How to find out the password for a closed Wi-Fi network using your phone: secure methods

Forgetting your home Wi-Fi password is a familiar situation for almost everyone. It's especially frustrating when you don't have a computer at hand and need network access urgently. Fortunately, modern smartphones Android And iOS allow you to recover the password for a saved network without any complicated manipulations. But it's important to understand the difference between legal restoration your own password and attempts to hack other people's networks - the latter is not only unethical, but also illegal.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methodsHow to find out your Wi-Fi password using your phone if the network was previously connected to the device. You'll also learn which methods are strictly prohibited, how to protect your router from unauthorized access, and what to do if none of the methods work. All instructions are current for the latest versions. Android 14 And iOS 17, but taking into account the peculiarities of firmware from different manufacturers.

Before you move on to practice, remember: All the described methods only work for networks to which your phone has already connected before.If we're talking about someone else's access point, no legal method will work, and attempts to bypass the protection could result in the device being blocked or legal consequences.

1. How to view your Wi-Fi password on Android via Settings

The easiest way is to use built-in tools AndroidSince version Android 10, the system allows you to view passwords for saved networks, but the path to this function may differ depending on the shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS etc.). Let's consider a universal method:

Open Settings → Wi-Fi and networks → Wi-FiFind your network in the list and tap its name. In the window that opens, select Share (or Share). The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, imprint or graphic keyAfter authorization you will see QR code and a text password underneath it.

• 📱 For Samsung (One UI): Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Tap the network → Share
• 🤖 For Xiaomi (MIUI): Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap the network → Show password (You may be required to enter your SIM card PIN)
• 📲 For Google Pixel (Stock Android): Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Saved Networks → Tap the network → Share

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (eg. Huawei or Honor) The password display function may be disabled by the manufacturer. In this case, use the alternative methods in the following sections.

2. Using a QR code to transfer a password (Android/iOS)

If direct viewing of the password is blocked, you can bypass the restriction using QR codeThis method works on both platforms and doesn't require root or jailbreaking. Instructions:

1. On Android: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Select network → ShareA QR code will appear.

2. On iPhone: Open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on the icon ℹ next to the network and select Share password (if the device is unlocked).

3. Scan the QR code with another phone or a special application (for example, QR & Barcode Scanner). There will be a line in the code data WPA:..., where the password is indicated after the colon.

This method is convenient if you need to quickly connect another device but don't want to enter the password manually. However, keep in mind that some routers (for example, ASUS with firmware Merlin) may block the generation of QR codes for guest networks.

3. Password recovery via configuration file (only for Android with root)

If your phone has root rights, you can extract the password directly from the system file wpa_supplicant.confThis method is technically more complicated, but it works even on older versions. AndroidImportant: Incorrect actions with root may lead to data loss or device blocking.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (e.g. Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).

2. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/ (or /data/misc/wpa_supplicant/ on some firmware).

3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with a text editor.

4. Inside the file there will be blocks of the following type:

   network={
   ssid="Network_Name"
   psk="wifi_password"
   key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
   }

⚠️ Attention: Modify or delete a file wpa_supplicant.conf This will result in the loss of all saved networks. It is recommended to make a backup before editing. Also, please note that Android 11+ access to this file may be restricted even from root due to policy Scoped Storage.

What to do if the file is missing?

On some firmware (for example, LineageOS) The path may differ. Try searching for the file using the "Search" function in the file manager and searching for "wpa_supplicant." Also check the folders /data/vendor/wifi/ or /persist/wifi/.

4. How to find the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone (without jailbreaking)

Apple strictly controls access to system data, so iPhone Without jailbreaking, it's impossible to directly view the saved password. However, there are two workarounds:

Method 1: Via a MacBook (if it was connected to this network)

If you have Mac, which connected to this Wi-Fi:

1. Open Spotlight (⌘ + Space) and enter Keychain Access.
2. Enter the network name in the search bar.
3. Double-click on the found entry and check the box. Show password and enter your account password Mac.

Method 2: Via iTunes Backup (for advanced users)

If you have a backup iPhone V iTunes, you can extract passwords using the utility iBackupViewer (required) Windows/Mac):

• 💻 Download and install iBackupViewer.
• 📂 Open the backup copy in the program.
• 🔍 Go to the section System Files → Library → Preferences → SystemConfiguration.
• 📄 Find the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist — it will contain SSID and passwords in encrypted form (decoding will be required).

Both methods require additional equipment and are not universal. If you do not have Mac or a backup copy, the only legal way is to reset the password on the router (more on that in the next section).

5. Resetting the router password: a universal method

If none of the previous methods worked, the only thing left is Hard reset of the routerThis will reset the device to factory settings, including the default password (usually found on a sticker on the bottom of the router). The downside of this method is that all personal settings (including IP bindings, port forwarding And guest networks) will be lost.

Instructions:

1. Find the button on your router Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press and hold the button 10-15 secondsuntil the indicators start flashing.
3. After rebooting, connect to the network with the router name (for example, TP-Link_1234) and use the default password.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (eg, Keenetic) resetting to factory settings may require additional authorization through Keenetic.IDIf the router is linked to a provider account (like Rostelecom or Beeline), after the reset, you may need to reactivate it through your personal account.

6. Prohibited methods: what not to do

There are often tips on the Internet about hacking other people's Wi-Fi networks using applications like Wifi WPS WPA Tester, Aircrack-ng or Wifi KillUsing such tools:

• 🚫 Violates Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Unauthorized access to computer information").
• 🚫 May result in MAC address blocking your device in the provider's network.
• 🚫 Causes problems with the law, if the network owner files a complaint.

Moreover, modern routers (especially with firmware OpenWRT or DD-WRT) are protected against brute-force attacks and automatically block suspicious connections. Hacking attempts can also be triggered DDoS attack on your device from hackers if you download fake "crack" software.

If you urgently need the Internet, it’s better to use:

• 📶 Mobile Internet (activate the "Access point" option in your phone settings).
• ☕ Public Wi-Fi in a cafe or shopping center (using VPN for security).
• 💳 Paid hot spots (For example, Beeline Wi-Fi or MTS Connect).

7. How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking

If you've successfully restored access to your network, it's time to make sure it can't be hacked. Here's 5 essential steps To protect your router:

1. Change the default password complex (at least 12 characters with numbers, letters, and special characters). Example: k7#pL9!mQ2$vR5.

2. Disable WPS — This protocol is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. In your router settings, find the section WPS and deactivate it.

3. Enable MAC address filtering (although this is not a panacea, since MAC can be counterfeited).

4. Update your router firmware to the latest version (in the menu Administration → Software Update).

5. Hide network name (SSID) - disable broadcasting in the settings Wi-Fi → Basic Settings.

Additionally recommended:

• 🔄 Change your password regularly (once every 3-6 months).
• 🛡️ Use a guest network for friends (with a separate password).
• 📡 Disable remote administration router via the Internet.

⚠️ Attention: If your router is provided by your ISP (for example, Rostelecom or Dom.ru), some settings (such as changing your login/password for the control panel) may be blocked. In this case, please contact support to unblock them.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out a neighbor's Wi-Fi password via their phone?

No, this is not legally possible. All the methods described in this article only work for networks your phone has previously connected to. Attempting to hack other people's networks is illegal and may result in your device being blocked or a fine.

Why is there no "Show Password" option on my Xiaomi?

On some devices Xiaomi (especially with MIUI 12 (and below) the password display function is hidden. Try:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version.
2. Use the QR code method (section 2).
3. Install alternative firmware (for example, Pixel Experience), if you have root.

What should I do if the internet doesn't work after resetting my router?

After resetting your router to factory settings, you'll need to reconfigure your connection to your ISP. You'll need:

• Connection details (login/password from the provider, usually specified in the contract).
• Connection type (PPPoE, L2TP, DHCP — check with support).

If you're unsure, call your internet service provider's support team and ask for help setting it up.

Is it possible to recover the password using apps like WiFi Map?

Applications like WiFi Map, Instabridge or Wiman offer password databases for open networks, but:

• ❌ They don't show passwords from yours closed network.
• ❌ Many passwords in these databases are outdated or fake.
• ⚠️ These apps often collect your data and may be unsafe.

We do not recommend using them to restore access to your network.

How to protect your password from being forgotten in the future?

To avoid losing your password again:

• 📝 Write it down in your notebook (physical or digital, for example, Google Keep with encryption).
• 🔐 Use a password manager (1Password, Bitwarden).
• 📱 Take a photo of the sticker on the router and save the photo in a secure folder.
• 📧 Send the password to yourself by email (labeled "Wi-Fi at home").