It's extremely common to need to connect a new device to an existing network but forget the password. Fortunately, the operating system Android Stores data about previously connected networks, making it easy to restore access. Depending on the OS version and access rights, the methods may differ, but all are easily implemented by the average user.
Modern smartphones offer built-in data sharing tools that are often overlooked. Google has implemented convenient QR code generation mechanisms, allowing you to instantly transfer the access key to another device. However, if you need the text value of the characters to enter on a PC or TV, additional steps are required.
In this article, we'll cover all the current methods, from standard interface settings to advanced methods using console commands. On non-rooted devices, access to the text password is often limited by system security policies, so the visual method via QR code remains the most universal solution. Let's look at each option in detail so you can choose the one that's right for your model.
Using the built-in QR code in settings
Since version Android 10Google has standardized Wi-Fi sharing via QR code. This is the simplest and most secure method, requiring no third-party software. You don't need to be a network administrator or know complex commands; access to the settings menu is sufficient.
To get started, open your smartphone's settings and go to the "Network & Internet" or "Connections" section. Find the item Wi-Fi and tap the gear icon next to the active network name. Detailed connection information will appear on the screen, typically with a "Share" button or a QR code icon at the bottom.
After clicking, the system will ask you to confirm your identity using a PIN, fingerprint, or face scan. This is a necessary measure. security, preventing data theft by attackers who gain physical access to an unlocked phone. After confirmation, a square code will appear on the screen.
- 📱 Point the other phone's camera at the code to instantly connect.
- 📸 Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code to save.
- 🔍 Use the Google Lens app to decipher the text.
If you need the actual text value, not just a connection, use the Google Lens feature. Open a screenshot of the code through this app or point the camera in translation/search mode. The system will recognize the image and return a text string, with the following prefix: WIFI:S: there will be the network name, and after P: — the password you are looking for.
View saved networks on Android 12 and later
In more recent versions of the operating system, the interface has become even more user-friendly. Users Android 12, 13 And 14 They can see passwords directly in the settings, which is a significant step up in usability. However, this feature only works for networks the phone has previously connected to.
Go to Wi-Fi settings and find the "Saved Networks" list. Unlike older versions, all known profiles are displayed here, even if you're out of their range. Select the desired network from the list. The menu that opens often includes a "Show Password" button or an eye icon.
⚠️ Note: On some smartphones with manufacturer-specific skins (such as older versions of MIUI or OneUI), this button may require confirmation via a Google or Samsung account. Make sure you remember your login details.
The interface may vary slightly depending on the brand. On a clean Android from Google the path usually looks like this Settings → Network & Internet → Internet → Gear next to the network → ShareOn devices Samsung It may be hidden in the three dots menu in the corner of the screen.
Using ADB commands without root access
For advanced users who need to extract a password in plain text on Android versions below 10 or where the interface is hidden, there is a method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method doesn't require root access, but it does require a computer with USB debugging enabled.
First, you need to enable developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone Tap the build number seven times quickly. "Developer options" will appear in the menu. Find and enable "USB debugging" inside. Connect your phone to the PC using a cable.
On your computer, open the command prompt in the ADB tools folder. Enter the command to list saved networks. If the system allows it (depending on your configuration file permissions), you'll see a list in SSID and password format. The command looks like this:
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep "mConfiguredNetworks"However, on modern versions of Android, access to the file wpa_supplicant.conf Accessing ADB without root access is often blocked. In this case, this method may fail, and the system will return an access error. In this case, you'll have to rely on visual methods or logging into the router.
What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?
Make sure the ADB drivers for your model are installed. When connecting the cable, you may also see a prompt on your phone's screen asking "Allow debugging?"
Obtaining a password via the file system (Root)
If your smartphone has rights Root (obtained via Magisk, KingRoot, or similar tools), the task is simplified to the extreme. Superuser rights grant access to system configuration files, where all keys are stored in plaintext. This is the most reliable method for both old and new devices.
You will need a file manager with root access support, such as Root Explorer or MT Manager. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/. The file is located here. wpa_supplicant.confIt contains the entire connection history.
| Parameter | Description | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ssid | Wireless network name | Home_WiFi |
| psk | Security key (password) | MySecretPass123 |
| proto | Encryption protocol | RSN |
| key_mgmt | Key management method | WPA-PSK |
Open the file with a text editor. You will see blocks of code for each network. Find the block with the required name (ssid) and copy the parameter value pskThis is your password. Be careful when editing this file: deleting unnecessary characters may disrupt the Wi-Fi module.
⚠️ Warning: Making changes to system files may cause system instability. Always create a backup copy of the file before editing.
Login to the router's web interface
If none of the methods on the phone itself work, the "gold standard" is always accessing the router's settings. You don't need a computer for this; the phone only needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network (even without internet) or via a LAN cable (via OTG).
Find out your gateway IP address. In your Android's Wi-Fi settings, tap on your active network and look for the "Gateway" or "Router" field. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter this address into the address bar of any browser (Chrome, Firefox).
The system will ask for the administrator login and password. If you haven't changed them, they are located on a sticker on the bottom of the router (often admin/admin). Once in the menu, find the section Wireless or Wi-Fi SettingsIn the field WPA Pre-Shared Key The current password will be displayed, which you can copy or change.
☑️ Checking access to the router
Restoring access via reset
As a last resort, if the password is lost and access to the router settings is blocked (the login is changed and forgotten), a hard reset is the only option. There's a button on the router body. Reset, often recessed into the case. Press it with a paperclip for 10-15 seconds with the power on.
The router will be reset to factory settings. The Wi-Fi password will be the one on the sticker on the bottom of the device. The downside of this method is that you'll have to reconfigure the network name and other settings if your ISP requires specific settings (PPPoE, VLAN).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a neighbor's Wi-Fi password via Android?
No, it's impossible to legally obtain the password for someone else's network if you're not connected to it. Apps that promise this are often scams or use password databases that users themselves have previously uploaded to the cloud.
Where is the password file stored on Android?
File wpa_supplicant.conf is located in the system directory /data/misc/wifi/Access to this folder without Root privileges or special debugging permissions is blocked by the operating system.
Are password recovery apps safe to use?
Most of these apps simply display a QR code generated by Android itself. However, be careful: apps that require root access may have hidden functionality that can steal your data. Use only trusted software.
What to do if the QR code cannot be read?
Try increasing your screen brightness. If the code is corrupted or too complex, use the Google Lens feature in the Google app or Gallery, which has a more powerful recognition algorithm than the standard camera.