A situation when you need to connect a new gadget or laptop to your home network, but the password for it Wi-Fi Forgotten passwords are ubiquitous. Fortunately, modern smartphones allow you to access saved access data without having to reset your router or find your ISP contract. This feature has become standard in operating systems in recent years, providing convenience for users.
Previously, viewing saved keys required permissions. root on Android or jailbreak on an iPhone, which was unsafe and difficult for the average person. Now, built-in security mechanisms allow this information to be extracted using standard tools if the device has previously connected to a hotspot. In this article, we'll discuss current methods for obtaining data for different platforms.
It's important to understand that the methods will vary depending on your smartphone's operating system version and model. Some manufacturers may hide these features deep within menus or modify the interface. Therefore, we'll look at universal solutions that cover most current devices on the market.
How to view your password on Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version of the operating system AndroidGoogle has implemented a native feature for viewing saved networks. This is the simplest and most secure method, requiring no third-party software. All you need is access to your phone's settings and biometric or PIN verification.
First, you need to go to the section Settings → Connections → Wi-FiHere you'll see a list of available networks, including the one you're currently connected to. Click the gear icon next to your network name or select "Saved Networks" from the menu to view your connection history.
After selecting a specific access point, a QR code will appear on the screen for quick connection with other devices. Below this code is often a text string containing a key. If there is no text, take a screenshot or simply tap the "Share" button, after which the system will ask you to confirm the action with your fingerprint or face.
- 📱 Open the wireless network settings on your device.
- 🔒 Select the desired network from the list of saved connections.
- 👁️ Click the "Show password" button or scan the QR code with another phone.
- ✅ Verify your identity using a fingerprint scanner or Face ID.
⚠️ Attention: On some shells (for example, older versions of MIUI or OneUI), the password text may not be displayed immediately. In this case, use the "Share" function, which generates a string like this:
WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:12345678;;, where after P: and there is your key.
Instructions for iPhone owners (iOS 16 and above)
Ecosystem users Apple For a long time, it was impossible to view saved keys directly. The situation changed dramatically with the release of iOS 16The procedure is now intuitive and takes just a few seconds, but requires updating your device to the latest software version.
Go to the menu Settings → Wi-FiIn the upper right corner, click the "Select" button or simply tap the blue information icon (i) Next to the network you want to retrieve data from. In the menu that opens, find the "Password" field, which will be hidden by asterisks.
Tap the password field and the system will automatically request biometric authorization via Face ID or Touch IDAfter successful confirmation, the asterisks will turn into readable text that can be copied to the clipboard or dictated to another device.
This method only works for networks the phone has connected to at least once. If you've never logged into this network from this iPhone, you won't be able to find the password this way. It's also worth noting that on tablets iPad with the same OS version the algorithm of actions is identical.
Using a QR code to connect without entering any information
Modern smartphones allow you to share network access not only by dictating characters but also by scanning a QR code. This is especially convenient if you need to connect a guest or a device without a keyboard, for example, Smart TV or printer.
When you generate a QR code through the Wi-Fi settings on Android or iOS, it contains all the necessary information: the network name (SSID), the encryption type, and the password itself. The camera on any modern smartphone will recognize this code and automatically prompt you to connect, eliminating the need for manual entry.
If your phone doesn't have a "Show Password" button on its screen, but does have a QR code, you can use a third-party scanner app or Google Lens. Point the camera at the code, and the scan results will often display a text string containing the key you're looking for.
| Platform | Where to find a QR code | Do you need internet? | Password text is available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10+ | Wi-Fi Settings → Gear | No | Often hidden, but present in the code |
| iOS 16+ | Wi-Fi Settings → (i) → Password | No | Yes, after biometrics |
| Windows 10/11 | Control Panel → Network Properties | No | Yes, through the Security tab |
| Router (Web) | 192.168.0.1 → WLAN Settings | Connection required | Yes, in the security settings |
Checking via the router's web interface
If your phone doesn't display the password directly, the most secure way is to log into the router's control panel. To do this, the device must be connected to the network (even if there's no internet, the local connection is working). You'll need the gateway address and login details for the admin panel.
Open a browser on your phone and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.31.1The exact address can be found in the Wi-Fi settings on your phone in the "Router" or "Gateway" field.
After entering your administrator login and password (often found on a sticker on the bottom of the router if you haven't changed them), go to the wireless network section. Look for the tabs Wireless, WLAN or Wi-Fi SettingsThere in the field WPA/WPA2 Password The current key will be displayed.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces of routers from different manufacturers (TP-Link, Asus, Keenetic, MikroTik) vary greatly. If you can't find the item you need, try looking in the "Security" or "Wireless Security" section.
What should I do if I forgot my router admin password?
If you changed your router's password and forgot it, restoring it without a factory reset is virtually impossible. The only solution is to perform a hard reset (reset to factory settings) by holding the Reset button on the router for 10-15 seconds. After this, the router will operate with the factory Wi-Fi password found on the sticker.
Third-party applications and their effectiveness
Hundreds of apps claiming to reveal saved passwords are available in app stores. However, on modern versions of Android (starting with 10) and iOS, such apps are practically useless without root access. The system strictly isolates network security data from third-party software.
Apps like WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Map They can only work on older devices running Android 9 and below, which had vulnerabilities in accessing system files. On newer phones, they will either display an error or require root access, which may void your warranty.
- 🚫 Don't trust apps that require suspicious permissions.
- ⚠️ Avoid programs that promise to "hack" your neighbor's Wi-Fi - they are a scam.
- 🛡️ Use only official OS settings to view your data.
There are password manager apps that sync data across devices. If you've ever saved a password in Google Password Manager or iCloud Keychain, you can find it there. On Android, this is done through Settings → Google → Autofill → Google Password Manager.
☑️ Network security check
Restoring access via the command line (for advanced users)
For users with access to a Windows computer connected to the same network, there's a quick way to find the password via the command line. This method doesn't require current credentials if the computer already "remembers" the network.
Run Command Prompt as Administrator and enter the command: netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearReplace "Network_Name" with the exact name of your access point. In the system response, find the "Key Content" field, which contains the password.
netsh wlan show profiles
netsh wlan show profile name="HomeWiFi" key=clear
This method is especially useful if you need to quickly copy a complex password consisting of many random characters to avoid entering it incorrectly on your phone. It works on all current versions of Windows without installing any additional software.
⚠️ Attention: The command prompt only displays passwords for networks the computer has previously connected to. If the network is new or has been removed from the list of known networks, this method will not work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the phone has never connected to this network?
No, that's impossible. A phone doesn't store information about networks it hasn't connected to. The only option is to look at the router's password sticker, ask the owner, or access the router's settings via a cable or other device that already has access.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Most of these apps don't work on modern operating systems without root access. Those that do often contain ads or collect data. It's safer to use built-in OS features or view your Google/iCloud account password if syncing is enabled.
What should I do if the QR code does not show the password text?
On some phones (such as Samsung or Xiaomi), there may be a "Show Password" button or an eye icon below the QR code. If neither of these are present, take a screenshot of the code and open it with Google Lens—it will recognize the text and display the data string.
Will the password be reset if I reboot the router?
No, a regular reboot (power cycle) does not change the settings. The password will remain. Only the factory password is reset by holding the Reset button (usually for 10-15 seconds), which returns the router to its out-of-the-box state.
Where can I find my Wi-Fi password for my Google account?
Follow the path: Settings → Google → Autofill → Google Password ManagerIn the list of websites and apps, find the name of your network or select the "Wi-Fi Passwords" tab if it's available separately in your version of Android.