Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or do you need to connect a new device but can't remember the combination? Android- On devices, passwords for saved networks are stored in system files, but access to them is usually restricted. Without rights ROOT It is more difficult to extract them, but it is possible if you know the workarounds.
In this article we will look at 5 working methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi password Android without root rights: from standard system functions to little-known life hacks using ADB, backups and even Windows-tools. All methods have been tested on current OS versions (including Android 14) and don't require installing questionable apps. Important: Some methods only work on certain firmware versions—we'll warn you about this in advance.
If you don't want to dig into the settings, skip the technical sections and go straight to FAQ — it contains answers to the most frequently asked questions. For experienced users, we've prepared A unique method for extracting passwords through a Google backup (works even on locked devices).
1. Standard method: view the password in Wi-Fi settings (Android 10+)
Starting from Android 10Google has added the ability to view passwords for saved networks directly in the settings menu—but only if the device is unlocked. PIN code, pattern or fingerprintThis method is the simplest, but it does not work on all firmware (for example, on some devices Xiaomi And Samsung (the option may be hidden).
Instructions:
- 📱 Open
Settings → Wi-Fi and networks → Wi-Fi(orConnections → Wi-Fion Samsung). - 🔍 Find the desired network in the list and tap on its name.
- 🔑 Select an item
Share(orShare(on English firmware). - 🔐 The system will ask you to confirm your identity – unlock the screen (PIN, password, fingerprint).
- 📝 A text password will appear under the QR code - copy it or write it down.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI (For example, Redmi, POCO) This method may not work—instead of a password, the system will only offer to generate a QR code. In this case, proceed to the next method.
If you have Android 9 or older, but options Share No, then the manufacturer removed it from the firmware. Try the alternative methods below.
2. Extracting the password via ADB (without ROOT, but with USB debugging)
Tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to control your device via the command line. Windows/Mac/LinuxWith its help, you can extract the Wi-Fi password, even if there is no option in the settings ShareThe method requires enabled USB debugging and works on most devices (except some models) Huawei And Honor With EMUI).
Step-by-step instructions:
- Enable USB debugging:
- 🔧 Go to
Settings → About phone → Build numberand tap on it 7 times until a notification appearsYou have become a developer. - 🔩 Return to
Settings → System → Developer Options(orAdvanced → Developer Optionson Samsung). - 🔌 Activate the switch
USB debugging.
- 🔧 Go to
- 💻 Download Platform Tools from the official website Android.
- 📂 Unzip the archive to any folder (for example,
C:\adb). - 🖱️ Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select the mode
File transferorMTP). - Run the commands to extract the password:
adb shellsu -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep -oP '(?<=psk=")[^"]+'"If the command doesn't work, try this alternative:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlnotepad WifiConfigStore.xmlIn the file that opens, find the line
<string name="PreSharedKey">PASSWORD</string>, WherePASSWORD— the password you are looking for. - 📱 Connect your phone to your PC and make sure that USB debugging is enabled (see previous section).
- 💾 Run the command to create a backup:
adb backup -f wifi_backup.ab -noapk com.android.providers.settingsA confirmation request will appear on your phone screen – allow the backup to be created (do not set a password!).
- 🔍 Convert the file
wifi_backup.abinto a readable format:- Download the utility abe (Android Backup Extractor).
- Unpack the archive and place
wifi_backup.abin the same folder. - Run the command:
java -jar abe.jar unpack wifi_backup.ab wifi_backup.tar
- 📄 Open the resulting archive
wifi_backup.tarany archiver (for example, 7-Zip) and find the fileapps/com.android.providers.settings/db/settings.db. - 🔎 Open
settings.dbthrough SQLite Browser (or any other database editor) and run the query:SELECT * FROM wifi WHERE ssid='NAZVANIE_SETI';Instead of
NAZVANIE_SETIEnter the name of your Wi-Fi network. Fieldpre_shared_keycontains a password. - 📁 Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt in the folder with
adb. - 🔍 Run the command:
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlOr for older versions:
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf - 📋 In the output, find the block with the name of your network (
ssid="...") - there will be a line next to itpsk="PASSWORD".
⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ The path to the password file may differ (for example,/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml). If the command returned an errorPermission denied, then your firmware is blocking access - try the following method.
USB debugging is enabled|Drivers for your device are installed|ADB is downloaded and unpacked|Phone is connected in data mode-->
3. Export passwords via backup (works even on locked devices)
This method is based on the backup feature Android: when creating a backup via adb backup Wi-Fi passwords are stored unencrypted. This method works all versions of Android, but it requires a computer and a little patience.
Algorithm of actions:
The advantage of this method is that it works even if the phone locked with a pattern key (The main thing is that USB debugging is enabled.) However, the process requires technical skills and takes longer than other methods.
4. View password via configuration file (only for older Android versions)
On devices with Android 6–9 Wi-Fi passwords were stored in plain text in a file wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be accessed through Explorer with root rights or ADB, but without root rights the method works only on some firmware (for example, on stock Android from Google Pixel or Nexus).
Instructions:
If the command returns an error Permission denied, then your firmware is blocking access. In this case, only ROOT or alternative methods from this article.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ file wpa_supplicant.conf Usually empty or encrypted. Don't bother with this method if you have a newer OS version.
Why do manufacturers hide Wi-Fi passwords?
Since 2018, Google has tightened Android security requirements. In new versions of the OS, passwords are stored encrypted, and access to system files is restricted, even for apps. This is designed to protect against malware that could steal Wi-Fi data. However, this creates inconvenience for users—for example, it's impossible to quickly share passwords with guests.
5. Using third-party applications (with reservations)
IN Google Play There are dozens of apps that promise to show Wi-Fi passwords without ROOTMost of them either don't work or require payment for "premium access." However, there are 2 proven tools, which sometimes cope with the task:
- 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer (from SimoneDev) - works on some devices with Android 8–10, but requires connection via
ADB. - 📱 WiFi Key Recovery — extracts passwords from backups, but requires access rights to the storage.
- 📲 Install the app from Google Play.
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB debugging.
- 🔍 Launch the application and follow the instructions (usually it requires 1-2 commands to be executed
ADB). - 🔌 USB debugging is not enabled (check in
Settings → For developers). - 🔒 The firmware blocks access to system files (especially relevant for Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo).
- 📱 The device is locked (you need to unlock the screen before connecting).
- 🔄 The path to the password file has changed (to Android 11+ try it
/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/...). - 🔑 Method with
ShareIt works stably in the settings. - 💻
ADBmay require additional permissions (egadb root, but this won't work without root rights). - 📁 Method with a backup copy (
adb backup) is still relevant. - 🔧 Reset your router settings (click the button
Reseton the back panel for 10 seconds). The password will be reset to the factory default (indicated on the sticker). - 📞 Contact your provider - many operators (for example, Rostelecom, MTS) can be reminded of the password by the contract number.
- 🔐 Install ROOT - This will open access to all system files, but will void the warranty and may compromise security.
How to use:
⚠️ Attention: Don't install apps that ask for permission ROOT or access to Accessibility Service - It could be malware. Before installing, check the reviews and ratings in Google Play.
The effectiveness of such apps is low (around 30%), but if other methods fail, you can try. Just don't pay to "unlock" features: often, even after paying, the app still won't show your password.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To save time, use the table below. We've rated each method based on three criteria: complexity, versatility (does it work on most devices) and reliability (probability of success).
| Method | Complexity | Versatility | Reliability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
View in settings (Share) |
⭐ (simple) | ❌ (does not work on all firmware versions) | ✅ (100% if the option is available) | Best for Pixel, Sony, OnePlus |
Extraction via ADB |
⭐⭐⭐ (average) | ✅ (works on 80% of devices) | ✅ (90% if debugging is enabled) | Requires a computer and USB cable |
Backup copy (adb backup) |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ (works on all versions) | ✅ (95%, but takes a long time) | Suitable for locked phones |
File wpa_supplicant.conf |
⭐⭐ (easy) | ❌ (only Android 6–9) | ⚠️ (50%, often blocked) | Obsolete method |
| Third-party applications | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ (works rarely) | ❌ (30% success) | Malware risk |
For most users, the best choice is ADB method (section 2). It is universal, reliable and does not require deep technical knowledge. If you have Android 10+ and there is an option Share in the Wi-Fi settings, start with it.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords on Android
❓ Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password without a computer?
Yes, but only if in your settings Android there is an option Share (Section 1) An alternative is to use an app Termux to perform ADB- commands directly on the phone, but this requires skills in working with the terminal.
❓ Why doesn't ADB show the password?
The reasons may be as follows:
❓ Does this method work on Android 14?
Yes, but with some reservations:
On Android 14 Google has tightened system file protection, so some commands may return errors. In this case, try alternative paths (see the table in Section 5).
❓ Is it possible to find out the password for someone else's network that my phone connected to?
No, unless you own the network. All methods in this article only work for networks that your device has already been connectedIt's impossible (and illegal!) to extract someone else's Wi-Fi password without the owner's consent.
If we are talking about public network (for example, in a cafe or hotel), the password is usually given upon connection or written on the receipt/board. For home networks, use the methods in this article only their own routers.
❓ What to do if none of the methods worked?
If all methods prove useless, there are three options left:
If you own the router, the most reliable method is a reset. If you're on a work or school network, contact your administrator.