It's common to need to connect a new device to a network but forget or don't know the password. Fortunately, modern smartphones allow you to solve this problem without complicated computer manipulation. Often, simply accessing the settings of an already connected device is enough to find the necessary information.
In this article we will discuss safe methods Access recovery methods that don't require installing questionable software. You'll learn how to use built-in features of Android and iOS operating systems, as well as how to retrieve data through the router's web interface.
It is important to understand that Access to saved passwords is only possible if the device has already been authorized on this network beforeIf none of your devices were connected to the router, you can only restore data through the router's administrative panel or by resetting it to factory settings.
Using the QR code feature on Android
Starting with Android 10, the system features a convenient feature that lets you share Wi-Fi access using a QR code. This is the easiest way to find out a Wi-Fi password from another phone, as long as you have a smartphone that's already connected. You don't need root access or special apps.
To get started, open Settings on a device that is already connected to Wi-Fi. Go to the section Connections or Wi-Fi, depending on your phone model. Find the name of your current network and tap the gear icon next to it.
On the network settings screen that opens, you will see a button QR code or Share. After pressing, the system will generate a graphic code. On some smartphones (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) The password may be written directly below the code. If there is no text, simply scan the code with the second phone's camera—it will automatically prompt you to connect.
- 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings on the connected device.
- 🔍 Click on the gear next to the active network.
- 📸 Select the "QR code" or "Share" option.
- 👁️ Look at the text below the code or scan it with another device.
View saved networks on Android 12 and later
In newer versions of Google's operating system, the process has become even more transparent. Users can now see passwords for all previously saved networks directly in the settings menu, even if they're not currently connected. This makes the task of "how to find a Wi-Fi password using another phone" trivial.
Go to Settings and select the item Network and Internet or simply Wi-Fi. At the bottom of the screen or in the additional options menu (three dots in the corner), find the section Saved networksThis will list all the access points your phone has ever connected to.
Click on the desired network. The system will ask you to confirm your identity using biometrics (fingerprint or Face ID) or screen unlock PIN. Once verified, a menu will open with a "Show Password" button or an eye icon.
⚠️ Note: On some custom skins (such as MIUI or OneUI), the path to the settings may differ slightly. If you don't find "Saved Networks," search for "Wi-Fi" in the settings.
How to view your iPhone (iOS) password
Equipment owners Apple For a long time, it was impossible to view saved passwords without jailbreaking, but with the release of iOS 16, this changed. Now the feature is built into the system and available to every user, making it easy to find a Wi-Fi password using another phone.
Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. Go to the section Wi-Fi. In the upper right corner, click the button Edit (or three dots, depending on your iOS version). A list of all known networks will open.
Find the desired network and click on the blue icon (i) next to it. In the "Password" field, the characters will be hidden by dots. Tap this field, and the system will ask you to confirm using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. After authentication, the password will be displayed in plain text and can be copied.
Settings → Wi-Fi → Edit → Select network → (i) → Password- 🍏 Go to Wi-Fi settings on your iPhone.
- 📝 Click the "Edit" button in the corner of the screen.
- 🔐 Log in with Face ID or Touch ID.
- 👁️ Click on the hidden password to reveal it.
Using a Google account for synchronization
If you have access to the Google account your phone is synced with, you can find the password through the web interface. This method is especially useful if you don't have your phone handy but remember your account login information. It's one of the most secure methods. remote recovery data.
Go to passwords.google.com from any browser. Sign in to your account. In the list of saved data, find the section related to Wi-Fi networks (often labeled "Wi-Fi: network_name").
Clicking on the desired item will display your login and password. The system will ask you to confirm your identity again. This method works regardless of the phone model, as long as password syncing is enabled on the device.
Receiving data via the router's web interface
When none of the phones can display the password in plain text, the only other option is to go directly to the source—the router. If you know the password for the router's admin panel (often written on a sticker on the bottom of the device), you can view or change the Wi-Fi password.
Connect your phone to the router (even without internet, just via Wi-Fi). Open your browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter the administrator login and password.
In the router interface (for example, TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic) you need to find the section Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless networkThere in the field WPA Pre-Shared Key or Wireless network password Your key will be displayed. You can copy it or change it to a new one.
| Router brand | Typical IP address | Default login | Default password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | admin | 1234 |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | (empty) |
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces are constantly being updated. If the default addresses don't work, check the sticker on the bottom of the device or consult your provider's documentation, as the settings may have been changed by a technician during installation.
Specialized applications and their limitations
App stores offer a variety of programs that promise to reveal passwords to neighboring networks or recover forgotten keys. However, it's important to understand how they work. Apps like WiFi Password Viewer only work on devices with root rights.
Without superuser rights, the application will not be able to read the system file where security keys are stored (usually this is the file wpa_supplicant.conf). Popular applications like WiFi Map They work on a different principle: they use a database of passwords that other users voluntarily shared.
Using such programs carries risks. Firstly, you grant the application access to your data. Secondly, password databases often contain outdated information. It's safer to use the system's built-in tools.
Are Wi-Fi hacking apps dangerous?
Most apps that promise "hacking" are either scams or exploit WPS vulnerabilities that have long been patched in modern routers. Using such programs can lead to your phone being infected with viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the password if the phone is not connected to the network right now?
Yes, on Android 12+ and iOS 16+, you can view passwords for all saved networks, even if Wi-Fi is currently off or you're far from the router. Just go to the corresponding settings menu.
What should I do if I forgot my router admin password?
If you haven't changed the password yourself, try the default combinations (admin/admin). If they don't work, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings (press the Reset button), after which the password will be the one on the sticker.
Why is there no password on my old Android?
In Android versions prior to 10, the system did not allow viewing passwords in plaintext for security reasons. In such cases, the only solution is to access the router settings or have root access.
Is it safe to scan someone else's phone's QR code?
Yes, scanning a QR code is safe. The code only contains encrypted connection information (the network SSID and password). It's impossible to transmit a virus through such a code, unless you click a suspicious link that might be disguised as a code (but standard Wi-Fi codes don't work this way).