It's quite common to need to connect a new device to a network but lose or forget the password. Fortunately, modern smartphones often save connection information, and remove the security key You can do this directly from your device's memory. This eliminates the need to search for the router, reset its settings, or remember complex character combinations.
There are several ways restore access Network access is a complex process, and it varies dramatically depending on your device's operating system. On Android, the process has become significantly simpler since the release of version 10, while iOS users will have to rely on the Apple ecosystem or third-party solutions. It's important to understand that standard system tools protect this data from accidental viewing.
In this article, we'll cover all the current methods: from simple QR code scanning to using specialized utilities for advanced users. Android 10+ system restrictions hide the password in plain text without root access, but allow you to share it via QR code. We'll also discuss security precautions and why some methods require elevated privileges.
View saved networks on Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version of the operating system, Google has introduced a convenient mechanism for sharing access through QR codesThis is the safest and fastest method, requiring no additional software installation. You don't need to be an IT expert to use this feature, as it's built into the standard settings interface.
To get started, open your smartphone's settings and go to the section Connections or Network and Internet. Find the item Wi-Fi and click on it. You'll see a list of available networks, and the currently active one will be marked as "Connected."
Click on your network name or the gear icon next to it. In the connection settings menu that opens, find the button Share or a QR code icon. The system may require you to verify your identity using biometrics (fingerprint, Face ID) or entering a screen unlock PIN.
After successful authentication, a QR code for connection will appear on the screen. This is available on most modern operating systems (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, stock Android). text password appears directly below the code image. If there's no text, you can simply take a photo of the code with any other device or screenshot and then scan it.
- 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings on your phone.
- 🔒 Click on the active network name to enter the settings.
- 📸 Select the "Share" or "QR code" option.
- 👁️ Look at the text below the code or scan it.
⚠️ Note: On some custom ROMs (such as older versions of MIUI or ColorOS), the password text may be hidden. In this case, use a screenshot and any third-party QR code scanner from your gallery to read the encrypted data.
Using Google Home to View Keys
Owners of smartphones with a clean operating system or Google Pixel devices can use the sync feature via a Google account. This allows view passwords not only the current connection, but also all networks you've ever connected to if syncing was enabled.
This method is especially useful if you want to know the password for the network your phone is currently connected to, but for some reason the settings interface doesn't display the code. The system stores this data in Google Password Manager's secure vault.
To access, go to Settings -> Google -> Autofill -> Google Autocomplete. Select an item Google Passwords or follow the direct link in your browser passwords.google.com. Re-authorization will be required here.
In the list of saved data, find your wireless network name (SSID). Clicking on it will reveal a password field. To display it, click the eye icon and complete the security verification. universal method, which works independently of the smartphone manufacturer.
Menu path: Settings → Google → Autofill → Google Passwords → Search by SSIDThis method is the most secure for long-term storage of access keys. If you lose your phone, you can regain access to all your networks simply by signing in to your account on a new device.
How to find the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone (iOS)
For a long time, the iOS operating system was extremely closed when it came to security, preventing users from viewing stored keys. However, with the release of iOS 16 Apple has added the long-awaited feature to view and copy passwords directly from Settings.
If your iPhone is updated to the latest version, the process will take a few seconds. Go to Settings and select a section Wi-FiFind the network you need to find the password for. To the right of the network name, click the blue information icon. (i).
In the menu that opens, find the line Password. By default, the symbols will be hidden by dots. Touch this line - the system will ask for confirmation via Face ID, Touch ID or the device's passcode. Once verified, the dots will turn into readable text, and the "Copy" button will appear.
There's no standard method for devices running older versions of iOS (15 and below). The only legal option is to sync with a Mac. If you have a Mac with the same iCloud account, the password can be found in Keychain.
- 🍏 Go to Wi-Fi settings on your iPhone.
- ℹ️ Click the "i" icon next to the desired network.
- 👆 Tap the "Password" field and authenticate.
- 📋 Copy or take a photo of the code that appears.
⚠️ Note: The password viewer feature is only available on iOS 16 and later. If you have an older version and don't have a Mac to sync with, you won't be able to retrieve your password using standard system tools without jailbreaking.
What to do if iOS doesn't show the password?
If the option doesn't appear after updating to iOS 16, make sure iCloud Keychain sync is enabled. Go to Settings -> [Your Name] -> iCloud -> Keychain and toggle the switch. Then, restart your device.
Methods for Android 9 and below (Root rights)
On older versions of Android (before version 10), the system stores configuration files for all connected networks in an open, but system partition. To access them, you need superuser rights (Root)View the file without them. wpa_supplicant.conf impossible.
If your smartphone is rooted, you can use file managers that support root access, such as Root Explorer or ES File ExplorerYou need to follow the path /data/misc/wifi/This is where the file containing all the SSIDs and passwords is located.
Open the file wpa_supplicant.conf any text editor. You will see a list of blocks networkThere will be a parameter inside each block. ssid (network name) and psk (cleartext password). Be careful when editing this file—an error may disrupt the Wi-Fi module.
There are also specialized apps on Google Play such as WiFi Password ViewerThey automate the process of reading system files. However, keep in mind that root access reduces the overall security of the device, making it vulnerable to malware.
| Method | Necessary rights | Complexity | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code (Android 10+) | No | Low | High |
| Google Passwords | No | Low | High |
| wpa_supplicant file | Root | High | Average |
| Viewer applications | Root | Average | Low |
☑️ Check before rooting
Third-party applications and their limitations
Hundreds of apps can be found in app stores promising to "hack" or "reveal" Wi-Fi passwords. It's important to understand how they work. Most of them aren't hacking tools, but simply automate the process of creating a QR code or reading system files, if access is available.
Unrooted apps on modern Android devices are often useless for viewing saved passwords. They can only function as complex password generators or QR code scanners. Some of them use databases of common passwords, which poses security risks.
If you do decide to use third-party software, choose proven solutions with a large number of reviews. Avoid programs that require suspicious permissions unrelated to network connections. Security of your personal data more important than one-time convenience.
Remember that no app can magically "pull" a password out of thin air if the phone has never connected to that network. The magic only works on data already stored in the device's memory.
- 🛡️ Avoid apps with names like "WiFi Hacker".
- 📱 Use only highly rated programs.
- 🚫 Do not grant access to contacts and SMS to network utilities.
- ✅ Prefer built-in OS features to third-party software.
⚠️ Warning: Installing apps from unknown sources (APK files from websites) to obtain a Wi-Fi password is a direct route to infecting your phone with spyware. Use only Google Play or the App Store.
What to do if your password isn't displayed anywhere
There are situations when none of the software methods work: the Android version is old, there is no root access, and the iPhone is running an older iOS version. In this case, the only option left is physical access to the equipment. This is the most reliable, although not the most technologically advanced, method.
Look at the sticker on the bottom or back of your router. Manufacturers often list the default SSID and Wireless Key/Password there. If you've never changed your security settings, this information will be up to date.
If the password was changed earlier and you can't remember it, your last option is to reset the router to factory settings. There's a small hole on the device's body. ResetPress it with a paper clip and hold for 10-15 seconds with the power on.
After the reset, the router will return to its factory settings (indicated on the sticker). You will be able to connect, and then, by logging into the web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), set a new, memorable password.
Standard addresses for entering router settings:http://192.168.0.1
http://192.168.1.1
http://192.168.31.1 (Xiaomi)
http://tplinkwifi.net (TP-Link)
This method guarantees that access will be restored, but it requires reconfiguring all devices in the home, as old saved profiles will no longer work due to the security key change.
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the phone has never connected to this network?
No, this can't be done using standard phone tools. The phone doesn't store information about networks it hasn't connected to. To gain access, you'll need to either know the password, have physical access to the router to reset it or view the sticker, or exploit WPS vulnerabilities (if they haven't been patched).
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Using trusted apps from official stores is relatively safe as long as they don't require additional permissions. However, apps that require root access or are installed from APK files may pose a risk of data leakage. It's better to use built-in OS features.
Why can't I see the password in settings on Android 10+?
For security reasons, Google has hidden the display of cleartext passwords in the Settings menu. However, the "Share via QR code" feature allows you to legally transfer the key to another device or scan it with a camera, which is a tradeoff between convenience and data security.
Does this method work on tablets?
Yes, Android and iOS work on tablets the same way as on smartphones. If your tablet has the latest version of the operating system, you can view the password through Wi-Fi settings or a QR code, just like on a phone.