How to find the Wi-Fi password on the phone you're connected to: instructions for Android and iOS

Are you connected to Wi-Fi on your phone but have forgotten the password? Sound familiar? Don't rush to turn the router over looking for the sticker or call your provider. Android And iPhone There are legal ways to extract a saved password directly from the device settings. The main thing is to know where to look and what restrictions to consider.

In this article we will analyze All working methods for modern OS versions (Android 10+ and iOS 14+), including workarounds for devices with custom firmware or without administrator rights. We'll also explain why some methods stopped working after security updates and what to do if your phone doesn't directly display your password.

Important: The methods vary depending on the smartphone model and operating system version. For example, on Samsung Galaxy With One UI there is only one path to the password, but on the "clean" one Android (For example, Google Pixel) — another. We've covered all the options so you can find a solution for your device.

Why doesn't my phone show my Wi-Fi password directly?

Previously on Android You could simply go to the network settings and see the password in plain text. Now, manufacturers hide this information by default for security reasons. Here are the key reasons:

• 🔒 Privacy Policy: Google and Apple restrict access to sensitive data without additional confirmations (for example, unlocking the screen or entering a PIN).
• 🛡️ Malware protectionIf passwords were stored in clear text, viruses could easily steal them.
• 📱 The difference in the shells: Manufacturers like Xiaomi (MIUI), Samsung (One UI) or Huawei (EMUI) implement access to network settings differently.

On iPhone The situation is even more dire: Apple doesn't provide any interface for viewing Wi-Fi passwords. But there are workarounds—we'll discuss them in the relevant section.

⚠️ Attention: If your AndroidIf your smartphone isn't rooted, you'll only be able to see the password for the networks you're currently connected to. Viewing passwords for other saved networks will require superuser rights.root).

Method 1: View your Android password through settings (without rooting)

This is the simplest method, but it doesn't work on all devices. It is supported on most smartphones with Android 10 and newer, including:

• 📱 Google Pixel (pure Android)
• 📱 Samsung Galaxy (One UI 3.0+)
• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi/POCO (MIUI 12+)
• 📱 Realme/Oppo (ColorOS 11+)

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Find the network you are currently connected to in the list and tap on its name.
3. In the window that opens, select Share (or Share (on English firmware).
4. The system will ask you to confirm your identity – unlock the screen (PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID).
5. A line with a password will appear under the QR code (it may be called Password or Password).

If the point Share No, then your phone model or firmware version doesn't support this method. Proceed to the next method.

Check if you are currently connected to a Wi-Fi network

Update your phone's firmware to the latest version

Try the alternative method via the configuration file (method 3)

Use third-party software (method 4)

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Method 2: View the password on iPhone (with or without a Mac)

On iPhone There's no built-in way to view the Wi-Fi password in Settings. However, there are two working workarounds:

Option A: Via a Mac (if your phone and computer are on the same iCloud network)

If your iPhone And Mac linked to the same Apple ID and iCloud key syncing is enabled, the password can be retrieved via Keychain Access:

1. On Mac open Spotlight (⌘ + Space) and enter Keychain Access.
2. In the utility's search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
3. Double-click on the found entry and check the box. Show password.
4. Enter your account password Macto see the Wi-Fi password.

Option B: Via a router (universal method)

If you don't have Mac, the only reliable way is to go to the router settings:

1. Find out the IP address of the router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Enter it in the browser on your phone (connected to this Wi-Fi).
3. Log in (using the login and password from the sticker on the router).
4. Go to the section Wireless or Wi-Fi - there will be a line with a password (it can be called Pre-Shared Key).

⚠️ Attention: If you have not changed the default login details for the router (like admin/admin), they can be found on the device's sticker. If you changed them and forgot, you'll have to reset the router to factory settings using the button. Reset.

Method 3: Extracting the password via the configuration file (for Android)

On Android Wi-Fi passwords are stored in an encrypted file wpa_supplicant.confTo read it, you need a file manager with access to system folders (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer) and some technical skills.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with support root (Even if you don't have superuser rights, some managers allow you to view system files).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

   Or (on older versions of Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/

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

   network={
   ssid="Your_Network_Name"
   psk="your_password"
   ...
   }

If the file does not open or the path does not exist, then your version Android stores data differently. In this case, only root- access or specialized utilities (see method 4).

What to do if the wpa_supplicant.conf file is missing?

On newer versions of Android (12+), passwords can be stored encrypted in the database. settings.db on the way /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/To read it you will need:

1. Root access.

2. Utility SQLite Editor from Google Play.

3. Knowledge of SQL queries for retrieving data from a table wifi or secure.

Method 4: Wi-Fi Password Viewer Apps

If manual methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities. It's important to choose trusted apps from official stores to avoid viruses. Here are the top three working solutions:

Warning: Apps without root Often, passwords are only shown for the current network. If you want to retrieve passwords for all saved networks, you'll need superuser privileges.

Method 5: Reset the password via the router (if nothing helps)

If none of these methods work, there's a universal, yet radical, solution: resetting the Wi-Fi password through the router settings. This is useful if:

• 🔄 You don't remember the password for the network itself (not just for your phone).
• 📵 You don't have access to other devices connected to this Wi-Fi.
• 🔧 You are ready to temporarily disable the Internet for all devices on the network.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Find the button on your router Reset (usually it is recessed into the body and requires a paper clip).
2. Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
3. Wait for the router to reboot (1–2 minutes).
4. Connect to the Wi-Fi network with the default name (indicated on the router sticker).
5. The default password is also indicated on the sticker (usually it is a combination like admin123 or 12345678).
6. Go to the router control panel (via browser at the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and set a new password in the section Wi-Fi or Wireless.

⚠️ Note: Resetting your router will return all settings to factory defaults, including the network name (SSID), password, port settings, and parental controls. If you have PPPoE (for example, for Rostelecom or Beeline), after the reset, the Internet will not work until you enter the login/password from the provider again.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to find a Wi-Fi password, users often encounter common problems. Here's how to solve them:

• 🚫 There is no "Share" button in the Wi-Fi settings.This means your firmware doesn't support this method. Try updating your OS or using a file manager.
• 🔐 Apple ID password required when viewing Keychain: If you forgot your password Apple ID, restore it through iforgot.apple.comWithout this, access to Wi-Fi passwords on Mac impossible.
• 📱 The application does not show the password.: Make sure it has access to the Wi-Fi settings (check permissions in Settings → Applications). On Android 11+ Some utilities may not work without root.
• 🌐 I can't access my router settings.: Make sure you're connected to this Wi-Fi network (not your mobile data). If you don't know the router's IP address, find it using the command ipconfig (on Windows) or in the Wi-Fi settings on your phone (in the "Router" section).

If you are using a router, make sure that:

• 🔌 The router's power will not be cut off during the reset (use a UPS if there is a risk of power surges).
• 📡 You have access to the factory data sticker (if you reset the settings, you will need it to set it up again).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi connection I've connected to before but am not connected to now?

On Android without root — No. The system only displays the password for the current network. To see all saved passwords, you need root-access or specialized software like WiFi Key Recovery.

On iPhone even with Mac You will only see passwords for networks that you have connected to from this computer.

Why did the password stop showing up in the settings after updating Android?

Most likely, the manufacturer updated the firmware and removed the ability to view the password through the menu. ShareThis is due to stricter security policies. Try the alternative methods in this article.

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password from a phone if it is connected via WPS?

No. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a separate authentication protocol that doesn't store the network password on your phone. In this case, the password can only be found through the router settings or by resetting it.

Are Wi-Fi password extractor apps safe to use?

Verified apps from Google Play (with high ratings and lots of reviews) are safe, but:

• Avoid utilities that request unnecessary permissions (for example, access to SMS or contacts).
• Don't install APKs from third-party sources—the risk of viruses is too high.
• After use, uninstall the application if you no longer need it.

What should I do if my router displays an error when accessing its settings?

Possible causes and solutions:

• Incorrect IP address: Try it 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1.
• Incorrect login/password: If you have changed them, reset the router with the button Reset.
• Blocked by antivirus: Temporarily disable protection on your phone/computer.
• Browser problems: Try it Chrome, Firefox or Safari in incognito mode.