How to see your WiFi password on an Android phone if you forgot it

It's common to need to connect a new device to your home network or give internet access to guests, but the password is hopelessly forgotten. Fortunately, modern smartphones Android They store data about previously used connections in memory, allowing you to restore the necessary information without resetting the router. The restoration process depends on the operating system version and the model of your device, but there are several universal algorithms.

In most cases you won't need it root rights, as the system's functionality allows you to share your network profile via QR code or text message. However, if you're using an older version Android, methods may vary. It's important to understand that passwords can only be accessed on a device that has previously been successfully authenticated to the network.

Before attempting any complex steps, it's worth checking whether the code is written anywhere on the router's casing or in its documentation. If physical access to the equipment is difficult or the sticker has worn off, we'll turn to software methods. In this article, we'll detail how to view the Wi-Fi password on an Android phone if you've forgotten it, using both the system's built-in tools and specialized utilities.

Using the standard functionality of Android 10 and later

Starting with the tenth version of the operating system Google has significantly simplified the process of managing network connections. Now, users can not only share access but also view the password in plain text. To do this, navigate to the settings section responsible for wireless connections. Typically, the path looks like this: Settings → Wi-Fi or Connections → Wi-Fi.

Find the name of your hotspot in the list of networks. If you're in range and your phone is connected, simply tap the network name or the gear icon next to it. In the menu that opens, look for the "Share" button or icon. QR codeIn some shells, for example, MIUI or OneUI, this interface element may be hidden under an additional menu.

After clicking the Partage button, the system will ask you to confirm your identity. This can be by entering PIN code, a pattern lock, or a fingerprint scan. This security measure prevents unauthorized access to stored data if the phone is lost. After successful authentication, a QR code will appear on the screen for scanning.

⚠️ Note: On some smartphone models, the text password is displayed immediately below the code. If there is no text, take a screenshot and open it in the gallery—the system often recognizes text in the image—or use a third-party QR scanner.

It's important to note that menu design may vary depending on the manufacturer. Below is a table demonstrating the differences in interfaces between popular brands:

Method for Android 9 Pie and older versions

On devices running Android 9 Pie and earlier versions, the security system did not allow viewing saved passwords in clear text without the presence of root rightsNetwork configuration file wpa_supplicant.conf It's protected by system permissions. However, there's a workaround that doesn't require hacking the system if you have access to the router's settings.

The first step is to find out Gateway IP addressTo do this, go to the Wi-Fi settings, click on the connected network, and look for the "Gateway" or "Router" line. This is usually an address like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter this address into the address bar of any browser on your phone. This will open your router's web interface.

Here you'll need the administrator login and password. If you haven't changed them, they're often found on a sticker underneath the device. The standard combinations are: admin/admin or admin/passwordOnce in the menu, look for the section Wireless or "Wireless", then the "Wireless Security" subsection.

What should I do if my router password has been changed and is unknown?

In this case, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings. To do this, with the device turned on, press and hold the Reset button (usually recessed into the device's housing) for 10-15 seconds. After the reset, the password will return to the factory default, as indicated on the sticker, but you'll need to re-enter all other internet settings.

In the router's web interface, you can not only view the current password but also change it to a more complex one. Don't forget to save the changes by clicking Save or "Apply." After changing the password, all connected devices will require re-authorization with the new details.

Using Google Chrome to Recover Access

Many users forget that the browser Google Chrome on Android has a password sync feature. If you've ever accessed the router settings through a browser on this phone and saved the data, you can find it in the password manager. This method is especially effective if you don't remember your Wi-Fi password but do remember your router admin login information.

Open your browser and go to the menu (three dots in the corner). Select "Settings," then "Password Manager" or "Passwords." In the list of websites, find your router's address (e.g., 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net). Click on the eye icon to see the saved password.

It's also worth checking the "Payment Methods" or "Addresses" section if network access was provided through provider portals (captive portals) that required phone number or card authorization. In such cases, the Wi-Fi password may be replaced with browser authorization, and the data may be stored in the autofill history.

• 🔍 Open Chrome and tap the three dots in the corner of the screen.
• 🔐 Go to "Settings" → "Passwords".
• 📝 Search for "router," "login," or IP address.
• 👁️ Click on the eye icon to view hidden text.

This method does not require installing additional software and works on any version. AndroidThe main requirement is previously saved data in the account. GoogleIf synchronization was disabled, this method, unfortunately, will not work.

Password recovery apps (with and without root)

In the store Google Play There are many apps that promise to reveal saved passwords. Most of them, even those that don't require root access, are actually QR code generators based on a password already known to the system (similar to the default method in Android 10+). They can't extract the password from the system file on older OS versions without root access.

If your phone has root rights, applications like WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery can read the file /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confThis file contains a list of all networks and passwords in plaintext. Installing such programs requires unlocking the bootloader, which may void your warranty.

⚠️ Warning: Installing apps from untrusted sources or gaining root access may make your device vulnerable to malware. Use these methods only if you fully understand the risks and trust the app's developer.

For users without administrator rights, there are utilities that try to guess a password from a database of common passwords or exploit protocol vulnerabilities. WPSHowever, the effectiveness of such programs in 2026-2026 is extremely low, as modern routers block such attacks, and the WPS protocol is often disabled by default.

Finding a password through the router's web interface

The most reliable method that works regardless of the version Android and access rights - log in to the router control panel. This method requires the phone to be connected to a Wi-Fi network (even without internet) or connected to the router via OTG cable (for wired connection).

Enter the gateway's IP address in the browser's address bar. If you don't know it, use the command in the terminal (if you have the terminal app) or check the connection status. After entering the address, an authorization page will open. It's important to enter the correct credentials.

Once inside, go to the section Wireless (Wireless Network) → Wireless Security (Wireless Network Security) In the field PSK Password, WPA/WPA2 Passphrase or "Wireless Network Password" will display the character combination you're looking for. You can copy it or rewrite it.

Router interfaces vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the logic remains the same. Look for the words "Security," "WLAN," and "Key." If the field is covered by asterisks, some modern firmware versions have a "Show" button next to the input field.

What to do if nothing helps

In rare cases where none of the software methods work and the physical sticker on the router is missing or illegible, the last option is a full reset of the device. This is a last resort, as it will erase all provider settings (login, PPPoE password, VLAN, etc.), and you will have to set up your internet connection again.

To reset, find the hole on the router body. ResetPress it with a paperclip and hold it there for about 10-15 seconds until the lights blink simultaneously. After rebooting, the router will return to factory settings, and the password will be the one on the sticker (or blank).

After the reset, connect to the router's open network and go through the quick setup procedure (Quick Setup). If you don't know your internet connection settings, please contact technical support before resetting.

• 📞 Call your provider to clarify connection settings.
• 🔌 Reset the router using the Reset button.
• 🌐 Connect to the network and go through the initial setup.
• 🔒 Set a new, complex password for Wi-Fi.

Remember that regularly changing your passwords and storing them in a secure place (such as a password manager or written down in a notepad) will prevent similar problems in the future. Don't neglect the basic rules. cyber hygiene.

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

No, if the phone hasn't previously connected to this network and hasn't saved a profile, it's impossible to find the password from the phone itself using software. Passwords are not stored in the cloud in clear text for public access.

Are Wi-Fi hacking apps safe to use?

Using such applications to access other people's networks is illegal. Furthermore, most such programs contain viruses or miners. To restore access to your network, use official methods.

Where can I find the wpa_supplicant.conf file?

This file is located at the path /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confAccess to this directory is only possible with superuser (root) privileges. Without root privileges, the file manager will display an access error.

Why is there no password under the QR code on Android 10?

Some shell manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) may hide the text password for security purposes, leaving only the QR code. In this case, use a screenshot and OCR, or log in to the router.