How to find out the Wi-Fi password on your phone if it's already connected to the network

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the router is in the attic, with the code sticker long since worn off? This situation is familiar to many, especially when you need to connect a new gadget or share your internet connection with guests. Fortunately, if your smartphone is already connected to the network, you can retrieve the saved password in just a few minutes—without accessing the router or resetting it.

In this article we will look at all current methods Viewing Wi-Fi passwords directly from your phone: using standard tools Android And iOS to hidden features and third-party apps. Important: methods vary depending on the operating system version, device model, and even the manufacturer (on Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei The path to the settings may vary. We've taken these nuances into account and compiled general instructions that will work in 90% of cases.

Let us warn you right away: some methods require root rights (For Android) or jailbreak (For iPhone). If you're not ready for such drastic measures, skip the relevant sections and choose an alternative option. Now let's get started!

1. The standard method for Android: password in network settings

On most modern smartphones with Android 10 and newer, you can view your Wi-Fi password directly in the connections menu—no additional apps required. This method works on a clean device. Android (For example, Google Pixel, Nokia) and on many firmware versions from manufacturers, including Samsung One UI, MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi) and ColorOS (Oppo/Realme).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Network and Internet → Wi-Fi).
• 🔍 Find your network in the list and tap on its name (not on the switch!).
• 🔑 In the window that opens, select Share (or Share, Show password).
• 🔐 Confirm the action with your fingerprint, pattern, or PIN.

After this, a QR code will appear on the screen for quick connection of other devices and text password under it. If the point Share No - it means your manufacturer has blocked this function (often found on Huawei and some models Meizu). In this case, proceed to the next section.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (especially corporate devices or those with MDM policies), the password viewing feature may be disabled by the administrator. In this case, the only solution is to access the router or reset its settings.

2. Alternative Method for Android: Wi-Fi Configuration File

If the standard method does not work, the password can be extracted from the system file wpa_supplicant.conf, where all saved networks are stored. This method does not require root access, but you will need file manager with access to system folders (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Install file manager from Google Play (if not already installed).
2. Open the manager and go to the folder /data/misc/wifi/ (or /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/ on new versions of Android).
3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with any text editor.
4. The file will list all saved networks in the following format:

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

Copy the parameter value psk — this is your password. Please note: Android 11+ Access to this folder may be restricted. If the file doesn't open, try the method with ADB (see next section) or use root.

What to do if the wpa_supplicant.conf file is missing?

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS or Funtouch OS) this file may have a different name: WifiConfigStore.xml or stored in /data/vendor/wifi/It can also be encrypted, in which case root access is essential.

3. Using ADB to retrieve password (without root)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) — is a debugging tool for Android devices that allows you to execute commands directly from your computer. It can be used to extract a Wi-Fi password, even if the file wpa_supplicant.conf Unavailable. This method works on all versions of Android, but requires connecting the phone to a PC.

What you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utility ADB (download from official website).
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → Developer Options).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and confirm debugging permission.
2. Open Command Prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB.
3. Run the command:

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

   If the file is not found, try:

   adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

4. In the resulting file, find the line with psk="..." - this is the password.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ Access to system files via ADB may be restricted. If the command returns an error Permission denied, try adding sudo (on macOS/Linux) or run Command Prompt as administrator (on Windows).

Install Platform Tools on your PC|Enable developer mode on your phone|Enable USB debugging|Connect your phone with the original cable|Check device detection with the command adb devices-->

4. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords (with and without root)

If the previous methods don't work, third-party apps can help. They can be divided into two categories:

• 🔓 Without root — work on the basis of system files (analogous to the manual method from section 2).
• 🔑 With root — provide full access to all saved networks and their passwords.

Top apps:

How to use:

1. Download the app from Google Play (For example, WiFi Password Viewer).
2. Run it and grant access to files (if required).
3. Select your network from the list - the password will be displayed on the screen.

For rooted apps (WiFi Key Recovery, Root Browser):

• 🛠️ First, get root access (for example, via Magisk or KingRoot).
• 🔒 Allow the app to grant superuser privileges when prompted.
• 📋 Passwords will be available in the full list, including networks you've connected to previously.

QR code from phone|Voice password entry|Manual entry from router sticker|Password sharing apps|Another way-->

5. How to find the Wi-Fi password on iPhone (iOS)

On iPhone And iPad the situation is more complicated: Apple doesn't provide direct access to saved Wi-Fi passwords through settings. However, there are workarounds—from standard functions iOS to little-known features. Let's consider all the working options.

Method 1: Via iCloud Keychain (if you have a Mac)

• 🖥️ Open Spotlight on Mac (or Launchpad → Utilities → Keychain).
• 🔍 Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search.
• 🔑 Double-click on the entry → check the box Show password → Enter your Mac password.

Method 2: Through the router settings (if you have access to it)

• 🌐 Connect to the router via a browser (usually the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 🔐 Enter your login/password (usually admin/admin or see the sticker on the router).
• 📡 Go to the section Wireless or Wi-Fi — the password will be in the field Password/PSK.

Method 3: Using Shortcuts (for iOS 12+)

Starting from iOS 12, you can create automation, which will show your Wi-Fi password. To do this:

1. Open the app Shortcuts (if you don't have it, download it from App Store).
2. Create a new shortcut → add an action Get Wi-Fi Details.
3. Add an action Show Result and save.
4. Launch the shortcut - the password will appear in the results (Face ID/Touch ID confirmation required).

⚠️ Attention: On iOS 16+ Apple I restricted access to Wi-Fi passwords via shortcuts. If this method doesn't work, use Mac or access to the router.

6. If all else fails: resetting the router and alternative solutions

If none of the above methods work, there are still radical measures left. Before resorting to them, check:

• 📋 Is there a button on the router? WPS? Click it - this will allow you to connect a new device without entering a password (works for 2 minutes).
• 🔄 Is it possible to temporarily connect to the router via cable (for example, via USB-OTG on the phone) and go to its settings?
• 📞 Is it possible to call the provider? Some operators (for example, Rostelecom or MTS) can provide the password over the phone if you confirm your personal information.

The last resort is to reset the router to factory settings.

This will clear all settings, including the Wi-Fi password, and return the router to its out-of-the-box state. Here's how:

1. Find the button on your router Reset (usually it is recessed into the body).
2. Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds (until the indicators flash).
3. Connect to the network with the factory name (indicated on the sticker) and set a new password through the router's web interface.

After the reset, all devices in the house will be disconnected from Wi-Fi and will need to be reconnected. Save any other network settings (such as IPTV or guest Wi-Fi) beforehand.

What should I do if my router doesn't provide internet access after a reset?

Check the cable connection from your ISP → Reboot your router → Update the firmware via the web interface → Contact your ISP's technical support to reactivate the service.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords

❓ Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network my phone has connected to before but is not connected to now?

Yes, but only if the password is saved in the phone's memory. Android try the method with wpa_supplicant.conf or apps like WiFi Key Recovery (requires root). iPhone Without access to a Mac or router this is impossible.

❓ Why isn't there a "Share Password" option in Android settings?

It depends on the firmware. On some devices (for example, Huawei or Meizu) the function is hidden or disabled by the manufacturer. Try the alternative methods in this article.

❓ Will the ADB method work on Android 13?

On Android 13+ access to system files via ADB is limited, but the command adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml It's worth a try. If it doesn't work, you'll need root.

❓ Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password if their phone is connected to it?

Technically yes, but this is against the law (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code – unauthorized access to computer information). Use these methods only for your own networks!

❓ How can I protect my Wi-Fi from such password leaks?

Update your router firmware, turn it off WPS, use a complex password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols) and change it regularly. You can also enable MAC filtering in the router settings.