You're standing next to a coveted Wi-Fi network, but your phone stubbornly asks for a password you don't have. This situation is familiar to many: either you've forgotten the combination, or you've never known it (for example, at a party or a cafe). Find out the Wi-Fi password on your phone There are several ways to do this, from viewing saved data to resetting the router. However, not all methods are universal: they depend on the smartphone model, OS version, and even the router firmware.
In this article we will look at 7 working methodsHow to access a Wi-Fi password from your phone - from the simplest (if you've connected to the network before) to the most radical (if the network is someone else's and protected). Important: some methods require administrator rights or physical access to the router. We'll also tell you how to bypass the password altogether—for example, through WPS or QR code.
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to hack someone else's Wi-Fi network without the owner's permission is illegal (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, "Unauthorized access to computer information"). All methods in this article are intended for legal use—restoring access to your own network or with the administrator's consent.
Why doesn't my phone show the default Wi-Fi password?
On Android And iOS Passwords for saved networks are hidden by default—this is a security measure. If they were displayed in plain text, anyone who picked up your phone could connect to your networks. However, Operating systems store passwords in encrypted form, and they can be extracted using system tools or third-party applications.
On iPhone the situation is more complicated: Apple doesn't provide users with direct access to Wi-Fi passwords through the interface. But there are workarounds—for example, through Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to the network (only for networks with WPS) or synchronization with MacOn . Android It's simpler: starting with version 10, passwords can be viewed in the network settings, and in older versions - through Root-access or ADB.
If you've never connected to a network before, the only legal ways to get the password are:
- 🔑 Ask the network owner for it (the most honest method).
- 📡 Reset your router to factory settings (if you have physical access).
- 🔄 Use WPS- button on the router (does not work on all models).
⚠️ Attention: Apps like WiFi Password Show or WiFi MapApps that promise to "hack" passwords often contain malicious code or simply don't work. Don't risk your phone's data!
Method 1: View saved password on Android (without root)
If your phone has connected to this Wi-Fi network before, you can retrieve the password from the system settings. Starting with Android 10Google has added a feature to view passwords directly in the interface.
Instructions for Android 10 and later:
1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Find the desired network in the list of saved ones and tap on it.
3. Click Share (or Share).
4. The system will ask PIN code, graphic key or a fingerprint.
5. After authentication, you will see QR code and a text password underneath it.
✅ Powered by: Samsung (One UI), Google Pixel, Xiaomi (MIUI 12+), Realme, Oppo and other smartphones with clean Android or firmware close to it.
☑️ What should I do if there is no "Share" button?
For Android 9 and later:
On older versions, passwords are more deeply hidden. You'll need:
- File manager with root access (For example, Root Explorer).
- Or computer with ADB (instructions below in Method 3).
💡 Tip: If you have Samsung on Android 9, try this path: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → (tap on the network) → Manage network → Show passwordThis option is retained on some firmware versions.
Method 2: Extract Password via iPhone (with Mac sync)
On iPhone There is no built-in way to view the Wi-Fi password, but there is a workaround via Mac, if the devices are synchronized via iCloud Keychain.
Instructions:
1. Make sure that on Mac And iPhone feature enabled iCloud Keychain (Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Keychain).
2. On Mac open Search (Spotlight) and enter Keychain (Keychain Access).
3. In the list, find the name of your Wi-Fi network (in the section System passwords).
4. Double-click on the network and check the box. Show password and enter your account password Mac.
⚠️ Attention: If Mac If you haven't connected to this Wi-Fi network, there won't be a password. Also, this method won't work if iCloud Keychain disabled.
Method 3: Use ADB for Android (without Root)
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — a debugging tool that allows you to extract Wi-Fi passwords without root access. This method works on most smartphones but requires a computer.Step-by-step instructions:
1. Enable USB debugging on the phone:
- Go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times to activate Developer mode.
- Go back to Settings → System → Developer Options and turn it on USB debugging.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm trust of the device.
3. Download ADB (For example, Platform Tools from Google) and unzip the archive.
4. Open a command prompt in the folder with ADB and enter:
```bash
adb shell
su (if there is Root)
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
```
Or for newer Android versions:
```bash
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
```
5. In the resulting file, find the line `
🔧 Technical note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) The path to the password file may differ. If the command doesn't work, try:
adb shellsu
ls /data/misc/wifi/
What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?
1. Check if the drivers for your phone are installed on your PC.
2. Try a different USB cable (preferably the original one).
3. Restart your phone and PC.
4. Enable the "Allow USB debugging (safe mode)" option in developer options.
Method 4: Reset the password via the router (if you have access)
If you are the owner of the network or have physical access to the router, the most reliable way is reset it to factory settings or go to the admin panel.
How to reset a router:
1. Find the button on the back of the router Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds (until the indicators blink).
3. The router will reboot and the network will become open (or with the default password).
📌 Factory passwords for popular routers:
| Brand | Model | Default login/password | SSID (network name) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Archer C6, TL-WR841N | admin/admin |
TP-LINK_XXXX |
| ASUS | RT-AC66U, RT-AX55 | admin/admin |
ASUS_XX |
| Xiaomi | Mi Router 4A, AX3600 | — / password from the sticker | Xiaomi_XXXX |
| Keenetic | Giga, Speedster | admin/1234 |
Keenetic-XXXX |
⚠️ Attention: After resetting all router settings (including PPPoE, IPTV, Port forwarding) will be reset to factory settings. If you don't know your internet connection settings, you'll need to check with your provider.
Method 5: Connect via WPS (without entering a password)
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) — a technology that allows you to connect to a network without a password by pressing a button on the router or enteringPIN code. Does not work on all models, but if the router supports WPS, this is the fastest way.
How to connect via WPS:
1. Make sure the indicator light on the router is on WPS (or the button is signed).
2. On the phone:
- Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → WPS (or button WPS in the list of networks).
- iPhone: WPS not supported directly, but you can use apps like WPS Connect (with caution!).
3. Click the button WPS on the router (usually you need to hold it for 1-2 seconds).
4. The phone will connect automatically.
❌ Restrictions:
- Many modern routers turn off WPS by default due to vulnerabilities.
- On iPhone no built-in support WPS.
- Some providers block this function in the firmware.
Method 6: Use QR code to connect
Many modern routers (for example, Xiaomi, Huawei, Keenetic) allow you to connect to Wi-Fi via QR codeThis is convenient if you have access to the admin panel or a sticker on the router.
How does this work:
1. Find QR code on the router sticker (usually next to the password).
2. Open on your phone camera or a scanning application (eg Google Lens).
3. Point the camera at the code - the phone will offer to connect to the network.
🔍 Where else can you find a QR code:
- In the router's web interface (section Wi-Fi → QR code).
- In the provider's mobile application (for example, MTS Connect, Beeline Dom).
- On the router box (if saved).
⚠️ Attention: If the sticker with the code is erased or missing, generate a new one QR This can only be done through the router's admin panel.
Method 7: Alternative Methods (for Advanced Users)
If none of the above helps, there are more complex (and not always legal) methods. We present them below. for informational purposes only — use on other people's networks may result in legal liability.
1. Handshake interception (for your own networks only!)
Using programs like Aircrack-ng or Wireshark it is possible to intercept authentication packets (handshake) and try to guess the password using a dictionary. **Requires:
- Root on the phone or Linux-PC.
- Knowledge of the command line.
- The presence of at least one device connected to the network.
❗ Warning: This method is technically complex and can disrupt network operation. On other people's routers, it's considered hacking.
2. Router vulnerabilities
Some older router models have vulnerabilities that allow passwords to be obtained through:
- Exploits for WPS (For example, Reaver).
- Default credentials (many do not change admin:admin).
- View the source code of the login page in the admin panel (sometimes the password is stored in clear text).
🛡️ How to protect yourself from such attacks:
- Turn it off WPS in the router settings.
- Change the default administrator password to a complex one.
- Update your router firmware to the latest version.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network I've connected to before, but my phone doesn't show the Share button?
If you have Android older than version 10, try:
- Use ADB (Method 3).
- Install file manager with Root-access and find the file
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml. - Recover password from backup Titanium Backup (if there is one).
On iPhone without Mac The only way is to reset the router.
I'm the network owner, but I forgot my password. How can I recover it without resetting the router?
Try these options:
- 🖥️ Log in to your router's admin panel (usually
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1) and look at the password in the sectionWi-FiorWireless network. - 📱 Use your provider's mobile app (e.g. Rostelecom Personal Account, MGTS).
- 📧 Check the email from your provider—they often send access data when you connect.
Does the ADB method work on all phones?
No, there are restrictions:
- On Samsung With One UI may need to be disabled
Knox. - Some Chinese brands (eg. Huawei) block access to system files.
- On Android 12+ The path to the password file may have changed.
If ADB doesn't work, try alternative commands:
adb shellsu
cat /data/misc/wifi/* | grep psk
Is it possible to connect to Wi-Fi without a password if you know the MAC address?
No, knowledge MAC addresses router or device authentication does not help bypass authentication. However, some providers (for example, in hotels or airports) use MAC filtering — in this case you can:
- To know
MACauthorized device (for example, through arp-scan). - Replace
MACyour phone (requires Root on Android or jailbreak on iPhone).
⚠️ This violates the network's terms of use and may result in blocking.
How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking?
Follow these rules:
- 🔐 Use
WPA3(or at leastWPA2-AES) instead of the outdated oneWEP. - 🔑 Set a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
- 🚫 Turn it off WPS And UPnP in the router settings.
- 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly.
- 📵 Hide
SSID(network name) or use guest network for temporary connections.