Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and your router is in another city? Or did a friend share their network but didn't tell you the access code? On Android devices, passwords for saved networks are stored encrypted, but they can be retrieved even without superuser rights (root)In this article, we'll cover all the working methods—from standard system functions to workarounds using ADB and backups.
It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the version. Android (starting from Android 10 Google has tightened restrictions) and the smartphone manufacturer. For example, Samsung or Xiaomi There may be unique menus that are not available on stock Android. We tested the instructions on devices with Android 9–14, but some steps may require adaptation to your model.
If you're looking for a way to hack someone else's network, be warned: this is illegally (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). All methods in the article are intended only for restoring access to your own networks whose passwords were previously saved on the device.
1. Standard method: view the password in settings (Android 9 and below)
On older versions of Android (before Android 10) Some manufacturers allowed the option to view passwords directly in the Wi-Fi menu. This method is the simplest, but it doesn't work on all devices.
To check if the feature is supported on your smartphone:
- 📱 Open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - 🔍 Find your network in the list and tap on its name (do not connect!).
- 🔑 If the option appears
Show passwordorShare— you're in luck. Click on it and confirm the action with your fingerprint or pattern.
On Android 10+ This method is usually blocked by default, but some brands (eg. Huawei or Honor) may leave it in the firmware. If there is no option, proceed to the next methods.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12 Even manufacturers can't bypass Google's restrictions on newer devices. If your smartphone has been updated to the latest version, standard password viewing will be unavailable.
2. Using the "Share Wi-Fi" feature (Android 10 and above)
Starting from Android 10Google has added a QR code generation feature for Wi-Fi data transfer. It doesn't show the password explicitly, but it does allow extract it from the QR code using third-party services.
How does this work:
- 🔗 Connect to the desired Wi-Fi network.
- 📱 Go to
Settings → Wi-Fi → [network name] → Share. - 🔐 Confirm the action with biometrics or a PIN code.
- 📷 Take a screenshot of the QR code or scan it with another device.
Now use any Online Wi-Fi QR code decoder (For example, qifi.org). Upload an image—the service will display the network name and password in text format.
| Manufacturer | Supports "Share" | Shows the password in QR |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel | Yes | Yes (via decoder) |
| Samsung | Yes | Yes |
| Xiaomi/Redmi | Yes (MIUI 12+) | Yes |
| Huawei/Honor | No (own implementation) | — |
3. Extracting the password via a backup (ADB)
This method requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and using Android Debug Bridge (ADB)It works on most devices, but requires some setup.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Enable USB debugging:
- 🔧 Go to
Settings → About phone → Build number. - 🔘 Tap the build number 7 times until the "You are now a developer" notification appears.
- 🔙 Return to
Settings → System → Developer Options. - 🔌 Activate
USB debugging.
- 🔧 Go to
- Connect to PC:
- 🖥️ Install ADB Tools to the computer.
- 📱 Connect your phone via USB (select "File transfer" mode).
- 🐍 Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) in the ADB folder.
adb backup -f wifi_backup.ab -noapk com.android.providers.settingsA confirmation request will appear on your phone. Agree and set a password for the backup (remember it!).
- 📁 Use the tool Android Backup Extractor (Java) or online services for unpacking
wifi_backup.ab. - 🔍 Find in the unpacked files
apps/com.android.providers.settings/db/settings.db. - 🔑 Open the database via SQLite Browser and execute the query:
SELECT * FROM wifi WHERE ssid='NAZVANIE_SETI';Instead of
NAZVANIE_SETIPlease enter your network name. - Connect to your PC via ADB (as in the previous method).
- Run the command to copy the configuration file:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml - Open the downloaded file in any text editor (for example, Notepad++).
- Find the line with your network - the password will be in the tag
<String name="PreSharedKey">...
⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ Google encrypts backups more securely. If you don't specify a password when creating a backup, it will be impossible to retrieve the data. Always set a password!
USB debugging enabled|ADB drivers installed on PC|Smartphone connected in "File Transfer" mode|Created a backup with a password-protected copy-->
4. Viewing the password through configuration files (only for some firmware versions)
Some manufacturers (eg Xiaomi on older versions MIUI) store Wi-Fi passwords in plaintext in system files. This method does not require root, but it does read permissions for system folders, which can be obtained via ADB.
Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi:
For other brands, file paths may differ:
- 📱 Samsung:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml(to Android 9) - 📱 Huawei:
/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml - 📱 Google Pixel: files are encrypted, method does not work
⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ Even system files are encrypted at the firmware level. If the command adb pull returns a "Permission denied" error, this method will not work.
What to do if the WifiConfigStore.xml file is empty?
On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) passwords are stored in binary format. In this case, the only solution is a backup copy via ADB or specialized utilities like WiFi Password Viewer (require root).
5. Password Viewer Apps (No Root)
IN Google Play There are apps that promise to reveal Wi-Fi passwords without rooting. Most of them either don't work or require payment for "premium features." We tested several options and found two relatively reliable:
| Application | Powered by | Requires | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | Android 5–9 | ADB access | 70% |
| WiFi Password Recovery | Android 10+ (limited) | Backup | 50% |
| Router Setup Page | Any version | Access to the router | 90%* |
* - shows the password only if you are connected to the network and know the router IP.
How to use WiFi Password Viewer:
- 📥 Install the app from Google Play.
- 🔌 Connect to your PC via ADB (as in section 3).
- 🔑 Launch the app and grant access via ADB.
- 📋 In the list of saved networks, find the one you need and copy the password.
Important: Apps are often blocked by antivirus software due to the use of ADB commands. This doesn't always mean they're malicious—check reviews and permissions before installing.
6. Alternative methods: if nothing helps
If all the above methods fail, there are workarounds. They're not always convenient, but they're guaranteed to work:
- 📡 Resetting the router: Click the button
Reseton the back of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After the reset, connect using the default password (usually found on a sticker). - 🖥️ Router web interface:
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
- Open your browser and type
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1. - Log in (default logins/passwords:
admin/admin,admin/empty). - Go to
Wireless → Securityand look at the password.
- 📞 Contact your providerIf your router was provided by an internet company, call support and ask them to remind you of your password (you will need to confirm your personal information).
For owners Keenetic, TP-Link or ASUS There are branded mobile applications (for example, Keenetic or Tether), which allow you to manage your router and view passwords remotely.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords on Android
❓ Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network I've connected to before but am currently out of range of?
Yes, but only if the network is saved in the device's memory. Use the backup (ADB) or file methods. WifiConfigStore.xmlIf the network was deleted from the saved ones, it will not be possible to recover the password.
❓ Why isn't there a "Show Password" option on my Samsung Galaxy S23?
Starting from Android 12Samsung removed this feature from the interface at Google's request. Use alternative methods: QR code + decoder or ADB.
❓ Will the ADB method work if I have a custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)?
Yes, but the file paths may differ. LineageOS passwords are stored in /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml, but access to them depends on the firmware settings. If you have Magisk, some modules (for example, App Systemizer) may block reading.
❓ Is it possible to extract the password from a phone that is broken (the screen is not working)?
Yes, if the USB ports and system are working properly. Connect the device to the PC, enable USB debugging (if previously enabled), and use ADB to create a backup. If debugging is not enabled, you will need to unlock the screen via adb shell input (difficult, but possible).
❓ Is it legal to use these methods to regain access to someone else's network?
No. According to Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, unauthorized access to computer information (including Wi-Fi networks) is punishable by a fine of up to 700,000 rubles or imprisonment for up to 4 years. The methods in the article are intended only for restoring access to your own networks.