Connecting a new device to a wireless network but forgetting or losing the password is one of the most common situations in home appliance use. Smartphone owners Honor, running on the operating system Android, often face the need to quickly restore access to data already stored in the device's memory. Modern firmware versions, such as EMUI And Magic UI, provide advanced capabilities for managing network connections, allowing you to not only connect but also share access.
The key here is to understand that passwords for networks you've ever successfully connected to are stored in a secure system configuration file. Unlike older versions of Android, which required a password to access this data. Root rightsIn the latest builds (Android 10 and above), engineers have implemented more secure and convenient verification mechanisms via QR codes. This allows owners Honor bypass complex system hacking procedures and use standard interface tools.
In this article, we'll detail the steps needed to extract essential information about your network's security. We'll cover both standard methods available to every user out of the box, as well as more advanced options for those ready for deeper customization. It's important to understand that these methods may vary slightly depending on your phone's OS version and model.
Using the QR code feature in WiFi settings
The simplest and most reliable method, which doesn't require installing any additional software, is to use the built-in QR code generation function. This feature was introduced in Android 10 and has become standard on all modern devices, including Honor And HuaweiTo use this method, you need to go to the settings menu and select the section Wi-FiA list of available networks will be displayed here, and the currently active one will be marked with the appropriate status.
Tap the name of the network you're connected to or the gear icon next to it. This will open a window with detailed connection information, often with a "Share" button or a QR code at the bottom of the screen. Tapping this button will prompt you to authenticate with biometrics (fingerprint or face recognition) or enter a PIN to unlock the screen. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your data.
After successful access verification, a QR code containing an encrypted string with network parameters will appear on the screen. In most cases, the password itself is displayed in text underneath the graphic image. If there is no text display, this code can be scanned with any other device or even the same phone (using a camera or code scanner). The second device will automatically connect, or the password will be displayed in a notification.
- 📱 Open
Settingsand go to the sectionWi-Fi. - 🔒 Click on the active network name to enter connection details.
- 👁️ Verify your identity using your fingerprint or pattern.
- 📸 Take a screenshot of the code or use a second device to scan it.
⚠️ Note: On some versions of the shell Magic UI The text password may not be immediately visible under the QR code. In this case, use the "Share" feature via your system messenger or take a screenshot and scan it with Google Lens to see the text string containing the security key.
View saved networks using Google Passwords
The Google ecosystem offers a centralized password vault that syncs across all devices linked to a single account. If yours Honor If Google sync is enabled, WiFi network keys can be automatically saved to your cloud profile. This is especially important for those who frequently change devices or perform factory resets. This data is accessed through the account security menu.
To view them, open your phone's settings, find the "Google" section, and go to Account Management. Next, select the "Security" tab and scroll down to the "Password Manager" or "Passwords" section. The list that opens will display websites and apps, as well as saved WiFi networks. Find the desired network in the list and tap it. The system will ask you to verify your identity again.
After authentication, you'll see your login (if required) and a password field hidden by dots. Next to the input field is usually an eye icon. Clicking on it will reveal cleartext passwordThis method is convenient because it does not depend on the current firmware version. Honor and it works even if you're not connected to the network right now, the main thing is to have an internet connection to sync the list.
Using Root Rights and File Managers
For users with superuser rights (Root), provides direct access to Android's system configuration files, where all security keys ever entered are stored. This method is most universal for older versions of Android (before version 10), where the QR code function was absent. However, on modern smartphones Honor Obtaining root access may be difficult or impossible without unlocking the bootloader, which will void the warranty.
Once you have the rights, you will need a file manager that supports superuser rights, for example, Root Explorer or ES File Explorer (old versions). You need to follow the path /data/misc/wifi/. This directory contains the file WpaSupplicant.conf (or similar with the .conf extension). This is where network names (SSIDs) and corresponding passwords (PSKs) are stored in text form.
network={ssid="MyHomeWiFi"
psk="super_secret_password_123"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
priority=1
}
Opening the file in a text editor will display a list of all networks. The password you're looking for will be in the line pskBe extremely careful when editing this file: any changes to the syntax may cause the phone to stop detecting WiFi networks or even lose the ability to connect altogether. It is recommended to first copy the file to the phone's memory for reading, without making any changes to the original.
- 🛠️ Make sure your device has permissions Root (SuperSU or Magisk).
- 📂 Download a file manager with system partition support.
- 📍 Go to the directory
/data/misc/wifi/. - 📄 Open the configuration file
WpaSupplicant.conftext editor.
⚠️ Warning: Rooting your device will void the manufacturer's warranty and may interfere with the operation of banking apps (Google Pay, Mir Pay) due to security mechanisms being triggered. Only do this if you fully understand the risks.
What to do if the WpaSupplicant.conf file is empty?
If the file contains no data, your Android version may store keys elsewhere, such as in the encrypted Keystore, or the network was saved in the device owner's profile rather than in a shared system file. In such cases, the root method may not work.
Comparison of access recovery methods
The optimal method depends on your technical expertise, operating system version, and access rights. Below is a table to help you compare the key features of the methods discussed. It will help you quickly navigate and choose the most suitable option for your phone situation. Honor.
| Method | The Need for Root | Android version | Complexity | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in settings | No | 10+ | Low | High |
| Google Passwords | No | Any | Low | High |
| WpaSupplicant file | Yes | Up to 10 / Any | High | Average |
| Scanner apps | Often yes | Any | Average | Low |
As the comparison shows, the system's built-in tools offer the best balance between convenience and security. Using third-party apps from the store Play MarketTools that promise to reveal passwords without rooting are often a marketing ploy: they either simply duplicate the functionality of a QR code, require superuser privileges, or, worst of all, may contain malicious code. Trust only proven system functions.
Restoring via the router's web interface
If the phone Honor If you're already connected to the network but need to find out the password for another device, and the methods above don't work, you can use the router's admin panel. Since your phone is connected to the network, you have full access to managing the router. To do this, you need to know the gateway IP address, which is usually listed in the WiFi connection details on the phone itself (often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Open a browser on your phone and enter the gateway address in the address bar. You'll need to enter your administrator login and password. If you haven't changed them, they're often the default (admin/admin) and are written on a sticker on the bottom of the router. If you've changed your WiFi password but haven't changed the password for logging into the router settings, you'll be able to access the router. Find the "Administrator" section in the interface. Wireless or Wireless network, subsection Security (Security).
There in the field WPA Pre-Shared Key or "Wireless Network Password" will display the current key. You can copy it or simply rewrite it. This method is advantageous because it works regardless of Android version and access rights, relying solely on network connectivity. However, it requires knowledge of the router's admin password, which may have been changed previously.
- 🌐 Find the gateway IP address in your phone's WiFi settings.
- 🔑 Enter the address in your browser and log in to your router.
- ⚙️ Find the Wireless Security section.
- 👁️ Copy the password from the appropriate field.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces from different manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link, Keenetic) vary significantly. If you can't find the section you need, check your router model in the manual or on the manufacturer's website, as menu locations may vary.
☑️ Check before logging into the router
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the WiFi password without root access on Android 9 and below?
Android versions below 10 don't have a built-in feature for viewing passwords via QR code. Without root access, finding a saved password using system tools is virtually impossible. The only option is to look it up in the router settings if you know the admin panel password, or remember it if it's written down somewhere else.
Is it safe to use apps like "WiFi Password Viewer"?
Most of these apps either require root access to function properly or are simply a QR code wrapper. Many of them contain aggressive advertising or collect data about your connections. It is recommended to use only the built-in tools. Honor or proven file managers if you have Root.
What should I do if the QR code is not displayed in Honor settings?
Try clicking the "Share" icon (three dots or a ball icon) next to the network name. If that doesn't work, your shell version might be broken. EMUI or Magic UI has a specific interface. In this case, try updating the system or using the Google account method.
Will resetting my phone's WiFi password reset my phone's settings?
Yes, a full factory reset will delete all saved WiFi networks and their passwords from your phone's memory. After the reset, you'll have to re-enter the passwords or restore them from a Google backup if syncing was enabled.