How to View Your Wi-Fi Password on Your Phone: 5 Effective Methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, is the router in an inconvenient location, or has the code sticker worn off? Don't rush to reset the router—you can view the password directly on your phone if it's connected to the network at least once. The methods vary depending on the smartphone model and operating system version, but there are almost always at least two or three options.

In this article we will look at all the current methods for Android (including Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) And iPhone (iOS 15–17). You'll learn how to retrieve your password without root access, what to do if your phone isn't showing saved networks, and how to bypass manufacturer restrictions. You'll also learn why some methods stopped working after updates and what alternatives are available today.

Is it even possible to find out a Wi-Fi password via a phone?

Yes, but with some caveats. The smartphone stores passwords for all networks it's ever connected to—however, access to this information depends on the operating system's security policy:

• 📱 Android: On most devices, the password can be viewed through the settings (without root), but some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or OnePlus) hide this option. On older versions (before Android 10), root access was required.
• 🍎 iPhoneApple doesn't provide direct access to saved passwords in iOS. However, there are workarounds via iCloud Keychain or a macOS computer.
• 🔒 Restrictions: If the network is corporate (with certificates) or is used WPA3-Enterprise, the password may not be displayed even if you have root.

Important: On phones with Android 12+ and iOS 16+, some methods stopped working due to security tightening.For example, previously popular applications like WiFi Password Viewer now require root or do not show current data.

Method 1: Standard Android settings (without root)

On most devices running stock Android (e.g. Google Pixel, Nokia, Motorola) or similar firmware (for example, Samsung One UI) You can view the password through the Wi-Fi menu. These instructions are valid for Android 10–14:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung).
2. Select Wi-Fi, then tap on the name of the current network (or click the gear next to it).
3. Scroll down and find the item Password (or Share (on English firmware).
4. The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, imprint or graphic key.
5. After authentication, the password will be displayed in the form of dots - click on the eye (Show password) to see it.

If the point Password No, then the manufacturer has hidden it. In this case, proceed to Method 3 or Method 4.

Update your firmware to the latest version

Try a different browser (if using the web interface)

Make sure your phone is connected to the correct network.

Restart your smartphone-->

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Xiaomi (MIUI 12+) and Huawei (EMUI 10+) The password option may be missing even if you have root access. This is due to the manufacturer's security policy.

Method 2: View password via QR code (Android)

If you don't have direct access to your password in the settings, you can use the QR code generator to connect other devices. This method works on most modern Android smartphones:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi and tap on the name of your network.
2. Find the option Share (or Share, QR code).
3. Confirm the action using a PIN code or biometrics.
4. A QR code will appear on the screen. The password will be displayed in text form below or next to it (sometimes you need to press Show password).

If the password is not visible, scan the QR code with another phone with a reader app installed (for example, Google Lens). Many scanners show network data, including the password.

How to scan a QR code without a second phone?

If you don't have a second device, you can take a photo of the QR code with your primary phone and then upload the photo to an online decoding service (e.g. ZXing Decoder). The results will contain a line like this WIFI:S:network_name;T:WPA;P:password;;, Where P: password — the desired code.

Method 3: Using ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work and you don't have root rights, you can try to extract the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method requires a computer and USB debugging enabled, but does not void the warranty. Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer mode on the phone: go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times Build number.
2. Return to Settings → System → Developer Options and activate USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to PC, install ADB Tools and open a command prompt in the folder with adb.exe.
4. Enter the commands in order:

   adb devices

   (your device should be displayed)

   adb shell
   su (if root is present)
   cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep ps

5. Find the line in the output <string name="PreSharedKey">your_password</string>.

On newer versions of Android (12+), the path to the password file may differ. Alternative command:

adb shell cmd wifi list_networks

Then:

adb shell cmd wifi get_network_info<ID_ceti>

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/RealmeADB may not provide a password due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, rooting will help.

Method 4: View Password on iPhone (iOS)

Apple doesn't allow you to directly view saved Wi-Fi passwords in iPhone settings, but there are three workarounds:

Method 1: Via iCloud Keychain (if you have a Mac)

1. Make sure syncing is enabled on your iPhone. Keychain (Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keychain).
2. On Mac, open Spotlight (⌘+Space), enter Keychain Access and run the utility.
3. In the search, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network, double-click on the result and check the box Show password.
4. Enter your Mac account password - your Wi-Fi password will be displayed.

Method 2: Via iTunes Backup (Windows)

If you have a backup of your iPhone in iTunes, you can extract passwords using third-party utilities, for example, iBackup Viewer or iMazingThese programs scan the backup and display saved networks.

Method 3: Through the engineering menu (not on all models)

On some iPhones (mostly older models), you can try to open the engineering menu:

1. Open the app Telephone and dial *#0011# or 3001#12345#.
2. If the menu opens, find the section Wi-Fi — the current password may be displayed there.

Please note: On iOS 15+, the Engineering menu usually does not contain information about Wi-Fi passwords.

Method 5: Alternative solutions (if nothing helps)

If none of the above worked, consider these options:

• 🔄 Resetting the router: Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After reset, the password will return to the default one (indicated on the router sticker).
• 🖥️ View on computer: If you have a Windows PC connected to the network, you can view the password in Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → Wireless Network → Properties → Security.
• 📱 Root applications: On Android with root rights they will help WiFi Password Viewer or Root Browser (path: /data/misc/wifi/).
• 📞 Contact your providerIf the router is from an Internet provider, the password can be provided by technical support (you will need to confirm your personal information).

Warning: Resetting your router will return all settings to factory defaults, including the network name (SSID) and password. After that, you'll have to set up the connection again on all devices.

⚠️ Attention: Some providers (eg. Rostelecom or Beeline) block access to router settings if it's rented. In this case, resetting the router may result in connection loss—check your contract for details.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to view a password, users often encounter typical problems:

• 🔌 There is no 'Password' option in the settings.This means the manufacturer has hidden the option. Try the QR code or ADB method.
• 🔒 "A PIN is required, but I forgot it.": You can't get your Wi-Fi password without unlocking your phone. Use a backup or reset your pattern lock. Find My Device (Android) or iCloud (iPhone).
• 📵 "The phone is not connected to the network.": The password can only be viewed for the current or previously saved network. If the network is deleted from the device's memory, the password cannot be recovered.
• 🛠️ "ADB is throwing an error": Make sure USB debugging is enabled, the drivers are installed, and the cable supports data transfer (not all USB cables are suitable).

If you use Android 13+Please note that Google has tightened access to system files. Even ADB may not reveal the password—in this case, only rooting or resetting the router will help.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that my phone connected to a long time ago but is not connected now?

On Android, yes, if the network is saved in the device's memory. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, find the network in the list Saved networks and tap it. If the password isn't displayed, try the ADB method.

On iPhone, no, unless the network is currently active. iOS doesn't provide access to the password archive without a Mac or a backup.

Why did Android stop showing the password after updating?

Most likely, the manufacturer updated the firmware and removed this option from the interface. For example, Xiaomi In MIUI 13+, I completely disabled password viewing without root. Try alternative methods (QR code, ADB) or downgrade to an older firmware version (if possible).

Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password via their phone?

Technically, yes, if the phone has previously connected to this network and the password is saved. However:

• This is a violation Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (illegal access to computer information).
• Modern networks with WPA3 and it is almost impossible to hack with random passwords.
• If the network is corporate (with 802.1X), the password can be linked to the device certificate.

The legal way is to ask the network owner for the password.

How to save your Wi-Fi password so you don't forget it?

Several reliable methods:

• 📝 Write down the password in password manager (For example, 1Password, Bitwarden).
• 🖼️ Take a photo of the sticker from the router and save the photo in an encrypted album (for example, Google Photos with limited access).
• 📤 Export your router settings to a file (via the web interface, section Backup/Restore).
• 📱 Use Google Wi-Fi (if the router supports it) - passwords are synchronized with the account.

What to do if the router does not have a Reset button?

On some models (eg, Apple AirPort or Ubiquiti) The reset button is hidden inside the case or activated by software. Try:

1. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
2. Use 30-30-30 reset: Hold the button (if present) for 30 seconds with the power on, then 30 seconds with the power off, and another 30 seconds after power on.
3. Connect to the router via cable and try to log into the web interface via IP. 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (default logins/passwords: admin/admin or admin/password).

If nothing helps, refer to the instructions for your specific model—some routers are reset using special button combinations.