It's a common situation to need to connect a new device to a wireless network, but the password has long been forgotten and not written down. It often happens that a tablet or smartphone is already successfully connected to the router, and the user simply doesn't remember the password combination for other devices. Fortunately, modern operating systems, such as Android And iOS, provide built-in tools for viewing saved access data.
In this article, we'll detail the steps for various operating system versions. You'll learn how to access your network security key using the built-in interface, without installing questionable software or gaining superuser privileges. Restoring access It may only take a couple of minutes if you know where to look for hidden settings.
It's worth noting that methods may vary depending on the device manufacturer and firmware version. For example, shells Samsung One UI or Xiaomi MIUI Each has its own menu features. We'll look at universal methods that work on most current devices, as well as touch on specific cases.
View your password on Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version, the operating system Android has received a native QR encoding feature for networks. This is not only a convenient way to share access with guests, but also an effective way to view the password itself in plain text. To do this, go to the section Settings your tablet and select the item Wi-Fi or Connections.
In the list of available networks, find the one you're currently connected to or a previously saved network. Click the gear icon next to the name or tap the network name itself to expand its options. In the menu that opens, look for the button Share or a QR code icon. The system will ask you to confirm your identity using a PIN, fingerprint, or face scan.
⚠️ Note: On some devices (such as Lenovo tablets or older Huawei models), the password text may not immediately appear under the QR code. In this case, take a screenshot and open it using Google Lens or a similar text recognition service.
After successful authentication, a QR code for quick connection will appear on the screen. Below it, there's usually a line in small print. Password or PasswordThis character combination is your network access key. If there's no text, use the screenshot method described above.
Instructions for iPad and iPhone (iOS 16+) owners
Ecosystem users Apple For a long time, it was impossible to view saved passwords directly in the Wi-Fi settings. However, with the release iOS 16 And iPadOS 16 The company has added a long-awaited feature to the standard menu. The process is now as transparent and secure as possible, requiring biometric authentication.
To see the access key, open the app Settings on your tablet iPad. Go to the section Wi-FiOn the right side of the screen, next to the name of the active network, you'll see a blue information icon shaped like an "i" in a circle. Click on it.
In the window that opens, find the line PasswordInitially, the symbols will be hidden by dots. Tap this line - the system will ask for confirmation via Face ID or Touch IDOnce successfully recognized, the password will be revealed and can be copied or dictated to another person.
- 📱 Make sure your tablet is updated to the latest version iPadOS 16 or newer, otherwise this option will not be available.
- 🔐 Viewing requires mandatory authorization from the device owner, which guarantees data security.
- 📋 The copied password can be immediately pasted into the input field on another device via the clipboard.
Using the router menu via a tablet browser
If your tablet's built-in tools don't display the password for some reason (for example, on older versions of Android), the most secure method is to log in to the router's web interface. This method is universal and works on any device with a browser and a local network connection.
First, you need to find out the gateway IP address. Android This can be done by going into the Wi-Fi connection details and finding the item Gateway or Router. Usually this is an address of the form 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter this address into the address bar of your browser (Chrome, Safari, Yandex).
The router's login page will open. You'll need your username and password to access the admin panel. If you haven't changed them, they're often found on a sticker on the bottom of the router itself (standard pairs are: admin/admin, admin/password). After logging in, look for the section Wireless, Wireless mode or Wi-Fi settings.
| Router brand | Menu section | Field name | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless -> Wireless Security | Wireless Password | Copy text |
| ASUS | Network Map -> System Status | WPA encryption key | Click "Show" |
| D-Link | Wi-Fi -> Security Settings | PSK encryption key | Uncheck the "Hide" box |
| Keenetic | My Networks and Wi-Fi -> Home Network | Password | Click the eye icon |
Once you've found the field you need, you'll be able to see the password in plain text. This often requires unchecking the "Hide" box or clicking the eye icon. Important: Do not change any other settings in this menu unless you are sure of their purpose, to avoid disrupting the network.
☑️ Login to the router from a tablet
Specifics of working with different Android shells
Electronics manufacturers often modify the standard interface. Android, adding their own unique features or changing the layout of elements. This can confuse users looking for standard menu items. Let's look at the features of popular brands.
On devices Samsung with shell One UI The process is as simple as possible. After clicking the gear icon next to the network name, a button appears at the bottom of the screen. QR code. By clicking on it, you will see the code and password below it. If the password is not visible, use the Bixby Vision or take a screenshot.
Tablets Xiaomi And Redmi (shell MIUI or HyperOS) also have a button Share in the Wi-Fi network details. However, additional authorization through an account may be required here. Mi Or the lock screen password. In some firmware versions, the password is hidden behind asterisks and needs to be tapped to reveal it.
⚠️ Note: On Huawei and Honor tablets with HMS services (without Google Play), the interface may differ. Look for the "Share" option or use the "Device" app to scan your own network QR code.
Devices Motorola And Nokia usually work on clean Android, so the steps are standard: Settings -> Network & Internet -> Wi-Fi -> Gear -> Share. Text display issues are the least common on stock Android.
What should I do if there is no "Share" button?
If your tablet doesn't have a QR code generation button, it may mean the manufacturer has restricted this feature. In this case, try installing the Wi-Fi QR Code Generator app from the official app store, which can access saved networks without root access on some models.
Third-party applications and their limitations
In the store Google Play You can find many apps that promise to reveal saved passwords. However, it's important to understand the technical limitations of modern mobile security. Unauthorized apps Root do not have direct access to the system file wpa_supplicant.conf, where the keys are stored.
Most of these apps work as QR code generators for already connected networks (using the same mechanism as the standard Android 10+ menu). They don't "hack" the password, but simply read it through the system API if the OS allows it. If you have Android 9 or earlier, such apps will be useless without root access.
- 📲 WiFi Map — is a popular app, but it's more focused on finding open networks around you than viewing your saved data.
- 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer - requires mandatory Root rights to display real passwords of old networks.
- 🛡️ Security — Avoid questionable programs that require excessive permissions, as they can steal your data.
Using third-party software is only justified if standard methods fail and access to the router is impossible. In other cases, it's best to rely on the operating system's built-in tools, which guarantee the absence of malicious code.
Problems and solutions
Even following the instructions, users may encounter technical difficulties. For example, the password field may be grayed out and inactive, or the system may return an error when attempting to generate a QR code. This is often due to access rights or network service issues.
If your Android 10+ tablet doesn't display the password, try forgetting the network and reconnecting by entering the password from another device where you know it. The system should then correctly save the key and display it in the menu. Restarting the network module via Airplane Mode also helps.
On iOS, if Face ID doesn't recognize your face or Touch ID doesn't respond, the passcode won't be displayed. This is a security measure. Make sure the sensors are clean and your finger is dry. If biometrics aren't working, try entering your device's digital unlock code.
Is it possible to view the password on a tablet without connecting to the network?
Yes, if the network was previously saved. On Android 10+ and iOS 16+, you can see the password in the list of saved networks, even if Wi-Fi is turned off or you're out of range of the router. Just go to Wi-Fi settings, find the saved network in the list (sometimes you need to tap "Manage saved networks"), and open the properties menu.
What should I do if my tablet shows "Saved" but won't connect?
This means the password stored in the device's memory differs from the router's current password (for example, the password was changed by the network owner). In this case, you won't be able to view the old password through the settings, as it's no longer valid. You'll need to reset the network settings ("Forget Network") and re-enter the current password.
Is it safe to scan your network's QR code?
Yes, it's completely safe. The QR code only contains the network name (SSID) and password in plaintext. Anyone who scans this code will gain access to your Wi-Fi. Therefore, do not post screenshots of the QR code on social media or show them to strangers.
Why can't I see the password under the QR code on my Samsung tablet?
In some versions of One UI, the password text may be hidden for security reasons or due to an interface bug. In this case, use the Google Lens feature built into the gallery or camera. Point the camera at the QR code on your tablet's screen (from another device) or open a screenshot in Google Photos and tap "Search" to extract the text.