How to find saved Wi-Fi passwords on Android without rooting: all methods 2026

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and your router is unavailable? Or need to share your network with a guest but don't have time to access the router's settings? Android devices store saved network passwords in the system, but manufacturers often hide them from users "for security reasons." Fortunately, there are legal ways to retrieve this information. without obtaining ROOT rights - even if you have Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei or Google Pixel.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods, including built-in Android tools, file system workarounds, and trusted apps. Important: Not all methods work on newer OS versions (Android 12+), but we'll point out any current limitations. You'll also learn why some hacks from older guides no longer work and how to work around common errors.

Why does Android hide Wi-Fi passwords and can they be seen?

Starting from Android 10Google has tightened its security policy: network passwords are no longer displayed in the interface by default. This is to protect against attackers who might steal data when accessing the device. However, technically passwords are stored in the file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml (or similar), and they can be extracted legally - without hacking the system.

Manufacturers implement access to this information in different ways:

• 🔹 Google Pixel and "clean" Android: passwords can be seen through Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Saved Networks (but not on all versions).
• 🔹 Samsung (One UI): Requires bypass via Smart Switch or a backup copy.
• 🔹 Xiaomi (MIUI): Passwords are hidden but accessible through Mi Account or file wpa_supplicant.conf.
• 🔹 Huawei (EMUI): the most closed option - often requires additional utilities.

⚠️ Attention: If File-Based Encryption (FBE) is enabled on your device, access to password-protected system files will be blocked even for legitimate apps. This applies to most smartphones running Android 11+.

Before trying the methods below, please check:

1. Do you have access to other devices, already connected to this network (for example, a laptop or tablet).
2. Is it possible to enter router web interface (usually at the address 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
3. Does your Android support USB debugging (needed for some methods).

Method 1: View your password through Android settings (works on some devices)

The easiest method is to use built-in tools. Unfortunately, it works. only on a limited number of devices (mostly on stock Android or older firmware versions). Try:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the title saved network (not active!).
3. Tap the button Share (or Share).
4. The system may ask PIN code, pattern or fingerprint.
5. After authentication, you will see QR code and a text password underneath it.

If the buttons Share No, that means the manufacturer has blocked this function. For example, on Samsung Galaxy With One UI 5.0+ This method does not work.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (eg. Xiaomi With MIUI 13+) The QR code is generated, but the text password is hidden. In this case, you can scan the QR code with another phone—the password will be in the link. WIFI:S:SSID;T:WPA;P:password;;.

If this method doesn't work, move on to the next one. But first, check:

Method 2: Extracting the password via a backup (for Samsung and others)

This method works on most devices but requires access to a PC and programs Samsung Smart Switch (For Samsung) or ADB (for other brands). The point is that the backup contains a file with Wi-Fi passwords that can be extracted.

Instructions for Samsung:

1. Install Samsung Smart Switch to the computer (official website).
2. Connect your phone via USB and create backup copy (select only "Settings").
3. The copy file will be in the format .sbk. Use the utility SBK Extractor (For example, this one) to extract data.
4. Find the file inside the archive wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf — it will contain SSID and passwords in the following format:

   network={
   ssid="Network_Name"
   psk="password"
   key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
   }

For other brands (via ADB):

1. Turn on USB debugging V Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → return to Settings → System → Developer Options.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and run the command:

   adb backup -f wifi.ab -noapk com.android.providers.settings

3. On your phone, confirm the backup creation (no password required).
4. Use Android Backup Extractor to extract the file wpa_supplicant.conf.

What if ADB doesn't see the device?

Make sure the drivers for your smartphone are installed (download them from the manufacturer's website). Also, check that "Allow USB debugging" is enabled in the developer settings (sometimes you need to confirm the RSA key on your phone).

⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+, backups are encrypted by default. If you didn't set a password when creating the backup, you won't be able to extract the data. In this case, try the app-based method (method 4).

Method 3: View the configuration file via a file manager (for older versions of Android)

On Android 9 and below, Wi-Fi passwords were stored in plain text in a file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml. It can be accessed through file manager with superuser rights (but not ROOT!). For example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer can request temporary access to system folders.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Install FX File Explorer from Google Play.
2. Open the app and go to Settings → Root folder access (or Root Access).
3. Select an option Request Root Access via ADB (does not require ROOT!).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and run the command:

   adb shell
   su -c "cp /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml /sdcard/"

   (If it asks for a password, enter any - this is a trick on the system).

5. Return to FX File Explorer and find the copied file on the memory card. Open it with any text editor.

In the file, look for lines like this:

<String name="PreSharedKey"><![CDATA[your_password]]></String>

This method does not work on Android 10+ Due to changes in the data storage system. If you have a newer OS version, proceed to the next method.

Method 4: Apps to view Wi-Fi passwords (without ROOT)

There are applications that can extract passwords from system files. without ROOT, but their functionality is limited by the Android version and device brand. We tested several utilities and compiled a list of reliable ones:

• 📱 WiFi Password Viewer (from Simone Dev) - works on Android 9-11, supports Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei.
• 📱 WiFi Password Recovery — extracts passwords from backups, requires ADB.
• 📱 WiFi Key Recovery — specializes in Samsung And LG, but may not work on newer firmware.

How to use (using WiFi Password Viewer as an example):

1. Download the app from Google Play (avoid third party sources!).
2. Launch and grant access to storage And Wi-Fi settings.
3. The application will scan system files and display a list of saved networks with passwords.
4. Tap on the network to copy the password or generate a QR code.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (eg. WiFi Password Show) require a PC connection for "activation." This is a scam—do not enter your card details or connect to unknown servers. Use only trusted utilities with a high rating (4.5+).

If the application does not show passwords, the reason may be:

• 🔸 Data encryption (Android 12+).
• 🔸 Manufacturer's limitations (For example, Huawei blocks access to system files).
• 🔸 Lack of rights (try enabling USB debugging).

Method 5: Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If the previous methods did not work, there are still workarounds, not requiring ROOT:

• 🖥️ Connecting to a router via another device: Go to your router settings (usually 192.168.1.1) from a laptop or tablet already connected to this network. The password can be found in the section Wireless → Security.
• 📱 Using Wi-Fi Sharing on iPhone: If you have iPhone, bring it close to your Android device - a notification will appear asking you to share the password (works with iOS 11+).
• 🔄 Resetting the password on the router: Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10 seconds). After resetting, use the default password (indicated on the router sticker).

For advanced users: If you have an old smartphone with Android 8 or lower, you can temporarily connect to it as an access point and then extract the password via ADB:

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

This method works because older versions of Android stored passwords unencrypted.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to extract a Wi-Fi password, users encounter common problems. Here's how to solve them:

If you see the message java.io.FileNotFoundException: /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml: open failed: ENOENT (No such file or directory), Means:

• 🔹 You have Android 10+, and the file has been moved to another location.
• 🔹 The firmware is modified (for example, Custom ROM), and the path changed.

In this case, try to find the file using the command:

adb shell find /data -name "wifi" -type f

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on Android 13 without rooting?

Yes, but only if the manufacturer has not blocked this feature. Google Pixel and some Samsung The method with the "Share" button works. Xiaomi And Huawei you will need a backup or an app like WiFi Password Viewer (but without guarantees).

❓ Why do password viewer apps charge a fee?

Most free utilities only show passwords for networks you are connected to. Now. To see all saved networks, you need the premium version (around 100-300 rubles). An alternative is to use ADB or a backup (method 2).

❓ Can an antivirus block such applications?

Yes, some antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky or Avast) mark password extraction utilities as "potentially dangerous." This is a false positive—the apps don't steal data, but simply read system files. To avoid being blocked, temporarily disable your antivirus or add the app to the exceptions list.

❓ What to do if none of the methods worked?

There are two options left:

1. Reset the password on the router (button Reset for 10 seconds).
2. Connect to the network from another device (laptop, tablet) and view the password there:
   • 🖥️ Windows: Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → Wireless network properties → Security.
   • 🍎 MacOS: System Preferences → Network → Advanced → Wi-Fi → Show Password.

❓ Is it legal to use such methods?

Yes, if you extract the password from your network (for example, home Wi-Fi). If you try to access someone else's network without permission, this violates the law "On Personal Data" (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and may be classified as unauthorized access to computer information.