How to find your Wi-Fi hotspot password on your phone: instructions for Android and iOS

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and your router is in a hard-to-reach place or even hidden in a closet? Don't rush to reset your router—you can find the password directly from your phone if you've connected to this network at least once. In this article, we'll cover all the working methods for Android (including older versions) and iPhone, and we'll also explain why some methods stopped working after OS updates.

It's important to understand: your phone doesn't store Wi-Fi passwords in plain text—they're encrypted and hidden for security reasons. However, in most cases, they can be retrieved through system settings, configuration files, or special apps. We've compiled a list of current methods that work. Android 14 And iOS 17, and also indicated restrictions for different manufacturers (for example, on Xiaomi or Samsung root rights may be required).

If you're looking for a way to hack someone else's Wi-Fi, be warned: it's illegal and technically impossible without specialized equipment. This article is only for network owners who want to restore access to their network. his own access point.

1. The standard method for Android: via network settings

On most modern smartphones with Android 10 You can view your Wi-Fi password directly in the connected networks menu on Android devices—but only if you have root access or are using a phone from certain manufacturers. Here's how:

On clean Android (For example, Google Pixel) the path will be like this:

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.

2. Tap on the name of your network (under the "Connected" label).

3. Click Share (or Share (on English firmware).

4. The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, fingerprint or pattern.

5. After confirmation, a QR code and a text password will appear below it.

On smartphones Samsung (One UI) and Xiaomi (MIUI) this method also works, but may require additional confirmation via Samsung Account or Mi AccountIf there is no "Share" button, it means the manufacturer has blocked this function (this is done, for example, on some models) Huawei And Honor).

⚠️ Attention: On Android 9 and older, the standard method may not work. In this case, try the methods in the following sections or use ADB commands (described below).

2. Method for iPhone: via iCloud Keychain (Apple ecosystem only)

On iPhone And iPad Apple doesn't allow you to directly view Wi-Fi passwords in Settings - but you can extract them through iCloud Keychain, if you have Mac or another device on iOSHere's how to do it:

If you have MacBook or iMac:

1. Open the app Keychain Access (can be found via Spotlight on request "Keychain").

2. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.

3. Double-click on the found entry.

4. Check the box next to Show password.

5. Enter the password for your Mac account.

If you don't have a Mac but have a second one iPhone or iPad:

• 📱 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🔄 When connecting to the network on a new device, you'll see a prompt to "Share password" - confirm it on your primary phone.
• 🔑 The password will be automatically copied to the second device (but will not be displayed explicitly).

Unfortunately, in reality iPhone View your Wi-Fi password without additional devices impossible — Apple is deliberately blocking this feature for security reasons. The only workaround is to use jailbreak, but this will void the warranty and create safety risks.

3. Alternative method for Android: via configuration file (without root)

On some firmware (especially on older versions Android) Wi-Fi passwords are stored unencrypted in a system file wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be accessed through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) without root access. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Turn it on first USB debugging:

1. Go to Settings → About phone.

2. Tap the item 7 times Build number (a notification will appear saying "You have become a developer").

3. Go back to the main settings menu and open For developers.

4. Activate USB debugging.

Now connect your phone to your computer and run the commands:

adb shell
su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep 'SSID' -A 10"

If the command doesn't work, try this alternative:

adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

In the resulting file, find the block with the name of your network (ssid="...") - there will be a line next to it psk="..." with a password. Please note that on newer versions Android (starting from Android 10) this file may be encrypted and the method will not work.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with MIUI (Xiaomi), ColorOS (Oppo) and FunTouch OS (Vivo) file wpa_supplicant.conf is often absent or empty. In this case, only root or reset the router.

4. Using third-party applications (root only)

If you have root rightsYou can use specialized utilities to view Wi-Fi passwords. The most popular ones are:

Example of working with WiFi Password Viewer:

1. Install the app from Play Market.

2. Provide root access when prompted.

3. A list of all saved networks with passwords will appear in the main window.

4. Click on the desired network to copy the password.

On some firmware (for example, on Samsung One UI 5+) Even root apps can't extract the password due to additional encryption. In this case, the only options are resetting the router or connecting to it via cable.

5. If nothing works: reset the router

When all software methods have been exhausted, what remains is Hard reset of the routerThis is a last resort, as you'll have to reconfigure the network, but you're guaranteed access. Here's how to do it correctly:

Steps to reset:

1. Find the button on your router Reset (usually it is recessed into the body).

2. Take a paper clip or toothpick and press the button for 10-15 seconds.

3. Wait until the indicators on the router blink and it reboots.

4. Connect to the network with the router name (for example, TP-Link_1234) - the password will be standard (indicated on the sticker below).

After reset:

• 🔧 Go to your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 🔐 Enter your login/password (often by default) admin/admin).
• 📡 Set up Wi-Fi again: set the network name (SSID) and a new password.

⚠️ Attention: On some router models (for example, from the provider Rostelecom or Beeline) A reset may block internet access if the device is bound by MAC address. In this case, you'll need to call support for reactivation.

What should I do if the Internet doesn't work after a reset?

If the router doesn't distribute the Internet after a reset, check:

1. Is the cable from the provider connected to the WAN port (usually blue).

2. Do the PPPoE/PPTP settings match those provided by the provider (login/password for connection).

3. Have the VLAN parameters been reset (relevant for GPON-routers).

If nothing helps, contact your provider's technical support and let them know that you've reset your router to factory settings.

6. How to avoid losing your password in the future

To avoid searching for your Wi-Fi password every time you need to connect a new gadget, follow these simple rules:

• 📝 Save your password in a safe place: write it down in a notepad, password manager (1Password, KeePass) or send it to yourself in an encrypted message (for example, via Telegram with self-destruct timer).
• 🔄 Use the QR code: on modern routers (for example, Keenetic or ASUS) you can generate a QR code for connection - just scan it to automatically connect to the network.
• 🔧 Set up a guest network: If you often give access to guests, create a separate network with a simple password (for example, guest1234), and leave the main one with the reliable one.
• 📱 Sync passwords via Google/Apple account: on Android turn on backup in Settings → Google → Backup, and on iPhone — iCloud Keychain.

If you frequently forget passwords, consider purchasing a router with a password reset feature. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). It allows you to connect devices with a push-button connection without entering a password—but keep in mind that WPS is considered less secure than the classic one. WPA3.

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

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, since the system stores passwords only for current connections. iPhone passwords are saved in iCloud Keychain, but you can only view them through Mac.

Why isn't there a "Share" button in the Wi-Fi settings on my Xiaomi?

Xiaomi blocks this feature on some firmware versions. MIUI For safety's sake. Solutions:

• Try updating your firmware to the latest version.
• Use ADB commands (described above).
• Get it root rights and use the application WiFi Password Viewer.

Is it possible to find out my neighbor's Wi-Fi password if I connected to it?

No, this is impossible without hacking, which is a criminal offense (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code – "Unauthorized access to computer information"). The most you can do is ask your neighbor for the password.

I reset my router, but I don't know the default password. What should I do?

The standard password is indicated on the sticker on the bottom panel of the router (usually under the inscription Password, Key or PIN). If there is no sticker:

• Try combinations like admin, 12345678 or password.
• Check your router model and find the default password online (for example, for TP-Link TL-WR841N This admin).
• Contact your ISP - they may know the default settings for the routers they provide.

Does viewing the password through Settings work on Android 14?

Yes, but only if the manufacturer hasn't blocked this feature. On a clean Android 14 (for example, on Google Pixel 8) the method works. On custom firmware (for example, Samsung One UI 6) may require verification through the manufacturer's account.