Many users are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new gadget to their home network but losing or forgetting the password. It often happens that one smartphone is already connected to the router, and it seems logical to simply copy the security key from its settings. However, iOS and Android operating systems have different approaches to storing and displaying this confidential information.
In modern versions of mobile OS, the process of viewing saved networks has become much easier thanks to the introduction of sharing functions and QR codes. Data security remains a priority, so simply viewing the password string in plain text isn't always possible. However, there are proven methods to bypass this limitation or obtain the necessary information through alternative means.
In this article, we'll cover all current access recovery options, from standard system settings to using computer tools. You'll learn how to quickly generate a QR code for guests and what to do if standard methods fail. Attention: Menu interfaces may differ depending on the firmware version and device model.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may vary depending on your phone model. If you can't find the options described, try searching for "Wi-Fi" in the settings.
View your password on Android 10 and later
Starting with Android 10, Google introduced a native feature for viewing passwords for saved networks. This eliminated the need for root access or complex scripts. Now, access to the settings menu and biometric authentication are sufficient.
To get started, go to the section Settings → Connections → Wi-FiHere you'll see a list of available networks and the one you're currently connected to. Click the gear icon next to the active network name or select "Manage Networks" to see all saved connections.
Select the desired network from the list. Detailed information will appear on the screen, including a "Share" button or a QR code icon. After verifying your identity with a fingerprint scanner or Face ID, the system will display a graphic code. Below this code, the password itself is typically displayed in small text.
- 🔑 Click the eye icon or the "Show password" button if the text is hidden by asterisks.
- 📱 Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code to save it for future use.
- 👆 Use the Share feature to send data to another nearby Android device.
Some manufacturers, such as Samsung or Xiaomi, can hide the text password, leaving only the QR code. In this case, you can scan the code from another phone's screen to connect, or use third-party apps to decode QR images from your gallery.
How to find the password on an iPhone (iOS 16+)
Apple device owners weren't so lucky with earlier versions, but with the release of iOS 16, the company added the long-awaited feature to view Wi-Fi passwords directly in Settings. Until now, the only way to do this was to pair them with a Mac or use a backup.
To find the data, open the application Settings and go to the section Wi-FiIn the upper right corner or in the list of networks, find the blue "i" (information) button next to your network name. The menu that opens will contain a "Password" field, which is hidden by dots by default.
Click on the line with dots. The system will ask you to confirm your identity using Face ID, Touch ID or a screen unlock code. After successful authentication, the dots will turn into readable text that can be copied or spoken to another device.
☑️ Checking access on iOS
If you have an older version of iOS, this method won't work. In this case, you'll need to use a Mac computer and sign in to Keychain Access, or reset your router if you're an administrator. You can also try finding your iCloud Keychain password through Safari settings on your Mac.
Using a QR code to connect guests
One of the most elegant ways to share access without saying the password out loud or showing your phone screen is using a QR code. This method is especially convenient when you have guests over and want to give them internet access while keeping the password confidential.
On Android, this functionality is deeply integrated into the system. Go to Wi-Fi settings, select your network, and tap "Share." A large QR code will appear on the screen. Your guest simply opens the camera or Google Lens app and points the lens at your phone's screen.
iPhones with iOS 18 and later also support generating QR codes for guests via Shortcuts or third-party widgets, although the native Share Password feature works better when the contact is in the address book. For Android devices, this has been the de facto standard for several years.
What to do if the QR code cannot be read?
Make sure the phone screen is bright enough. If the code is damaged or too small, try taking a screenshot and enlarging it. Also, check that the guest's phone isn't in airplane mode or has camera restrictions enabled.
The advantage of this method is that the guest doesn't see the password itself. They are automatically connected, and you retain control. This is especially important in offices or public places where distributing a plain-text version of the security key is undesirable.
Viewing the password through the router settings
If your phone doesn't display the password (for example, on older versions of Android), but you still need to connect, you can access the router's control panel. To do this, your phone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network or connected to the router via a LAN cable (using an OTG adapter).
Open any browser on your phone and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.31.1The exact address is often written on a sticker on the bottom of the device. You will need a username and password to access the admin panel (usually admin/admin).
After logging in, find the section labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Network," or "WLAN." Inside, you'll find a subsection labeled "Security" or "Wi-Fi Settings." Your access key will be listed in the "Password/Key" field.
| Router brand | Entrance address | Path to password | Standard login |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless -> Wireless Security | admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | Wireless Network -> General | admin |
| Xiaomi | 192.168.31.1 | Wi-Fi settings | admin |
| Keenetic | my.keenetic.net | My Networks and Wi-Fi -> Home Network | admin |
Web panel interfaces may vary. If you can't find the item you need, use the settings search within the router interface by entering "password." Don't forget to save your changes if you decide to change the password to a more complex one.
⚠️ Attention: If you changed your router's admin password and forgot it, you'll need to reset it using the button on the device. This will restore factory settings but will disconnect all users from the network.
Third-party applications and utilities
There are numerous apps on Google Play and the App Store that promise to reveal saved passwords. However, it's important to exercise extreme caution. Most of these apps either don't work without root access or are data collectors.
Apps like WiFi Password Viewer often require superuser rights (Root), since the system file where passwords are stored (wpa_supplicant.conf), is protected from being read by regular programs. Without root access, they can only display the QR code, which is already accessible in the system.
- 🛡️ Avoid apps that require strange permissions that aren't related to Wi-Fi.
- 📉 Don't enter your data into dubious password generators.
- ✅ Use only proven, highly rated, and open-source utilities.
There are also specialized utilities for PCs such as WirelessKeyView NirSoft's password recovery tools can recover passwords if you've synced them with your computer or connected your laptop to the network before. However, they're useless for a clean, unsynced phone.
Resetting your router as a last resort
If none of the software methods work and the password is irretrievably lost, there's a radical but effective solution: a full factory reset of the router. This will return the device to its out-of-the-box state, including the default password written on the sticker.
To do this, find a small hole with the inscription on the router body. Reset or DefaultTake a paperclip or needle, press the button inside the hole, and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash. After rebooting, the network will operate with the factory name and password.
This method has a serious drawback: you'll have to reconfigure your internet connection (PPPoE, L2TP, or dynamic IP) if your provider requires authentication and set a new network name. All personalized settings will be lost.
Use this method only if you're confident you can reconfigure your connection to your ISP. In some cases, it's easier to call a technician or contact your ISP's technical support to have them configure the settings or update the configuration remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a neighbor's Wi-Fi password if they are within range?
No, it's impossible to legally find out someone else's password without access to the router. Modern encryption protocols (WPA2/WPA3) reliably protect the network. Apps that promise to "hack" are most often viruses or simply change your device's MAC address, but do not provide the key.
Where is the Wi-Fi password file stored on Android?
Passwords are stored in a system file /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confOnly applications with root privileges have access to this directory. Regular programs cannot read this file without special permissions.
What should I do if my iPhone doesn't show my password, even though I have iOS 16?
Make sure your phone is connected to the network whose password you want to find out. Also, check if enterprise device management (MDM) is enabled, which could block access to security settings.
Is it safe to use QR code to connect?
Yes, it's secure. The QR code contains an encrypted connection string. As long as only a trusted person has physical access to your phone's screen, the risk of interception is minimal. The password is not transmitted in clear text.