A situation when you need to connect a new device or laptop to a wireless network, but the password for it Wi-Fi Completely forgotten, it's familiar to many users. This is especially true for smartphone owners. HTC, which have been online for a long time and are successfully connected to the router. Built-in operating system mechanisms Android On devices of this brand, saved security keys are often hidden in system files, access to which is restricted.
Fortunately, modern mobile OS versions offer several legal ways to bypass this restriction without losing data. You don't have to be an expert in the field. IT securityTo restore access to lost data, simply follow the instructions below carefully, taking into account the software version installed on your device.
In this article, we'll cover all the current methods: from simply viewing a QR code to using special commands via a computer. We'll also discuss the nuances of working with superuser rights and we'll explain why default settings may hide this information in older versions. Android.
View your password through Android's system settings
Since version Android 10, Google has introduced a native feature for viewing saved networks. On smartphones HTCFor devices that have updated to this OS version or later, the process is extremely simplified. You won't need third-party apps or complex coding.
First, you need to go to your device's settings menu. Find the section responsible for wireless connections. Depending on your OS version, HTC Sense or stock AndroidThis option may have different names, but the logic remains the same. Open the list of available and saved networks.
Select the network for which you need the access key. If the system requires identification, enter your screen unlock PIN or use biometric data. An information window will appear on the screen, often displaying a QR code for quick connection for guests.
⚠️ Attention: On some modifications Android from HTC The password text may be hidden by asterisks even if there is a QR code. In this case, use the method of scanning the code with another device or take a screenshot and recognize the text via Google Lens.
If the password field doesn't appear immediately, try clicking the eye icon or the "Show" button. In some cases, the security system requires re-authorization. This is a standard protection against unauthorized viewing of confidential information.
Using a QR code to restore access
The QR code method is one of the most reliable and fastest ways to transmit network data. Smartphones HTC generate a special graphic key containing SSID The network and the password itself are encrypted. Any smartphone camera can be used to read it.
After generating the code on the screen HTC, open the camera on the second device. Point the lens at the image. The system will automatically detect the Wi-Fi format and offer to connect. However, to do this, to know password, and not just connect, you will need to take an extra step.
Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code or save it as an image. Then open the app. Google or Google Photos and use the image analysis feature. AI recognizes the text within the code and can display it in a readable format, including the string containing the security key.
An alternative is to use third-party QR code scanners that display raw data before connecting. The resulting string will display the following format: WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;Part after P: and there is your desired password.
Checking through the router menu
If the phone HTC If you're already connected to the network, you're automatically connected to the local network. This gives you the unique opportunity to access the router's control panel. The Wi-Fi password is often found on a sticker on the device or in the wireless settings.
To access the router interface, you need to know its IP address. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter this address into the address bar of your phone's browser. If you haven't changed your login information, try the default username and password (often this is admin/admin).
Once in the menu, look for the section Wireless or Wi-Fi SettingsThere in the field Wireless Password, WPA Key or Passphrase The current key will be displayed. You'll be able to not only view it but also change it to a more complex one if you suspect it's been hacked.
| Router brand | Entrance address | Default login | Default password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | (empty) |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | admin | 1234 |
| Tenda | tendawifi.com | admin | admin |
⚠️ Note: Addresses and passwords can be changed by the network administrator. If the default information doesn't work, check the information on the sticker inside the router or contact your ISP.
This method is universal and does not depend on the version. Android on yours HTCThe main thing is to have a working connection to the local network. If the router is distributing internet, then access to its settings is open.
Using ADB to view system files
For advanced users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method through Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method allows you to access system configuration files without having to obtain root rights, if USB debugging is enabled on the device.
First you need to activate developer mode on HTCGo to . Settings → About phone Tap the build number seven times quickly. The "Developer options" menu will appear, where you need to enable "USB debugging."
Connect your phone to your computer via cable. Drivers must be installed on your PC. HTC and the ADB utility. Open a command prompt and enter the following command to check the connection:
adb devicesA debugging permission prompt will appear on your phone's screen—confirm it. Next, run the command to display the contents of the file where the passwords are stored. The path may vary depending on the OS version, but is commonly used:
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlWhat to do if the command returns an empty result?
If the file is empty or access is denied, your Android version has a high security level. In this case, the only solution is root access or a network reset with the password saved.
In the XML file that opens, look for the tag PreSharedKeyThe password will be displayed in clear text next to it. This method works on most devices where access to reading system configuration files via debugging isn't blocked.
Obtaining Root Rights and Using Explorer
If none of the above methods worked, there remains a radical but effective way - getting a license SuperUser (Root)This gives you full control over the file system. HTCHowever, this action voids the warranty and may be dangerous for inexperienced users.
After successful rooting (for example, through Magisk or SuperSU) you will need a file manager with root access support, for example, Root Explorer or ES File Explorer. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/.
Here is the file you are interested in wpa_supplicant.conf or WifiConfigStore.xmlOpen it as a text document. You'll see a list of all the networks you've ever saved and their passwords in the field. psk.
- 📂 Make sure the file manager has read permissions on system partitions.
- 🔒 Make a backup copy of the file before any editing.
- ⚡ Do not delete lines unless you are sure of their purpose.
- 🛡️ After receiving the password, it is recommended to hide root access back.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect modification of system files can cause your phone to bootloop. Be extremely careful when working with files in this directory.
/data/.
This method guarantees 100% success, as the passwords are physically stored in this file. However, the rooting procedure varies depending on the model. HTC can vary greatly.
Resetting network settings as a last resort
In some cases, especially on older models HTC with outdated Android, it's easier to reset the network settings. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and cellular settings, but will return the modules to their factory settings.
After resetting, your phone will "forget" your password, but you'll be able to re-enter it if you remember it or find it on the router. This method can sometimes fix connection errors when the phone sees the network but can't log in.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settingsConfirm the action and reboot the device.
☑️ Checklist before resetting the network
Use this method only if other options are unavailable. It doesn't automatically recover a forgotten password, but it does clear the error cache, which can be useful for further diagnostics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on an HTC device without rooting on Android 9?
On Android 9 and below, viewing the saved password in plain text using standard system tools is impossible without root access. The system encrypts this file. The only option is to try accessing the router settings through a browser if the phone is already connected to the network.
Are Wi-Fi hacking apps safe to use?
Most apps on the Play Market called "Wi-Fi Password Hacker" are fake or only show saved passwords (if you have root access). Legitimate brute-force password cracking tools often contain viruses and steal personal data. It's best to use legitimate recovery methods.
Where can I find the wpa_supplicant.conf file on my HTC?
The file is located at the path /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confAccess to this directory is restricted for regular applications. To view it, you need a file manager with root privileges or ADB with appropriate access rights.
What should I do if the QR code is not displayed?
If there's no "Share" button or QR code in the Wi-Fi settings, it means your version of HTC Sense or Android doesn't support this feature visually. In this case, try using ADB or logging into the router's admin panel.