Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and it's not written on your router? Or need to connect a new gadget, but can't be bothered to look for the piece of paper with the code? There are several ways to retrieve saved wireless network passwords on Android devices, both with standard tools and third-party ones. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods, including device-specific solutions. Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands.
It is important to understand that the system capabilities depend on the version Android and manufacturer policies. For example, on "pure" Android 10+, passwords are hidden by default, while on MIUI or One UI There may be some nuances. We will consider options both without root rights, and with them - choose the one that suits your situation.
1. The standard method through Android settings (without root)
On some devices, you can view the password for the current network directly in the Wi-Fi menu. This method works on Samsung (One UI), Xiaomi (MIUI 12+), Huawei (EMUI) and some other firmware. Here's how to do it:
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Find your network in the list and tap on its name.
- Scroll down to the item
PasswordorShow password. - Verify your identity (PIN, fingerprint or pattern).
If this option isn't present, the manufacturer has blocked this feature. In this case, proceed to the next methods.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 9 and below This method may not work due to security restrictions. Also, some operators (for example, Beeline or MTS) block viewing of passwords on proprietary firmware.
2. Using a Wi-Fi configuration file (requires a file manager)
All saved networks and their passwords are stored in a system file. wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be accessed through a file manager with permissions root or on some devices without them. Instructions:
- 📁 Install a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- 🔍 Follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/. - 📄 Find the file
wpa_supplicant.confand open it with a text editor. - 🔑 Inside there will be lines like this:
network={ ssid="Network_name" psk="password" }.
If the folder /data/ unavailable means needed root rightsOn . Android 11+ This file may be encrypted, so this method does not always work.
What to do if the file is empty?
On some devices (eg. Pixel or OnePlus (With the latest updates), passwords are stored encrypted. In this case, only root or ADB commands will help.
3. Viewing password via ADB (without root, for advanced users)
If you have it enabled USB debugging, you can extract the password via the command line ADBThis method works on most devices, but requires some preparation:
- Activate
Developer mode(tap 7 timesBuild numberin the phone settings). - Turn on
USB debuggingin the developer menu. - Connect your phone to your PC and run the command:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.confThe file will be copied to your computer - open it with any text editor. Look for the line psk="..." after the name of your network (ssid="...").
⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ This path may vary. If the command doesn't work, try this alternative:adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf"(requires root).
4. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords
IN Google Play There are utilities that make it easier to access saved passwords. We tested several and selected the most reliable:
| Application | Root | Android 10+ | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 4.3 |
| WiFi Key Recovery | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 4.1 |
| WiFi Password Show | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partially | 3.9 |
| Root Browser | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 4.5 |
The most universal solution is WiFi Password ViewerIt shows passwords even without root, but on newer versions of Android it may require additional permissions. root rights will do Root Browser.
5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
If standard methods don't work, try these options:
- 🔄 Resetting the router: Click the button
Reseton the back of the router (hold for 10 seconds). The password will be reset to the factory default (indicated on the sticker). - 📱 Another gadget: View the password on another device that is already connected to this network (laptop, tablet).
- 📧 Contact your provider: Some operators (eg. Rostelecom or Dom.ru) can send the password upon request.
- 🛠️ Change your password: Go to your router's control panel (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1) and install a new one.
On some routers (for example, TP-Link Archer C6 or Keenetic) You can see the Wi-Fi password in the web interface without resetting it - just go to the section Wireless network.
Make sure you know the login/password to enter the control panel|
Write down your PPPoE settings (if you are connecting via it)|
Check if there is a MAC address binding|
Take a picture of your current DHCP and DNS settings|
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6. Security measures: how to protect your Wi-Fi
If you've managed to extract the password, it's time to consider network security. Here's what you can do:
- 🔒 Change your password to a more complex one (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
- 🔄 Update your router firmware - outdated versions are vulnerable to hacking.
- 🚫 Disable WPS - This protocol can be easily hacked in a few hours.
- 📡 Hide the SSID (network name) if you don't want strangers to see it.
- 🛡️ Enable MAC filtering (although this is not a panacea).
On modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or Xiaomi AX3600) there is a function guest network - It allows you to provide access to the Internet without disclosing the main password.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords on Android
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without rooting on Android 13?
On stock Android 13+, this is impossible without root—Google has removed access to system files with passwords. However, on manufacturer-specific firmware (for example, Samsung One UI 5.1 or Xiaomi HyperOS) sometimes it remains possible to view through the network settings.
Why do password viewer apps require root?
Because starting from Android 6.0 file access wpa_supplicant.conf limited. Without root, applications cannot read it. The exception is some firmware with vulnerabilities (for example, older versions ColorOS on Oppo/Realme).
Is it possible to extract the password from a phone if it is locked?
No, if your phone is locked (you've forgotten your PIN or pattern), access to your password files will be blocked. In this case, the only solution is a factory reset (which will erase all data) or specialized unlocking services (e.g. Dr.Fone).
How to find out the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone?
On iPhone it's easier: go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on your network and select Copy password (iOS 16+ required). On older versions, you can view the password via Keychain Access on a Mac if the phone is synced.
Is it legal to use other people's Wi-Fi networks?
Connecting to someone else's network without the owner's permission is considered unauthorized access (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Even if the network is not password-protected, its use may be considered a violation. The exception is public access points (cafes, airports), where access is permitted.