It's quite common to need to connect a new gadget to your home network but forget the password and be unable to remember it. We often rely on the automatic saving of access data on the main device, forgetting to physically write down the password. Tablet owners Android And iPad They find themselves in a dead end when they need to share access with guests or connect a printer, but they have to enter the key manually.
Fortunately, modern operating systems offer several legal and secure ways to retrieve stored data. You don't need to be a hacker or have advanced programming knowledge. Access to network configuration is often hidden in menus that many users simply don't realize exist. We'll cover both standard tools and more advanced methods.
It is important to understand that methods may vary depending on the version. operating system and the manufacturer's shell. In some cases, a single touch is enough, while in others, access to system files is required. In any case, recovering lost data is possible if you have at least one device that is already successfully connected to the desired access point.
Using the QR code feature on Android
Since version Android 10Google has implemented a native QR code generation feature for quickly connecting guests. This is the easiest and most secure method, and doesn't require installing any third-party software. You'll need to go to your tablet's wireless settings.
Find the name of the network you're currently connected to and tap it or the gear icon next to it. The menu that opens will often display a "Share" or "QR code" button. Tapping it will reveal a graphic code containing encrypted password information.
- 🔍 Open "Settings" and go to the "Wi-Fi" section.
- 🔗 Click on the active network name or information icon.
- 📲 Select the "Share" or "QR code" option.
- 📸 Scan the code with another device to see the password in text format.
If your tablet doesn't have a built-in scanner to view the code's contents, you can take a screenshot and open it in the Google Lens app. It will recognize the text in the image and display the password in plain text next to the network name. This works on most modern models. Samsung, Xiaomi And Huawei.
⚠️ Note: On some older versions of Android or limited versions, the QR code generation button may be missing. In this case, you'll need to use the alternative methods described below.
Systems are constantly updated, and the layout of interface elements may change. If you don't find the button described above, check your tablet manufacturer's official documentation for your software version.
View saved networks through system settings
In some versions of the operating system, especially in pure Android In some devices or specific firmware versions, the password may be displayed directly in the network management menu. This depends on the security policy implemented by the device manufacturer.
Go to the Wi-Fi management menu and find the list of saved networks. Sometimes, just clicking the "eye" icon next to the network name will reveal the hidden text. The system may ask you to verify your identity via biometric sensor or entering the screen unlock PIN.
This method is convenient because it doesn't require any additional steps. However, it doesn't work on all devices. Manufacturers often hide this option to prevent unauthorized access to your network if someone picks up an unlocked tablet.
⚠️ Note: If you are using a corporate device, your administrator may have disabled viewing of passwords through MDM security policies.
If the standard menu doesn't allow you to see the symbols, try tapping and holding on the network name. The context menu may display "Manage network" or "Edit," where you can sometimes uncheck "Hide password."
Why is the password hidden behind asterisks?
By default, security systems hide passwords to prevent prying eyes from viewing sensitive information. This is a basic defense against shoulder surfing.
Using the ADB command line without root access
For more advanced users, there's a method for obtaining the password via USB debugging. This method requires connecting the tablet to a computer and installing the drivers. ADB (Android Debug Bridge)It allows you to extract the system configuration file without requiring superuser rights.
First, you need to enable developer mode. To do this, go to "About phone" (or "About tablet") and quickly tap the build number seven times. After that, a new "Developer options" section will appear in the settings menu, where you need to enable "USB debugging."
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep "mConfigKey"Enter the command in the terminal on your computer while the tablet is connected via cable. If the system displays a list of configurations, look for the line containing the name of your network. The password will be listed in the field next to it. preSharedKeyThis method works on many devices, but on modern versions of Android (11 and above), access to this data is often limited.
- 🔌 Connect your tablet to your PC via USB cable.
- 💻 Launch the command prompt on your computer in the ADB folder.
- 📝 Enter the command to display Wi-Fi information.
- 🔎 Find the line with the name of your network in the text.
If the standard command doesn't work, you can try copying the configuration file to the device and reading it. However, starting with Android 10, file access WifiConfigStore.xml for regular applications and even via ADB without root rights it is often closed.
Access to the WifiConfigStore.xml file (Root rights)
The most reliable, but also the most difficult, method is direct access to the system file where all passwords are stored. This requires permissions. Root (superuser). If your tablet is rooted, you can gain full control over the file system.
You will need a file manager with access to system partitions, for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/This is where the file is located. WifiConfigStore.xml (or WifiConfigStore.data on new versions).
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Wireless network name | High |
| preSharedKey | The Wi-Fi password itself | Critical |
| KeyMgmt | Encryption type (WPA2, WPA3) | Average |
| Priority | Connection priority | Low |
Open this file as text. Inside, you'll find XML markup, with each SSID assigned a key. Find the tag preSharedKey — the value inside is the password you're looking for. Be careful when editing this file: any syntax error could prevent the tablet from seeing saved networks.
⚠️ Warning: Rooting your device will void your warranty and may result in data loss if the system modification is unsuccessful. Only do this if you understand the risks.
☑️ Check before rooting
Apple iPad (iOS) Device Specifics
For tablet owners iPad The situation is dictated by Apple's strict security policy. Unlike Android, there's no way to simply look into system files or use the command line to view passwords. The operating system iOS And iPadOS isolates this data.
The only standard way to find out the password on an iPad is to sync via iCloud Keychain. If you have another Apple device (for example, iPhone or Mac), which is connected to the same network and uses the same Apple ID, you can view the password there. On the iPad itself, directly viewing the saved password is only possible with the latest versions of iPadOS 16 and above.
To view, go to Settings → Wi-Fi, click the "i" icon next to the network and select the "Password" field. The system will ask you to confirm the action via Face ID or Touch IDAfter authentication, the password will be displayed and can be copied.
If you have an older version of the operating system, this method won't work. In this case, your only options are resetting the router or viewing the password on a connected Windows or macOS computer, where it may have been previously saved.
- 🍏 Make sure your iPadOS version is at least 16.
- 🔐 Complete biometric authentication.
- 👁️ Click on the hidden password field to reveal it.
- 📋 Copy data for use on other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without rooting on Android 12?
Yes, this is most often possible by generating a QR code in the network settings. If this feature isn't available, try the ADB method, but success is not guaranteed due to increased security restrictions in newer versions of Android.
Will this method work for a guest network?
No, if you're connected to a guest network, you typically don't have access to router administration or the master password. Guest networks are created specifically to isolate users.
Are Wi-Fi hacking apps safe to use?
No. Most of these apps in official stores either don't work or contain malicious code. They often simply steal your personal data under the guise of "password guessing." Use only system tools.
What should I do if my tablet won't connect to the network after a factory reset?
Check that the password is entered correctly, taking into account the case of letters. If the problem persists, try forgetting the network in the settings and adding it again. Your router may have MAC address filtering enabled.
Where is the WifiConfigStore.xml file stored?
It is located in the system partition at /data/misc/wifi/. The operating system restricts read access to this partition without superuser (Root) privileges.