It's common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but have lost or forgotten the password. Fortunately, modern smartphones, including models from Huawei, have a built-in access key saving feature. This allows you to not only automatically connect to known networks, but also share access with other devices or simply remember a forgotten combination of characters. For owners of devices running shells EMUI or HarmonyOS, there is no need to look for complex third-party applications or obtain superuser rights.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at several ways to restore network access. We'll cover the standard operating system tools available to every user, as well as more advanced methods for those who prefer to stay in control. Password recovery It's a simple procedure if you know where to look in the menu for the information you need. Modern interfaces have become much more user-friendly, hiding complex settings behind clear icons.
Before we get started, it's worth noting that the methods may vary slightly depending on the operating system version. On devices running Android 10 and above, the security mechanism has changed, and biometric authentication is now often required to view the key. This is to protect your data from prying eyes. However, even if the lock screen doesn't allow you to see the code immediately, there are workarounds, which we'll discuss below.
Using the QR code feature in Settings
The simplest and most reliable method that works on the vast majority of modern smartphones Huawei And Honor, is to use the built-in QR code generator. This feature was implemented by Android developers specifically to simplify connecting guest devices. You don't need to install any additional apps from the store. AppGallery or Google Play. Just go to the standard settings menu.
To get started, open the section Settings and go to the item Wi-FiHere you'll see a list of available networks, and the network you're currently connected to will be displayed at the top. Click on the network's name or the special gear icon next to it. A window with detailed connection information will open, typically displaying the speed, frequency, and IP address. This is where the control we need is located.
In the menu that opens, look for the "Share" button or the QR code icon. The system will ask you to verify your identity using your fingerprint, face recognition, or screen unlock PIN. This is a security measure to prevent password theft if your phone falls into the wrong hands. Once authorized, a square code will appear on the screen.
To view the password in plain text, take a screenshot of the QR code that appears. Then open this screenshot in the Gallery app or use the built-in QR code scanner in the Camera or Huawei Scan app. When you point the camera at it or analyze the image, the system often displays not only the connection option but also a text string containing the access key. In some versions of the shell, the password is displayed directly below the QR code in small font.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware versions, the text password may be hidden by asterisks even after scanning. In this case, use another smartphone to scan the code—it may show the password in the input field when attempting to connect.
Viewing saved networks via the settings menu
If you want to remember the password for a network your phone has previously connected to but isn't currently connected to, the process will be slightly different. In newer versions EMUI And HarmonyOS A new feature for managing all saved profiles has been added. This allows you to not only delete unnecessary networks but also view their settings.
Go to the menu Settings → Wi-FiAt the bottom of the screen or in the additional settings menu (three dots or gear in the corner), find the option "Manage saved networks" or "Other networks." This displays a list of all access points your device has ever connected to. smartphoneSelect the desired network from the list.
Tapping a network will prompt you to confirm your identity again. This is a mandatory step, as access to saved keys is considered confidential. After entering the unlock password or scanning your fingerprint, the network card will open. Unlike older versions of Android, the "Password" field is often displayed immediately, allowing you to copy or simply rewrite it.
- 🔑 The access key is displayed in the "Password" or "Security Key" field.
- 📱 To copy the text, long press on the password field.
- 👁️ If the password is hidden by dots, click the eye icon to reveal it.
It's important to understand that if your phone has never connected to a particular network automatically (for example, you entered the password manually on another device and didn't save it on this phone), you won't be able to find it through this section. The phone only stores data that has been successfully used to establish a connection previously. Saved profiles — this is the only source of truth within the device itself without the use of third-party software.
Using ADB Commands for Advanced Users
For users who aren't afraid to work with a computer and the command line, there's a method for extracting the password directly from Android system files. This method doesn't require root access, but it does require USB debugging mode to be enabled. This method is universal and works on most Android devices, including Huawei.
First, you need to enable developer mode on your phone. Go to Settings → About the phone and quickly tap "Build number" seven times. A new "Developer options" section will appear in the Settings menu. Enable "USB debugging" there. Connect your phone to your computer using a cable.
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep "mConfigKey"
Download and install the minimum package on your computer. ADB ToolsOpen a command prompt in the tools folder and enter the following command to test the connection: adb devicesA debugging permission request will appear on your phone screen. Tap "Allow." Then run the command to display the Wi-Fi configuration. In the command output, look for lines containing PreSharedKey or passphraseThe password you're looking for will be displayed next to them in clear text.
⚠️ Note: The command line interface and output may vary depending on the Android version. On Android 10 and above, access to some system logs via ADB may be restricted without additional permissions.
This method is advantageous because it allows you to access data even if the phone's interface is damaged or unresponsive. However, it requires a PC and basic terminal skills. If you accidentally enter an incorrect command, nothing serious will happen, as we only use data reading commands, not writing ones.
Comparison of password recovery methods
The appropriate method depends on your situation, firmware version, and availability of additional devices. Below is a table to help you quickly navigate and select the best option for your situation.
| Method | Having root rights | Do you need a PC? | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in settings | No | No (a second phone is needed) | Low |
| Saved Networks Menu | No | No | Low |
| ADB commands | No | Yes | High |
| Apps from AppGallery | Frequently required | No | Average |
As the table shows, Huawei's built-in tools provide sufficient functionality for most users. Using third-party apps is often excessive and can pose security risks, as they require broad system permissions. Root rights In today's reality, they are required extremely rarely and obtaining them may void your warranty.
Why do some apps require root?
Applications for viewing passwords without root work on the principle of emulating clicks or creating an access point, simulating a connection, but without reading the system file directly.
Restoring access via the router's web interface
If your phone can't display the password (for example, due to Android version limitations), the most secure way is to access the router's settings. To do this, your phone Huawei Your router must be connected to the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to find out. Open your browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar.
192.168.0.1
The most commonly used addresses are 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.31.1 (for Xiaomi/Mi routers). The address may also be written on a sticker on the bottom of the router. After entering the address, you will be asked to enter the administrator login and password. By default, this is often admin/admin, but if you have changed them before, use your data.
In the router menu, find the "Wireless" or "WLAN" section. Inside, you'll find a "Security" subsection. The "Password" or "Key" field will display the current access key. You can view it in plain text or change it to a new one if you've forgotten the old one. After saving the settings, you'll need to reconnect all devices.
- 🌐 The entry address is often indicated on a sticker under the router body.
- 🔐 Standard logins: admin/admin, admin/password, root/root.
- ⚙️ The settings section is usually called "Wireless Security".
This method is 100% guaranteed to work, as the password is stored directly in the access point's configuration. Even if it's hidden on all your devices, the router always knows it. Just remember to save the settings if you decide to simply view the password, although changing it is usually unnecessary.
Possible problems and their solutions
Users may encounter a number of difficulties during the password recovery process. For example, the "Share" button may be disabled, or the phone may require an internet connection to display the QR code (which is counterintuitive if the internet is down). In such cases, try temporarily disabling mobile data.
Another common issue is the lack of a "Show Password" option in older firmware versions. If you have Huawei With Android 9 or below, the system may not allow viewing passwords for security reasons. In this case, the only solution is to log in through the router's web interface or reset the network settings, which will require re-entering the password for all devices.
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and menu item names may change depending on system updates. If you don't find the item described, search your phone's settings by entering "Wi-Fi" or "Network."
☑️ What should I do if my password isn't displayed?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?
Yes, this is possible if your phone has previously connected to this network and saved the profile. Go to Wi-Fi settings, select "Manage saved networks," find the desired network in the list, and tap it. After verifying your identity, the password will be displayed.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Most of these apps in the Play Market or AppGallery require suspiciously broad permissions. Huawei's built-in methods (QR code and settings) are much more secure. Third-party apps can collect data about your connections, so use them with caution.
What if the QR code cannot be scanned by another phone?
Make sure your screen is bright enough and free of glare. Try taking a screenshot of the QR code and opening it from the gallery on the same phone using image recognition, or send the screenshot to another device via messenger and scan the screen.
Will the router password be reset if I look at it on my phone?
No, viewing the password through your phone settings or a QR code does not affect the router's operation. This is a passive action that simply reads already stored data. The change will only occur if you manually edit the password field in the router settings.