How to find the Wi-Fi password on an Android phone

It's common to encounter situations where you need to connect a new device to your home network or share access with guests, but the password has been lost. Android smartphones Often, users face a dilemma: the device is already connected, but the key combination is hidden in the system's depths. Fortunately, modern operating systems allow you to solve this problem using built-in tools, without resorting to complex manipulations.

In earlier versions Android Access to stored keys was strictly limited to superuser rights, which required obtaining root rights. However, with the release Android 10 Google has recently changed its security policy, making the ability to view and share passwords via QR code available to regular users. This simplifies things, but requires an understanding of the interface's nuances.

This guide covers all current methods, from simply scanning a code to using the command line. We'll cover what to do if you have access to an already connected phone, and what to do if you need to extract data from system files. Starting with Android 10, the password can be seen in plain text directly in the Wi-Fi menu.

Using the QR code feature on Android 10 and later

The easiest and most secure way to find out your password is to use the built-in QR code generator. This method doesn't require installing third-party software or gaining advanced permissions. Simply go to your device's wireless network settings. smartphone.

Tap the name of the network you're currently connected to or select the "Share" button (the icon with a QR code). The system will ask you to verify your identity using a PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID. Once successfully authenticated, a QR code will appear on the screen, and in most cases, the password itself will be written in plain text underneath it.

• 📱 Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 🔓 Click the gear icon next to the active network or the "Share" button.
• 👁️ Look under the QR code: the password is often written there in small print.

If the text under the code is hidden by dots or missing, don't despair. You can take a screenshot and open it in Google Lens or any QR code reader app. The camera will recognize the encrypted information and display the password in text format. This even works on devices Xiaomi, Samsung And Huawei, where the interface may differ slightly.

View saved passwords via Google Account

The Google ecosystem offers Wi-Fi password syncing across devices. If you've ever signed in to your account on this phone and enabled syncing, the password may have been saved in the cloud. This is especially useful if you want to find the passkey on a tablet or other device using your phone as a source.

To check, go to your Google account settings. The security or autofill section contains a list of saved data. Websites and apps are displayed here, but in newer versions Android Wireless network keys are also stored there. You will need to undergo biometric verification again.

⚠️ Note: The Wi-Fi password sync feature does not work on all devices and depends on the manufacturer. On some custom skins (for example, older versions) MIUI) this item may be absent or hidden.

The path to the data can vary, but it usually looks like this: Settings → Google → Autofill → Autofill from Google → PasswordsIn the list, look for an address similar to Wi-Fi or the name of your network. Click on it and confirm your identity, and you'll see your username and password.

Extracting the Root Password (wpa_supplicant.conf file)

For devices running Android 9 and below, as well as for cases where standard methods do not work, access to system files is required. This is only possible with root rights (superuser rights). Without them, the system blocks reading of configuration files for security reasons.

You will need a file manager with root support, such as Root Explorer or RE ManagerAfter granting access rights, you need to navigate to the system's root directory. The file you're looking for contains all passwords ever entered in clear text.

• 📂 Follow the path: /data/misc/wifi/.
• 📄 Find the file named wpa_supplicant.conf (or wpa_supplicant.conf.bak).
• 📝 Open the file with a text editor and find the line psk - this is your password.

Inside the file you will see blocks of code where ssid — this is the name of the network, and psk — password. If the password was entered as HEX keys, it may appear as a string of characters, but is most often displayed as readable text. Be careful when editing this file: accidentally deleting lines can reset all network settings.

What to do if the wpa_supplicant.conf file is empty?

If the file contains no data or is zero in size, this means either root access was not obtained correctly or the device has protection blocking access to this section. Try rebooting the router and reconnecting to ensure the system creates a new entry.

Using ADB on Unrooted Devices

There's a method for extracting the password without root privileges, but it requires a computer with USB debugging enabled. This method is suitable for advanced users familiar with the command line. It relies on creating a backup of the Wi-Fi configuration.

First, you need to connect your phone to the PC and launch the ADB console. This command creates a backup of your system settings, which can then be analyzed. However, starting with Android 10Google has disabled the ability to back up app data and settings via ADB without additional tricks, so this method may not work on newer firmware versions.

adb backup -f wifi_backup.ab -noapk com.android.providers.settings

After executing the command, a prompt to create a backup will appear on your phone's screen. Enter a password (any password) if required. The resulting file wifi_backup.ab you will need to unpack it using a utility abe (Android Backup Extractor) to access the internal settings files where the information you are looking for is stored.

Third-party apps for access recovery

In the store Google Play You can find many apps that promise to reveal passwords. However, most of them are either useless without root access or are just advertising scams. Really working utilities, such as WiFi Password Viewer, require deep access to the system.

If your phone is rooted, these apps can instantly read the file. wpa_supplicant.conf and display a list of all networks in a convenient format. This is faster than manually searching for the file in File Explorer. However, if you don't have root access, the app will only show the current IP address or MAC address, not the password.

⚠️ Warning: Installing Wi-Fi hacking apps from untrusted sources can lead to malware infection. Use only trusted, highly rated, and open-source tools.

Some manufacturers (Xiaomi, OnePlus) integrate their own Wi-Fi managers, which can duplicate the system's functions. Check the default "Security" or "Tools" apps on your device—they may have a built-in function for viewing or sharing access keys.

Resetting your router as a last resort

If none of the software methods work and access to the router is urgently needed, a physical reset is the only option. This is a drastic step that will return the device to factory settings. The Wi-Fi password will be reset to the default one found on the sticker on the bottom of the device.

Find the button on the back of the router. Reset (often recessed into the case). Press it with a paperclip and hold for 10-15 seconds until the lights blink. After rebooting, the network will be named after the router model, and the password will be listed on the label.

After this, you will need to reconfigure the Internet by logging into the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Your login and password for accessing your settings are also on the sticker, unless you've changed them previously. This is a great opportunity to set a new, strong password and write it down in a safe place.

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 anywhere. Connection requires pre-entering the key or using WPS (if supported by the router).

Are password viewer apps safe to use?

Apps that require root access have complete control over your system. Trusting them with your data is only recommended if the developer has an impeccable reputation. It's best to use Android's built-in tools.

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

Take a screenshot of the code and use Google Lens or a third-party QR scanner. They will recognize the string hidden in the image and display it on the screen.

Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored on Android?

System passwords are stored in a secure file. /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confAccess to this path without superuser (root) rights is denied to regular applications.