How to find your Wi-Fi password on your phone: all the methods for Android and iOS

Have you forgotten your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off or was never there? This situation is familiar to many: you connected to Wi-Fi a long time ago, your phone automatically saves the password, and when you need to connect a new device, you can't remember the combination. Fortunately, Find out the Wi-Fi password from your phone You can do this without any complicated manipulations, even if you don’t have access to the router settings.

In this article we will look at all working methods For Android And iPhone, including methods without root access and jailbreaking. You'll learn how to extract a saved password from your smartphone's system files, use a QR code to connect, or restore access through the router's web interface. You'll also learn why some methods no longer work in newer OS versions and how to bypass restrictions.

⚠️ Important: All the described actions are legal only for your own networkAttempting to hack someone else's Wi-Fi is punishable by law (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code—illegal access to computer information).

1. How to view your Wi-Fi password on Android (without rooting)

On most modern smartphones Android 10+ The system hides passwords for saved networks out of the box. However, there are workarounds that work on devices. Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands.

The easiest way is to use built-in password export function (available on some firmware versions). For example, on Xiaomi With MIUI 12+ it's done like this:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network (do not connect if you are already connected).
3. Select Share password (or QR code).
4. Confirm unlocking with fingerprint/password.

If there is no such option, try alternative method via file system:

• 📱 Install any file manager with access to system folders (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🔍 Go to the folder /data/misc/wifi/ (root directory permission required).
• 📄 Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml and open it with a text editor.
• 🔑 In line <string name="PreSharedKey">...</string> there will be a password (encrypted or in plain text).

⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ Access to this folder is often blocked even with root privileges. If the file is missing, try the method with ADB (section 3).

Make sure your phone is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network|

Check your Android version (methods are more complicated for 10+)|

Update your file manager to the latest version|

Disable your VPN (it may be blocking access to system files)-->

2. How to find the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone (without jailbreaking)

On iPhone the situation is more complicated: iOS does not provide direct access to saved Wi-Fi passwords without hacking the system. However, there is 3 legal ways, which will work in 80% of cases:

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

• 🖥️ Open on Mac application Keychain Access (search via Spotlight).
• 🔍 Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search.
• 🔑 Double-click on the entry and check the box Show password and enter your account password Apple ID.

Method 2: Via a router (if you have access to its settings)

Connect iPhone to the router via cable (via adapter) Lightning/USB-C → Ethernet) or via Wi-Fi, then:

1. Open your browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
2. Log in (default logins/passwords can be found on the router sticker).
3. Go to the section Wireless → Security (names may differ).

Method 3: Using an iTunes Backup (Advanced)

If you have a backup iPhone V iTunes, you can extract passwords using the utility iBackup Viewer (Windows/macOS). Instructions:

• 💻 Download and install iBackup Viewer.
• 📂 Select the latest backup of your iPhone.
• 🔍 Go to the section System Files → com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist.
• 🔑 The password will be in the field password (may be encrypted - decryption required).

⚠️ Attention: On iOS 16+ Apple Tightened system file protection. If the backup is encrypted and you don't remember the backup password, this method won't work.

Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, etc.)|iPhone (any model)|Other brand|Don't know-->

3. Universal Method: ADB for Android (No Root)

If the previous methods did not work, and no root rights, try using ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method works on Android 8–12, but requires connecting the phone to the computer.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. 💻 Download Platform Tools With official Android website and unzip the archive.
2. 📱 Turn on your phone Developer mode (tap 7 times Build number V Settings → About phone).
3. 🔌 Turn on USB debugging in the developer menu and connect your phone to the PC.
4. 🖥️ In the folder with Platform Tools launch cmd (Shift + right click → Open a command window).
5. 📋 Enter the command:

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

   If the file was not copied, try:

   adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml" > wifi_password.txt

6. 🔍 Open the resulting file and find the line with PreSharedKey.

If the command returns an error permission denied, then the manufacturer has blocked access. In this case, only root or reset the router.

What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?

Make sure you have installed the drivers for your phone (download from the manufacturer's website).

Try another USB cable (original, not damaged).

Enable the "Allow USB debugging (safe mode)" option in developer options.

Restart your phone and PC.

4. How to share a Wi-Fi password via QR code

The simplest and legal way — generate a QR code to connect to the network. This works on most modern smartphones without requiring the password itself.

On Android (MIUI, EMUI, One UI, etc.):

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Tap on the name of your network.
• 🖼️ Choose Share or QR code.
• 📷 Scan the code with another device.

On iPhone (iOS 11+):

• 📱 Connect to the desired Wi-Fi network.
• 🔍 Open the app Camera and point it at the QR code from another network (if there is one).
• 🔄 Or generate your QR code through third-party applications (for example, QR Code Generator).

✅ Advantages of the method: does not require knowledge of the password, works without root/jailbreak, is safe.

❌ Cons: You need to have physical access to both devices (the one that is already connected and the one that needs to be connected).

5. Password recovery through router settings

If none of the previous methods worked, the only thing left is classical method — Log into the router's web interface. This is a universal method that works regardless of your phone model.

Instructions:

1. 📶 Connect your phone to the router via Wi-Fi (if already connected, skip this step).
2. 🌐 Open your browser and enter your router's IP address. This is usually:
   • 192.168.0.1 (TP-Link, D-Link, ASUS)
   • 192.168.1.1 (Zyxel, Keenetic, some TP-Link models)
   • 192.168.8.1 (Huawei, some Xiaomi models)

🔐 Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/password; look at the router sticker).

🔍 Go to the section Wireless → Security (or Wi-Fi → Security Settings).

🔑 In the field Password, Pre-Shared Key or Network key will be your password.

⚠️ Attention: If you changed your login/password for logging into the router and forgot them, you will have to reset the settings using the button Reset (Hold for 10-15 seconds). After the reset, the Wi-Fi password will also be reset to the factory default (indicated on the sticker).

6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If all the previous methods have not worked, there are still radical or non-obvious solutions:

• 🔧 Resetting the router. Click the button Reset on the back panel (hold for 10-15 seconds). After the reset, the password will return to the factory default (indicated on the router sticker). Minus: All network settings will be reset, including the Wi-Fi name and passwords of other devices.
• 📞 Contact your provider. If the router was provided by an Internet provider (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS), call support and ask to reset your Wi-Fi password. You'll need to provide your contract details.
• 💻 Use PC. If a laptop or PC is connected to the network Windows, you can see the password through Network and Sharing Center (instructions in the next section).
• 🛠️ Root/jailbreak. On Android With root rights, the password can be extracted through ES File Explorer or Root BrowserOn . iPhone after jailbreak - through WiFi Passwords V Cydia. Risk: loss of warranty and vulnerability to viruses.

7. How to find out your Wi-Fi password from your computer (if your phone doesn't work)

If you have Windows- A PC or laptop connected to the required network can extract the password in 2 minutes:

1. 🖥️ Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. 🔍 Find your Wi-Fi connection, right-click → Status → Wireless Properties.
3. 🔐 Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters.

For macOS:

1. 🖥️ Open Spotlight (Cmd + space), enter Keychain Access.
2. 🔍 Find the name of your Wi-Fi network and double-click on it.
3. 🔑 Check the box Show password and enter your account password Mac.

⚠️ Important: on Windows 11 The path may be slightly different, but the principle remains the same. If the tab Security missing, then the Wi-Fi adapter driver does not support this function (update the driver).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without rooting on Android 13?

On Android 13+ Manufacturers have severely restricted access to system files. If your phone doesn't support this feature, Share password (as in Samsung or Xiaomi), then without root rights it is almost impossible to extract the password. An alternative is to use ADB (section 3) or go to the router settings.

Why is there no "Show Passcode" option on iPhone?

Apple deliberately hides Wi-Fi passwords for security purposes. The only legal methods are Keychain Access on Mac or viewing through the router settings. iOS 16+ Even backup copies are encrypted more securely, so it is impossible to extract the password without the backup password.

What should I do if my router won't let me access the settings (incorrect password)?

If you forgot the password for the router's web interface, the only thing left to do is hard reset:

1. Click the button Reset on the back of the router (usually it is recessed and requires a paper clip).
2. Hold for 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash.
3. After rebooting, log in using the factory login/password (indicated on the sticker).

Attention: After resetting, all settings (including the Wi-Fi password) will return to factory settings.

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

No, there are no legal ways to hack someone else's network. All the “hacks” that are offered on the Internet (for example, through WPS Connect or Aircrack-ng), either don't work on modern routers or are fraudulent. Moreover, attempting unauthorized access to a network is classified as a crime (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code).

If you urgently need the Internet, it is better to use public access points (in cafes, shopping centers) or buy mobile traffic.

How to create a strong Wi-Fi password?

To avoid the problem of a forgotten password in the future, follow these rules:

• 🔐 Use 12+ characters (numbers, letters in different registers, special characters).
• 📝 Write down the password in Google Keep, 1Password or a notepad (but not on the router sticker!).
• 🔄 Change your password every 6-12 months.
• 🚫 Do not use personal information (dates of birth, names, phone numbers).

Example of a strong password: k0T!nG_7#pL@nE2026.