It's quite common to need to connect a new device or a guest to your home network but have forgotten the password. Fortunately, modern smartphones store information about previously used networks in their memory, allowing you to restore access to the passkey without having to reset the router. This is especially true when physical access to the router itself is restricted or the sticker with the factory data has worn off.
The recovery process depends on your mobile device's operating system and software version. While on Android starting from version 10, this function is built into the standard interface for owners iPhone You'll have to sync with the Apple ecosystem or jailbreak. Understanding how network profiles work will help you quickly find the information you need.
In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for retrieving saved security keys in detail. You'll learn how to use built-in system tools, third-party applications, and even the command line to gain access.
Password recovery on Android 10 and later
Starting with Android 10, Google has introduced a convenient mechanism for sharing Wi-Fi network data via QR codes. This method requires no additional software and works on the vast majority of modern smartphones from Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel, and other manufacturers. To use this method, you must have an active connection to the network whose password you want to find out.
Go to your device settings and select the section Connections or Wi-FiIn the list of available networks, find the one you're currently connected to and click the gear icon or arrow to the right of its name. The network properties menu that opens often contains a button. Share or QR code.
After pressing the button, the system will ask you to verify your identity using a PIN, fingerprint, or face scan. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your network settings. Upon successful authentication, a QR code will appear on the screen.
⚠️ Note: On some smartphone models (e.g., older versions of MIUI or OneUI), the password text may be hidden behind a QR code. In this case, take a screenshot and open it in the Google Lens app or any QR code scanner to read the text string.
A text string with the access key is often displayed immediately below the code image. If there is no text, scan the code with any other device or scanner app. The scan will return a string in the format WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;, where the value after P: and there is the password we are looking for.
How to find out the password on older versions of Android
If your device is running Android 9 or earlier, you won't be able to view your saved password in plain text using standard system tools. The operating system stores this data in a system file. wpa_supplicant.conf, which is closed to regular users. To obtain read permission for this file, you must root access.
Having superuser rights allows you to use specialized file managers, such as Root Explorer or ES File Explorer (with root functions enabled). After granting the application ROOT rights, you need to go to the path /data/misc/wifi/This is where the configuration file containing the history of all connections is located.
Open the file wpa_supplicant.conf using the built-in text editor. Inside, you'll find data blocks for each saved network. Look for the parameter ssid (network name) and the corresponding parameter psk, which is your password.
What to do if you don't have root rights?
If rooting is impossible or undesirable due to the risk of voiding the warranty, you can try resetting the router to factory settings. There's often a sticker on the back of the device with the factory password. However, if the password has been changed previously, this method won't work, and you'll have to reconfigure the router via cable.
It's worth noting that gaining superuser rights is a risky operation for inexperienced users. Incorrect actions can lead to system instability or complete device failure. Therefore, on older smartphones, it's often easier to reconnect the device using the password from another device or use the router's web interface.
View Wi-Fi passwords on iPhone and iPad
Security is paramount in the Apple ecosystem, so direct access to Wi-Fi password files in iOS is blocked. However, starting with iOS 16, Apple added the long-awaited feature to view saved keys directly in Settings. If you have an older version of the operating system, the only legal option is to sync with a Mac.
For users of iOS 16 and later, the procedure is very simple. Open Settings, go to the section Wi-Fi. In the upper right corner, click the button Edit (Or simply find the desired network in the list if the interface is different.) An information icon (i) will appear next to the name of the network you're connected to or saved. Tap it, then tap the hidden dots in the "Password" field.
The system will require biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) or an unlock code. The password will then be displayed in text format and can be copied. This is the most secure method and doesn't require any additional devices.
⚠️ Note: The ability to view passwords in Settings was only introduced in iOS 16. If you have an iPhone 7 or an older model that doesn't support the iOS 16 update, this method won't work for you. Jailbroken devices have access to tweaks like Keychain Dumper.
For macOS users, the situation is different. If your iPhone and Mac use the same iCloud account and Keychain sync is enabled, all Wi-Fi passwords saved on your phone are automatically saved to your computer's Keychain. To view them, open Keychain Access via Spotlight or Applications.
In the list on the left, select the "Passwords" or "System" category. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search box. Double-click the resulting entry, check the "Show password" box, and enter the password for your Mac administrator account. The system will display the code you're looking for.
☑️ Check the terms and conditions for iOS
Using the router's web interface
A universal method that works on any phone, regardless of operating system or OS version, is to log into the router's control panel. If your smartphone is connected to a Wi-Fi network (even without internet access), you can access the router's settings through a browser. This method not only allows you to find out the password but also change it to a new one.
First, you need to find the gateway IP address. On Android, you can find this in the properties of the connected network (under the "Gateway" option), and on iOS, in the network properties under the "IP Settings" section. Most often, the address looks like this: 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter this address into the address bar of your browser (Chrome, Safari).
The login page will open. If you've never changed your login details, they'll be on a sticker on the bottom of the router (usually login: admin, password: admin (or an empty string). If the data has been changed and forgotten, you will have to reset the router using the Reset button.
After successfully logging into the control panel (interfaces Tenda, TP-Link, Keenetic, ASUS (They look different, but the logic is the same.) Find the section related to wireless networking. It may be called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN." Inside, look for the "Security" or "Basic Settings" subsection.
| Router brand | Typical address | Menu section | Password parameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless -> Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | Wireless Network -> General | Authentication Method / Key |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | My Network -> Wi-Fi Network | Password |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wi-Fi -> Security Settings | PSK encryption key |
The "Encryption Key," "Password," or "PSK" field will display your network's current password. You can copy it or change it to a more complex one. After changing the settings, be sure to click "Save" or "Apply," otherwise the changes will not take effect.
Third-party applications and their limitations
Hundreds of apps claiming to reveal Wi-Fi passwords in one click are available on Google Play and the App Store. However, it's important to understand how they work and the limitations imposed by mobile platform security policies. Most of these apps don't actually hack the network, but rather use databases of shared passwords or require root access.
Unrooted apps often act as directories where users voluntarily share passwords for public hotspots in cafes, airports, and parks. For a home network, where the password is unique and hasn't been published anywhere, such apps are useless. They can only reveal the password if someone else using the app has already connected to your network and shared the data.
Applications that require root access (for example, WiFi Password Viewer) actually do the same thing as manually searching through a file wpa_supplicant.conf, described above, but with a more user-friendly interface. They read the system file and display a list of networks with passwords in a table.
⚠️ Warning: Be extremely careful when installing apps that require suspicious permissions. Many "jailbreakers" contain ads, miners, or steal personal data. Use only trusted tools with high ratings and numerous reviews, and only if you fully understand the risks of using root access.
There are also security auditing applications (e.g. Fing), which don't directly reveal the password but allow you to analyze the network, see all connected devices, and check for vulnerabilities. These are useful tools for diagnostics, but not for recovering forgotten keys.
Security measures and network protection
Once you know your password, it's worth considering its strength. If you used the default password found on the router sticker or a simple string of numbers like "12345678," we strongly recommend changing it. A weak password makes your network vulnerable to unauthorized access, which could lead to personal data theft or the use of your internet connection for illegal activities.
When creating a new password, follow security guidelines. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Your password should be at least 12 characters long. Avoid using personal information (birthdates, pet names) that can be easily guessed or found on social media.
It's also recommended to regularly update your router's firmware. Manufacturers frequently release updates that patch security holes. You can check for updates in the device's web interface, under "System Tools" or "Administration."
Remember, knowing how to find a Wi-Fi password is a useful skill, but protecting your own network is your responsibility. Regularly changing your access keys and monitoring connected devices will help keep your network secure.
Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password?
Technically, if the WPS protocol is vulnerable or weak WEP encryption is used, this is possible using specialized software on a PC (such as Aircrack-ng). However, on modern smartphones, without root access and special equipment (a Wi-Fi adapter in monitor mode), this is virtually impossible. Furthermore, unauthorized access to other people's networks is illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it right now, but has connected before?
Yes, this is possible. Smartphones save profiles of the networks they've connected to. On Android 10+, you can find this network in the list of saved networks (even if it's currently out of range) and generate a QR code. On iOS 16+, you can also find the network in the list and tap "Password." This won't work on older Android devices without root access.
What should I do if the QR code doesn't show the password text, but only an image?
Take a screenshot of the screen containing the QR code. Then, open the Google app (or Google Photos/Lens), tap the camera icon, and select the screenshot you took. The system will recognize the code and display a text string with the following symbol: P: a password will be indicated.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Using apps that require root access carries risks, as you grant them full rights over the system. Apps from official stores (like Google Play) that don't require root are safe, but they're also useless for viewing passwords for personal networks, as the Android system prohibits them from accessing system files.
I changed the password on my router, but my phone keeps saying "Connection error." What should I do?
You need to "forget" the network on your phone. Go to Wi-Fi settings, tap your network name, and select "Delete network" or "Forget." Then try connecting again using the new password.
Where can I find the wpa_supplicant.conf file on Android?
The file is located at the path /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf. Access to the folder /data Access is only possible with root access. Without superuser access, this directory is hidden from the user and file managers.