Are you connected to a Wi-Fi network but forgot the password? Or do you need to share access with a friend but the router is in another room? Android smartphones There are several ways to find a saved Wi-Fi password—both using built-in tools and additional apps. In this article, we'll cover all the relevant methods for modern versions. Android 10-14, including workarounds for non-rooted devices.
It's important to understand that system capabilities depend on the OS version and smartphone manufacturer. For example, on a "clean" Android (like Google Pixel) access to passwords is open through settings, and on devices Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei A workaround may be required. We'll cover universal solutions that work on most models, as well as highlight any nuances specific to popular brands.
If you previously changed the password on your router but haven't updated it on your phone, your smartphone may still be connected to the network but display outdated data. In this case, check the password through the router's web interface or reset it if you've lost access.
1. Standard method: via Android settings (without root)
Starting from Android 10Google has added the ability to view saved Wi-Fi passwords without rooting. This method works on most smartphones running stock or similar firmware.Pixel, Nokia, Motorola), but may be blocked by the manufacturer on devices Samsung, Xiaomi or OnePlus.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open
Settings→Network and Internet(orConnectionson Samsung). - 🔗 Choose
Wi-Fi→ Click on the name of the current network (or click ⚙️ next to its name). - 🔑 Scroll down and find the item
PasswordorShare(on some devices -QR code). - 👁️ To display the password, you may need to enter a PIN, fingerprint, or pattern.
Check your Android version (must be 10+)
Update your firmware to the latest version
Try alternative methods from this article
Make sure the smartphone is not from a corporate account (MDM)-->
On some devices (eg. Samsung Galaxy With One UI) instead of a text password you will be asked to generate one QR code to connect. In this case, you can scan it with another phone or use a QR code reader app to extract the password.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using a work phone with a corporate security policy (MDM), access to Wi-Fi passwords may be blocked by the administrator. In this case, please contact your company's IT department.
2. View your password via QR code (for Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus)
Manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi And Oppo They often hide the text password but leave the option to share the network via QR codeThis code contains all the connection information, including the password, and can be deciphered.
How to do it:
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fiand tap on the name of your network. - Select
ShareorQR code(on Samsung it could be an icon🔗). - Generate a QR code and take a screenshot.
- Use any QR reader app (eg. Google Lens or QR & Barcode Scanner) to decrypt the data.
As a result, you will get a string like this:
WIFI:T:WPA;S:mynetwork;P:mypassword;;
Where P:mypassword - this is your password (instead of mypassword there will be a real key).
3. Using a file manager (for advanced users)
On Android Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a system file wpa_supplicant.confAccess to it is only possible with root rights or through ADB (developer tool). If you have root access, follow these instructions:
- 📁 Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- 🔍 Go to the folder
/data/misc/wifi/(the path may differ depending on your Android version). - 📄 Find the file
WifiConfigStore.xml(on new versions) orwpa_supplicant.conf(on the old ones). - 🔑 Open the file with a text editor and find the line
psk="your_password".
If you don't have root rights, but it's enabled USB debugging, you can try to extract the file via ADB:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
However, this method requires technical skills and may not work on modern versions of Android due to security restrictions.
⚠️ Attention: Modifying or deleting files in a folder /data/misc/wifi/ This may result in the loss of all saved Wi-Fi networks. It is recommended to create a backup before editing.
Via Android settings
QR code + scan
File manager (root)
Apps from the Play Market
Another way-->
4. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords
IN Google Play There are apps that make it easier to access saved passwords. They work on two principles:
- For rooted devices - directly read system files (for example, WiFi Password Viewer).
- For devices without root - use workarounds, such as scanning QR codes or analyzing the system cache (e.g., WiFi Password Recovery).
Top 3 verified apps:
| Application | Root required? | Peculiarities | Rating (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | ✅ Yes | Shows all saved passwords, export to file | 4.6 |
| WiFi Password Recovery | ❌ No | Works via QR codes and cache, limited functionality | 4.2 |
| WiFi Key Recovery | ✅ Yes | Support for older Android versions, simple interface | 4.4 |
Before installing, check reviews - some apps may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions. Never install APKs from untrusted sources, as this may lead to data theft or virus infection.
How to check the security of an application?
Before installation, check:
1. Number of downloads (must be >100K).
2. Date of the last update (the current version is no older than 6 months).
3. Permissions (the password viewer app should not request access to SMS or contacts).
4. Reviews - pay attention to complaints about viruses or hidden advertising.
5. Alternative methods: router and computer
If none of the methods worked on your phone, you can find out the password using:
- 🖥️ Router web interface: Connect to the router via cable or via the same Wi-Fi, enter in the browser
192.168.1.1(or192.168.0.1), log in (usually login/password -admin/admin) and find the sectionWireless Security. - 💻 Windows computer: If your PC is connected to this network, open
Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks, select the network and pressProperties→Show symbols. - 📱 Other phone: If you have a second smartphone connected to this network, try extracting the password using one of the methods described above.
To log into your router, you may need the information from the sticker on its body (usually it contains the IP address, username, and default password). If you've changed these but forgot them, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button. Reset (hold it for 10-15 seconds).
⚠️ Attention: Resetting your router will erase all settings, including the network name, password, MAC address bindings, and parental control rules. After resetting, you will need to reconfigure your internet connection.
6. Common problems and their solutions
Not all methods work equally well on all devices. Here are the most common issues and how to work around them:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| There is no "Password" option in the Wi-Fi settings. | The manufacturer has blocked access (Samsung, Xiaomi) | Use the QR code method or apps |
| The app doesn't show passwords. | No root access or outdated Android version | Please update your OS or try another method. |
| The QR code is not scanned. | Low screen resolution or corrupted code | Increase your screen brightness or take a screenshot |
File wpa_supplicant.conf empty |
On newer Android devices, passwords are stored in a different format. | Search WifiConfigStore.xml or use ADB |
If you use Android 14 or newer, please note that Google is tightening its security policies. On some devices, you may need to unlocking the bootloader (bootloader) or installing custom firmware to access system files. These are risky operations that can void the warranty or brick the device.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on a phone without rooting?
Yes, on Android 10+ This is possible through the network settings (item Password or Share). On devices Samsung/Xiaomi A workaround is often required, such as scanning a QR code. If these options are not available, try connecting to the router through a browser (192.168.1.1).
Why is there no "Password" button in the Wi-Fi settings?
It depends on the manufacturer and firmware version. For example, Samsung And Xiaomi This option is often hidden, offering QR code generation instead. Access may also be restricted by corporate policy (MDM) or an outdated version of Android (below 10).
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Verified apps from Google Play (For example, WiFi Password Viewer) are safe, but:
- Avoid programs that request access to SMS, contacts, or geolocation.
- Avoid installing APKs from third-party sources—the risk of viruses is high.
- On devices without root, the functionality of such applications is severely limited.
How do I find out my Wi-Fi password if my phone isn't connected to the network?
If your smartphone was previously connected to this network but is now disconnected, try:
- Reconnect to the network (if it is within range).
- Use another device (laptop, tablet) that is connected to this network.
- Reset the router settings using the button
Resetand configure it again.
If the network is foreign (for example, a neighbor's), extract the password without connecting impossible - This violates the law on unauthorized access to networks.
What should I do if I forgot my router password to access the settings?
The standard login/password is usually indicated on the router sticker (for example, admin/admin or admin/1234). If you changed them:
- Try combinations like
admin/Wi-Fi_password. - Reset the router using the button
Reset(hold for 10-15 seconds). - Contact your provider - some operators block access to settings.