How to View Wi-Fi Password on an Android Smartphone: All Working Methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new gadget, but can't remember the password? Android-You can retrieve a saved password from a network you've already connected to on your smartphone—and you don't always need it root rightsIn this article, we'll cover all the current methods: from standard system tools to advanced techniques for experienced users.

It is important to understand that View Wi-Fi password This is only possible for networks to which the device has previously connected. If the network is new or the phone has never connected to it, you will have to find the password on the router or from your provider. Also keep in mind that some manufacturers (e.g., Xiaomi or Huawei) may block access to passwords through standard settings - in such cases, alternative methods will help.

Before you begin, please check:

• 📶 The device is connected to the target Wi-Fi network (or has been connected previously).
• 🔒 The phone does not have corporate security policies (for example, on work smartphones).
• 📱 Version Android not less than 10 (on older versions some methods do not work).

1. Standard method: view the password in Android settings

Starting from Android 10Google has added a built-in feature for viewing saved Wi-Fi passwords. This method works on most smartphones without the need for additional apps or root access. Here's how to use it:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung).
2. Select Wi-Fi, then click on the name of the current network (or a network from the list of saved ones).
3. Tap the button Share (or Share (on English firmware).
4. The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, fingerprint or pattern.
5. After authentication, you will see QR code and a text password underneath it.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (eg. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 or Realme 9 Pro) button Share may be missing. This is due to the manufacturer's customization of the shell. In this case, proceed to the next method.

Check your Android version (must be 10+)

Make sure your phone is connected to the correct network.

Know your PIN or unlock pattern

Disable your VPN (it may block access to settings)

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If you have Android 9 or an older version, this method won't work. It may also not be available on smartphones with corporate profiles (for example, work phones with MDM). In such cases, try the methods in the following sections.

2. Viewing the password via the configuration file (root required)

On Android All saved networks and their passwords are stored in a file wpa_supplicant.confAccess to it is possible only with the presence of root rightsIf your smartphone isn't rooted, skip this section—it's not for you.

Instructions for rooted devices:

1. Install any file manager with root support (For example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

   On some firmware versions the path may differ:

   /data/misc/wifi/

3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with a text editor.
4. Look for blocks like:

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

   Here psk - this is the password.

⚠️ Attention: Editing files in a folder /data/ may cause Wi-Fi problems. Do not modify the file contents; view only! Also, please note that after updating Android The file path may change.

If the file is missing or empty, try an alternative path: /data/vendor/wifi/WifiConfigStore/On some devices (eg. Samsung Galaxy With One UI) the configuration is stored in encrypted form and cannot be read without additional tools.

3. Using ADB (without root, but from a PC)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) — is a debugging tool that allows you to control your smartphone via a computer. It can be used to extract the Wi-Fi password even if you don't have root access. This method works on most devices with Android 8+, but requires preliminary configuration.

Steps to extract password via ADB:

1. Download Platform Tools from the official website Android and unzip the archive.
2. Turn it on on your phone Developer mode (Tap the build number 7 times in Settings → About phone).
3. Activate USB debugging in the developer menu.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
5. Open Command Prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) in the folder with platform-tools and run:

   adb shell
   su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftAp_WifiConfigStore.xml"

   Or for older versions:

   adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftAp_WifiConfigStore.xml

6. In the resulting file, find the line <string name="WifiApPassword">password</string>.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ Access to configuration files via ADB may be restricted. If the command returns an error Permission denied, try an alternative method with the app WiFi Password Viewer (section 4).

For convenience, you can use a script:

adb shell
su -c "grep psk /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf"

It will immediately display all saved passwords.

4. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

If standard methods don't work, third-party utilities can help. We've selected proven apps that don't require root access (or offer advanced features with root access):

⚠️ Attention: Non-rooted apps may not show passwords on some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS). Before installing, check reviews—some utilities contain ads or require a paid subscription for full functionality.

On Android 12+ Many apps have lost access to passwords due to stricter security policies. If the utility doesn't work, try the ADB method or access your router settings.

5. Alternative methods: router and provider

If none of the methods work, you can find the password directly from the source:

• 📡 Sticker on the router: Usually the password is indicated on the bottom panel of the device in the field Wi-Fi Password or Network Key.
• 🌐 Router web interface: Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi, open in the browser 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, log in (default logins: admin/admin or admin/password) and find the section Wireless → Security.
• 📞 Provider technical support: Call your internet provider's support service (the number is specified in your contract) and request that they resend your connection data.

⚠️ Attention: If you reset your router to factory settings, your old Wi-Fi password will no longer work. In this case, you'll have to reconfigure the network through the web interface or call your provider.

How to reset a router to factory settings?

Press and hold the button Reset (usually located on the back panel) for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing. After the reset, the network name and password will return to the default values ​​(indicated on the router's sticker).

On some routers (for example, TP-Link Archer C6 or Keenetic) The password can be changed through the manufacturer's mobile app. Download the official software (for example, TP-Link Tether or Keenetic) and check your Wi-Fi settings.

6. Security: What to do if your password is stolen

If you suspect someone has accessed your Wi-Fi password without permission, take action immediately:

• 🔒 Change your password: Go to your router settings (192.168.1.1) and install a new security key (we recommend using WPA3-PSK and a password of at least 12 characters).
• 📵 Disable unknown devices: In the router's web interface, check the list of connected gadgets (section DHCP Clients or Connected Devices).
• 🛡️ Enable MAC filtering: Allow connections only for trusted devices (their MAC addresses can be found in the phone settings section About phone → Status).

⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone is stolen or lost and has a saved Wi-Fi password, change it immediately through your router. Attackers could use your network for illegal activities, which could lead to problems with your provider or law enforcement.

For additional protection:

• 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly (section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade).
• 🚫 Turn it off WPS (vulnerable fast connection protocol).
• 🌍 Change the default network name (SSID) to a unique one that does not contain personal data.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords on Android

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that the phone has never connected to?

No. Android Stores only passwords for networks the device has previously connected to. For new networks, you'll need to obtain the password from your router, your ISP, or the network owner.

Why is there no "Share" button in the settings to view the password?

It depends on the manufacturer and version. AndroidOn some devices (eg. Xiaomi or Oppo) the function is hidden or disabled. Try using ADB or third-party apps.

Will the ADB method work on Android 13?

On Android 13+ Access to configuration files via ADB is restricted. If the command returns an error, try getting root rights or use apps like WiFi Password Viewer (but their effectiveness has also decreased).

Is it possible to recover a Wi-Fi password after resetting a phone?

No. A factory reset deletes all saved networks and passwords. You'll have to find the password on your router or from your ISP.

Is it legal to use Wi-Fi hacking apps?

No! Hacking into other people's networks (including password guessing) is punishable by law (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code - "Unauthorized access to computer information"). This article only covers legitimate extracting passwords from own networks.