It's extremely common to need to connect a new device to your home network but forget the Wi-Fi password. Tablets, unlike smartphones, often lack SIM cards or the ability to easily share the internet, so access to a wireless network is crucial. Fortunately, modern Android and iPadOS operating systems store connection data, and in many cases this information can be retrieved without any complicated steps.
There are several proven methods for restoring access, depending on the operating system version and user access rights. In some cases, simply viewing a QR code is sufficient; in others, access to the router's web interface is required. It's important to understand that data security remains a priority, so some methods may require identity verification or root access.
In this article, we'll cover all the current methods in detail, from simple visual methods to using the command line. You'll learn what to do if your tablet is already connected to the network, and what to do if you can't access it anywhere. Follow the instructions carefully will help avoid unnecessary resets and data loss.
Using the QR code feature on Android
Starting with Android 10, Google introduced a convenient feature for sharing network settings via QR codes. This is the easiest way to find the Wi-Fi password on a tablet if the device is already connected to a hotspot. You don't need third-party apps or root privileges; standard system settings are sufficient.
To get started, open the section Settings and go to the menu Wi-Fi (or Connections). Find the network your tablet is connected to and click the gear icon next to its name. In the menu that opens, you should find the button QR code or ShareThe system may request identity verification via a PIN code or fingerprint.
After confirmation, a graphic code will appear on the screen. Below it, there's often (but not always), a text password. If there's no text, take a screenshot. Then, open any QR code reader or use Google Lens from your photo gallery. Point the camera at the screenshot, and the system will display a connection string with the password after the prefix. P:.
- 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings and select your active network.
- 🔍 Click the Share button or the QR code icon.
- 📸 Take a screenshot or scan the code with another device.
- 📝 Copy the password from the text representation of the network.
⚠️ Attention: On some skins (for example, older versions of MIUI or EMUI), the password text may be hidden by asterisks even in the QR code menu. In this case, use another device's camera to scan the code to decrypt it.
View saved networks on iPad and iPhone
Apple ecosystem users only gained the ability to view passwords in iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. If your tablet is running an older version, this method, unfortunately, won't work without jailbreaking. However, on current devices, the process is simplified and integrated into the system password manager.
To find the key you need, go to Settings and select the item Wi-FiFind the network whose password you need to remember in the list and click on the blue information icon (letter i in a circle) to the right of the name. In the menu that opens, you will see a line Password, where the symbols are hidden by dots.
Tap the password field. The system will ask you to authenticate using biometrics (Face ID or Touch ID) or enter your device passcode. Once verified, the dots will turn into readable text. You can copy it or simply memorize it. This is the most convenient way. safe method, since access to data is protected by biometrics.
Login to the router's web interface
If your tablet isn't connected to Wi-Fi or your operating system doesn't allow you to see the password, you can try finding it through the router's settings. This method is universal and works for all devices, including Windows, Android, and iOS tablets. The main requirement is that you know the router administrator's login and password.
Open a browser on your tablet (Chrome, Safari) and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is often written on a sticker on the bottom of the device. After entering the address, an authorization form will appear. Standard logins are usually admin, and passwords can be empty or also admin, if you haven't changed them.
Once you've logged into the control panel, find the section responsible for wireless networking. It may be called Wireless, Wi-Fi, Wireless mode or WLAN. Within this section, look for the subsection Wireless Security or Wireless securityThere will be a field there. PSK Password or Wireless network key, where the code you need is indicated.
Typical login addresses:192.168.0.1
192.168.1.1
192.168.31.1 (Xiaomi)
192.168.10.1 (Asus)
Interfaces from different manufacturers vary greatly. TP-Link The settings are often found in the "Wireless" menu, Asus - in the "Wireless Network" section, and Keenetic — in the "My Wi-Fi networks" section. If you changed the administrator password earlier and forgot it, you'll have to reset the router to factory settings.
| Router brand | Default address | Settings section | Standard login |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless / Wireless Security | admin |
| Asus | 192.168.1.1 | Wireless network | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wi-Fi / Security Settings | admin |
| Xiaomi | 192.168.31.1 | Wi-Fi settings | admin |
Using a Google Account for syncing
Modern versions of Android can sync saved Wi-Fi passwords with the Google cloud. This means you can retrieve a forgotten password simply by logging into your account from any other device where you've previously signed in with the same Google account.
Open a browser on any device and follow the link passwords.google.comLog in using the same account you use on your tablet. In the list of saved data, find the section related to Wi-Fi networks (they are often grouped by network name). Click on the desired entry to see the saved password.
This method is especially convenient if your tablet is broken or won't turn on, but you need to connect another device to the network. It's important that syncing is previously enabled on the affected tablet. You can check this in your Google account settings under Synchronization.
What to do if sync was turned off?
If password syncing was disabled on the device before access was lost, data recovery via the Google cloud will not be possible. In this case, the only option left is to reset the router or access its web interface from a PC that is already connected via cable.
Resetting your router as a last resort
If none of the software methods work, and you don't remember the password for either the Wi-Fi or the router's admin panel, there's a radical but effective solution: a hard reset. This will restore the device to its factory settings, and the password will be restored to the one it had when you purchased it.
Find a small hole with the inscription on the router body Reset or RestoreTake a paperclip or toothpick, press the button inside the hole, and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the lights flash simultaneously. After rebooting, the router will operate with factory settings.
After the reset, you'll need to reconfigure your internet connection (enter your provider details) if they weren't automatically retrieved. Your Wi-Fi password will be the one on the sticker on the bottom of your device. universal solution, but it takes time to reconfigure the network.
☑️ Checklist before resetting your router
⚠️ Attention: After resetting your router, all connected devices will lose internet access. You'll have to re-enter the new (factory) password on each phone, tablet, and TV. Make sure you're prepared for this process.
Applications and third-party utilities
There are many apps in the Google Play Store that promise to reveal saved passwords. However, be careful: most of them only work on devices with Root rightsWithout superuser rights, the Android system blocks applications from accessing system files. wpa_supplicant.conf, where the keys are stored.
If your tablet is rooted, apps like WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery They'll instantly display a list of all networks and passwords. Without root access, such apps are often useless or just display ad banners. There are also QR code scanner apps, which we mentioned above, which are a legal and safe alternative.
Windows users can view the password if the tablet has ever been connected to a PC. In the Windows command prompt (cmd) with administrator rights, enter the following command: netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearThe "Key Contents" line will contain the password.
Windows command:netsh wlan show profiles
netsh wlan show profile name="Name" key=clear
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on a tablet without root access?
Yes, this is possible using the QR code feature in Android settings (version 10+) or through the iCloud Keychain menu on iPad. Logging into the router's web interface also helps, if you know the administrator password.
Where can I find my router administrator password if I changed it and forgot it?
If the default passwords (admin/admin) don't work, and you've changed the password and don't remember it, a full router reset using the Reset button will help. It's impossible to recover a forgotten admin panel password without a reset.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Apps that require root access have full access to your system, which can be risky. It's recommended to use built-in OS features or trusted QR code scanners that don't require deep access.
What should I do if the QR code is not displayed in the Wi-Fi settings?
This feature may not be available on some older tablet models or custom firmware. In this case, try taking a screenshot of the connection screen (if there's a "Share" button) or using the router's browser login method.