How to find out the password for a connected Wi-Fi network: all working methods

Have you forgotten your home Wi-Fi password and there's no sticker on your router with the password? Or do you need to connect a new device but have restricted access to your router? This situation sounds familiar to many, according to a survey. Kaspersky42% of users have lost their network passwords at least once. Fortunately, if at least one device is already connected to Wi-Fi, it's possible to recover the password without resetting the router.

In this article - 5 proven methods view saved Wi-Fi password on Android, iPhone, Windows, macOS and even Smart TVWe'll cover the nuances for different OS versions, warn you of security risks, and show you what to do if standard methods don't work. Important: All instructions legal - they are intended only for access to own networks, to which you already have rights.

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to hack someone else's Wi-Fi network without the owner's permission is punishable by law (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code - "Unauthorized access to computer information"). All methods in this article are applicable. exclusively to your network.

1. How to find out the Wi-Fi password on Android (without rooting)

On modern smartphones with Android 10+ The system hides passwords by default, but they can be extracted through settings menu or configuration fileThe method works on most devices. Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other brands, but may vary depending on the shell.

If you have Android 9 and below, the password is displayed directly in the Wi-Fi settings - go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → ShareNewer versions will require an additional step of PIN or fingerprint verification.

• 📱 Via settings (Android 10-14):
  

  Open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on the name of your network → ShareThe system will request identity verification (PIN, pattern, or biometrics). After authorization, a QR code and a text password will appear.

• 📄 Via configuration file (for advanced users):
  

  Install a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer), enable display of hidden files and go to the path /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlFind the line in the file <string name="PreSharedKey">...</string> — there will be a password between the tags.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (eg. Huawei With EMUI) access to the file WifiConfigStore.xml blocked without rights rootDon't try to gain root access just for the password—this will void your warranty and increase the risk of virus infection.

If none of the methods worked, try connecting your smartphone to your computer and use ADB commands (we will discuss this method in the section about Windows).

2. How to view the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone or iPad

Apple strictly controls access to system data, so iPhone or iPad There is no direct way to see the password in the settings. However, there are two workarounds: iCloud Keychain (if sync is enabled) or using Mac (if it is connected to the same network).

Method with Mac It's easier - just open it Programs → Utilities → Keychain Access, find the network name in the list and check the box Show passwordOn . iOS you'll have to resort to a trick:

• 🔄 Via iTunes backup (Windows/macOS):
  

  Connect iPhone to your computer, create a backup copy in iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina+). Then use the program iBackup Viewer (free) to open the backup file and find the password in the section Wi-Fi.

• ☁️ Via iCloud (if syncing is enabled):
  

  Go to the website iCloud.com, log in and open KeychainFind your Wi-Fi network in the list, click on it and select Show passwordYou will need to enter a confirmation code from a trusted device.

⚠️ Attention: Programs like iBackup Viewer may be recognized by antivirus programs as "potentially dangerous" due to access to backup copies. Download them only from official website and temporarily disable your antivirus if it is blocking the installation.

If you don't have Mac or a backup copy, the only legal option left is to reset the password through the router (instructions in the last section).

3. View Wi-Fi password on Windows 10/11

On computers with Windows The password for the current network can be found out in 30 seconds - the system stores it in clear text in Network Control CenterThe method works on all versions from Windows 7 to Windows 11, but requires administrator rights.

Instructions:

1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. Right-click on your current Wi-Fi connection → State → Wireless network properties.
3. Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters. The password will appear in the field. Network security key.

If this method does not work (for example, due to corporate policy restrictions), use command line:

netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear

Replace NETWORK_NAME the name of your Wi-Fi. The password will be in the line Key content.

Administrator rights (run CMD as administrator)

The exact network name (case sensitive)

No VPN (it may block commands)-->

4. How to find your Wi-Fi password on macOS

On MacBook or iMac the password is stored in the system a bunch of keys (Keychain Access). This method is universal for all versions macOS from Mojave to Sonoma.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Programs → Utilities → Keychain Access (or find via Spotlight on request "Keychain").
2. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
3. Double-click on the found entry → check the box Show password.
4. Enter your account password Mac (required for confirmation).

If the keychain is corrupted or the network is not listed, try the alternative method via Terminal:

security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

Replace NETWORK_NAME The name of your Wi-Fi network. The system will ask for an administrator password and display the network key.

What to do if Keychain doesn't show the password?

If there is a network entry but the password field is empty, it means that macOS didn't save it (for example, when connecting via WPS). In this case, the only option is to reset the password on the router or contact your provider for a duplicate.

⚠️ Attention: At corporate MacFor domain-connected computers, access to the keychain may be restricted by security policies. In this case, please contact your company's IT department.

5. How to find the Wi-Fi password on a Smart TV (Samsung, LG, Sony)

On TVs with Smart TV Extracting the password is the most difficult thing—manufacturers intentionally restrict access to system data. However, on some models Samsung (series QLED/Neo QLED 2020–2026) and LG (With webOS 5.0+) there are loopholes.

For Samsung TVs:

• ⚙️ Go to Settings → General → Network → Network Status.
• Press and hold the button OK on the remote control for 5 seconds - a hidden menu will open with connection details, including the password.

For LG TVs (webOS):

• 🔧 Turn on developer mode: go to Settings → General → About TV → TV Info and quickly click 7 times on the field webOS version.
• Return to Settings → General - an item will appear Developer mode. Activate it.
• Connect to TV via SSH (use the TV's IP address, login lg, password 1234) and run the command:
  

  cat /tmp/wifi/passphrase.txt

⚠️ Attention: Entrance to developer mode on LG or Samsung This may void your warranty if your TV is in for service. After retrieving the password, we recommend disabling this mode.

6. If nothing helps: reset the router password

When all other options have been exhausted, there remains one last option - reset the router settings Factory reset. This will erase all custom settings (including the Wi-Fi password) but allow you to set a new one. The process takes 5-10 minutes and requires no special skills.

Instructions:

1. Find the button on your router Reset (usually recessed into the body to prevent accidental pressing).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press and hold the button 10-15 secondsuntil the indicators start flashing.
3. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (the network will be named according to the device model, for example, TP-Link_1234).
4. Open your browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the exact address is indicated on the router sticker).
5. Enter your login and password to log in (usually admin/admin or admin/empty).
6. Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless) and set a new password.

After the reset, all devices will be disconnected from the network and will have to be reconnected with a new password.

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, from providers Rostelecom or MTS) A reset may block internet access if the device is bound by MAC address. In this case, after the reset, you will need to call your provider's support team and provide the device's new MAC address (indicated on the sticker).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi connection I've connected to before but am not currently connected to?

On Windows And macOS - Yes. In Windows use the command netsh wlan show profilesto see a list of all saved networks, then netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clearOn . Mac open Keychain Access and search by network name.

On Android And iOS Without root/jailbreak this is impossible - systems only store passwords for current connections.

Why is there no "Share" button for Wi-Fi in Android settings?

This feature is not available on:

• Devices with Android 9 and below (use file WifiConfigStore.xml).
• Some Chinese firmware (for example, ColorOS on Oppo/Realme).
• Corporate phones with security policies (eg Samsung Knox).

Solution: Update your OS or use alternative methods from the first section.

Is it possible to hack a neighbor's Wi-Fi if I know the network name?

No. Modern networks are protected by protocols WPA2/WPA3, and brute-forcing a password can take years even on powerful equipment. Moreover, this crime (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). If you urgently need internet, it's better to:

• Ask your neighbor for the password (many people are willing to help).
• Buy a mobile 4G/5G router (for example, Huawei E5577).
• Connect to public networks (in cafes, libraries).

How can you protect your Wi-Fi from such password leaks?

To minimize risks:

• 🔒 Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (available on routers since 2019).
• 🔄 Change your password every 3-6 months (especially if guests connect to the network).
• 📵 Turn off WPS - This protocol is vulnerable to attacks.
• 👥 Create guest network for temporary devices.

Also check if the password is saved in cloud services (for example, Google Password Manager or iCloud Keychain) - remove it from there if you no longer need it.

What should I do if my router displays an error after a reset?

Typical problems and solutions:

• Unable to access 192.168.0.1/192.168.1.1: Try a different browser (for example, Firefox) or clear the cache. Also, make sure you're connected to the router via cable.
• Login/password does not work: On some routers (for example, Zyxel Keenetic) factory login - admin, password - 1234 or the last character of the MAC address.
• No internet after reset: Check your settings WAN (You may need to enter your provider's data manually).

If the router gives an error "The configuration file is corrupted.", perform the reset again while holding the button Reset 20–30 seconds.