Needing to connect a new device to a wireless network but forgetting the password is a common occurrence. Smartphone owners often wonder how to find out the stored Wi-Fi password on their phone to share access with guests or configure their laptop. Fortunately, modern operating systems allow you to extract this information without the use of complex hacking software.
Access recovery methods vary by version. operating system and your device's model. While older versions of Android required root access, today the procedure has become much simpler and more accessible to the average user. We'll cover the built-in tools, as well as physical reset methods if software access is not possible.
Recovering access on Android 10 and later
Starting from the tenth version, Google Android The Wi-Fi network now features native browsing of saved networks. You don't need to install third-party apps or root access. Simply go to the Wi-Fi settings and select the desired access point. The security system requires biometric or PIN verification to ensure data protection.
After authorization, the following will appear on the screen: QR code to quickly connect other devices. A text version of the password is often displayed beneath this code. If the text is hidden, you can scan the code with any QR reader to see the access string in plain text. This is the most secure and fastest method.
Please note that on some shells from manufacturers (eg. MIUI or OneUI) The interface may differ slightly. However, the logic remains the same: search for a specific network in the list of saved ones and open the "Share" or "QR code" menu.
- 📱 Open
Settingsand go to the sectionWi-Fi. - 🔍 Click on the name of the network you're connected to or the gear icon next to it.
- 👁️ Select an option
ShareorQR codeand confirm the action with your fingerprint. - 📝 Look at the text below the code or scan it with another phone.
Instructions for iPhone owners (iOS 16+)
For a long time the ecosystem Apple hid security keys from the user, allowing only automatic connections to known networks. With the release iOS 16 The company has changed its privacy policy to improve convenience. Now you can independently view and copy passwords for all networks your smartphone has ever connected to.
To access this feature, go to your Wi-Fi settings. Find the desired network in the list and tap the information icon (the blue "i" in a circle). A hidden value will appear next to the "Password" field. Tapping it multiple times will reveal the characters and allow you to copy them to the clipboard.
⚠️ Note: The password viewer feature only works on iPhones with iOS 16 and later. On older versions, it's not possible to view saved keys using standard tools.
This protects your data in case your phone is lost. If you've updated to the latest software version, you shouldn't have any access issues.
- 🍏 Go to
Settingsand select a sectionWi-Fi. - ℹ️ Click on the blue icon
(i)to the right of your network name. - 🔑 Tap the hidden field
Password(dots). - ✅ Complete biometric authentication to display symbols.
Methods for Android 9 and older versions
On devices running Android versions below 10, the situation is more complicated. The system doesn't provide direct access to network configuration files without root privileges. The standard interface hides this data for security reasons. The only legal way is to use root rights.
Obtaining root rights (for example, through Magisk or SuperSU) opens access to system files. You will need a file manager with root access support, such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer. It is necessary to follow the path /data/misc/wifi/ and find the file wpa_supplicant.conf.
This text file stores all the passwords ever entered in clear text. Look for the block network with the corresponding SSID (network name). However, rooting your device may void your warranty and pose security risks, so only use this method if you fully understand the implications.
What is wpa_supplicant.conf?
This is a system configuration file in Linux and Android that stores wireless network settings. It contains the SSID and encryption keys (PSK) for automatic connection.
Using a QR code from another device
If you have another device (a friend's tablet or phone) that's already connected to the desired network, you can use it to generate an access code. This method is universal and doesn't depend on the Android version, as long as the "donor" device has the QR code generation feature.
On the device where you know the password, go to Wi-Fi settings, select the network, and tap "Share." The camera on the phone on which you need to find the password should scan the code that appears. In some cases, the password isn't displayed in text, but the connection is made automatically.
To extract a text string from a scanned QR code, you can use specialized online services or scanner apps that display raw data. The data string will contain the format WIFI:S:Name;T:WPA;P:Password;;, where after P: the sought-after key is found.
| Parameter | Description | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| WIFI: | Protocol identifier | Indicates that this is Wi-Fi data |
| S: | SSID (Network Name) | Home_Network |
| T: | Security type | WPA or WEP |
| P: | Password | MySecretPass123 |
Resetting the router to factory settings
If none of the software methods help, there's a radical but effective solution: resetting the router. This will return the device to its out-of-the-box state. The Wi-Fi password will be the one on the sticker on the bottom of the router.
To perform a reset, locate the button on the back panel Reset (It's often recessed into the case.) Press it with a paperclip or toothpick and hold for about 10-15 seconds until all the lights flash. After rebooting, the network will operate with factory settings.
The main drawback of this method is that you'll have to reconfigure your internet connection (PPPoE, L2TP, or static IP) if your ISP requires authentication. Your router's admin panel password will also change, so make sure you have your ISP login information.
⚠️ Important: Before resetting your router, be sure to confirm your connection type and login/password with your internet provider. Without this information, your internet connection may not work even after a successful Wi-Fi reset.
☑️ Preparing to reset your router
Password recovery software (PC + Phone)
There's a class of programs that work in conjunction with a computer. If your phone is connected to Wi-Fi but you can't see the password, you can try using traffic analysis or network management utilities, although modern versions of Android block direct access to this data.
Previously, applications like WiFi Password Viewer, but they require root access. Without superuser rights, they are often useless. Logging into the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) from the phone.
After accessing the router control panel via a browser on your phone, find the section Wireless or Wireless modeYou can see the current key in the "Password" or "PSK Key" field. If the field is hidden by asterisks, a simple script in the browser's address bar or the "Inspect Element" element, which changes the field type from password to text, can sometimes help.
This method requires knowing the password for the router's admin panel. If you've changed it and forgotten it, you'll have to reset the router (see the previous section). Default logins are often admin/admin or admin/password.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without rooting Android 8?
You can't directly view the saved password in the settings on Android 8 without root access. The system doesn't offer this feature. The only option is to access the router settings through a browser if you know the admin password, or use a QR code from another device.
Where can I find the password if it is written on a sticker, but the sticker has worn off?
If the sticker on your router is illegible and you haven't changed the password, try the default combinations. This is often admin, 1234, password Or an 8-digit random digit combination specified in the documentation. If the password has been changed and forgotten, a full router reset will help.
Are password recovery apps safe to use?
Most apps from stores that promise to "hack" or "reveal" passwords without root access are either scams or contain malicious code. Be careful and use only verified system functions or official apps from the router manufacturer.
Why doesn't my iPhone display my password even though iOS is updated?
Make sure you're trying to view the password for the network your phone is currently or previously connected to. Also, check if Power Saver mode or Screen Time restrictions are enabled, which could block changes to settings.