Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off or was never there? Don't rush to reset your router—you can find the password directly from your phone, even if you're already connected. In this article, we'll explain. 5 proven methods For Android And iOS, including hidden system functions, third-party applications and workarounds for different firmware versions.
Important: All methods only work for networks that your phone is connected to. already connected (or connected previously). If you're trying to hack someone else's Wi-Fi, it's illegal and technically impossible without specialized equipment. We consider only legal scenarios for restoring access to his own networks.
Methods vary in complexity: from viewing the password in two clicks to manually extracting it from system files. Choose the appropriate method depending on your phone model and operating system version. For your convenience, we've added FAQ block with answers to common questions and a table of compatibility of methods with popular devices.
1. The standard method for Android: password in network settings
On most modern smartphones with Android 10+ You can view your Wi-Fi password directly in the connections menu—no root access or third-party apps required. This method works on Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other devices with pure Android or shells based on it.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open
Settings → Wi-Fi(orNetwork and Internet → Wi-Fi). - 🔍 Find your network in the list and tap on its name (
SSID). - 🔑 Select an option
Share,Show passwordorQR code(the name depends on the firmware). - 🔐 Verify your identity with
PIN code,fingerprintorgraphic key.
After this, the password will appear on the screen in text form or as a QR code (it can be scanned with another device). On some phones (for example, Huawei) instead of a password, only a QR code may be displayed - it can be decrypted using applications like WiFi Password Viewer.
Make sure your phone is connected to this network|Check your Android version (must be 10 or later)|Update your firmware to the latest version|Try another method from the article-->
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 9 and later or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) This method may not work. In this case, use the methods in the following sections.
2. View your password via QR code (for Android and iOS)
If your phone does not show the password in plain text, but allows you to generate it QR code To connect, you can extract data from it using third-party services. This method is universal and works even on iPhone, where Apple does not provide direct access to Wi-Fi passwords.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Generate a QR code for your network:
- On Android:
Settings → Wi-Fi → [your network] → Share → QR code. - On iOS: use the app Shortcuts (create a shortcut "Get Wi-Fi Password" or download a ready-made one from Gallery).
- On Android:
- 🌐 ZXing Decoder (upload image to website).
- 📱 Applications QR Code Reader (Android) or QRbot (iOS) with decoding function.
As a result, you will get a string like this:
WIFI:S:MyWiFi;T:WPA;P:my_password;;
Where P:my_password - this is your password (instead of my_password there will be a real key).
What to do if the QR code does not scan?
If the service returns an error, check:
1. Image clarity (no blur or glare).
2. QR code format - some phones generate it in a proprietary format (try another method).
3. Use alternative decoders, for example, Online Barcode Reader from Barcode Tec.
3. Extracting password from configuration file (rooted Android only)
On devices with root rights The Wi-Fi password is stored in a system file wpa_supplicant.confThis method requires technical skills, but works on all Android versions, including older ones. Without root access, the file will be unreadable.
Instructions:
- 📁 Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- 🔍 Follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/or (on older versions of Android):
/data/misc/wifi/ - 📄 Find the file
wpa_supplicant.confand open it with a text editor. - 🔑 The file will contain blocks like this:
network={ssid="MyWiFi"
psk="my_password"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}Where
psk— this is the password.
If the file is missing or empty, try an alternative path:
/data/vendor/wifi/WifiConfigStore/
⚠️ Warning: Editing or deleting files in/data/may cause Wi-Fi problems. Do not modify the contents.wpa_supplicant.conf, if you are not confident in your actions.
4. Using third-party applications (without root)
For non-rooted devices, there are apps that extract passwords from the system cache. They don't work on all phones, but they can help if standard methods fail. Examples of proven apps:
| Application | Platform | Root required? | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | Android | No | Google Play |
| WiFi Key Recovery | Android | No (on some firmware versions) | Google Play |
| WiFi Password Show | Android | Yes (for full functionality) | Google Play |
| Shortcuts (shortcut "Get Wi-Fi Password") | iOS | No | App Store |
How to use:
- Download and install the application from the official store.
- Launch it and grant the necessary permissions (access to Wi-Fi, storage, etc.).
- Select your network from the list of saved connections.
- Click
Show passwordorCopy(copy).
5. Alternative methods: router and backup
If none of the methods worked, you can find out the password using workarounds:
- 🖥️ Via the router's web interface:
- Connect your phone to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
- Open your browser and enter the address
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1(the exact address is indicated on the router sticker). - Enter login/password (usually
admin/adminoradmin/password). - Go to the section
Wireless → Security(names may differ).
If you have ever backed up your phone using Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS), Wi-Fi passwords may have been saved in the backup. Restore the backup on another device and check your network settings.
Some providers (eg Rostelecom or Beeline) send Wi-Fi connection data to email when you first connect the router. Check the folder Inbox or Spam on request "Wi-Fi".
⚠️ Attention: The router web interface addresses (192.168.x.x) and default logins/passwords may vary depending on the model. If you haven't changed them before, check the device's sticker or manual for the information.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi password recovery
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network to which the phone is not connected?
No. All the described methods only work for networks to which the device has previously connected. If you've never logged into the network, the only legal way is to request the password from the router owner or reset the router (button). Reset on the back panel).
Why is there no option to view Wi-Fi password on iPhone?
Apple deliberately restricts access to network passwords for security reasons. The only official methods are:
- Generate QR code via Shortcuts and decode it (described in Section 2).
- View the password on another device (Mac connected to this Wi-Fi).
Apps from the App Store cannot bypass this restriction.
What should I do if my router doesn't have a web interface (for example, from my provider)?
Some operators (for example, MGTS or Dom.ru) routers are blocked from user settings. In this case:
- Call your provider's support team and request a Wi-Fi password (you will need to verify your identity).
- Use the provider's mobile app (e.g. My MTS or Beeline Dom) - there may be a section with Wi-Fi data.
- Reset the router to factory settings (button
Reset), but keep in mind that after this you will have to set up the Internet again.
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password from a phone if it is connected via WPS?
No. Protocol WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) doesn't save the network password on the device—it's used only for authentication. If your phone is connected via WPS, you'll have to find the password in the router settings or reset it.
Are password extraction apps safe to use?
Yes, if you download them from official stores (Google Play or App Store). However, be careful:
- Avoid installing apps that request unnecessary permissions (such as access to SMS or contacts).
- Check reviews and ratings of the program.
- Avoid apps that charge you to view your password—all the methods described in this article are free.