Have you forgotten your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or do you need to connect a new device but forgot to save the password? This situation is familiar to every second user, according to Kaspersky, 43% of people lose access to their networks at least once a year. Luckily, if your The Android smartphone is already connected to this network.There are several ways to extract a saved password, from simple to technically complex.
In this article we will look at all current methods for different versions of Android (from 8.0 to 14), including bypassing manufacturer restrictions such as Samsung, Xiaomi or HuaweiImportant: Some methods require root rights or a computer, but most work without them. We will also warn you about security risks, which occur when using third-party password extraction applications.
1. Standard method: via Android settings (without root)
Starting from Android 10Google added a built-in Wi-Fi password viewer to the system, but with some caveats. It doesn't work on all firmware versions (manufacturers often block it) and requires PIN or fingerprint confirmation.
Here's how to do it:
- 📱 Open
Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi - 🔍 Find your network in the list and tap on its name
- 🔑 Choose
Share(orShare(on English firmware) - 🔐 Confirm screen unlock (PIN, pattern, or biometrics)
If the point Share No - your manufacturer has disabled this feature. For example, on Xiaomi with firmware MIUI it appears only after installation EU versions or manual activation via ADB.
⚠️ Note: On some devices (eg. Samsung Galaxy With One UI) A QR code for connection may be displayed instead of a password. To view the text password, click QR code scanner in the same menu - the system will show it under the code.
2. Via Wi-Fi configuration file (file manager required)
Android stores all saved networks in a file. wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be accessed through file manager with root rights or through ADB (More on that below). If you have root, do the following:
- Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer (with root access enabled).
- Follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/On older versions of Android (before 9.0) the path may be:
/data/misc/wifi/WPA_SUPPLICANT/ - Find the file
wpa_supplicant.confand open it with any text editor. - Look for blocks like:
network={ssid="Your_Network_Name"
psk="your_password"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}
If the file is missing or empty, your manufacturer is using an alternative storage (for example, Samsung encrypts data in /data/vendor/wifi/). In this case, only ADB or specialized utilities.
⚠️ Warning: Editing files in /data/ without root can lead to data loss or a Wi-Fi outage. Do not modify the file's contents—only copy the password!
Install a file manager with root access
Make a backup copy of the wpa_supplicant.conf file
Check the file path for your Android version
Do not edit the file, only view it-->
3. Using ADB (no root required, but a computer is required)
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) — is a tool for debugging Android via a computer. It can be used to extract a Wi-Fi password even if you don't have root access. This method works on most devices, but requires root access to be enabled. USB debugging.
Instructions:
- Download Platform Tools (official package from Google) and unzip it.
- On your phone, enable:
- 🔧
Settings → About phone → Build number(tap 7 times to unlockDeveloper mode) - 🔌
Settings → System → Developer options → USB debugging
- 🔧
platform-tools and run:
adb shell
su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftApWifiConfigurationStore.xml"
If the command doesn't work, try this alternative:
adb shell
su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WPA_SUPPLICANT.conf"
If you see an error Permission denied — your device is blocking access. In this case, only root or specialized utilities like WiFi Password Viewer (more about them below).
What to do if ADB doesn't show the password?
If the commands return an empty result or an error, try:
1. Use alternative paths (for example, for Samsung: /data/vendor/wifi/).
2. Install Magisk and module SQLite for Root to access the Wi-Fi database.
3. Try the utility WiFi Password Recovery (requires root).
| Method | Root required? | Need a computer? | Does it work on all firmware versions? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android Settings (Share) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ No (depending on the manufacturer) |
File wpa_supplicant.conf |
✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ No (the paths are different) |
| ADB | ❌ No (but debugging permissions are required) | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Partially (blocked by some brands) |
| Third-party applications | ✅ Usually yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (if you have root) |
4. Applications for viewing passwords (with and without root)
IN Google Play There are dozens of apps that promise to reveal Wi-Fi passwords. Most of them require root rights, but some work without them - through vulnerabilities in the firmware or backups.
Top 3 proven utilities:
- 🛠️ WiFi Password Viewer (requires root) - shows all saved networks with passwords, supports export to file.
- 🔍 WiFi Password Recovery - works on some devices without root (for example, on Xiaomi with unlocked bootloader).
- 📱 WiFi Key Recovery — specializes in extracting passwords from backups (a backup is needed via
adb backup).
Warning: Many "free" apps in Play Market contain spyware or show ads. Check reviews and ratings before installing. It's better to use open source projects with GitHub, For example, WiFi Password from SimoneDev.
5. Extracting a password from a backup (without root)
If your phone has it enabled automatic backup V Google Drive, you can try extracting the password from a backup. This method doesn't work on all devices, but it can sometimes work.
Instructions:
- Install Android Studio or download Platform Tools.
- Connect your phone to your computer and run the command:
adb backup -f wifi_backup.ab -noapk com.android.providers.settings - On your phone, confirm the backup creation (no password required).
- Download Android Backup Extractor (Java utility) and extract data from
wifi_backup.ab:java -jar abe.jar unpack wifi_backup.ab wifi_backup.tar - Find the file in the resulting archive
settings.dband open it through SQLite BrowserPasswords are stored in a table.wifi.
This method is complicated and does not always work, but it does not require root and leaves no traces on the phone. The main drawback is that the backup may not contain current data if it hasn't been updated in a while.
6. Alternative methods: router and QR code
If none of the methods worked, there are two options left:
- View the password on the router:
- 🌐 Turn the router over - often the password is indicated on the sticker (field
Wi-Fi KeyorPassword). - 🖥️ Connect to the router via cable, go to the web interface (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1) and check the sectionWireless → Security.
- 🌐 Turn the router over - often the password is indicated on the sticker (field
- 📱 Open it on your phone
Wi-Fi Settings → Your Network → Share. - 🔄 Select an option
QR code(if any). - 📷 Scan it with another device - it will connect automatically, and the password will be displayed in the process.
If you're renting a place or connected to a public network (like a hotel), these methods may not work due to administrator restrictions. In that case, your only option is reset the router settings (button Reset) and configure it again.
7. Risks and precautions
Extracting Wi-Fi passwords is an intervention in system files, which can have consequences:
- 🚨 Security breach: If you use third-party apps, they may access other data on your phone.
- 🔄 Reset settings: Incorrect editing of files in
/data/may result in loss of Wi-Fi or complete network reset. - ⚖️ Legal risksExtracting passwords from other people's networks (not yours) may be classified as hacking and subject to prosecution (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
To minimize risks:
- 🔒 Use only proven utilities (e.g. open source).
- 📱 Before experimenting, make a backup copy of your data via
adb backupor Titanium Backup. - 🚫 Don't share extracted passwords with strangers—it compromises your network.
⚠️ Note: On some corporate or guest networks (e.g., in cafes or airports), passwords are encrypted by the server and are not stored on the device. In this case, it is impossible to retrieve them; you must request them again from the administrator.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password without rooting or using a computer?
Yes, but only if your phone supports the feature. Share in the Wi-Fi settings (see Section 1). On most devices without root and ADB, other methods do not work.
Why in the file wpa_supplicant.conf my network is not there?
Your manufacturer likely uses a different storage device. Try these options:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftApWifiConfigurationStore.xml
/data/vendor/wifi/hostapd/hostapd.conf
On Samsung passwords can be stored in an encrypted database /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db.
Does the ADB method work on all phones?
No. Manufacturers like Huawei, Oppo And Vivo block access to system files even through ADB. If the command returns Permission denied, try to get root or use specialized utilities.
Is it possible to find out the password for someone else's Wi-Fi that my phone is connected to?
Technically yes, but that's breaks the lawAccording to Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, unauthorized access to computer information (including Wi-Fi) is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or imprisonment. Use these methods only for your own networks.
What to do if none of the methods worked?
There are three options left:
- Reset the router to factory settings (using the button)
Reset) and configure it again. - Contact your provider – they can send you a password via SMS or email.
- Connect your phone to the router via cable (if supported) and log into the web interface via
192.168.0.1.