How to find your Wi-Fi password on your phone: instructions for Android and iOS

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and there's no sticker with the password 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? A modern smartphone can help you retrieve the saved password for a network you're already connected to—without accessing the router or performing any complicated steps. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for doing so. Android (including Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei) And iPhone, and we will also explain why some methods stopped working after system updates.

Important: Not all phones allow you to view passwords directly - this depends on the operating system version and the manufacturer. For example, on iOS Before version 16, this was impossible without jailbreak, but on Android 10+ Many brands have removed this feature from their interfaces. But there are always workarounds, from built-in tools to third-party apps. Read on to find the right option.

1. Method for Android: via network settings (not available on all models)

The easiest method is to look up the password in the connected networks menu. It's available on a clean device. Android (For example, Pixel, Nokia) and some custom skins, but it's often blocked by manufacturers. Check if your phone supports this feature:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Find your network in the list and tap on its name (SSID).
3. Select an item Share (or Share (on English firmware).
4. The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, fingerprint or graphic key.
5. After authentication, you will see QR code and a text password underneath it.

⚠️ Attention: On phones Samsung (shell One UI), Xiaomi (MIUI), Huawei (EMUI) And Realme This item is often missing. If you don't have the option Share, proceed to the next method.

Check your Android version Settings → About phone

Update your firmware to the latest version

Try an alternative method via the configuration file

Use third-party software (see section 3)

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2. Universal method for Android: via the wpa_supplicant.conf file

All saved Wi-Fi passwords on Android stored in the system file wpa_supplicant.confTo read it you will need root rights or a dedicated app. If you don't have root access, skip this section and proceed to Method 3.

Instructions for users with root:

1. Install any file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/
or (on newer versions of Android):
/data/vendor/wifi/wpa/
3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with a text editor.
4. In the block network={...} find the lines:
   ssid="your_network_name"
   psk="your_password"

⚠️ Attention: Editing system files may disrupt Wi-Fi functionality. Do not modify the contents. wpa_supplicant.conf — just copy the data. Android 11+ The file path may differ due to changes in the data storage system.

What to do if the file is missing?

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) passwords are stored in encrypted form. In this case, only specialized software like WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).

3. Apps to view Wi-Fi passwords (without root)

If the previous methods didn't work, try third-party utilities. They don't require root rights, but their functionality is limited by policies Google PlayHere are some proven options:

• 📱 WiFi Password Viewer — shows saved networks, but on newer Androids it only works with root access.
• 🔍 WiFi Map — does not show your passwords, but can store data about connected networks (if you previously saved them in the app).
• 🛠️ Network Analyzer — analyzes networks, but does not extract passwords (useful for diagnostics).
• 📲 ES File Explorer (old version) - could read wpa_supplicant.conf on Android 8 and below.

⚠️ Attention: Most of the applications in Google PlayApps promising to reveal passwords without rooting are scams. They either demand payment for a non-existent feature or collect data. Use only trusted utilities with a high rating (4.5+).

Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, etc.)

iPhone (iOS)

Other brand (specify in comments)

I don't know the model

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4. How to find the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone (iOS 16 and later)

Before the release iOS 16 Apple didn't allow users to view saved Wi-Fi passwords. Now it's possible through iCloud Keychain (cloud password storage), but with limitations. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the ⓘ icon next to your network name.
3. Click Copy password (will appear after authentication by Face ID/Touch ID).
4. The password will be copied to the clipboard - paste it into any field (for example, into notes).

⚠️ Attention: This method only works if:

• Your iPhone updated to iOS 16 or newer.
• You have sync enabled. iCloud Keychain (Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keychain).
• You have previously connected to this network on this device.

If the buttons Copy password No, check your sync settings or use an alternative method via Mac (see next section).

5. Alternative methods: via a router or other gadget

If none of the methods worked on your phone, you can find out the password using:

• 🖥️ Router web interface - connect to it via cable or through a browser (usually the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, login/password — admin/admin). Look for the network password in the section Wireless or Wi-Fi.
• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS - on Windows open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings, right-click on the network → Wireless Network Properties → SecurityOn . Mac use Keychain Access utility.
• 📄 Sticker on the router - many manufacturers (TP-Link, Asus, Keenetic) indicate the factory password on the bottom panel of the device (field Wi-Fi Password or Network Key).

If you've never changed the password on your router, the factory code on the sticker will work—even if you don't remember it. This is the most reliable method if you don't have access to a phone or computer that was previously connected to the network.

6. Why did some methods stop working?

Many users complain that they could previously easily view their passwords through the settings, but now this option is gone. The reason is a tightened security policy:

• 🔒 Android 10+: Google has restricted app access to system files, including wpa_supplicant.confNow you need root to read passwords.
• 🍎 iOSApple blocked access to Wi-Fi passwords for a long time until it added the feature to iCloud Keychain (with iOS 16).
• 📱 Smartphone manufacturers: Samsung, Xiaomi and others have removed the "Share Password" option from the interface to reduce the risk of data leakage.

⚠️ Attention: If you use public networks (in cafes or airports), their passwords are often encrypted or not stored at all. In this case, it's impossible to retrieve them via your phone—contact the establishment's administrator.

Is it possible to hack someone else's Wi-Fi using their phone?

No. All "hacked" applications from stores (like WiFi Hacker or WPS Connect) are either fake or only work with vulnerable routers (which is extremely rare in 2026). Modern networks are protected by protocols WPA3, and cracking the password can take years. Don't break the law!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi passwords on your phone

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that my phone connected to a long time ago?

Yes, if the network is saved in the device's memory. Android check the file wpa_supplicant.conf (root required) or use apps like WiFi Password ViewerOn . iPhone With iOS 16+, you can copy the password via Settings → Wi-Fi, if the network is still in the list.

Why is there no "Share" button in the Wi-Fi settings?

This option depends on the manufacturer and firmware version. Samsung, Xiaomi And Huawei It's often missing. Try updating your phone to the latest version of Android or using alternative methods (such as a router).

Are password viewer apps safe to use?

Only if they are from official stores (Google Play, App Store) and have a high rating. Avoid programs that ask for too much permission (for example, access to SMS or contacts). It's better to give preference to proven utilities like WiFi Password Viewer (for Android with root).

How to share Wi-Fi with friends without telling them the password?

On iPhone Just bring another Apple device close to yours and a pop-up window will appear asking you to share the network. Android (starting with version 10) can be generated QR code through Settings → Wi-Fi → ShareAnother person will scan it with a camera, and the phone will automatically connect.

What to do if none of the methods work?

There are two options left:

1. Reset your router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel) - after this, the network will use the password from the sticker.
2. Connect to the router via cable and go to its web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) to view or change your password.

⚠️ Resetting your router will disconnect all users from the network, and you will have to set it up again.