Many people are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new device to the network, but have forgotten the Wi-Fi password and the router is inaccessible. Often, we automatically connect from our primary smartphone and conveniently forget the password we entered. Fortunately, modern mobile operating systems allow you to retrieve this information directly from the device's interface.
Restoring access to security key It's possible to do this without using third-party software if you're using the latest OS version. However, the methods for Android and iOS differ significantly due to their different approaches to data security. In this article, we'll cover the built-in tools and workarounds for both platforms in detail.
It's worth noting that the success of this procedure directly depends on the software version and the user's access rights. On some devices, additional steps may be required to visualize hidden symbols. Let's look at the steps for different scenarios.
Password recovery on Android 10 and later
Starting with version 10, Google has implemented a native QR code generation feature for sharing networks. This same mechanism also allows you to view the password itself in text format. You need to go to Settings → Wi-Fi and select an active connection. A square code will appear on the screen, which can be scanned with another device.
However, not all manufacturers display the password directly below the QR code. In some operating systems, such as stock Android or MIUI, the text is hidden. To see it, you often need to take a screenshot of the screen containing the code and open it using Google Lens or a standard image analyzer. The system will recognize the text and provide the required combination.
If automatic recognition doesn't work, you can use a third-party QR code scanner from an app store. Just make sure you're scanning a static image of the code, not a live camera. This is the safest method, as it doesn't require root access.
⚠️ Note: On some Samsung and Xiaomi models, the password text may be hidden behind asterisks even in the settings menu. In this case, using a screenshot and Google Lens is the only standard decryption method.
The process may vary depending on the brand. Below is a table showing password display features for popular shells:
| Brand / Shell | Where is the password? | Do you need a scanner? |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel (Stock) | Under the QR code | No |
| Samsung (One UI) | At the bottom of the settings screen | Often yes |
| Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS) | With a separate button | No |
| Huawei (EMUI) | Not displayed explicitly | Yes, definitely. |
Using root access on older versions of Android
Owners of devices running Android 9 Pie and below are facing security restrictions. You can't view saved data using standard tools. WPA2 key It's impossible. The only viable option is to gain superuser (Root) rights.
After unlocking the bootloader and establishing root privileges, access to system files becomes available. You will need a file manager with root access support, such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer. Navigate to /data/misc/wifi/ and find the file wpa_supplicant.conf.
This text file stores data from all networks ever connected. Look for the block network={, inside which there will be fields ssid (network name) and psk (password). The password text will be specified in clear text after the equal sign.
Risks of Rooting
Unlocking the bootloader voids the device's warranty. Furthermore, root access makes the phone vulnerable to malware that can gain complete control of the system. Some banking apps will stop working without additional security settings.
An alternative to manually searching for files is specialized utilities from the Play Market, such as "WiFi Password Viewer." They automatically read the contents of the system file and display a list of networks in a user-friendly interface. However, the functionality of such programs without root access is extremely limited.
☑️ Preparing to obtain root access
How to find the password on an iPhone (iOS 16 and later)
For a long time, the Apple ecosystem was closed to viewing saved passwords, but with the release of iOS 16, this changed. Now users can easily manage access keys directly in Settings. To do this, open Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the blue information icon (the letter "i" in a circle) next to the active network.
In the menu that opens, find the "Password" line. By default, the characters will be hidden by dots. Tap this line, and the system will request biometric authentication via Face ID or Touch ID, or by entering a digital unlock code.
After successful verification, the dots will turn into readable text. You can copy the password to the clipboard or simply remember it. This feature works reliably on all devices supporting the latest version of the operating system, including iPhone and iPad.
⚠️ Note: The password viewer feature is only available on iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura. If you have an older version of the software, there is no built-in way to view your password.
For devices running older versions of iOS that don't support the update, there's a workaround via computer syncing. However, this requires a Mac with access to iCloud Keychain or using third-party software on Windows, which is less secure.
Viewing the password through the router
If your phone doesn't allow you to view saved data, you can always access your router's settings. To do this, connect to a Wi-Fi network (even without internet access) or connect to the router via a LAN cable. Enter the device's IP address in the browser's address bar, usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
After entering your administrator login and password (often found on a sticker on the bottom of the router), go to the wireless network section. Depending on your router model, this section may be called Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings or Wireless mode.
In the Security settings menu you will see a field Wireless Password or PSK PasswordIf there are dots there, check the "Show Password" box. You can then copy or write down the current combination.
This method is universal and works regardless of phone model. It's especially useful if you've changed your password but forgot to write it down, or if you need to connect a guest and can't be bothered to enter the long password manually.
Synchronization via Google account
Modern Android smartphones can sync saved Wi-Fi passwords with your Google account. This allows you to access your keys from any other device signed in to the same account. To check, go to passwords.google.com or through your account settings on a PC.
In the "Passwords" or "Password Manager" section, find the filter by data type and select "Wi-Fi." You'll see a list of all networks whose passwords are saved on your synced devices. This is a convenient way to restore access if your phone is lost or broken.
It's important to note that Google data sync must be enabled for this feature to work. Without it, passwords are stored only locally on the device and won't be accessible through the web interface or other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if I have never connected to this network?
No, it's technically impossible. The password is stored only on devices that have already been successfully authenticated, or in the router's settings. It's impossible to hack someone else's network without access to the equipment using legal means.
Are Wi-Fi hacking apps safe to use?
Most of these apps in official stores are fake or contain malicious code. Legitimate security utilities (for example, for auditing your own networks) require complex setup and root access, while simple "crackers" simply steal your data.
What to do if the QR code cannot be read?
Try increasing your screen brightness, wiping the camera, or using a different scanning app. You can also take a screenshot of the code and open it in your gallery using the "Search by Image" feature or a similar option.
Will the router password be reset if I view it through the settings?
No, simply viewing the password field in the router interface or on your phone does not affect network operation. A reset occurs only by pressing the "Reset" button on the router or selecting the corresponding command in the admin menu.