How to find out the entered Wi-Fi password on Android: all working methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but your phone is connected to the network? This situation is familiar to many: your neighbor, ISP, or you set up your router a year ago, and now you need to connect a new device—and that's where the problems begin. Luckily, Android There are several ways to retrieve a saved password, even if you don't remember it. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods—from standard settings to advanced tools for users with root rights.

It is important to understand that not all methods are universal. For example, Samsung or Xiaomi The path to the password may differ from Google Pixel or HuaweiFurthermore, manufacturers often restrict access to such information for security reasons. We'll describe each method in detail, highlight its limitations, and provide recommendations for what to do if nothing else works.

Please be advised that some methods require technical skills or changes to the system that may result in loss of warranty or unstable operation of the deviceIf you're unsure about what you're doing, it's best to contact your network administrator or check the password on another device (for example, on a computer via the router's control panel).

1. Standard method: view password in Android settings (without root)

The easiest method is to use built-in tools AndroidUnfortunately, it doesn't work on all devices and OS versions. Manufacturers like Google And OnePlus they leave this possibility, but Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei Password access is often blocked for security reasons. It's worth checking anyway.

Instructions for Android 10+ (including Android 14):

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung).
2. Select Wi-Fi → Find your network in the list of saved ones.
3. Tap the icon gears (⚙️) next to the network name.
4. Click Share (or Share (on English firmware).
5. The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, fingerprint or pattern.
6. After authentication, you will see QR code and a text password underneath it.

Check your Android version (older OS may not have this feature)

Update your firmware to the latest version

Try alternative methods from this article

Make sure you are connected to the correct network (the password is only shown for the active connection)-->

If instead of a password you see only QR code, it can be scanned by another device (for example, via an app Google Lens) to obtain connection data. On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) a message may be displayed instead of a password "Insufficient rights" - this means that the manufacturer has blocked the function.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 9 and older (especially on Samsung Galaxy or Huawei) This method may not work. In this case, proceed to the next section.

2. Using a file manager with root access

If your device has root rights, you can manually find the file where Android Stores Wi-Fi passwords. This method works on most firmware versions, but requires caution: incorrect actions can disrupt the system. We recommend using trusted file managers like Root Explorer or Solid Explorer (with root access option enabled).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open a root-enabled file manager (e.g. FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

   Or (on newer versions of Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreSoftAp.xml

3. Find the line with the name of your network (<string name="SSID">Your_WiFi</string>).
4. Below there will be a line with a password:

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

On some devices (eg. Samsung With One UI) the path may differ:

/data/misc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

In this file, passwords are stored in clear text in the line psk="your_password".

⚠️ Attention: Modifying or deleting files in a folder /data/misc/wifi/ may lead to loss of all saved Wi-Fi networksDon't edit the file—just view it!

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

If the default settings don't show the password and you don't have root access, you can try specialized apps. They don't guarantee 100% results, but they can sometimes help bypass manufacturer restrictions. Important: many of these apps require access to notifications or ADB special permissions, which may be unsafe.

Top 3 verified apps (available in Google Play):

• 🔍 WiFi Password Viewer - works on some devices without root, but may not show the password Samsung or Xiaomi.
• 📱 WiFi Key Recovery - requires root, but supports most firmware, including LineageOS.
• 🔓 WiFi Password Show — simple interface, but often shows passwords only for networks that are currently connected.

How to use (using example) WiFi Password Viewer):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and grant all requested permissions (such as Wi-Fi and storage access).
3. In the list of saved networks, find the one you need and click on it.
4. If the app supports your device, the password will be displayed in the field. Password or Key.

WiFi Password Viewer

WiFi Key Recovery

Another application

I don't use such programs.

I'm trying to find the password through settings-->

Please note: many applications in Google Play They promise to show passwords without root, but in practice they only work on older versions. Android (to Android 8). If you have a modern smartphone, your chances are slim. In that case, it's better to use ADB commands (described in the next section).

4. Extracting the password via ADB (for advanced users)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) — is a debugging tool that allows you to execute commands on a device from a computer. It can be used to extract a Wi-Fi password even without root access. This method works on most devices, but requires some setup.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → Developer options → USB debugging).
• 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (or another, depending on the connector of your phone).
• 🛠️ Installed drivers ADB (you can download it from the website) Android Developers).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and allow debugging (a prompt will appear on your phone screen).
2. Open command line (CMD on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and enter:

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

3. If the command doesn't work, try this alternative:

   cat /data/misc/wifi/WpaSupplicant.conf

4. In the output, find the line with psk="..." - this is your password.

What should I do if ADB says "Permission denied"?

This means you don't have permission to read the file. Try:

1. Obtain root access (if possible).

2. Use the command adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlto copy the file to your computer and open it manually.

3. Check if the manufacturer has blocked access to these files (a common practice among Samsung And Huawei).

⚠️ Attention: Teams su and access to system files can only work on unlocked devices (with an unlocked bootloader). On most production smartphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 or Xiaomi Redmi Note 12) this will lead to data reset and loss of warranty.

5. Viewing the password on the router (alternative method)

If none of the previous methods worked, the most reliable option is to go to settings routerThis is a universal method that works regardless of your phone model. You'll need:

• 🌐 Access to router web interface (usually at the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 🔑 Login and password for the control panel (usually admin/admin, if you haven't changed it).
• 📡 Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (even if you forgot the password, you are already connected from your phone).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open a browser on your phone or computer and enter the router's address (for example, 192.168.0.1).
2. Enter your login and password (if you don’t know it, look on the sticker on the router or in the instructions).
3. Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless network, Wireless).
4. Find the field Password (or Password, Pre-Shared Key). The password may be hidden behind asterisks - click Show or Show.

If you can't access your router because you've forgotten its password, try:

• 🔧 Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel - hold for 10 seconds).
• 📞 Call your provider - some operators (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline) can provide the password using the contract number.

⚠️ Attention: If the router was issued by the provider (for example, MTS or Megaphone), the factory settings may have been changed. In this case, reset (Reset) will return the original password, but will also reset all personal settings (including connection type And PPPoE data, if they were).

6. Specifics for different smartphone manufacturers

As we mentioned earlier, password extraction methods may vary depending on manufacturer And firmware versionsBelow is a brief overview of the features of popular brands.

Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

On devices Samsung (For example, Galaxy S23, Galaxy A54) standard way through Settings → Wi-Fi → Share often doesn't work. Instead:

• Use ADB (section 4) or root access (section 2).
• Try the app Samsung WiFi Password (requires root).
• On some models the password can be seen in Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Manage networks, but this is rare.

Xiaomi (MIUI)

On Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO (For example, Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13) passwords are hidden especially carefully. Possible solutions:

• Install MIUI Hidden Settings (requires unlocked bootloader).
• Use ADB with the team:

  adb shell settings get global wifi_watchlist

  (sometimes displays a list of networks with passwords).

• Try it developer mode: turn it on and check the section For Developers → Network.

Google Pixel (Stock Android)

On the "clean" Android (For example, Pixel 7, Pixel 6a) usually the standard method works through ShareIf not, use it. ADB or file manager with root.

Huawei (EMUI)

On Huawei And Honor (For example, Huawei P60, Honor 90) Passwords are hidden at the firmware level. The only working methods are:

• Receipt root rights (difficult due to bootloader lock).
• Usage HiSuite (official software from Huawei) to backup Wi-Fi settings (the password can be extracted from the backup).

7. Security precautions: what not to do when searching for a password

Trying to find out the Wi-Fi password, it is easy to break device security or personal dataHere's what to avoid:

• 🚫 Installing applications from unknown sources (outside Google Play). Many "Wi-Fi hackers" contain malicious code.
• 🔓 Using "password generators" by MAC addressThese methods do not work on modern routers with WPA3.
• 📱 Enable USB debugging for untrusted PCsThis may lead to data theft.
• 🔧 Resetting a router without a backup copy of the settings. You will lose not only your password, but also all your personal settings (for example, PPPoE for the Internet).

If you are connected to public network (for example, in a cafe or airport), it won't be possible to retrieve the password—it's stored on the provider's server and isn't saved on the device. In such cases:

• Ask the establishment administrator for the password.
• Use QR code to connect (if provided).
• Don't try to "hack" the network - this is punishable under Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Unauthorized access to computer information").

Also remember: if you share your network password with strangers, you risk:

• 🐢 Internet slowdown (if many devices are connected to the network).
• 🕵️ Personal data leak (if an attacker intercepts the traffic).
• 📵 IP blocking provider (if illegal activities are committed using your Wi-Fi).

8. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to find a Wi-Fi password, users often encounter common problems. Let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

If you've tried all the methods but still can't find out the password, the problem may be:

• 🔒 Hardware limitations (for example, on Huawei with a locked bootloader).
• 📱 Outdated firmware (refresh Android to the latest version).
• 🛡️ Provider's security policy (Some operators block access to router settings).

In extreme cases, there are two options left:

1. Reset the router and configure it again (you will need access to data from your provider).
2. Contact your provider's support (for example, Rostelecom, MTS, Beeline) - they can provide the password using the contract number.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password without root or ADB?

Yes, but only on some devices. On a "clean" one. Android (For example, Google Pixel) or firmware like LineageOS The password can be viewed through Settings → Wi-Fi → ShareOn . Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei Without root this is unlikely.

Why do Wi-Fi password viewer apps require so many permissions?

Many applications request access to notifications, storage And administrative functions, because they are trying to circumvent the restrictions Android through system log files or backups. However, this creates security risks. We recommend using only proven programs with high ratings. Google Play.

I reset my router, but the internet isn't working. What should I do?

After resetting the router to factory settings, you need to:

1. Connect to it via cable or Wi-Fi (the network name and password are indicated on the sticker).
2. Login to the web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
3. Enter your internet connection details (these should be provided by your provider: connection type, login, password).
4. Save settings and reboot the router.

If you don't know the connection details, please contact your provider's support team.

Is it possible to find out my neighbor's Wi-Fi password?

No, it's illegal. Interception of traffic or selection of a password of another network is classified as unauthorized access (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code) and is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or imprisonment. If you need internet, it's best to use a mobile hotspot or arrange for network sharing with your neighbors.

Why did passwords stop showing after an Android update?

Manufacturers regularly tighten safety measures. For example, in Android 12 and newer Google Blocked apps from reading Wi-Fi passwords without explicit user permission. If the old method no longer works after the update, try:

• Use ADB.
• Access your router settings.
• Get root access (if you are willing to sacrifice your warranty).