How to view your Wi-Fi Direct password on your phone: all the methods

Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows devices to exchange data directly, without a router—like Bluetooth, but at Wi-Fi speeds. However, connecting often requires a password, which the phone generates automatically. What if you've forgotten this code or need to connect a new device? In this article, we'll look at all the legal ways to find out your password. Wi-Fi Direct on smartphones Android And iPhone, including hidden settings and workarounds.

It is important to understand: Wi-Fi Direct doesn't use the standard password for your home Wi-Fi network—it's a separate dynamic key that can change with each new connection.On some devices (eg. Samsung Galaxy) it can be seen in the settings, and on others (for example, Xiaomi Redmi) — only through the engineering menu. We tested all methods on current firmware versions from 2026–2026 and selected the working solutions.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and why do you need a password?

Wi-Fi Direct — is a protocol that turns your phone into an access point for other devices (printers, TVs, laptops). Unlike Hotspot, a separate network isn't created here—the connection is established directly between the two devices. A password is required to protect against unauthorized connections, but users often encounter a problem: the code either isn't displayed or is reset after a reboot.

Typical situations when you need to know a password:

• 📱 Connecting a new TV LG or Samsung to the phone to broadcast the screen.
• 🖨️ Setting up wireless printing on your printer Canon or HP without a router.
• 🎮 Connecting the gamepad DualSense or Xbox Controller via Wi-Fi Direct.
• 💻 Transfer files between your phone and laptop without a cable.

On Android The password may be displayed in the settings or hidden in system files, and iPhone the technology is implemented differently - through AirDrop or Peer-to-Peer Wi-Fi, where no code is required. However, if you use third-party apps (for example, for streaming on Apple TV), workarounds may be needed.

⚠️ Please note: Some manufacturers (eg. Huawei) block access to the Wi-Fi Direct password in the latest firmware versions (EMUI 13+ And HarmonyOS). In this case, the only option left is to reset the network settings or use alternative protocols (for example, Miracast).

Method 1: View the password in Wi-Fi Direct settings (Android)

The easiest method is to look at the code directly in the menu Wi-Fi DirectIt works on most phones. Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and other brands with minimal interface changes. Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi (or Network and Internet → Wi-Fi).
2. Tap the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Wi-Fi Direct (on some phones the item is called Direct Share or Fast transfer).
3. Activate the feature and wait until your phone becomes visible to other devices.
4. Click on the name of your phone in the list of available devices - a window will appear with password (usually 8 characters, numbers and letters).

If the point Wi-Fi Direct not in the menu, try the alternative path:

• 🔍 On Xiaomi: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔍 On Realme/Oppo: Settings → Other wireless networks → Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔍 On Sony Xperia: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Wi-Fi Direct.

Is Wi-Fi enabled on both devices?

Is airplane mode turned off?

The devices are within a radius of 10 meters|

Wi-Fi Direct discovery is enabled on the phone.

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On iPhone standard menu Wi-Fi Direct no - instead it is used AirDrop (For Apple-devices) or Peer-to-Peer Wi-Fi in applications. If you need to connect to a phone with Android, use third-party utilities like LocalSend or Feem, where no password is required.

Method 2: Using the engineering menu (for advanced users)

If the password is not displayed in the settings, it can be extracted from the system files via engineering menu or ADBThis method is suitable for phones on clean Android (For example, Google Pixel) or with custom firmware. Attention: Incorrect actions may disrupt the network!

Instructions for Qualcomm-chips (most Xiaomi, OnePlus, Sony):

1. Open the dialer app and enter the code:

   ##4636##

   (works on some phones) ##8255## or *#0011#).

2. Go to the section Wi-Fi information or Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Find the line P2P Device Address or Wi-Fi Direct Password — your password will be there.

For phones on Mediatek (many models Realme, Tecno):

• 📱 Enter in the dialer:

  ##36446337##

  (code for EngineerMode MTK).

• 📱 Go to Connectivity → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📱 Scroll to the block P2P Group Owner — the password can be in the field Passphrase.

⚠️ Warning: Changing settings in the engineering menu may cause problems with the Wi-Fi module. If you are unsure about what you're doing, use alternative methods (such as resetting network settings).

Method 3: Viewing the password through system files (root access)

If you have root rights, password from Wi-Fi Direct can be found in system files. This method works on all versions. Android, but requires special applications (eg, Root Explorer or FX File Manager).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open a file manager with support root and follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

   or (for new versions Android):

   /data/vendor/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

2. Find the line in the file with p2p_ (For example, p2p_dev_ap) - there will be a field nearby password.
3. Copy the value - this is your password.

Alternative path (for Samsung):

/data/vendor/wifi/WifiConfigStoreSoftap.xml

If the file is not there, try searching by keyword wpa_psk in the folder /data/misc/wifi/On some firmware versions, the password is stored in encrypted form—in this case, only a reset will help.

Method 4: Reset Wi-Fi Direct password via settings

If none of the methods worked, you can reset password, after which the phone will generate a new one. This is a secure method, but all previously connected devices will have to be reconnected.

Instructions for Android:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.
2. Confirm the action. The phone will reboot and the password will be reset. Wi-Fi Direct will be reset.
3. Activate Wi-Fi Direct again - the new password will appear in the connection menu.

On iPhone reset password Wi-Fi Direct it is impossible, since the technology is implemented through AirDrop or Peer-to-PeerIf you have connection problems, try:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 🔄 Disable/enable AirDrop V Control center.
• 🔄 Update iOS to the latest version (new versions have improved compatibility with Android-devices).

⚠️ Attention: On phones Huawei With HarmonyOS Resetting network settings may delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords. Before doing this, write them down or back them up using HiSuite.

Method 5: Alternative protocols instead of Wi-Fi Direct

If you are unable to obtain the password, please consider alternative methods of data transfer. without Wi-Fi Direct:

To transfer files between your phone and computer, it is more convenient to use:

• 🖥️ FTP server (applications FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🖥️ USB cable in mode File Transfer (MTP).
• 🖥️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) for large files.

Wi-Fi Direct|

Bluetooth|

USB cable|

Cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud)|

Another option

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Common problems and their solutions

When working with Wi-Fi Direct Users encounter common errors. Here's how to fix them:

Problem 1: The devices do not see each other.

• 🔹 Make sure that both devices are enabled Wi-Fi Direct (sometimes it is hidden in Additional Wi-Fi settings).
• 🔹 Turn it off VPN - it can block the local connection.
• 🔹 Restart both devices.

Problem 2: The password does not work.

• 🔹 Reset settings Wi-Fi Direct (cm. Method 4).
• 🔹 Check the case of the letters - the password is case-sensitive.
• 🔹 Try connecting via QR code (if the device supports it).

Problem 3: The connection keeps dropping.

• 🔹 Reduce the distance between devices (maximum 10 meters).
• 🔹 Turn it off power saving mode - it can limit the operation of the Wi-Fi module.
• 🔹 Update the firmware on both devices.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

/data/vendor/wifi/WifiConfigStoreP2p.xml