How to find your phone's Wi-Fi password if you've forgotten it: instructions for Android and iPhone

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password or the sticker on your router has worn off? Don't rush to reset your router or call your provider. Modern smartphones Android And iOS They store passwords for connected networks—they can be retrieved without special programs. In this article, we'll look at all working methods, including hidden system menu functions, password viewer apps, and alternative methods for rooted devices.

Important: The methods vary depending on the operating system version and phone model. For example, on iPhone With iOS 16+ You can view the password directly in the settings, and on Android 10-12 A workaround through the file system will be required. We've compiled up-to-date instructions for 2026, including nuances for popular brands: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Google Pixel and others.

If you've never changed your router password, try the default combinations provided by your provider (usually listed on the device's sticker or in your contract). Otherwise, follow our instructions—they'll help you restore network access without losing your settings.

1. How to view Wi-Fi password on Android without root

On most devices with Android 10 and later The password for the current network can be found through the system settings - but only if the phone already connected to this network. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network (it must be connected).
3. Select an item Share (or Share (on English firmware).
4. Confirm the action with a fingerprint, pattern or PIN code.

After this, a QR code and a text password will appear on the screen. If the item Share No - your manufacturer has removed this feature (that's what they do Xiaomi and some models Samsung (on older versions of MIUI/One UI). In this case, proceed to the next method.

- The phone is connected to the desired Wi-Fi network

- You have administrator rights (for root methods)

- The "Hide Password" (WPS) function is not enabled on the router.

- Do you remember your phone's PIN or pattern?

2. Alternative methods for Android (without root)

If the standard method doesn't work, try these options:

• 📱 Via configuration file: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) passwords are stored in a file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlYou can view it using a file manager with access to system folders (for example, FX Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🔄 Resetting the router settings: If other methods do not help, click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After this, the network will use the factory password (indicated on the sticker).
• 📡 Connection via WPS: On some routers, you can connect to the network without a password by pressing a button WPS on the device's body. This method works if the function is enabled in the router settings.

Why is there no "Share Password" button on Xiaomi?

On smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco with firmware MIUI This feature is hidden due to the company's security policy. However, it can be restored by installing alternative firmware (for example, Pixel Experience) or using ADB commands. For more information, see the section on root methods.

On devices with Android 9 and later (For example, Samsung Galaxy S8 or Huawei P20) You may need to install third-party applications. We recommend WiFi Password Viewer (available in Google Play), but remember: such programs require physical access to the phone and do not work on all models.

⚠️ Attention: Wi-Fi password viewer apps often contain ads or request unnecessary permissions. Install them only from official sources and check user reviews.

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

On iPhone the process is simpler than on Android, but there are nuances. From version iOS 16 Apple has added the ability to view passwords directly in Settings:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the icon ⓘ next to the name of your network.
3. Click Password and confirm the action via Face ID/Touch ID or a password code.
4. Copy the password or show it using the function Share password (for devices on the same account iCloud).

If you have iOS 15 or later, this method won't work. In that case, use the workaround via Keychain Access (Password Vault):

1. Open Settings → Passwords (you will need to enter the device code).
2. Find the name of your Wi-Fi network in the list.
3. Tap on it and select Show password.

On MacBook or iMac The password can be found out through Keychain Access utility (search by network name in the section System passwords).

4. Methods for rooted phones

If your Android-the smartphone has root rights, you can extract Wi-Fi passwords directly from system files. This method works on any versions of Android, but requires caution - incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of the system.

Instructions for viewing passwords through Root Explorer:

1. Install a file manager with root support (e.g. Root Explorer or ES File Explorer in superuser mode).
2. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/.
3. Open the file WifiConfigStore.xml in a text editor.
4. Find the line <string name="PreSharedKey">... — your password will be between the tags.

An alternative way is to use Terminal Emulator and the command:

su
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep PreSharedKey

For devices with Magisk (popular root manager) module will do WiFi Password Viewer, which adds the ability to view passwords directly in Wi-Fi settings.

⚠️ Attention: Before using root, please back up your data. Modifying system files may result in loss of warranty or device blocking (on some models Samsung it works Knox).

5. How to find out the password from another connected device

If you don't have access to your phone, but you have another device connected to the same network (laptop, tablet, second smartphone), use one of these methods:

If you have access to router, the password can be found through its web interface:

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the address may differ - look on the device sticker).
3. Enter your login and password (usually admin/admin or admin/password from sticker).
4. Go to the section Wireless → Security (or Wireless Network → Security).
5. The password will be in the field Password, Pre-Shared Key or Network key.

6. What to do if none of the methods worked

If all the above methods do not help, there are radical measures left:

• 🔧 Resetting the router: Press and hold the button Reset On the router, wait 10-15 seconds. After rebooting, use the factory password (indicated on the sticker).
• 📞 Contact your provider: Call your internet service provider's support team (the number is usually listed in your contract). They can reset your password remotely or provide you with your current password.
• 🛠️ Router replacement: If the device is old and does not support modern security standards (for example, WPA3), consider purchasing a new router. Modern models (for example, TP-Link Archer AX6000 or ASUS RT-AX88U) allow you to manage the network via a mobile application.

If you're renting accommodations or using public Wi-Fi (such as at a hotel), contact the network administrator. In some cases, the password may be listed in the rental agreement or on an information board.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use Wi-Fi hacking programs (eg. Aircrack-ng or Wifi WPS WPA Tester). This violates the law on unauthorized access to computer information (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and may lead to blocking of your device by the telecom operator.

7. How to remember Wi-Fi passwords in the future

To avoid such situations, follow these tips:

• 📝 Keep your passwords in a safe place: Use password managers (1Password, KeePass, Bitwarden) or encrypted notes (Google Keep with a password, Apple Notes with blocking).
• 🔄 Set up router backup: In the router's web interface, find the section Backup/Restore and save the current settings to a file. You can quickly restore the configuration when resetting.
• 📱 Use sync: On Android turn on backup in Settings → Google → BackupOn . iPhone activate iCloud Keychain in the settings Apple ID.
• 🏷️ Take a photo of the router sticker: It shows the factory network name (SSID) and password (Key or Password). Store photos in a cloud service (Google Photos, iCloud).

If you frequently change your router passwords, write them down in a physical notebook and keep it near your device. This is the most reliable method—it's not affected by technical failures or loss of access to your accounts.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that my phone was previously connected to but is not currently connected to?

On Android without root - no, since the system does not store passwords for unrelated networks. iPhone With iOS 16+ You can see the password in Settings → Passwords, even if the network is inactive. A router backup (if you have one) will also help.

Why is there no "Share Password" button on my Samsung?

The manufacturer may have removed this feature in the custom firmware (One UI). Try updating your phone's software to the latest version or use the file method. WifiConfigStore.xml (root required). On new models (Galaxy S23 and newer) the function should be available.

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password from a friend's phone without asking them?

Technically yes, but that's breaks the law and ethical standards. Without the network owner's consent, such actions are considered hacking. If you need access, ask the network owner to share the password via a QR code or Wi-Fi Direct.

What should I do if my router displays an error when accessing its settings?

Try:

1. Clear your browser cache or use a different one (Firefox, Edge).
2. Connect to the router via cable (not Wi-Fi).
3. Check the router's IP address with the command ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Mac/Linux).
4. Reset the router using the button Reset and use the data from the sticker.

If nothing helps, the router may be faulty.

How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking after recovering your password?

Update your security settings:

• Use the standard WPA3-Personal (or WPA2/WPA3 for compatibility).
• Set a complex password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and symbols).
• Turn it off WPS in the router settings.
• Change the default network name (SSID) to unique.
• Enable MAC address filtering (in the section Wireless MAC Filter).

Update your router firmware regularly!