How to view your Android WiFi password in your phone's settings

Connecting a new device to an existing wireless network, but forgetting or losing the password, is one of the most common problems in today's digital environment. Fortunately, the operating system Android Starting with certain versions, users can view saved access keys directly in the smartphone interface, eliminating the need to reset the router or search for the ISP contract. However, the process for obtaining this information may vary significantly depending on the OS version and the access rights available. root.

Most modern models from Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, and other manufacturers have a password viewing feature built into the standard settings menu, but it's often hidden behind an additional layer of security. The user may be required to verify their identity via biometrics or a screen unlock PIN. This is done to protect data, as knowledge of the password Wi-Fi network provides full access to local traffic and connected devices.

If standard methods fail to reveal the character combination, there are alternative methods that require deeper intervention into the system. Below, we'll detail the steps for different Android versions, explain why the password is hidden behind asterisks on some devices, and discuss secure methods for bypassing these restrictions without voiding the warranty.

View password on Android 10 and later without root access

Starting with OS X, Google has implemented a native QR code feature for quickly sharing network data. This method is the simplest and doesn't require installing third-party software. You need to open Settings and go to the section Wi-Fi or ConnectionsA list of available networks will be displayed here, and the currently active connection will be marked with the appropriate status.

Click on the name of the network you're connected to, or the gear icon next to it. In the connection details menu that opens, you should find the button Share or a QR code icon. Once clicked, the system will ask you to verify your identity with a fingerprint, face scan, or pattern. This is a critical step. authorization, a pass which does not exist.

⚠️ Note: On some operating systems (such as MIUI or EMUI), the password may not be displayed in text under the QR code, but rather hidden. In this case, take a screenshot and open it with Google Lens or any QR code scanner to scan the text string.

Successfully completing these steps will reveal a text string containing the password below the code image. If the text doesn't appear immediately, use the "Share" feature via Messenger (sending it to yourself), where the password may be revealed in plain text. This method works on the vast majority of devices released after 2019.

It's important to understand that this feature depends not only on the Android version but also on modifications made by the smartphone manufacturer. For example, on stock Android, the interface may differ from Samsung One UI. However, the logic remains the same: access to saved credentials is protected by biometrics.

Instructions for Samsung Galaxy devices

The South Korean company's smartphones feature its own One UI skin, which is slightly different from stock Android. To find your password, go to Settings, then select the item Connections and further Wi-FiUnlike other manufacturers, here you often need to click on the network name itself, rather than the settings icon next to it.

After going to the menu of a specific network, find the button QR code at the bottom of the screen or in the three-dot menu. The system will ask you to unlock the device. If the password isn't written in text below the code, take a screenshot. Samsung Gallery has a built-in image analysis feature that can recognize text from images.

Owners of flagship S and Note series models can sync their passwords via their Samsung account. If you sign in to the same account on different Samsung devices, your password can be automatically pre-populated on the new device without having to enter it. This is part of the ecosystem. SmartThings, which makes life easier for Samsung technology users.

Interface Features on Xiaomi and Redmi (MIUI/HyperOS)

Xiaomi's MIUI and new HyperOS skins are renowned for their functionality, but they have a unique interface. Go to Settings -> Wi-FiClick the arrow to the right of the connected network's name. Here you'll see a QR code and, usually, a text password immediately below it.

In some firmware versions, the password text may be hidden. In this case, press the button Copy password or ShareIf you choose to share via Mi Drop or Bluetooth, the password may be displayed during the transfer process. You can also use a standard screenshot or the built-in photo editor for text recognition.

It's worth noting that on Xiaomi devices with "Second Space" or "Guest Mode" enabled, access to the main network passwords may be restricted by security policies. In this case, signing in to the user's primary profile will be required.

Using superuser (Root) rights to access system files

For devices with older versions of Android (below 10) or for cases where standard methods do not work, the only way is to obtain rights rootThis gives full access to the file system, where all system configuration files are stored. The main password storage is the file wpa_supplicant.conf.

To work you will need a file manager with root access support, for example, Root Explorer or Solid ExplorerAfter granting access rights, you need to follow this path: /data/misc/wifi/. It is in this directory that the required configuration file is located.

/data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

Open this file as text. Inside you will find blocks of code where ssid — this is the name of the network, and psk — and there's your password in plaintext. Be extremely careful when editing this file: any syntax error could cause your smartphone to stop detecting the Wi-Fi module or lose the ability to connect to any networks.

⚠️ Warning: Rooting your device will void the manufacturer's warranty and may interfere with banking apps (Google Pay, Mir Pay). Only use this method if you fully understand the risks and have a backup of your data.

There are also specialized apps on Google Play, such as "WiFi Password Viewer," that automate this process. However, they also require root access. Without superuser rights, such programs are useless, as the Android system blocks access to system files for regular apps.

What is ADB and can it be done without root?

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) command allows you to control the device from a computer. Theoretically, you can try to extract the configuration file via USB debugging, but on modern versions of Android, this also requires authorization and often root privileges, making this method more complex for the average user than a standard QR code.

View saved passwords via Google Account

Google has introduced Wi-Fi password syncing via the cloud. If syncing is enabled on your device, you can access your saved access keys through a browser on your computer or any other device. This is a convenient way to restore access if your phone is unavailable or the screen is broken.

Follow the link passwords.google.com or go to your Google account settings through the section Security -> Password managerIn the list of saved data, find the section related to Wi-Fi networks. This displays the network SSIDs and their corresponding passwords.

This method only works if network settings backup was previously enabled. On new devices with Android 14 and above, Wi-Fi password syncing has become a higher priority and is often enabled by default during initial smartphone setup.

Solution and troubleshooting

Users often encounter a situation where the "Share" button or QR code is missing. This may be due to manufacturer restrictions for specific regions or an outdated firmware version. First, check for system updates in the section About the phone.

If you try to use third-party apps without root access, they will likely display an error. Modern versions of Android (starting with 9 Pie) have significantly limited app access to saved networks for security reasons. No hacks without root access will help here due to changes in the security architecture. SELinux.

If all else fails, your last resort is to log into your router's web interface. If you know the password for the router's admin panel (often found on a sticker on the bottom of the device), you can connect to the network (even without knowing the Wi-Fi password, if you have a cable or WPS connection) and view the key in the wireless security settings.

⚠️ Note: Router interfaces from different manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic) vary significantly. Look for the "Wireless," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN" sections to find the "Password" or "Security Key" field.

Please remember that attempting to hack other people's Wi-Fi networks using specialized software is illegal. All described methods are intended solely for restoring access to your own networks if the passwords have been lost.

Is it possible to find out the password if the phone has never connected to this network?

No, this is impossible. The phone only stores passwords that have been successfully used to connect. If the device has never connected to a given access point, there is no key data in its memory.

Is it safe to use apps like "WiFi Password Show"?

The security of such apps is questionable. Many of them contain ads, collect data about your networks, or require suspicious permissions. It's better to use built-in system tools or trusted open-source file managers.

What should I do if the QR code cannot be read by another phone?

Try increasing the screen brightness to maximum, wiping the reader's camera, or moving the phone closer or further away. If this doesn't help, use the "Share" feature via Messenger to receive the password in text format.