How to Find the Wi-Fi Security Key on an Android Phone: All the Methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and there's no code sticker on your router? Or need to connect a new device but don't have the security key written down anywhere? Android-You can view the saved network password on your phone - and this doesn't always require root rights or complex manipulations. In this article, we'll cover all the working methods: from standard system tools to hidden functions and third-party utilities.

It is important to understand that not all versions Android allow you to see the password in clear text. Manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) often block access to this information for security reasons. However, there are workarounds—and we tested them on devices with Android 10–14If your phone displays an error or doesn't display the password, proceed to the next method.

Please be warned in advance: some methods require physical access to the router or temporarily connecting to another network. And trying to hack someone else's Wi-Fi is illegal—this article is only intended for restoring access to his own networks.

1. Standard method: Android settings (not available on all phones)

The easiest method is to look in the menu of connected networks. Unfortunately, this only works on a "clean" Android (For example, Pixel, Nokia, Motorola) or some firmware Xiaomi/RealmeOn . Samsung, Honor And OPPO This path is usually blocked.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network (it must be connected).
3. Find the item Share, QR code or Password.
4. Confirm the action with a fingerprint, pattern or PIN code.

If the point Share No, try:

• 🔍 Press and hold the network name → an option may appear in the context menu Network management.
• 📱 On Xiaomi: Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Saved Network Passwords.
• 🔐 On Realme: Settings → Wi-Fi → Saved networks → [network name] → Show password.

⚠️ Attention: On Samsung One UI And Huawei EMUI This method doesn't work—manufacturers have removed the ability to view passwords through the interface. Proceed to the next methods.

2. Via the network's QR code (if the phone does not display the password)

Even if there is no "Show password" option in the settings, many phones allow you to generate one. QR code for connectionThe security key can be extracted from it using a third-party scanner.

How to do it:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi and tap on your network.
2. Select Share or QR code (On some phones you need to press "More" or the three dots in the corner).
3. Take a screenshot of the QR code or memorize it visually.
4. Scan the code using the app WiFi Key Recovery (available in Google Play) or online service zxing.org.

As a result, you will get text like this:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:your_password_here;;

Where P:your_password_here - this is your password.

3. View the Wi-Fi configuration file (requires a file manager)

On Android network passwords are stored in a system file wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be accessed through file manager with root rights (For example, Root Explorer) or without root - if the phone supports access to system folders.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Install a file manager (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore

   Or (on older versions of Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

3. Open the file wpa_supplicant.conf any text editor.
4. Find the block with the name of your network (ssid="...") - there will be a line next to it psk="..." with a password.

If the folder /data/misc/wifi/ unavailable:

• 🔧 Try using ADB (instructions in the next section).
• 📱 On some Xiaomi the file is on the path /data/vendor/wifi/wpa/.
• 🔒 If required root rights, but they are not there - skip this method.

⚠️ Attention: Editing or deleting a file wpa_supplicant.conf may lead to loss of all saved networks on your phone. Don't edit the file unless you're sure what you're doing!

What to do if the file is empty or does not exist?

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS or MIUI 14+) passwords are stored in encrypted form or elsewhere. In this case, only ADB or reset the router.

4. Using ADB (no root required, but USB debugging required)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) — is a debugging tool that allows you to extract Wi-Fi passwords without root access. This method works on most phones but requires a computer connection.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Utility ADB (download from developer.android.com).
• ⚙️ Enabled USB debugging on the phone.

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB debugging V Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → Developer Options).
2. Connect your phone to your computer and trust the device.
3. Open Command Prompt (cmd on Windows) and enter:

   adb shell
   su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf"

   If su doesn't work, try:

   adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf

4. In the resulting file, find the line psk="your_password".

If the command returns an error Permission denied:

• 🔐 Try it adb shell "cmd wifi list-networks" - this will show a list of networks, but not passwords.
• 📱 On some phones (eg. Samsung) need to be used adb shell "dumpsys wifi" and look for a block mWifiConfigurations.

Enable USB debugging|Install drivers for your phone|Download ADB Tools|Connect your phone with the original cable|Enable debugging on your phone-->

5. Special applications for viewing passwords

If the previous methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities. Important: Not all apps on Google Play are safe. — Some may collect data or display ads. We only tested trusted options.

Best Apps (2026):

How to use:

1. Download the app from Google Play (do not use APKs from unknown sources!).
2. Run and grant the necessary permissions.
3. Select your network from the list - the password will be displayed in the field Password or Key.

⚠️ Attention: Applications named "WiFi Hacker" or "Password Cracker" are scams in 99% of cases. They either don't work or infect your phone with viruses. Use only the programs from the official list above.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If none of these methods work, radical or workaround solutions remain. These take more time, but are guaranteed to produce results.

Options:

• 🔄 Resetting the router: Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After this, the network will be named by default (for example, TP-Link_1234), and the password is indicated on the device sticker.

  ⚠️ Attention: A reset will return all router settings to factory defaults. After that, you'll have to set it up again. IPTV, port forwarding and other parameters.

• 📡 Connection via WPS: If the router supports WPS, press the button on it, then select on your phone Connect via WPS in the Wi-Fi settings. This will temporarily connect the device without entering a password.
• 💻 View on another device: If a laptop is connected to the network Windows or macOS, the password can be found through its settings (instructions are on our website).
• 📞 Call the provider: If the router was provided by an Internet provider (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), call support - they can provide you with a password based on your contract details.

If you're renting a place or using public Wi-Fi (like at a hotel), try:

• 🏨 Contact the establishment's administrator.
• 📋 Check the password in the rental agreement or on the receipt upon check-in.
• 🔍 Check the sticker on the back of the router (sometimes it is hidden under a table or behind furniture).

Is it possible to hack someone else's Wi-Fi?

No. Hacking into other people's networks is illegal (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code - "Unauthorized access to computer information"). Furthermore, modern routers use encryption. WPA3, which is almost impossible to hack without physical access to the device.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords on Android

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on a Samsung device without rooting?

On most phones Samsung With One UI Viewing the password through settings is blocked. The only working methods are:

• Use ADB (if USB debugging is enabled).
• Install TWRP and get root access.
• Reset the router to factory settings.

Applications from Google Play on Samsung don't work - they can't read the encrypted file wpa_supplicant.conf.

Why is the password displayed as a hash (e.g. 1234567890abcdef) in the wpa_supplicant.conf file?

This means the password is encrypted. On newer versions Android (12+) and firmware (MIUI 14, ColorOS 13) the keys are stored in an unreadable form. In this case:

• Use ADB with the team dumpsys wifi — sometimes the password is displayed there in clear text.
• Get it root rights and use WiFi Key Recovery.

I reset my router, but the password on the sticker doesn't work. What should I do?

Possible reasons:

• The sticker has worn off or the numbers have been misread (for example, 0 And O, 1 And I).
• The provider changed the factory settings (for example, during the first setup).
• The router did not reset (hold Reset at least 15 seconds).

Solution: connect the router to the computer via cable, go to the control panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and view/change the password in the section Wireless or Wi-Fi.

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that my phone was previously connected to but is not currently connected to?

Yes, but only if:

• There is one on the phone root access - then the password can be extracted from wpa_supplicant.conf.
• You are using ADB and the phone was once connected to this network (command adb shell "cmd wifi list-networks" will show saved networks, but not passwords).

How to see the password for an unconnected network without root impossible — Android does not store such data in open form.

Are Wi-Fi password viewer apps safe to use?

Most of the applications in Google Play safe, but:

• 🚫 Avoid programs with names like "WiFi Hack" or "Password Cracker" - they often contain viruses.
• 🔍 Before installing, check reviews and ratings (apps with 4.5+ stars and 100K+ installs are more trustworthy).
• 📋 Rooted apps (WiFi Key Recovery) may ask for permission to modify system files - grant them only if you are sure of the source.

The safest way is to use ADB or built-in tools Android.