It's a common occurrence when friends or new neighbors come over and ask for your Wi-Fi password, but you've long forgotten it. Fortunately, the operating system Android Starting with version 10, it allows access sharing via a QR code, which encrypts the security key. However, it's not always possible to simply see the text combination of characters in the standard menu, which creates certain difficulties for users.
Depending on the operating system version and the manufacturer's firmware installed, the methods may vary significantly. On modern smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi or Pixel the process looks different than on devices with clean Android or outdated versions MIUIWe'll cover all the current methods, from standard functions to using console utilities.
It is worth noting right away that without obtaining superuser rights (Root) Access to system files where passwords are stored is blocked for security reasons. However, there are workarounds that allow you to extract the necessary information legally, using the interface's built-in capabilities or USB debugging.
View your password through Android 10 and later settings
Since version Android 10Google has implemented a native QR code generation feature for quickly connecting devices. This code contains all the necessary information, including the network SSID and the password itself. On most modern operating systems, such as OneUI from Samsung or ColorOS From Oppo, this functionality works out of the box without the need to install third-party software.
To get started, you need to open your device's settings and go to the connections section. The next step is as follows:
- 📱 Open
Settingsand select the item Wi-Fi or Connections. - 🔗 Click the gear next to the name of the active network or tap the information icon (the letter "i" in a circle).
- 📷 Find the button Share or the QR code icon at the bottom of the screen.
- 🔐 Complete biometric authorization (fingerprint or Face ID) to confirm your identity.
After completing these steps, a QR code will appear on the screen. On many smartphones, for example Xiaomi or Realme, the password text will be written directly below the code graphic. If only the image is displayed, you'll need to take a screenshot and scan it with any QR code reader to see the text string.
⚠️ Note: On some devices running stock Android (Pixel, Motorola), the password may not be displayed in plain text even after scanning the code with a third-party app if the system doesn't explicitly decode it. In this case, use the Google Lens method built into the camera.
It's important to understand that this feature only works for the network to which the device is currently connected or was previously connected and stored in memory. Deleted networks cannot be restored this way without specialized utilities.
Using Google Lens to decipher
If your smartphone's interface doesn't display the password as text under the QR code, the built-in service will come to the rescue. Google Lens (Lens). This is a powerful computer vision tool that can recognize not only text in photographs but also the structure of QR codes, extracting hidden data from them.
The decryption process is as follows. First, take a screenshot of the screen with the Wi-Fi access QR code. Then, open the app. Google or Camera and select "Lens" mode. Load the previously taken screenshot into the program interface.
The system will automatically analyze the image. You'll see a card with network information. It will show the network name (SSID) and, most importantly, the password string. This method is universal and works on any Android smartphone with Google services installed.
The advantage of this method is its cross-platform compatibility. You can even send a screenshot of the QR code to another phone where the password is clearly displayed, or use online decoders if you don't have a second device handy.
Getting a password via the ADB console without root rights
For more advanced users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method of using USB debugging (ADB). This method allows you to query the system for saved Wi-Fi network configurations directly, bypassing the graphical interface. It works on Android 10 and above, but requires a computer connection.
The first step is to enable developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly tap the build number seven times. Then, in the developer options menu, enable USB debuggingConnect your smartphone to your PC using a cable and install the ADB drivers if they are missing.
Once the connection is established, open a command prompt on your computer and enter the following command to list the networks:
adb shell cmd wifi list-networksHowever, to see the password itself, access to the system file is often required. wpa_supplicant.conf, which is closed on modern versions of Android. However, on some firmware versions (especially Xiaomi and older Samsung versions), the export configuration command works:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confIf the command is successful, a text file containing all saved passwords will appear on your computer. Look for the line psk="your_password"If the system returns an access error, your device has strict security restrictions, and this method without root access will not work.
Why doesn't ADB always work?
Starting with Android 11, Google strengthened app and system process isolation. Direct access to Wi-Fi configuration files via ADB without root privileges was blocked at the kernel level in most stock ROMs.
Checking via the router's web interface
If software methods on the smartphone itself don't work, you can always turn to the signal source—the router. This method is universal and doesn't depend on Android version, phone model, or root access. The main thing is to know the control panel login address and authorization details.
Typically the entry address is indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the router (often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). If you're already connected to Wi-Fi, the browser will automatically redirect you to the setup page or request an administrator login and password.
Within the interface, you need to find the section related to wireless networking. It may have different names depending on the manufacturer:
- 🌐 Wireless or Wireless network.
- 🔒 Wireless Security or Wi-Fi Security.
- 📡 WLAN Settings in interfaces Zyxel or Keenetic.
In the menu that opens, find the field Wireless Password, PSK Key or PasswordCharacters are often hidden behind asterisks. Most modern routers (Asus, TP-Link, Keenetic) have a "Show Password" button next to the input field, shaped like an eye, which makes the characters visible.
| Router brand | Standard address | Menu section | Nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless -> Wireless Security | Password in the PSK Password field |
| Asus | 192.168.1.1 | Wireless Network -> WPA-PSK | You may be asked to enter your admin password. |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | My Networks and Wi-Fi -> Home Network | The interface is in Russian, everything is clear |
| MikroTik | 192.168.88.1 | Wireless -> Security Profiles | Complex system, requires experience |
Don't forget to save your changes if you decide to change your password to a more complex one while browsing. However, if you simply review the settings without changing anything, internet access on other devices will not be interrupted.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces are constantly being updated. The menu location may differ from that described above. If you can't find the item you need, consult the official manual for your specific router model.
Third-party applications and their limitations
In the store Google Play You can find hundreds of apps promising to instantly reveal saved passwords. However, users should exercise extreme caution. After the release of Android 10, Google's security policy blocked regular apps from accessing system configuration files.
Most of these programs, for example, WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery, require root access. Without it, they either don't work, display ads, or (in the worst case) are malware that steals your data.
If you have Root rights (obtained through Magisk or SuperSU), then such applications can actually read the file /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf and display a list of all passwords ever entered in a convenient format. But gaining root access is a complex procedure that:
- 🚫 Void the device warranty.
- ⚠️ May cause system failure if not handled correctly.
- 🔒 Reduces the overall security of data on the phone.
For the average user who simply wants to know their home network password, gaining root access through a third-party app for just one function is excessive and risky. It's better to use the methods described in the previous sections.
☑️ Security check before installing apps
What to do if nothing helps
In rare cases where none of the software methods work and access to the router is impossible (the administrator password has been forgotten), the last option is to reset the router to factory settings. This is a drastic measure that will return the device to its original settings, as indicated on the sticker.
To do this, you need to find a small hole with the inscription on the switched-on router ResetPress it with a paperclip and hold it there for about 10-15 seconds until the lights flash. After rebooting, the network will be named as indicated on the factory label and will either have no password or a factory key.
After the reset, you'll need to reconfigure your internet (enter your ISP login and password) if these details aren't automatically retrieved. Therefore, before resetting, make sure you have your contract with your ISP or the necessary login details.
You should also consider calling a technician from your provider if the router is theirs (rented). They can view or reset the password remotely through their management system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the phone has never connected to it?
No, this is impossible. Android doesn't store passwords for networks the device hasn't connected to. The password can only be found from the router or another device that already has access to the network.
Are password recovery apps safe to use?
Most of these apps require root access or excessive permissions. Without root, they are useless on newer Android devices. With root, they gain full access to the system, which creates a risk of data leakage. Only use apps from trusted developers.
Why can't I see the password under the QR code on Android 14?
Google privacy enhancement. In some versions of Android 13 and 14, the password text is hidden, leaving only the QR code. Viewing the text in this case requires scanning the code with Google Lens or a third-party scanner.
Do I need internet access to view my saved password?
No, internet access is not required. The password is stored locally in the phone's memory. However, some methods (such as Google Lens or logging into the router via the cloud) may require mobile data if Wi-Fi isn't transmitting data.