How to find your Wi-Fi password on Android: all the methods with instructions

You are connected to the Wi-Fi network on your Android-smartphone, but forgot the password? Or need to share access with a friend, but there's no sticker with the data on the router? This situation is familiar to many. Luckily, Android There are several ways to extract a saved network password, both using built-in tools and third-party applications.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods, which work on most devices - from Samsung Galaxy to Xiaomi RedmiImportant: Not all methods are universal - some require root rights, others are limited by version AndroidBut at least one of them will definitely work on your phone.

Before you begin, remember: Obtaining a password for someone else's Wi-Fi network without the owner's permission violates data privacy laws in most countries, including Russia.We consider only legal scenarios—restoring access to your network.

1. View password through Android settings (without root)

The easiest way is to use the built-in password display feature that was introduced in Android 10 and newer. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers leave it in their shells (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi often hides this option).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi and networks → Wi-Fi
• 🔍 Find the desired network in the list and tap on its name
• 🔑 Choose Share or Show password (You may be asked to enter your lock screen PIN)
• 📋 A line with a password will appear under the network name - copy or write it down

If the point Share No, then the manufacturer has disabled this feature. Proceed to the next method.

⚠️ Note: On some devices Samsung With One UI The password is displayed as a QR code. To see the text version, click Show password under the code.

2. Using ADB (without root, for advanced users)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) — is a debugging tool that allows you to execute commands on a device from a computer. It can be used to extract the Wi-Fi password even if the phone is not rooted. This method works on all versions. Android, but requires preparation.

What you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original)
• 📱 Enable USB debugging on your phone
• 🛠 Utility Platform Tools from Google

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Download and unzip Platform Tools to the computer.
2. Turn on your phone Developer mode (Tap the build number 7 times in Settings → About phone).
3. IN Settings → System → Developer Options activate USB debugging.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and enter the following in the command line:

adb shell
su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep -E 'SSID=\"NETWORK_NAME\"|PreSharedKey='"

Replace NETWORK_NAME the name of your Wi-Fi network (in quotes!). The password will be in the line PreSharedKey.

Developer mode is enabled

Drivers for your phone have been installed.

Downloaded Platform Tools (folder with adb.exe)

USB debugging is enabled on the phone.

The USB cable is working properly and supports data transfer-->

⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ The path to the password file has changed. For new versions, use the command:

adb shell
su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreSoftAp.xml"

But access to this file may be restricted even through ADB.

3. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords (requires root)

If your phone has root rights, the task becomes simpler. In Google Play There are dozens of apps that show all saved Wi-Fi passwords. We tested the most reliable ones:

• 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer — a minimalist interface displays SSIDs and passwords in a single list. Supports file export.
• 📡 WiFi Key Recovery — Recovers passwords even after a factory reset (if the configuration file is not deleted).
• 🛡 Root Browser — a file manager with access to system folders. Passwords are stored in /data/misc/wifi/.

How to use (using example) WiFi Password Viewer):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Provide root access when prompted.
3. A list of all saved networks with passwords will appear in the main window.
4. Tap on the network to copy the password to the clipboard.

The advantage of this method is no need to connect to a computer or enter commands. However, rooting will void your warranty and may impair some features (e.g. Google Pay or banking applications).

4. Password recovery via backup (for Samsung)

Devices Samsung with shell One UI have a unique backup feature that stores Wi-Fi data in encrypted form. If you've ever backed up via Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch, the password can be extracted from there.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Backup → Backup and Restore.
2. Select Recover data and specify the backup date where the required network was saved.
3. After recovery, go to Wi-Fi settings and use the method from first section (Share option).

Important: This method only works if:

• 📱 You have an account Samsung and synchronization is enabled
• 🔄 The backup contained Wi-Fi data (check in Archiving settings)
• 🔐 Do you remember your account password? Samsung (required for decryption)

⚠️ Please note: Restoring from a backup will overwrite your current Wi-Fi settings. If you are connected to other networks, their passwords may be lost.

5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If the above methods don't work, there are less obvious options:

• 📋 View on the router: On the back of most routers there is a sticker with the factory network name (SSID) and password (Password/Key). If the password has not been changed, this method will work.
• 🖥 Router web interface: Connect to the network from your computer, go to the router control panel (usually at the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and find the section Wireless Security.
• 📞 Contact your provider: If the router was provided by the Internet provider (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), the password can be found in your personal account or by calling the hotline.

To access the router's web interface:

1. Find out the IP address of the router (you can see it in Wi-Fi Settings → Advanced on the phone).
2. Enter the address into your computer's browser (e.g. http://192.168.0.1).
3. Enter your login and password (usually admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).
4. Go to the section Wireless → Security (names may differ).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To save time, use our table:

For most users, the optimal order of actions is:

1. Try it Android settings (1st method).
2. If it doesn't work, use ADB (2nd method).
3. For owners Samsung - check backup copies (4th method).
4. In extreme cases - root applications or data from the router.

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

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