How to Check Your Wi-Fi Password on Your Phone: Step-by-Step Instructions for Android and iOS

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, or has the sticker on your router worn off? Or need to connect a new gadget but can't remember the combination? A smartphone that's already connected to the network can be your salvation. In this article, we'll look into it. all working methodsHow to find out your phone's Wi-Fi password—from standard Android and iOS features to little-known tricks for advanced users.

It is important to understand that methods differ depending on operating system versions, device models and even shell manufacturer (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS, etc.). We've compiled up-to-date instructions that work on most modern smartphones, including Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi/POCO, iPhone 12/13/14/15 and other popular models. If your device doesn't support standard methods, alternative solutions are available at the end of the article.

Before you begin, check two key points: 1) The device must be already connected to the target Wi-Fi network (otherwise the password will not be saved in the system). 2) On Android you will need superuser rights (root) only for one of the methods - the rest work without them.

1. Standard method for Android 10 and newer

Starting from Android 10Google has added a built-in viewer for saved Wi-Fi passwords. This method works on stock Android (Pixel, Nokia, Motorola) and most OEM skins. Some versions are an exception. MIUI And EMUI, where the function can be hidden.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung).
2. Select Wi-Fi → Click on the name of the current network (or tap the gear next to its name).
3. In the window that opens, find the item Password or Share (on English firmware).
4. The system will ask PIN code/pattern/fingerprint - enter it to confirm.
5. The password will be displayed as dots - click on the eye (Show password) to see the symbols.

If the point Password No, then your shell is hiding it. Try the alternative methods below.

Check your Android version (must be 10+)

Update your firmware to the latest version

Try another method from the article

Use file manager (method #3)-->

⚠️ Note: On some devices Samsung With One UI 5.0+ The password can only be displayed after entering the SIM card PIN (not to be confused with the screen unlock!). If you're using an eSIM, this method won't work.

2. View password via QR code (Android and iOS)

A little-known but universal method is to generate a network QR code and decrypt it. Works on any devices, including iPhone, without the need to install additional programs.

How to do it:

• 📱 On Android: Go to Wi-Fi settings → select a network → tap Share or ShareThe system will generate a QR code.
• 🍎 On iOS: Open Settings → Wi-Fi → tap on the icon i next to the network → select Share password (if the function is active).

Now you need to decode the QR code. To do this:

1. Take a photo of the code with another device (or save a screenshot).
2. Use any QR scanning app (eg. Google Lens or a standard scanner in the photo gallery).
3. The QR data will contain a string like this:

   WIFI:S:MyWiFi;T:WPA;P:your_password;;

   Where P:your_password - this is the password.

If the QR code isn't generated, the manufacturer has disabled this feature. On iPhone, the alternative is to use AirDrop to transfer the password to another Apple gadget.

3. Using a file manager (Android only)

This method is suitable for devices with root rights or for some models Xiaomi/Redmi, where system files are accessible without root. Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a file wpa_supplicant.conf, which can be opened manually.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (for example, FX File Explorer or Root Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

   or (on older versions of Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/

3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with a text editor.
4. Look for blocks like:

   network={
   ssid="network_name"
   psk="wifi_password"
   key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
   }

If the folder /data/ If the link is unavailable, your device doesn't have root access. In this case, try the following method.

⚠️ Warning: Editing system files without root may result in reset Wi-Fi settings or connection errors. Do not modify the file's contents; view only!

What to do if the wpa_supplicant.conf file is empty?

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS (from Oppo/Realme) passwords are encrypted and stored in the database settings.dbTo extract them you will need specialized software like WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).

4. Special applications for viewing passwords

If standard methods don't work, third-party utilities can help. We've tested dozens of apps and selected the ones that do not require root and actually work in 2026.

How to use:

1. Download one of the applications from Google Play (It's better to search for links directly, as some utilities are removed for "gray" methods of work).
2. Run the program and grant access to location And storage (this is necessary for scanning networks).
3. In the list of saved networks, find the one you need and tap on it. The password will be displayed in a new window.

If the application shows an empty list, it means:

• 🔄 Your firmware is blocking access to system data (try a different app).
• 🔒 You have disabled saving passwords in your Wi-Fi settings.
• 📱 The device has not connected to this network (the password is not saved).

5. How to find out the password on an iPhone (iOS 16 and later)

Apple has long hidden Wi-Fi passwords from users, but in iOS 16Finally added this feature. Now the owners iPhone And iPad can view saved passwords without jailbreak.

Instructions for iOS 16/17:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the icon i next to the name of the current network.
3. Click on the field Password — the system will ask Face ID/Touch ID or the device passcode.
4. After authentication, your password will be displayed in a readable format. To copy it, long-press the password line and select Copy.

For iOS 15 and later:

• 🔄 Update your device to the latest version (recommended).
• 💻 Use a Mac: If your iPhone and Mac are linked to the same Apple ID, you can find the password in Keychain (application Keychain Access).
• 🔧 Reset the password through the router's web interface (if you have access to it).

⚠️ Note: On iPhone with corporate profiles (e.g. work phones) the password viewing function can be disabled by the administrator via MDM.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If none of the above methods work, there are radical but effective solutions. Their downside is that they require additional steps or equipment.

Method 1: Reset the router to factory settings

• 🔌 Click the button Reset on the back panel of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds).
• 📋 The factory password is indicated on the device sticker (usually in the format admin/admin or 12345678).
• ⚠️ All router settings will be reset—you'll have to set up your network again!

Method 2: Connecting to the router via cable

If you have a computer or laptop:

1. Connect to the router via Ethernet cable.
2. In the address bar of your browser, enter 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the address is indicated on the router sticker).
3. Enter login/password (usually admin/admin).
4. Go to the section Wireless or Wi-Fi → Security — there will be a field with a password.

Method 3: Using another device

If you have a second gadget (tablet, laptop) that is connected to this network:

• 🖥️ On Windows: open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → find the network → Wireless network properties → Security → check the box Show entered characters.
• 🍎 On Mac: open A bunch of keys (through Spotlight), find the name of the network and double-click on it → check the box Show password.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network to which the phone is not connected?

No, if the device has never connected to this network, the password is not stored in its memory. The only options are:

• Find out the password from the network owner.
• Connect to the router via cable and go to its settings.
• Use specialized software for hacking (illegal and unreliable).

Why isn't there a "Password" option in the Wi-Fi settings on my Xiaomi?

Manufacturers often modify Android by removing standard features. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO try:

1. Update firmware to the latest version MIUI.
2. Use a file manager with access to /data/misc/wifi/.
3. Install the app WiFi Password Viewer (You may need to enable access to "accessibility" in your security settings).

On some models (eg, Redmi Note 10) the password is displayed only after entering the PIN code from the SIM card.

Are password viewer apps safe to use?

Most of the applications from Google Play safe, but:

• 🛡️ Check the number of downloads (should be 1M+).
• 📌 Read reviews from the last 1-2 months (older ones may not be relevant).
• 🚫 Avoid utilities that require unnecessary permissions (for example, access to SMS or contacts).

Best options: WiFi Password Viewer (from SimoneDev) or WiFi Key Recovery.

Is it possible to find out someone else's password from their phone without their consent?

Technically yes, but:

• 📵 This is a violation data privacy law (in Russia it is regulated by Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
• 🔒 On an iPhone, this is not possible without unlocking the device.
• 🛠️ On Android, you will need physical access to the phone and knowledge of its PIN code.

Legal alternative: ask the phone owner to generate a network QR code (see method #2).

Why did the password stop working after I viewed it?

Possible reasons:

• 🔄 The password was changed in the router settings (for example, automatically when updating the firmware).
• 📵 The device was connected to the network in guest mode (temporary password).
• 🛠️ The router has this function enabled WPS or Easy Connect, which overwrites the settings.

Solution: Go to the router's web interface (192.168.0.1) and check the current password in the section Wireless Security.