Many users are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new device to a wireless network, but the password has long been forgotten or written down in a notebook that can't be found. Fortunately, modern operating systems Android Provide built-in tools for viewing saved access keys. You don't need to be an experienced hacker or have advanced programming knowledge to extract this information from your smartphone's memory.
Starting with Android 10, Google has implemented a native QR code feature that allows you to not only share access but also view the security code itself in text format. Previously, such actions required root rights and third-party software, which created data security risks. Now the process has become transparent and accessible to any device owner, regardless of brand—whether it's Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi or pure Google Pixel.
In this article, we'll detail the steps for various operating system versions and manufacturer shells. You'll learn how to quickly find the necessary menu options, use specialized commands for advanced users, and understand why the system may sometimes hide characters. On devices with Android 10 and newer, the password is displayed directly below the QR code after entering biometrics. This is the key point that distinguishes new OS versions from outdated ones.
The standard method is through settings for Android 10 and newer.
The easiest and most secure method for viewing a saved key is available on most modern smartphones. To do this, go to the wireless settings section. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains consistent across the entire ecosystem.
Open the menu Settings and select the item Wi-Fi or ConnectionsFind the network you're currently connected to or the one you want to view in the list. Click the gear icon or arrow next to the network name to open the expanded menu.
In the window that opens, find the button Share or a QR code icon. The system will ask you to verify your identity using a fingerprint, face scan, or unlock PIN. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your network data.
After successful authorization, a QR code will appear on the screen for guests to connect. Below this code is usually a text string containing the password. If the text is hidden by dots, try tapping it or the eye icon.
⚠️ Note: On some custom skins (such as older versions of MIUI or ColorOS), the password may not be displayed in text immediately. In this case, take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code and open it with Google Lens. The camera will recognize the code and display the text.
This method works reliably on devices running stock Android with minimal interface modifications. However, manufacturers often make their own changes to the menu logic.
Interface Features on Samsung Smartphones
South Korean Samsung devices run on the One UI interface, which has its own unique navigation experience. The data retrieval process differs slightly from stock Android, though it remains intuitive.
You need to go to Settings, then select Connections and click on Wi-FiUnlike other brands, here you don't need to click the gear icon, but rather the name of the active network itself or the QR code icon in the lower right corner, if one is displayed.
After confirming your identity through Samsung Pass or biometrics, the system will generate a QR code. The password will be displayed in clear text at the bottom of the screen, below the graph. If the screen turns off too quickly, increase the display timeout in the settings.
- 📱 Tap the QR code icon in the Wi-Fi menu.
- 🔐 Pass fingerprint or face verification.
- 👁️ Look at the bottom of the screen under the code.
- 📸 Take a screenshot for your story if necessary.
Owners of flagship series Galaxy S And Note can also use the Quick Connect feature to transfer data to other Samsung devices without having to manually enter characters.
The nuances of working with the MIUI shell on Xiaomi and Redmi
Device users Xiaomi, Redmi And Poco They encounter the MIUI (or the new HyperOS) shell, which has its own security features. In some firmware versions, direct password output may be hidden.
The algorithm of actions is standard: Settings → Wi-Fi → network selection → button ShareHowever, if you only see a QR code instead of text, it means the manufacturer has restricted direct viewing for interface security reasons.
In this case, the screenshot method is most effective. Save the QR code image to your gallery, then open the Camera or Google Lens app and select the file. The system will scan the code and display a string like this: WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;The key you are looking for is located after the symbol P:.
⚠️ Note: On older versions of MIUI (before Android 10), it's impossible to find the password using system tools without root access. The interface simply doesn't have a QR code generation feature for current connections.
It is also worth considering that on some global firmware versions, the function may be called differently or moved to the "Security" menu.
What to do if the QR code cannot be read?
Make sure your screen brightness is set to maximum. If the code is corrupted or blurry, try taking a screenshot on a different device or using third-party scanner apps from the Play Market, which are better at recognizing low-quality images.
Using the ADB Command Line for Advanced Users
For users who aren't afraid of technical tools, there's a method for obtaining passwords via USB debugging. This method is universal and even works on some older versions of Android that don't have a graphical interface for viewing.
You'll need a computer, a USB cable, and ADB (Android Debug Bridge) drivers installed. Developer options must be enabled on your phone. To do this, tap the build number seven times in the "Developer" section. About the phone.
On the menu For developers turn on the item USB debuggingConnect your smartphone to your PC and enter the following command in the computer's command line to check the connection:
adb devicesAfter confirming the connection on your phone's screen, you can attempt to extract the Wi-Fi configuration file. However, on modern versions of Android, access to system files is blocked without root access. This method is only available for devices running Android 9 and below, or requires root access.
| Team | Description of action | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf |
Copying a file with passwords | Root rights are required |
adb shell cmd wifi list-networks |
List of networks (without passwords) | Android 10+ |
adb shell settings get global wifi_random_mac |
Checking the MAC address | No rights |
Using ADB requires care. Entering commands incorrectly can lead to unstable operation of network modules.
View passwords through Google Chrome and sync
Users often forget that their smartphones sync Wi-Fi passwords with their Google account. If you have syncing enabled, you can find the key you need not in your phone's settings, but in the Google Password Manager.
Open your browser Google Chrome on any device (computer or other phone) where you are logged into your account. Go to your browser settings and select Passwords or Password manager.
In the list of saved data, find the name of your Wi-Fi network. Google groups them by access point name. By clicking the eye icon next to the desired entry and confirming your identity, you'll see the full password.
- 🌐 Go to Chrome settings.
- 🔑 Select the "Passwords" section.
- 🔍 Find your network name in the search.
- 👁️ Click on the eye to display symbols.
This method is great because it doesn't require access to a physical device that's currently connected to the internet. Access to a Google account is sufficient.
⚠️ Note: For this method to work, Wi-Fi password syncing must be enabled in your Google account settings on your phone. If syncing is disabled, your data will not be saved to the cloud.
Access issues on older versions of Android
Owners of devices running Android 9 Pie and earlier are at a disadvantage. The security system in these versions prevents apps and the user from viewing stored keys in plaintext without special permissions.
The only standard way to access the router is to log in to the web interface if you know the administrator login and password (often found on a sticker on the bottom of the router). If you access the control panel through a browser, you can see the key in the wireless network section.
An alternative is to use applications that require Root rights, such as WiFi Password ViewerObtaining superuser (root) rights gives full control over the system, but:
- Void the device warranty.
- Reduces overall data security.
- May brick your phone if not used properly.
Therefore, for older devices, it is recommended to either use a computer to configure the router or update the firmware to the latest version of Android, if the manufacturer provides this option.
☑️ Check before rooting
In summary, by 2026, most users will be able to easily find their passwords through the standard settings menu. The key is to remember security precautions and not share this information with others.
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on Android without root access?
Yes, on Android 10 and newer, this can be done natively via the "Share" feature and a QR code. On older versions, this is practically impossible without root access, except through the router settings.
Why is there no text with a password under the QR code?
It depends on the manufacturer's operating system. Samsung phones usually have a password, but Xiaomi phones may not. In this case, use Google Lens to scan the screenshot you took.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Apps from the Play Market that don't require root access can only generate QR codes from data already known to the system. Apps that promise to "hack" or reveal passwords without root access are often scams.
What should I do if I forgot my router password to access the settings?
Try the standard combinations (admin/admin). If they don't work, you'll have to reset the router to factory settings using the Reset button and then set it up again.