Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the router is in an inaccessible location or the sticker with the code has worn off? This situation is familiar to many people—especially when guests need to connect to the network, and you can't remember the 8+ character combination. On phones Huawei with shell EMUI There are several ways to retrieve a saved password, but not all of them are obvious. Unlike iPhone or devices on clean Android, here the manufacturer hides this option deep in the settings or completely blocks it without any additional manipulation.
In this article we will look at 5 working methods — from standard (via the phone menu) to advanced (using ADB or file manager). Important: some methods require root rights or computer, but we'll start with the simplest solutions that will work on 90% of devices Huawei/Honor (including models P40, Mate 50, Nova 10 etc.). You will also learn why on new versions EMUI 13/14 The classic method has stopped working and what to do about it.
1. Standard method: via Wi-Fi settings (not available on all EMUI versions)
The most obvious way is to look into the settings of the connected network. Unfortunately, Huawei gradually removes this feature from the interface, but on devices with EMUI 9–12 It may still persist. Here's how to check:
- Open
Settings → Wireless & networks → Wi-Fi. - Tap on the name of your network (under the word "Connected").
- Scroll down and find the item
Show passwordorShare Password. - Confirm the action on request PIN code/fingerprint/pattern key.
If the point Show password no - then it's your version EMUI hides it. In this case, proceed to the next methods.
⚠️ Attention: On Huawei P30 Pro, Mate 20 and newer with EMUI 13+ This method is most often blocked. The manufacturer removed the option due to security policies.
2. Via QR code connection (alternative for EMUI 13/14)
If there is no direct display of the password, you can bypass the restriction using QR codeThis method works on all modern devices. Huawei and allows you to "extract" the password indirectly:
- Go to
Settings → Wi-Fiand tap on your network. - Select
Share Network → QR Code. - Scan the code with another phone (or take a photo of it).
- A password field will appear in the connection line on the second device; you can copy it.
If you don’t have a second phone, use online services to decode QR (for example, ZXing Decoder). Upload the code image - the results will look like this:
WIFI:S:MyWiFi;T:WPA;P:your_password;;
Where P: - this is the password we are looking for.
3. Using a file manager (without root, but with limitations)
On phones Huawei Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a system file wpa_supplicant.confAccess to it is blocked, but on some firmware it can be read through the standard file manager (For example, Files by Google):
- Install a file manager with support root folders (For example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/Or (on older versions of Android):
/data/misc/wifi/ - Find the file
wpa_supplicant.confand open it with a text editor. - Look for blocks like:
network={ssid="network_name"
psk="encrypted_password"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}
The problem is that the password here may be encrypted. If instead of readable text you see a set of characters like 1a3b7c9d0f, then the file is protected. In this case, only root access or method with ADB (see next section).
⚠️ Attention: On EMUI 13/14 The path to the file may differ, and access to the folder /data/ Completely blocked without root. Do not attempt to modify files manually, as this may disrupt Wi-Fi.
4. ADB Command: For Advanced Users
If the previous methods did not work, and root rights If you don't have one, the method using it remains Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This is the official tool from Google, which allows you to execute commands on your phone via your computer. Instructions:
Enable "Developer mode" (7 taps on the build number in "About phone")|
Enable USB debugging in developer options|
Download ADB Tools on PC|
Connect your phone to your computer via USB (select "File Transfer" mode) -->
- Open Command Prompt (
cmdon Windows orTerminalon macOS/Linux) in the folder withadb. - Enter the command to check the connection:
adb devicesThe name of your device should appear.
- Run the command to extract passwords:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.confOr (for older versions):
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf - The file will be copied to your computer - open it and find the line
psk="...".
If the command returns an error Permission denied, then access is blocked. In this case, only unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights, which will void the warranty and may result in data loss.
What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?
Make sure you have the drivers installed for Huawei (download from official website).
Try another USB cable (original).
Restart your phone and computer.
Enable the "Allow USB debugging (safe mode)" option in developer options.
5. Resetting the router: a radical solution
If none of these methods work and you have physical access to the router, you can reset it to factory settings. To do this:
- Find the button on the back of the router. Reset (usually recessed into the body).
- Press and hold it 10-15 seconds (until the indicators flash).
- After rebooting, connect to the network with the router name (for example,
TP-Link_1234) - the password will be standard (indicated on the sticker).
Disadvantage of this method: all router settings (including IP bindings, ports, parental controls) will reset. If you don't administer the network yourself (for example, in an office or dorm), this method should be used. it is forbidden.
⚠️ Attention: On some router models (for example, from Rostelecom or Beeline) resetting may block access to the Internet until re-authorization through the provider's personal account.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To avoid wasting time, use the table below. We've rated each method based on three criteria: simplicity, reliability, and risk.
| Method | Complexity | Does it work on EMUI 13/14? | Root/PC required? | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi settings | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No | ❌ No | No |
| QR code | ⭐⭐ (easy) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | No |
| File manager | ⭐⭐⭐ (average) | ⚠️ Partially | ❌ No | It might not work |
| ADB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ⚠️ Depends on the firmware | ✅ Yes (PC) | Errors due to invalid commands |
| Resetting the router | ⭐⭐ (easy) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Loss of network settings |
For most users, the best option is QR code or resetting the router (if it's yours). Method with ADB It's suitable for those who are willing to understand technical nuances, and the file manager is worth trying only on older devices.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to find a password, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and their solutions:
- 🔹 There is no "Show password" option in the settings. → This is normal for new versions EMUIUse the QR code or
ADB. - 🔹 ADB returns a "no permissions" error. → Make sure USB debugging is enabled and the drivers are installed. On some firmware versions Huawei additional permission is required in the menu
Settings → Security → Other security settings → USB debugging. - 🔹 File
wpa_supplicant.confempty or encrypted → So your Android version is blocking access. Try it.ADBor reset the router. - 🔹 The QR code is not scanned. → Check your screen brightness or use a different device for scanning. Sometimes restarting your phone helps.
If you are using someone else's phone (for example, friends asked you to help them), keep in mind that extracting the password without the owner's consent may violate data privacy law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Always check whether the device owner permits such manipulations.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on a Huawei device without rooting?
Yes, but the choice of methods is limited. EMUI 13/14 The only methods that work are the QR code method or resetting the router. On older versions (EMUI 9–12), checking the Wi-Fi settings or file manager sometimes helps.
Why did the password stop showing after updating EMUI?
Huawei tightens its security policy with each new firmware version. Starting with EMUI 13The direct password viewing option has been removed from the interface. This is to protect against unauthorized access to networks.
Will ADB work on Honor (former Huawei)?
Yes, but with some reservations. Devices Honor after separation from Huawei (2020) use their shell Magic UI, where the file paths may differ. For example, for Honor 50/60/70 team ADB may claim other rights.
Is it possible to recover the password if the phone is broken?
If the screen does not work but the phone turns on, connect it to the PC and use ADBIf the device doesn't respond at all, your only options are to reset the router (if you own one) or contact your provider for a duplicate password.
Is it legal to use these methods?
Yes, if you own the phone and the network. Extracting a password from someone else's device without consent is considered illegal access to computer information (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). It is also prohibited to distribute passwords for public networks (cafes, hotels, etc.) without the administration's permission.