Needing to connect a new device to a wireless network but forgetting its password is a common occurrence in modern users. Fortunately, the smartphones we use every day often store this information in their memory for automatic future connections. Restoring access It's possible to connect to the network without any complicated steps if you have at least one device that has already successfully logged into this access point.
The procedure for obtaining data depends on the operating system installed on your gadget, as well as the software version. Owners Android And iOS have different tools for working with network configurations, but both camps of users can find a solution. Starting with Android 10 and iOS 16, the process has become much simpler and does not require root or jailbreak.
In this article, we will examine in detail all the current methods that will allow you find out the Wi-Fi password directly from your phone's screen. We'll cover the system's built-in tools, working with QR codes, and more advanced methods for experienced users who want to access system files.
Using the QR code feature on Android
The easiest and fastest way available to most users of modern smartphones based on Android, is the generation of a QR code for connection. This function was introduced into the system several years ago and has become standard for all versions. Android 10 and newer. You don't need to install third-party apps or delve into hidden menus.
To get started, go to your device's settings. Find the section responsible for wireless connections, which may be called Wi-Fi, Network and Internet or ConnectionsClick the name of the network you're currently connected to or the gear icon next to it. A menu with connection details will open.
At the bottom of the screen or under the network name, you will see a button Share or a QR code icon. After clicking, the system will ask you to confirm your identity using a PIN, fingerprint, or face scan. This is a security measure. security, preventing unauthorized access to your data.
- 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings and select your active network.
- 🔓 Complete biometric or digital authentication.
- 👁️ Look at the QR code that appears: often the password is written in text directly underneath it.
- 📸 If there is no text, take a screenshot or use a second phone to scan the code using Google Lens.
If the password isn't written in plain text below the graph, use a second smartphone with a camera and a built-in QR code scanner (or the Google Lens app). Point the camera at the code on the first phone. The system will display the connection details in a notification or pop-up window, including SSID networks and security key in clear text.
View passwords in iOS (iPhone) settings
Ecosystem users Apple For a long time, it was impossible to view saved security keys directly on the device, but with the release iOS 16 And iPadOS 16 This feature is finally here. It's integrated into the system password manager, which syncs via iCloud Keychain.
To take advantage of this feature, make sure your device is updated to the latest version. Go to General Settings and select the item Wi-FiFind the network whose password you want to find out in the list. A blue information icon in the shape of a letter will appear next to the network name. (i) in a circle.
Click on this icon. In the menu that opens, you will see a field Password, which is hidden by stars by default. Tap this field. The system will ask you to confirm ownership of the device via Face ID, Touch ID or enter the unlock code/password. Once verified, the asterisks will disappear, and you'll see a combination of characters.
⚠️ Note: The password viewer feature is only available if the device is unlocked and biometrically verified. If you've forgotten your iPhone's passcode, you won't be able to recover saved passwords using this method without resetting the device.
You can also copy the password by clicking on the corresponding option. Copy, which will appear after expanding the field. This is convenient for quickly transferring data to other devices, such as a TV. Smart TV or a game console where entering text from the remote is difficult.
Using Google Password Manager for Android
For those who use the account Google For data synchronization, there's a centralized password vault. It stores not only website keys but also Wi-Fi network configurations. This is especially useful if you want to find the password on a tablet but don't have anyone to show the QR code to, or if the phone's screen is broken but the touchscreen is partially functional.
Open the app Settings on your smartphone. Find the section Google (usually located at the very bottom of the list or in the "Google services" group). Select the item Autofill, and then go to Google AutocompleteIn the menu that opens, click on Google Passwords or Password manager.
In the list of saved data, find the name of your wireless network. The list is sorted alphabetically or by date last used. Click on the desired entry. The system will ask you to confirm your identity again. After that, you will see your login (if required) and password. An eye icon will appear next to the password field. 👁️, clicking on which will display hidden symbols.
The advantage of this method is that the data is stored in the cloud. If you lose your phone, you can access these passwords from any other device by logging into the website. passwords.google.com from a computer. This ensures backup critical data for internet access.
☑️ Check Google settings
Table: Comparison of recovery methods
To help you choose the right method, we've organized the main methods into a table. This will help you estimate the labor intensity and device requirements for each option.
| Method | OS requirements | Root/Jailbreak required | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code (Android) | Android 10+ | No | Low |
| Wi-Fi Settings (iOS) | iOS 16+ | No | Low |
| Google Manager | Any (with Google services) | No | Average |
| ADB Commands | Any (with debugging) | Desirable | High |
| Router (Web interface) | Any | No | Average |
As the table shows, for most users, the default operating system tools are the optimal solution. Third-party software or complex commands are only required in rare cases where standard functions are unavailable or blocked by the device manufacturer.
Advanced Method: ADB and System File Access
For users who are not afraid of the command line and have a computer at hand, there is a method through Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method allows you to extract the configuration file. wpa_supplicant.conf, which stores all the passwords ever entered. However, on modern devices without Root rights Access to this file may be restricted.
First, you need to enable developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About the phone and click on the item 7 times Build number. Then in the menu that appears For developers turn on USB debuggingConnect your phone to the PC using a cable.
On the computer where it is installed ADB, open the console and enter the command to gain access to the shell:
adb shellNext, try to go to the directory with configs:
cd /data/misc/wifiIf the team ls shows file WifiConfigStore.xml or wpa_supplicant.conf, you're in luck. You can copy it to your computer with the command pull and open it with any text editor. Inside the XML file, look for the tag PreSharedKey — inside it will be your password in clear text.
What should I do if ADB says "Permission denied"?
If the system displays an access denied error when attempting to read a file, it means your device has security restrictions that cannot be bypassed without root access. In this case, this method won't work, and it's better to use a QR code or reset the router.
It's worth noting that on devices with data encryption and strict security policies (such as Samsung Knox or enterprise profiles), this method may be completely blocked even with superuser rights. Always do backup copies before making changes to system files.
Login to the router's web interface
If your phone can't display the password (for example, it's never connected to this network, or it's running an old OS version), there's still a universal solution: accessing the router's settings. To do this, your smartphone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network (even without internet) or connected to the router via LAN cable using an OTG adapter.
Open a browser on your phone and enter the default gateway address. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is often written on a sticker on the bottom of the router. You'll need to enter your administrator login and password. If you haven't changed them, they'll also be on the sticker (often this is admin/admin).
After authorization, find the section Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless network. In subsections Security or Protection there will be a field Wireless Password, WPA Pre-Shared Key or simply PasswordThere you can not only see the current key, but also change it to a more complex one.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces from different manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik) vary significantly. If you can't find the required field, look for sections in the menu that say "WLAN," "Security," or "Security." Changing router settings may temporarily disconnect your connection to all devices.
This method gives you complete control over your network. Not only can you find out the password, but you can also set up a guest network, filter devices by MAC address, and update your router firmware to improve performance. stability connections.
Resetting your router as a last resort
If none of these methods work, the password is lost, and access to the router settings is blocked (the administrator password has been changed and forgotten), the only drastic solution is a factory reset. This will return the router to its out-of-the-box state, restoring the password indicated on the sticker.
On the router body, find a small hole with the inscription Reset or RestoreTake a paperclip or toothpick, press the button inside the hole, and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash simultaneously. After rebooting, the network will work with the factory password.
Please note that after the reset, you will need to reconfigure your ISP connection (PPPoE, L2TP, or static IP) if this information isn't automatically retrieved. Therefore, before resetting, make sure you have a contract with your ISP or technical support contact information.
- 🔌 Find the Reset button on the back of the router.
- ⏱️ Hold it for 10-15 seconds when the power is on.
- 🔄 Wait for the device to completely reboot (1-2 minutes).
- 🔑 Use the password from the factory sticker to connect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if I have never connected to this network?
No, it's impossible to programmatically find out the password for someone else's network if you're not connected to it and don't have physical access to the router without using specialized hacking equipment, which is illegal. Encryption WPA2/WPA3 reliably protects the network from selection.
Is it safe to use Wi-Fi hacking apps from the Play Store?
Most of these apps are either adware or malware. Real security audit tools (like Aircrack-ng) require complex settings and don't work simply by pressing a button. Trust only the OS's built-in tools.
What to do if the QR code does not scan?
Increase the brightness of the phone screen displaying the code. Clean the camera of the second device. Make sure the focus is clear. If that doesn't help, take a screenshot of the code and open it in Google Lens from your gallery.
Where can I find the password if my router is sharing a guest network?
Guest networks often have a separate password. This can only be viewed in the router's web interface under the guest access settings (Guest Network). Using the main network's QR code, you will receive the password for the main network.