How to view your Wi-Fi password on your phone: all the working methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, is your router in an awkward location, or has the code sticker worn off? Don't rush to reset your router—you can find the network access key directly from your phone, even if you're already connected. In this article, we'll cover this. all current methods For Android And iPhone, including hidden system menus, standard tools and trusted applications.

It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the version of the operating system, the smartphone model and even the manufacturer (on Samsung, Xiaomi or Google Pixel (The paths to the settings may vary.) We've compiled universal instructions that work on most devices. without the need for root or jailbreakIf your phone isn't rooted, no problem: there are legal workarounds.

Before you begin, make sure your smartphone is already connected to the target Wi-Fi networkWithout this, most methods won't work. Also, check whether your antivirus or corporate policy is blocking access to system files (this applies to work phones).

1. Standard method for Android 10 and newer

Starting from Android 10Google has added a built-in feature for viewing Wi-Fi passwords—but with some caveats. This method works on stock Android (e.g., Google Pixel, Nokia, Motorola) and some firmware from manufacturers. On Samsung One UI or MIUI the path may differ.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung).
• 🔗 Tap on the name of the current Wi-Fi network (there will be an inscription next to it) Connected).
• 🔑 Choose Share (or Share (on English firmware).
• 🔐 The system will ask PIN code, pattern or fingerprint - this is protection against accidental access.
• 📋 A text password will appear under the QR code—you can copy it or show it.

If the point Share No - your manufacturer has removed this feature. For example, on some models Xiaomi or Huawei It may be missing. In this case, proceed to the next section.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with corporate profiles (for example, through Android Enterprise) This method may be blocked by security policies. Try alternative methods.

2. Alternative method for Android via configuration file

All saved Wi-Fi networks (including passwords) are stored in a system file. wpa_supplicant.confAccess to it is possible. without root rights, but requires a file manager with support for system folders, for example FX Explorer or Solid Explorer (may not work in the free version).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Install FX Explorer from Google Play and grant him access to the storage.
2. Enable display of hidden files in the manager settings.
3. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

   or (on some firmware):

   /data/misc/wifi/

4. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with any text editor.
5. Look for blocks like:

   network={
   ssid="Your_Network_Name"
   psk="your_password"
   key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
   }

   Where psk - this is the access key.

If the folder /data/ Unavailable - your phone doesn't support reading system files without root. In this case, the only solution is Back up Wi-Fi settings (section 4) or third-party utilities.

Install FX Explorer or Solid Explorer

Enable display of hidden files

Grant access to storage

Check the path /data/misc/wifi/

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3. View your password on iPhone (iOS 15–17)

On iPhone Apple strictly restricts access to Wi-Fi passwords out of the box. Unlike Android, there's no built-in way to view the key of a network you're already connected to. However, there are two workarounds:

Method 1: Via iCloud Keychain (if syncing is enabled)

• 🌐 Open on your computer Mac or Windows with installed iCloud for Windows browser Safari.
• 🔑 Go to Safari settings → Passwords (You will need to enter your Apple ID password).
• 🔍 Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar. If it's saved in your keychain, the password will be displayed.

Method 2: Via iTunes backup (requires a computer)

• 🖥️ Connect your iPhone to Mac or PC with installed iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
• 📥 Create a backup (required) encrypted!).
• 🔍 Use the utility iBackup Viewer or iMazingto view the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist in a copy.
• 🔑 The password will be encrypted - it needs to be decoded using online services (for example, Base64 Decode).

⚠️ Attention: On iPhones running iOS 17 and later, Apple has tightened backup security. If you've never created an encrypted backup before, this method won't work—you'll need to jailbreak your device.

4. Backup Wi-Fi settings on Android

If system files are inaccessible, you can export your Wi-Fi settings to a backup and then extract the password. This method works on most firmware versions, including MIUI, One UI And ColorOS.

Instructions:

1. Install the application WiFi Password Viewer (for example, from Simone Dev) from Google Play.
2. Run the utility and grant access to Wi-Fi settings (does not require root!).
3. Click Backup Passwords — the program will create a file WiFiConfigBackup.xml.
4. Open the file with any text editor and find the line:

   <string name="PreSharedKey">your_password</string>

Alternative applications:

• 📱 WiFi Password Recovery (requires Android 8+)
• 🔧 WiFi Key Recovery (works on some Samsung)
• 🛠️ Root Browser (for rooted devices only)

5. Using ADB (for advanced users)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) — is an Android debugging tool that allows you to extract Wi-Fi passwords via the command line. The method works on any devices, but requires connection to a computer and enabling developer mode.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on Developer mode on the phone:
   • Go to Settings → About phone → Build number.
   • Tap on Build number 7 times until a notification appears You have become a developer!.

adb shell
su
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftAp_Capability_configstore.xml

adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftAp_Capability_configstore.xml

If the team su If it doesn't work, you don't have root access. In this case, use the alternative command:

adb shell "cmd wifi list_networks"

It will show a list of networks, but not passwords — only their SSID and connection status.

⚠️ Attention: Using ADB may result in blocking some phone functions, if you haven't worked with debugging before. For example, on Samsung After enabling USB debugging, they may stop working. Samsung Pay or Secure Folder before reboot.

6. If nothing helps: reset the router

When all methods have been exhausted, there remains a radical method - resetting the router settings Factory reset. This will delete all saved networks, passwords, and personal settings (such as port forwarding or parental controls), but will allow you to set a new access key.

How to reset a router:

• 🔌 Find the button on the back of the router Reset (usually recessed into the body).
• 📍 Take a paper clip or toothpick and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
• 🔄 After rebooting, the router will create a new network with a default name (for example, TP-Link_1234).
• 🔑 The password will be located on a sticker under the device (usually a combination of 8-12 characters).

After reset:

• 🌐 Connect to the router's network via cable or a new Wi-Fi network.
• 📝 Enter the address in your browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the exact address is indicated on the sticker).
• 🔐 Enter your login/password to log in (usually admin/admin).
• 🔧 Go to the section Wireless or Wi-Fi and set a new password.

On some routers (for example, those from Rostelecom or Beeline), resetting the router won't restore the factory password—instead, you'll need to call support to activate it.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi passwords on your phone