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

You connected to your home Wi-Fi network a month ago, entered the password, and then conveniently forgot it. Now you need to connect a new device, but you don't know the access code. Sound familiar? Luckily, Find out the Wi-Fi password via your phone You can do this without any complicated manipulations—even if you don't have access to the router or the sticker on it. In this article, we'll look at all the working methods for Android And iPhone, including hidden system functions and workarounds.

Important: The methods vary depending on the operating system version and device model. For example, on Android 10+ passwords are stored in encrypted form, and iOS They can't be extracted directly at all. But don't worry—we've found solutions for every situation. The main rule: if the phone is already connected to the network, the chances of success are 90%. If not, you'll have to use alternative methods.

1. The standard method for Android: network settings

On most modern smartphones Android (starting with version 9) you can view your Wi-Fi password in the connections menu. This method works on Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other devices running stock Android or custom skins. Exceptions include certain models. Huawei And Honor, where the function can be disabled.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi & networks (or Connections → Wi-Fi on Samsung).
• 🔍 Find your network in the list and tap on its name (SSID).
• 🔑 Select an item Share, Show password or QR code (names may differ).
• 🔐 Confirm the action with your fingerprint, pattern, or PIN.

Check your Android version (must be 9 or later)

Update the firmware in Settings → System → Software Update

Try an alternative method using a backup copy

Use third-party software (see section 3)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (eg. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10) After tapping a network, a menu opens without the "Share" option. In this case, try holding your finger on the network name for 2-3 seconds—sometimes this brings up a context menu with the desired option.

2. QR code: a universal method for all devices

If your phone does not show a password in the settings, but can generate QR code for connection, use this workaround. The method works on 100% of devices with Android 10+ and doesn't require superuser rights. The main thing is that the phone is connected to the network whose password you're looking for.

How to do it:

1. Open Wi-Fi settings and tap on the name of your network.
2. Select Share → QR code (on Samsung (This may be a separate button).
3. Take a photo of the QR code with another device (for example, a tablet) or save it as an image.
4. Scan the code with any QR reader (For example, Google Lens). As a result, you will see text like this:

   WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:your_password;;

   Where P:your_password - this is your password.

⚠️ Attention: Some QR code scanning apps (such as those built into WeChat or VK) don't show the code content, but immediately prompt you to connect to the network. In this case, use specialized utilities like QR & Barcode Scanner from Gamma Play.

3. Third-party apps: when standard methods don't work

If your device does not support viewing passwords through settings (for example, Android 8 (or older versions), third-party utilities will come to the rescue. The most reliable ones are:

• 🛠️ WiFi Password Viewer (requires ROOT (only on Android 9 and below).
• 🔍 WiFi Key Recovery (works without root on some firmware versions) Xiaomi And Samsung).
• 📱 Network Info II (Shows network technical data, including saved passwords on supported devices).

Instructions for WiFi Password Viewer:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and grant access to device memory.
3. Find your network in the list - the password will be displayed in the column Password.

What should I do if an app asks for ROOT rights?

If your device isn't rooted and the app requires superuser access, try the alternative methods in this article. Rooting modern smartphones is difficult and risky: it voids the warranty, can block banking apps, and compromise security. Android 10+ Most utilities can do without root thanks to a change in password storage policy.

⚠️ Attention: Applications from unverified sources (outside Google Play) may contain malicious code. Before installing, check the utility's reviews and rating. Avoid programs that request unnecessary permissions (such as access to SMS or contacts).

4. Backup Settings: A Hidden Source of Passwords

On Android Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a backup file that is created when synchronizing with Google AccountThis method works even if you reset your phone to factory settings a long time ago - the main thing is that the backup is saved in Google Drive.

How to extract the password:

1. Go to the website Google Takeout and log in to your account.
2. Select Backup Data → Android.
3. In the section Wi-Fi networks and passwords check the box and click Next.
4. Download the archive (it can weigh up to several gigabytes) and find the file in it wifiConfigStore.xml.
5. Open the file with any text editor (for example, Notepad++) and find the line:

   <string name="PreSharedKey">your_password</string>

Once a month

Just before resetting

Never done it

I use the cloud (Google Drive/iCloud)-->

⚠️ Attention: In the backup copy, passwords are stored in clear text only until Android 9On newer versions, they are encrypted, and decryption requires a key linked to a specific device. If you're trying to recover the password on a different phone, this method may not work.

5. iPhone Features: Why This Isn't Possible on iOS

To the owners iPhone less fortunate: Apple doesn't allow users to access saved Wi-Fi passwords. Through the default settings. This is done for security reasons, but it's inconvenient. However, there are workarounds:

⚠️ Attention: If you use iCloud Keychain (Keychain), Wi-Fi passwords are synced between devices AppleBut you can only view them on Mac via utility Bunch of keys (Programs → Utilities). On iPhone or iPad This functionality is blocked.

The only official way to find out the password on an iPhone is to look it up on a router or another device already connected to the network. Apple deliberately limits this feature to prevent data leakage if the gadget is stolen.

6. Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If all the above methods don’t work, there are still some universal options:

• 📡 Router settings: Go to the web interface at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (default logins/passwords are usually admin/admin). Look for the Wi-Fi password in the section Wireless → Security.
• 📄 Sticker on the router: On most models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic) the password is indicated on the bottom panel next to SSID.
• 📞 Call your provider: If the network was set up by an Internet provider, the password can be specified in the contract or personal account (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline).

⚠️ Attention: When resetting the router to factory settings (Reset) all user settings—including the Wi-Fi password—are erased. If you don't know the default password (for example, the sticker has worn off), you'll have to reconfigure the network through the web interface or call your provider's support.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password via their phone?

No, if the phone isn't connected to that network. All methods in the article only work for networks to which the device has previously connected. Hacking into other people's networks is illegal (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code) and technically difficult—modern routers use strong encryption. WPA3.

Why is there no "Share Password" option on my Xiaomi?

On some firmware versions MIUI (especially in global versions) the function is hidden. Try:

1. Refresh MIUI to the latest version.
2. Install WiFi Key Recovery.
3. Use QR code (see section 2).

Will the backup method work on Android 12?

On Android 12+ Passwords in backups are encrypted. They can only be retrieved on the same device where the backup was created, using special utilities (for example, Android Backup Extractor). For this you will need:

• Backup file (.ab).
• Encryption key (generated by the device).
• Knowledge Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

The process is complex and is only suitable for experienced users.

Is it possible to find out the password via a computer if the phone is connected to the same network?

Yes, if the computer is running Windows or macOS:

• On Windows: open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settingsRight-click on your network, select Properties → Security and mark Show entered characters.
• On macOS: open Bunch of keys, find your network and check the box Show password.

What should I do if I forgot my router password?

If you can't access your router settings because you forgot your password:

1. Find the button Reset on the back panel of the router (usually recessed into the case).
2. Press it with a toothpick and hold for 10-15 seconds until the indicators blink.
3. The router will be reset to factory settings. The login and password will return to the default settings (see sticker).

⚠️ After the reset, all settings (including the Wi-Fi password) will return to factory defaults. You will need to set up your internet connection again.