Forgot your Wi-Fi password on Android: How to find it or reset it in 2026

Forgetting your home Wi-Fi password is a familiar situation for many. It's especially frustrating when all you have at hand is your smartphone. Android, but there's no laptop or router with a sticker on hand. Luckily, modern versions Android 10–14 offer several ways to restore network access—from simply viewing the saved password to resetting the router via phone. In this article, we'll cover all the working methods, including little-known tricks for devices without root-right.

It is important to understand that not all methods are universal. For example, Samsung Galaxy with shell One UI The path to the Wi-Fi settings is different from the "clean" one. Android on Pixel or Xiaomi. And for owners of old smartphones (before Android 9) may require additional software. We've taken these nuances into account and compiled instructions that are applicable to most models. 2018–2026 production years.

1. View your saved Wi-Fi password in Android settings

The most obvious way is to view the password directly in your phone's settings. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers leave this option readily available. Here's how to do it on different versions:

On Android 10 and later (including Android 14):

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network (under the word Connected).
3. Select Share (or Share (on English firmware).
4. Confirm unlocking with PIN code, fingerprint or graphic key.
5. The password will be displayed below QR code in the field Password.

On Samsung One UI (For example, Galaxy S23 or A54):

• 📱 Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Click the gear next to your network name.
• 🔑 Choose Show password (PIN may be required).

On Xiaomi (MIUI 12–14):

• 📱 Log in Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Tap on the connected network.
• 🔑 Choose Share password and confirm the unlocking.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) This feature may be disabled by the manufacturer. In this case, proceed to the following methods.

2. Using a QR code to transfer a password

If your Android does not show the password explicitly, but there is an option Share with generation QR code, you can bypass the limitation:

1. Generate a QR code for your network (as in the previous section).
2. Take a photo of it with another device (for example, a friend's tablet or smartphone).
3. Use any QR scanning app (eg. Google Lens) to read the data.
4. There will be a line in the network information WPA: your_password.

This method works even on Android 9 and older, where a direct password view option is often unavailable. The key is that the device you're scanning the QR code with has access to a code reader app.

How to scan QR without additional apps?

Many modern smartphones support QR code scanning using the standard camera. Simply point the camera at the code, and a notification will appear prompting you to follow a link or view network data.

3. Viewing a password through the file system (for advanced users)

On devices with root-rights or through ADB It is possible to extract the password from the system file wpa_supplicant.confThis method is suitable for tech-savvy users.

Instructions via ADB (without root):

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC and connect your phone via USB (turn it on USB debugging in the developer settings).
2. Run the command:

   adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

3. Open the downloaded file in a text editor and find the line <string name="PreSharedKey"><your_password></string>.

On devices with root You can use a file manager (for example, Root Explorer) and open the file at the path:

/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

⚠️ Attention: Modifying system files without root may cause problems. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions. Android 11+ access to this file is often blocked even with root-rights.

4. Resetting the password via the router's web interface

If the previous methods don't work, you can reset the password directly in the router settings. To do this:

1. Connect your phone to the router via Wi-Fi (even without the Internet).
2. Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. This is usually:
   • 🌐 192.168.0.1 (For TP-Link, D-Link)
   • 🌐 192.168.1.1 (For Asus, Zyxel)
   • 🌐 192.168.8.1 (For Huawei)

Enter your login and password to log in (by default, it is often admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).

Go to the section Wireless (or Wi-Fi → Security).

Find the field Password (or PSK) and change it.

Save the settings and reconnect the devices.

If you don't know your router's IP address, you can find it out through the app. Fing (scans the local network) or in the Wi-Fi settings on the phone (section Additionally → Gateway IP address).

⚠️ AttentionIf your router returns an error when logging in, your ISP may have blocked access to the settings. In this case, only a hard reset will help (see the next section).

5. Hard reset the router to factory settings

The last but most reliable way is to reset the router to factory settings. After the reset, all devices will be disconnected from the network, and internet settings (including data from the provider) will have to be re-entered. Instructions:

1. Find the button on the back of the router. Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press the button on 10-15 seconds.
3. Wait until the router reboots (all indicators light up/blink).
4. Connect to the network with the factory name (indicated on the sticker) and configure the router again.

On some models (eg, Keenetic) the reset occurs via the web interface: System → Configuration → ResetAfter the procedure:

• 🔧 Set up your internet connection (your provider's details are usually included in your contract).
• 🔐 Set a new password for Wi-Fi (we recommend using WPA2-PSK or WPA3).
• 📱 Reconnect all devices.

Find your internet connection details (logins/passwords from your provider)

Set a new Wi-Fi password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters)

Update your router firmware (if available)

Save settings to the cloud or flash drive-->

6. Password recovery via the provider's application

Many internet service providers (eg. Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS) offer mobile apps for managing your router. These allow you to:

• 📱 View your current Wi-Fi password.
• 🔄 Reset it to a new one.
• 📊 See connected devices.

Application examples:

• 🔵 My Rostelecom — for subscribers Rostelecom.
• 🟢 My Beeline — manages routers Biline.
• 🔴 MTS Connect — for equipment MTS.

Typically, you'll need the phone number associated with your contract to log in. Once logged in, find the section Wi-Fi or My network — there will be an option to view/change the password.

⚠️ AttentionIf you rent a router from a provider, resetting the settings may block access. In this case, it's best to contact support.

7. Alternative methods: from backups to contacting your provider

If none of the methods work, consider these options:

Restoring from a backup:

• 📱 If you have previously made a backup via Titanium Backup (requires root) or Google Drive, try restoring your Wi-Fi settings from the archive.
• 🔍 In the backup, look for files with the extension .conf or folder /data/misc/wifi.

Contacting your provider:

• 📞 Call support and ask them to reset the Wi-Fi password on your router (if it belongs to your provider).
• 📧 Some operators (eg. Dom.ru) allow you to do this through your personal account on the website.

Using a second device:

• 💻 If you have a laptop or PC at home that was previously connected to this network, check the password through Network and Sharing Center (Windows) or Keychain Access (Mac).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about recovering your Wi-Fi password on Android

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without root rights?

Yes, on Android 10+ This can be done through the "Share" menu in the Wi-Fi settings. On older versions, you may need to ADB or access to the router.

What should I do if my router doesn't respond to the Reset button?

Try holding the button longer (up to 30 seconds) or unplugging the router for 10 minutes before resetting. If that doesn't help, the button may be broken and needs repair.

How to protect your Wi-Fi password from future loss?

Save it in a password manager (eg. Google Password Manager or KeePass), take a screenshot of the QR code or write it down in a notepad. You can also stick a sticker with the password on the bottom of the router.

Is it possible to hack someone else's Wi-Fi if you forgot your password?

No, hacking other people's networks is illegal (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code). If it's your own network, use legal methods (resetting the router, contacting your ISP).

Why is there no internet after resetting the router?

Most likely, the connection details to your provider (logins, VLAN, connection type) have not been entered. These parameters can be clarified in your contract or by contacting support.