How to find a WiFi network password on Android

It's common to need to connect a new device to an existing wireless network but lose or forget the password. Fortunately, modern mobile operating systems store data about previously used connections in secure databases. If your smartphone is already connected to the router or has connected before, you can retrieve this data using several methods, depending on the operating system version and access rights.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the built-in tools available in Android, starting with version 10, that allow you to view passwords as QR codes or text strings. We'll also cover methods for older versions that require root access, as well as using the command line via ADB for advanced users. Data security — Google's priority, so access methods change with each update.

Before you start manipulating, it is worth understanding that access to system files where they are stored Wi-Fi credentials, is closed by default. This is done to protect the user from malware. However, legitimate ways to restore access exist and do not require installing questionable applications from untrusted sources. Let's look at them in turn.

⚠️ Note: The settings menu interface may vary slightly depending on your smartphone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel) and the OS version. If you don't see the item described, look for a similar one in the wireless networks section.

The standard method for Android 10 and later

Starting from Android 10Google has implemented a native feature for sharing network access via QR code. This feature also allows you to view your password in plain text, which is the easiest and most secure method. You don't need root access or any additional software.

To get started, open your device's settings and go to the section Network and Internet or Connections. Find the item Wi-Fi and click on it. A list of available networks will open, with the currently active network marked as "Connected." Click on your network's name or the gear icon next to it to open detailed settings.

In the menu that opens, find the button Share or a QR code icon. The system may request identity verification via a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint. After successful authorization, a QR code will appear on the screen for connecting other devices.

• 📱 On many smartphones, a text password is immediately displayed under the QR code.
• 🔍 If there is no text, take a screenshot of the screen with the code.
• 📷 Open the screenshot using Google Lens or any QR reader.
• 📝 The scan results will contain a line like this WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;, where P is your password.

This method works on the vast majority of devices released after 2019. It doesn't compromise the system's integrity and doesn't require deep intervention into the file structure. If you're looking for... How do I find out the WiFi password on an Android device I'm connected to? Right now, this is the first and most recommended option.

Using router settings via a browser

If the default method doesn't work for some reason, or you have an older OS version, you can try accessing the router's settings. Since your phone is already connected to the network, it has direct access to the gateway, which allows you to access the router's control panel.

First, you need to find out the gateway's IP address. Go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings, tap on your active network, and find the field Gateway or Router. Most often, this is an address of the type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Copy this address or remember it.

Open any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Opera) and enter the gateway address in the address bar. A login window will appear. Here's the catch: you'll need the router's administrator login and password. If you haven't changed them, they're located on a sticker on the bottom of the device (usually admin/admin). If you've changed them and forgotten them, this method won't work without resetting the router.

After entering the interface, find the section Wireless, Wireless mode or Wi-Fi Settings. In subsections Wireless Security or Network protection there will be a field PSK Password or Wireless network passwordThe password is often hidden behind asterisks, but there may be a "Show" button (eye) nearby.

Using the web interface gives you full control not only over the password but also over other network settings, such as MAC address filtering and guest networks. This is a universal method that works regardless of the Android version.

Root Method and File Managers

For devices running Android versions below 10 or for those who prefer deep system access, there is a method for viewing system configuration files. This method requires root rights (superuser rights). Without them, the system will not allow you to open the file where the passwords are stored.

If your smartphone is rooted, you will need an advanced file manager, for example, Root Explorer, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer With the ROOT plugin. After installing the app, you need to enable root file system access in its settings.

Navigating to the configuration file looks like this:

1. Go to the root directory /.
2. Open the folder data.
3. Then the folder misc.
4. Next wifi.
5. Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml (on new Androids) or wpa_supplicant.conf (on older versions up to Android 6-7).

Open the found file with a text editor. Inside, you'll see XML markup or text blocks. Look for the tag <SSID> with the name of your network. Next to it, in the tag <PreSharedKey> or attribute psk, the password will be stored in clear text.

⚠️ Warning: Do not edit or delete lines in system configuration files unless you know exactly what they do. An error may prevent your phone from detecting all Wi-Fi networks until you reboot or reset it.

What to do if the file is missing?

The file may have a different name or be encrypted on some firmware versions (for example, Samsung Knox). In this case, try finding the file with the .bak extension or using the terminal.

Using ADB and Command Prompt

For users who do not want to obtain root rights, but have access to the computer, there is a debugging method through Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method allows you to extract the configuration file to your computer and read it there. It works on Android 9 and below; on Android 10+, access to the file via ADB without root is also blocked.

First, you need to enable developer mode on your phone. Go to Settings → About phone and press 7 times quickly Build number. Then in the menu that appears For developers turn on USB debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC using a cable. On a computer with ADB drivers installed, open a command prompt. Enter the following command to test the connection:

adb devices

A debugging permission prompt will appear on your phone's screen. Confirm it. Next, use the following command to copy the configuration file:

adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf c:/wifi_pass.txt

The file will be saved on the C drive in txt format. Open it with Notepad and find the name of your network. The password will be in the line psk="your_password"This is a technically complex, but very effective method for older devices.

• 💻 A computer with Windows, macOS, or Linux is required.
• 🔌 A working USB cable is required.
• ⚙️ You need to install SDK Platform Tools.
• 📱 Works only on Android 9 and below without root.

If the team adb pull It returns a "permission denied" error, which means that without root access in this version of the system, access to the file is completely blocked. In this case, the only options are the QR code method or logging into the router.

Password recovery apps

The Google Play Store offers numerous apps that promise to reveal saved passwords. However, there's a significant security caveat. Apps that don't require root access are technically unable to read the system password file on modern Android versions due to sandbox restrictions.

What do they do? Such programs often act as password generators for shared networks or use databases of users who have previously shared their passwords. Examples of such applications include: WiFi Map, InstabridgeThey don't "hack" your current password, but search for it in their cloud database.

There are apps that act as a QR code bridge. They scan the screen or use the system API (if available) to generate a connection code. This is secure, but functionally duplicates the native tools of Android 10+.

Be extremely wary of apps that require strange permissions or promise to "hack" any Wi-Fi connection. These are most often adware or malware. The only truly valuable utilities are those that help structure the data already known to the system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?

No, if the device has never connected to this network, the password is not stored in its memory. However, if you have access to the router settings (via cable or another connected PC), you can view or change the password there.

Are password viewer apps safe to use?

Using apps from the official Google Play Store is generally safe if they have high ratings and numerous reviews. However, avoid apps that require root access without a clear explanation or that are downloaded from third-party sites. They may access your personal data.

What should I do if the QR code doesn't show the password in text?

This is normal behavior for some skins (for example, MIUI or older versions of OneUI). In this case, take a screenshot of the code and use the Google Lens app or any third-party QR code scanner. They will recognize the text within the code, where the password will be listed after the symbol. P:.

Will resetting network settings reset the password?

Yes, resetting your network settings will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and cellular network settings. You'll have to re-enter passwords for all known networks.