How to find out the password for the Wi-Fi your Android is connected to: all the methods

You forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but your smartphone is still connected. Android Successfully connected to the network? The situation is familiar to many: your neighbor, ISP, or you set up your router a year ago, and now you urgently need the password to connect a new device. Luckily, there are several ways to retrieve the saved password directly from your phone—and not all of them require root rights or complex manipulations.

In this article we will look at 5 working methods, including official Android features, workarounds for older OS versions, and even methods for devices with rootYou will learn how to act on Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other popular models, as well as any restrictions manufacturers impose on password access. Important: Some methods may not work on the latest versions of Android due to stricter security policies—we'll also warn you about this in advance.

Before you begin, make sure your phone is connected to the target Wi-Fi network Without this, most methods will be useless. And remember: extracting passwords from someone else's devices without the owner's consent may violate data privacy laws.

1. Standard method: view password in Android settings (without root)

Starting from Android 10Google has added the ability to view passwords for saved Wi-Fi networks—but with some caveats. The feature isn't available on all devices, as manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei) often modify the shell. Here's how it works on "pure" Android:

1. Open Settings phone and go to the section Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung).
2. Select Wi-Fi, then tap on the name of the current network (under the inscription Connected).
3. Click on the icon Gear (⚙️) or Read more.
4. In the menu that opens, find the item Password or Share (on English firmware).
5. The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, fingerprint or pattern - enter it.
6. The password will be displayed as text below the QR code (if any).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with shells MIUI (Xiaomi), One UI (Samsung) or EMUI (Huawei) This item may not be present. In this case, proceed to the next method.

If you have Android 9 or older, the standard method won't work—manufacturers have hidden this option due to security requirements. However, there is a workaround QR code, which the system generates when trying to share the network:

• 📱 In your Wi-Fi network settings, find the option Share or Share.
• 🔗 Generate a QR code (screen unlock required).
• 📸 Take a photo of it and use it any way you like online QR decoder app (For example, Qifi). The results will contain the line WPA:... - this is the password.

2. Using a Wi-Fi configuration file (requires a file manager)

Android stores all saved networks in a file. wpa_supplicant.conf, but access to it is limited. On devices without root rights You can try to extract this file through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or a file manager with access to system folders (for example, FX Explorer or Solid Explorer).

Instructions for ADB:

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

If the commands don't work, then you don't have permission to read these files. An alternative is to use backup:

• 📲 Go to Settings → Google → Backup.
• 🔄 Enable Wi-Fi data backup (if disabled).
• 💾 Create a backup via Settings → System → Backup.
• 📂 Use ADB or an app like Swift Backup (requires root) to extract the file wpa_supplicant.conf from backup.

In the file wpa_supplicant.conf look for blocks like:

network={
ssid="Network_Name"
psk="wifi_password"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}

3. Applications for viewing passwords (with and without root)

IN Google Play There are dozens of apps that promise to reveal saved Wi-Fi passwords. Most of them require root rights, but some work without them—for example, by analyzing QR codes or backups. We tested several options:

⚠️ Attention: Unrooted apps often display outdated data or require a PC connection. For example, WiFi Password Viewer It may reveal your old network password if your phone hasn't connected to it in a while. Always check reviews before installing—many apps contain ads or collect data.

View rating and number of reviews|Read the last 5-10 comments|Make sure the app has been updated in the last 6 months|Check permissions (should not have access to SMS or contacts)-->

4. Method for rooted devices

If your phone unlocked (rooted), you can extract a Wi-Fi password in seconds. The most reliable way is to use Root Explorer or ES File Explorer (with root access enabled) to view the file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Root Explorer and follow the path /data/misc/wifi/.
2. Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml (or wpa_supplicant.conf on older versions of Android).
3. Open the file in a text editor.
4. Look for lines with tags <string name="ConfigKey"> — the password will be displayed next to it in encrypted or clear text.

To decrypt encrypted passwords use WiFi Key Recovery or a team ADB:

adb shell
su
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep psk

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12+) Wi-Fi system files are encrypted with an additional key. In this case, only specialized software like Magisk Module to bypass protection.

What to do if the WifiConfigStore.xml file is empty?

On newer versions of Android (12+), data can be stored in encrypted form in /data/vendor/wifi/. Try using Magisk with module WiFi Password Decrypt or extract data via TWRP (custom recovery).

5. Alternative methods: router and provider

If none of the methods worked, there are two options left: get the password directly from router or contact to the providerThese are universal solutions that work regardless of the phone model.

Method 1: Viewing on a router

• 🌐 Connect to the router via cable or your current Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Enter the router's IP address in your browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 🔑 Log in (default logins: admin/admin, admin/1234 or look at the router sticker).
• 📡 Go to the section Wireless or Wi-Fi - there will be a field there Password or PSK.

Method 2: Call your provider

If the router was issued by the provider (for example, Rostelecom, MTS or Beeline), the Wi-Fi password may be specified in the contract or personal account. Alternatively, call support and ask to reset the router to factory settings (then the password will become the default, for example, 12345678).

6. Common problems and their solutions

Not all methods work equally well on all devices. Here are some common errors and how to work around them:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12 and newer Google has tightened the protection of system files. Even with root access wpa_supplicant.conf may be blocked. In this case, the only reliable solution is to reset the router or contact your ISP.

If you frequently encounter the problem of forgotten passwords, consider using password manager (For example, Bitwarden or 1Password) for storing network data. Or configure the router to WPS-connection - this will allow you to add new devices without entering a password (although less secure).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the password for the Wi-Fi that the phone connected to a month ago?

Yes, but only if the network is saved in the device's memory. Android 10+ try the QR code or extraction method wpa_supplicant.conf via ADB. On older versions, use apps like WiFi Key Recovery (requires root). If the network is not saved, the data may have been deleted.

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

Xiaomi (like other manufacturers) often removes this option from the MIUI interface. Alternatives:

• Generate a network QR code and decrypt it using online service.
• Use ADB for extraction WifiConfigStore.xml.
• Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) - the option may appear there.

Are Wi-Fi password viewer apps safe to use?

Most of the applications from Google Play safe, but:

• 🛡️ Check permissions—the program shouldn't have access to SMS, contacts, or geolocation.
• 📥 Download only apps with a 4+ rating and a large number of reviews.
• 🚫 Avoid apps that require payment to "unlock" features—they're often scams.

The most reliable options: WiFi Password Viewer (for QR codes) and WiFi Key Recovery (for root).

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

Technically yes, but this violates data privacy laws (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, "Unauthorized access to computer information"). Using someone else's network resources without the owner's consent may result in administrative or criminal liability. If you urgently need internet access, it's best to ask for the password directly or use a mobile hotspot.

What to do if none of the methods work?

There are two options left:

1. Reset your router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel). After this, the password will become the default one (indicated on the router sticker).
2. Contact your provider - he can provide the password by phone or reset it remotely (for example, Rostelecom or MTS do it in 5 minutes).

If the router is not yours (for example, in an office or cafe), request the password from the administrator.