It's extremely common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but have forgotten or lost the password. Fortunately, modern operating systems like Android, often store data about previously connected networks, allowing you to easily restore access in some cases. If your smartphone or tablet is already connected to the router or has connected to it before, the chances of seeing the saved security key are very high.
However, the process of extracting this information directly depends on the operating system version and the availability of superuser rights. In older versions of Android, access to system files where passwords are stored was blocked without obtaining Root rightsStarting with Android 10, Google introduced a handy QR code feature that allows you to share your network and even see the password in plain text without having to hack the system.
In this article, we'll cover all relevant methods: from standard interface settings to using dedicated applications and the command line. It's important to understand that the security of your network depends on how securely you store this data, so use this information only to restore access to your own networks or networks whose administrators have granted you permission.
Using built-in functionality of Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version of the operating system Android, the developers have implemented a native mechanism for exchanging Wi-Fi network data via QR codes. This is the simplest and most secure method, requiring no third-party software or extended access rights. The feature is available on the vast majority of modern smartphones, including models from Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel and other manufacturers.
To get started, go to your device's settings. Find the section for connections and select the desired network. Unlike older versions, where you had to navigate through numerous menus, this process is now intuitive. The system will automatically suggest ways to interact with the access point you're already authorized to use.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models (for example, older MIUI or OneUI versions), the password may be hidden behind asterisks even in the QR code menu. In this case, you'll need to take a screenshot of the code and scan it with Google Lens or another QR scanner to see the text string containing the key.
After completing simple steps, a square code will appear on the screen. Below it, a text string containing the password is often (but not always) displayed. If the text is hidden, take a photo of the screen or screenshot, then open the camera app or Google Lens and hover over the code image. The system will read the data and display the password in plain text.
Viewing your password through Wi-Fi settings: a step-by-step guide
To avoid getting confused in the menus of various shells, let's look at a universal algorithm of actions. Although the names of the options may differ slightly depending on the brand (for example, Huawei against Motorola), the logic remains the same. You will need access to the lock screen, as the system will ask for identity verification before revealing sensitive data.
Follow this algorithm:
- 📱 Open
Settingsand go to the sectionWi-FiorConnections. - 🔗 Click on the name of the network you are currently connected to, or select the gear icon next to it.
- 👁️ Find the button
Shareor a QR code icon. - 🔐 Pass verification: enter your PIN, pattern, or fingerprint.
After successful authentication, a QR code will appear on the screen. As mentioned earlier, a password may be written underneath it. If there isn't one, use the "Share" function via a messenger (for example, send it to yourself on Telegram or WhatsApp). The message text field often contains a string like WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;, where after P: and the desired key is found.
☑️ Check your password before viewing it
Methods for Android 9 and below without root rights
On devices with an operating system version below 10, things are more complicated. Security system On these versions of Android, apps and users were prevented from reading password files without special permissions. However, there are workarounds that don't require jailbreaking the system, but they depend on the manufacturer's ecosystem.
If you have a device from Google or a smartphone with a clean one AndroidChances are that the password can only be found through syncing with a Google account, if this feature was previously enabled. The password may have been saved in the cloud and synced across other devices. You can check this by logging into your Google account settings on your computer, but direct access to the file is not possible. wpa_supplicant.conf on the phone itself without superuser rights it will be closed.
For equipment owners Xiaomi, Samsung and other brands with their own skins, sometimes copying via the clipboard or special widgets works if they were preinstalled. But in most cases, on Android 9 and below, without Root It is impossible to see the password using standard interface tools.
Why did Google close access to passwords?
Starting with Android 10, Google strengthened its security policy by isolating apps from each other. This prevented malware from stealing passwords, but made life more difficult for regular users trying to recover a forgotten password.
Using Root Rights and File Managers
If your smartphone has superuser rights (Root), the task becomes trivial regardless of the Android version. Root access grants access to the system partition, where all operating system configuration files are stored, including wireless network data.
To view the password you will need a file manager with Root support, for example, Root Explorer, ES File Explorer (old versions) or Solid ExplorerAfter granting access rights, you need to follow the following path:
/data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confIn some cases, the file may have a different name or be located in a related directory, but the path /data/misc/wifi/ is standard for most distributions. Opening the file as text will show you a list of all networks ever connected. Look for the block network with the right one ssid (network name), and there will be a field next to it psk, containing the password in clear text.
⚠️ Attention: Do not edit or delete lines in the file.
wpa_supplicant.confIf you're unsure of what you're doing, try this. A syntax error can cause the Wi-Fi module to stop working properly, and the phone will stop detecting networks until you reboot or reset it.
This method is the most reliable for older devices, but requires prior preparation (getting Root), which may void the device's warranty.
Specialized applications for access recovery
In the store Google Play There are many apps that promise to reveal passwords. However, it's important to understand how they work. Apps without root access can't magically extract passwords from the system. They either display a QR code (if the Android version allows it), use password databases, or require a connection via ADB.
One of the popular and secure methods is to use terminal applications or specialized utilities that work in conjunction with a computer. For example, the application WiFi Password Viewer (requires Root) or utilities for creating backup copies of settings.
If you don't have root access, you can try apps that exploit vulnerabilities in specific router models (WPS), but this method is considered outdated and insecure, as many routers now block such attempts. A more modern approach is to use QR code scanning apps if you have access to another phone where the password is visible, or if you can generate a code through the settings.
| Method | Root is required | Android version | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in settings | No | 10+ | Low |
| wpa_supplicant.conf file | Yes | Any | Average |
| Google Account | No | Any (synchronization) | Low |
| ADB Commands | No (PC required) | Any | High |
Using ADB to Extract Passwords Without Root
For advanced users who do not want to obtain Root rights, but have access to the computer, there is a debugging method ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to execute a command on behalf of the system if USB debugging is enabled on the phone. This method works on many devices, even with relatively new versions of Android, although Google is gradually closing these loopholes.
You'll need to install ADB drivers on your computer and connect your phone with a cable. After enabling USB debugging in the menu For developers, run the following command in the terminal on your computer:
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confIf the command returns the file contents, you will see all the passwords. If the response message is Permission denied, which means system security prevents this file from being read even via ADB without root access. In this case, this method won't work.
It's worth noting that on some custom ROMs or devices with an unlocked bootloader, ADB access may be enabled by default. This makes this method worth trying before resorting to more drastic measures.
⚠️ Attention: ADB interfaces and access capabilities may change with Google security updates. If the command doesn't work, it means your security patch level is blocking access to Wi-Fi system files.
What to do if none of the methods helped
If standard methods fail, you don't have root access, and the QR code doesn't display text, your last option is to look up the password in the router's settings. To do this, you'll need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network (which you should be) and know the router's web interface address.
Open a browser on your phone and enter the gateway address. This is usually 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.31.1The exact address can be found in the Wi-Fi connection settings on your phone, in the field Gateway or Router.
Entering the address will take you to the router's login page. If you haven't changed the administrator password, try the default combinations (admin/admin), which are often written on a sticker on the bottom of the router. Once you've logged into the control panel, go to the section Wireless or Wi-Fi, where the password will be specified in the field PSK Password or Wireless Key.
This method is guaranteed to work on any device, as it accesses the internet source directly, bypassing the limitations of the mobile operating system.
How do I reset my router if I've lost my admin password?
If you don't remember your router password, you can press the Reset button on the device (usually you need to hold it down for 10-15 seconds with a paperclip). This will restore the router to factory settings and also reset the Wi-Fi name and password to those on the sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?
Without root access and without saving the network beforehand, it's practically impossible. Android doesn't store passwords for networks the device has never connected to in a user-accessible form. The only options are using password databases (which are insecure) or physical access to the router.
Are Wi-Fi hacking apps safe to use?
Most apps that promise to "hack" your neighbor's Wi-Fi are either scams or contain malicious code. Legitimate apps only test for WPS vulnerabilities or reveal saved passwords. Using such programs to access other people's networks is illegal.
Where is the password file stored on Android?
The system password file is usually located at the path /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confAccess to this directory is closed to regular applications and users without superuser (Root) rights.
Why can't I see the password under the QR code on Android 12?
Some skins (such as MIUI or OneUI) may hide the password text for security purposes. In this case, you'll need to take a screenshot of the QR code and scan it using Google Lens or any other QR code scanner that can display text.
Will resetting my phone reset my Wi-Fi password?
Yes, performing a hard reset will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords from the device's memory. You'll need to re-enter your access keys or restore them from a Google account backup if syncing was enabled.