How to View Wi-Fi Password on Android: All Working Methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the router is on a cabinet out of reach? Or need to connect a new device, but the password sticker has long since worn off? Android smartphone You can easily find the saved password for any network you've previously connected to. However, the methods vary depending on the operating system version, phone model, and even the manufacturer. Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei or Google Pixel.

In this article we will look at all current methods — from standard settings to hidden system files and third-party utilities. You'll learn how to extract a password without root- Right, what to do if the phone is not rooted, and why some methods stopped working after Android 10And also - What are the risks of Wi-Fi hacking apps and why should you avoid them?.

1. Standard method: password in Wi-Fi settings (Android 10 and newer)

Starting from Android 10 (and on most modern smartphones), developers have added the ability to view passwords directly in the settings menu. This is the simplest and most secure method, but it doesn't work on all devices. For example, on Xiaomi And Realme This feature may be hidden or blocked.

To find out the password:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections).
2. Select Wi-Fi → Click on the name of your network (under the word "Connected").
3. Tap the button Share (or "Share" (on English firmware).
4. The system will ask PIN code, pattern or fingerprint - enter it.
5. A line will appear under the QR code. Network Password with the required combination.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) A QR code may be displayed instead of a password. In this case, scan it with another device—the password will appear in the connection string.

2. Viewing the password via the wpa_supplicant file (for Android 9 and later)

If you have Android 9 or an older version, the standard method won't work. But passwords are stored in a system file. wpa_supplicant.conf, which can be read using file manager with root access or through ADB (without root).

Instructions for rooted phones:

1. Install a file manager with support root (For example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

   Or (on some firmware versions):

   /data/misc/wifi/

3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with any text editor.
4. Look for blocks like:

   network={
   ssid="Your_Network_Name"
   psk="your_password"
   key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
   }

⚠️ Attention: Without root- This file is not accessible. Attempts to access it through standard managers (for example, ES File Explorer) lead to an error "Access Denied". Also on some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo) the file may be encrypted.

Rooted phone|File manager with root access|Text editor|Knowing the path to the file-->

3. Using ADB (without root, but with a computer)

If root there is no computer, but there is a computer, you can use it Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method works on most devices, but requires that USB debugging and installed drivers.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools and unzip the archive.
2. On your phone, enable:
   • 🔧 Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times to unlock Developer mode).
   • 🔧 Return to Settings → System → Developer Options and turn it on USB debugging.

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

adb shell
su
cat /data/misc/wifi/*supplicant.conf

💡 Helpful tip: If the team adb pull doesn't work, try getting it first root-access via adb shell And su. On some firmware (for example, LineageOS) this works even without full root.

4. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

IN Google Play There are dozens of apps that promise to reveal saved Wi-Fi passwords. But most of them either require root, or they only work on older versions of Android. We tested the top utilities and compiled a table of their capabilities:

⚠️ Attention: Apps like "WiFi Hacker" or "WiFi Master Key" They often contain malware or display ads. They don't hack networks, but simply use open access point databases (which is illegal in some countries). Avoid them!

🔍 How to choose a safe application?

• 🛡️ Check the number of downloads (should be >1 million).
• 📝 Read reviews, especially 1-2 star ones (they often report fraud).
• 🔗 Make sure the app has an official website.
• 📅 The latest update must be no older than 6 months.

5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If none of these methods work, there are less obvious options:

Method 1: Reset the router

If you have physical access to the router, you can reset it to factory settings using the button Reset (It's usually recessed and requires a paperclip.) After reset:

• 🔄 The network name and password will become default (indicated on the router sticker).
• ⚙️ You will have to reconfigure your Internet (logins/passwords from your provider).

Method 2: View your password on another device

If a laptop is connected to the same network Windows or MacOS, you can find out the password through it:

• 🖥️ Windows: Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → Right-click on a network → Wireless network properties → Security → Show characters as you type.
• 🍎 MacOS: Utilities → Terminal → security find-generic-password -wa "Network_Name".

Method 3: Contact your provider

If the router was issued by the provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), call support and ask for a reminder of your Wi-Fi password. You'll need to provide your personal information (full name, address, and contract number).

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to find a Wi-Fi password, users often encounter common problems. Here are the most common ones and their solutions:

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 12+ And Samsung Knox (For example, Galaxy S22 or Galaxy Z Fold) access to system files can be completely blocked even with rootIn this case, the only solution is to reset the router or contact your ISP.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

If none of the methods worked, check if the security settings on your phone have changed since the last update. Firmware from manufacturers (especially Xiaomi And Huawei) often block access to system files.