Needing to connect a new device to a wireless network but forgetting the password is one of the most common problems in today's digital environment. Smartphone owners Honor often face the need to restore access to data that is already saved in their phone's memory but not recorded anywhere else. Fortunately, the operating system Android In recent versions, it allows users to view saved security keys without requiring root access.
However, the process of extracting this information may vary significantly depending on the firmware version. Magic UI or EMUI, as well as the user's access level. While older versions of the system required complex intervention via console commands or root privileges, modern interfaces offer a more user-friendly approach via QR codes. Understanding these differences is critical to successfully completing the task without data loss.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available methods for recovering forgotten character combinations, from standard system tools to specialized software. We'll also cover the nuances of working with different Android versions, as Google's security policy is constantly evolving, introducing new restrictions to protect user data from malware.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces may vary slightly depending on the specific smartphone model and regional firmware version. If you don't find the item you're looking for, look for a similar one in the adjacent settings sections.
Restoring access via Android 10 and higher settings
Starting with the tenth version of the mobile operating system, Google engineers implemented a native function for sharing access via QR codes, which has become a de facto standard for most manufacturers, including HonorThis method is the safest and easiest, as it doesn't require installing third-party software or connecting to a computer. First, you need to go to your device's settings menu.
Find the section responsible for wireless connections, which is usually called Wi-Fi or WLANIn the list of available networks, find the one you're currently connected to or the one whose password you want to find out (if you've saved it). Click the network name or the gear icon next to it to open the detailed configuration menu.
In the window that opens, find the button or link that says QR code or ShareIn some versions of the shell Magic UI This element may be hidden behind a "More" button or an arrow icon. Once clicked, the system will generate a graphic code containing encrypted connection information, including the SSID and security key.
- 📱 Open the Camera app on the second smartphone or use the built-in scanner in the notification shade.
- 📸 Point the lens at the Honor phone screen where the generated code is displayed.
- 🔍 The system will recognize the code and prompt you to connect to the network, often displaying the password in text form under the connect button.
It's important to note that on some devices with heavily modified interfaces, the password text may not be displayed immediately upon scanning, but rather only be connected automatically. In this case, you can take a screenshot of the QR code and open it using Google Lens or any other image recognition app, which can often extract text data from images.
Using the Developer Menu and ADB for Older Versions
For devices running Android 9 Pie and earlier, the built-in tools may not provide direct access to the plaintext password. In such cases, a debug bridge can help. ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This tool allows you to interact with the system at a deep level, accessing system configuration files where all saved networks are stored.
Before you begin, you need to enable developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly tap the "Build Number" field 7-10 times. After the developer mode activation message appears, return to the main settings menu and find the item System and updates and select For developers.
Inside the developer menu, activate the switch USB debuggingConnect your smartphone Honor Connect to a computer with the ADB driver installed. Open a command prompt or terminal on your PC and enter the following command to test the connection:
adb devicesA prompt will appear on your phone's screen asking if you want to debug from this computer. Confirm this action. Now you can query the system for a list of saved configurations. The command to display the data looks like this:
adb shell dumpsys wifiThis output will be huge and contain a lot of technical gibberish. To find the password specifically, use a more precise command that accesses the configuration file directly (requires root or specific privileges, but works on some older firmware versions):
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf⚠️ Attention: On modern versions of Android, access to the file
wpa_supplicant.confClosed even with root access due to changes in the SELinux security policy. This method is mainly effective for devices 5-7 years old.
What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?
If the adb devices command does not return the serial number, try replacing the USB cable, installing drivers for your Honor model from the official website, or switching the USB mode in the debugging settings from "Charge only" to "File transfer (MTP)".
Analysis of system files using root rights
The most in-depth method that is guaranteed to work on any version of Android, including the latest ones, is to obtain superuser rights (Root). However, this step is not without risks: you could void your device's warranty, and if done incorrectly, you could brick your smartphone. If you understand the risks and have an unlocked bootloader, this method will give you complete control.
Once you have root access (e.g. via Magisk), you will need a file manager with system partition support, such as Root Explorer or ES File Explorer (with root functions enabled). Go to the path /data/misc/wifi/This is where the file is located. WifiConfigStore.xml (on new Androids) or wpa_supplicant.conf (on the old ones).
Open this file in a text editor. You'll see XML markup or configuration files, with each SSID assigned a tag. PreSharedKey or passphraseThe value of this tag is the desired password in clear text. Be careful when editing: any changes to the file syntax may prevent the phone from seeing saved networks.
☑️ Check before rooting
There are also specialized apps on Google Play such as WiFi Password Viewer, which automate this process. They simply read the specified system file and display the list in a user-friendly interface. However, using such programs requires granting them superuser privileges, which reduces the overall security of the device.
Comparison of password recovery methods
The appropriate method depends on many factors: operating system version, computer availability, user skills, and willingness to risk device stability. Below is a table to help you quickly navigate and choose the best option for your situation.
| Method | Necessary rights | Complexity | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code (Android 10+) | No | Low | None |
| ADB (Android 9-) | USB debugging | Average | Minimum |
| Root + File Manager | Superuser | High | High (loss of warranty) |
| Third-party applications | Depends on the version | Low | Average (advertising, access) |
As can be seen from the table, for most users of modern smartphones Honor The system's standard functions are sufficient. The use of complex technical means is only justified if standard methods fail or the device is obsolete.
Password security and storage
The security of saved passwords is a particularly pressing issue. Operating system Android Encrypts the credential storage, so you can't simply copy the password file to another phone without root access. This is to protect the user in case the device is stolen.
However, if your phone is infected with malware with access rights, it could theoretically scan QR codes or intercept data. Therefore, avoid installing dubious apps that promise to "boost WiFi" or "reveal all passwords" unless they are clearly necessary.
It's also worth mentioning the password sync feature via your Google account. If you sign in to your Google account on a new device, your saved networks may automatically be pulled from the cloud. You can check this in the section Settings → Google → Autofill → Google Autofill → Passwords, although WiFi keys are rarely displayed there, unlike website passwords.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out the WiFi password if the phone is not connected to it right now?
Yes, if the network was previously saved. In Android 10+, you can find the network in the "Known Networks" list (sometimes hidden in the advanced WiFi settings), tap it, and select "Share." If the network is deleted from memory, it's impossible to recover the password without access to the router.
Why can't I see the QR code on my Honor?
You may be using custom firmware or a stripped-down version of the shell, where the manufacturer has removed this feature. The code may also not be generated if password display is disabled in the security settings (rare, but can occur in corporate profiles).
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Apps that require root access gain full access to your system. Only open source code or verified developers should be trusted. Regular apps without root access often simply display ads claiming to "hack" WiFi, which is a lie.
Will resetting my phone's WiFi settings to factory settings?
Yes, a hard reset will delete all saved networks and passwords. Please keep this in mind before selling or repairing your phone, as it will be impossible to recover your passwords after the reset without first recording them.