wireless Network → Properties → Securityand check the boxShow entered characters. - 🍎 On Mac: open
Terminaland enter:security find-generic-password -wa "NAZVANIE_SETI"
Method 3: Contact your provider
If the network is provided by an Internet service provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), the password can be found out:
- 📞 By calling the hotline (check with the operator).
- 🌐 In your personal account on the provider’s website (section
Wi-FiorEquipment). - 📄 In the connection agreement (sometimes the password is specified there).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about saved Wi-Fi networks
❓ Is it possible to see the Wi-Fi password on a Samsung device without rooting?
No, on most devices Samsung it's impossible without ROOT rights or backup via Smart Switch. The exception is older models. Android 8 and below, where passwords were stored in clear text.
❓ Why isn't my Wi-Fi network listed in my saved networks?
Possible reasons:
- The network was deleted after a factory reset.
- The phone was never connected to it (for example, the connection was through
WPS). - The device has the function enabled
Automatic removal of networks(check in Wi-Fi settings).
❓ Is it possible to extract passwords from a phone if it is locked?
If the phone is enabled USB debugging and it was connected to the PC earlier, you can try to use ADB in recovery mode. However, on Android 11+ This is unlikely due to enhanced security. In most cases, unlocking the screen will be required.
❓ Do these methods work on Android tablets?
Yes, all the methods described are also applicable to tablets (for example, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Xiaomi Pad or Lenovo Tab). The main thing is that the device has the same version. Android, as on smartphones.
❓ How can I protect my Wi-Fi passwords from being stolen?
To prevent passwords from being extracted from your device:
- 🔒 Turn it off
USB debuggingin the developer settings. - 🚫 Do not install applications from untrusted sources.
- 🔄 Change your router passwords regularly (every 3-6 months).
- 🛡️ Use
WPA3instead ofWPA2(if the router supports it).