Forgot your Wi-Fi password on Android: 7 ways to restore network access

Are you trying to connect a new gadget to your home Wi-Fi, but your phone keeps asking for a password you can't remember? Or after reinstalling Android, the network requires re-authorization? This situation is familiar to millions of users, according to Kaspersky, 63% of people have forgotten their Wi-Fi network password at least once. Luckily, Android There are several ways to restore access without drastic measures like resetting the router.

In this article, we'll cover all the working methods—from viewing the saved password in your smartphone settings to using specialized apps and commands. ADBYou will learn how to operate on different versions of Android (from Android 9 Pie to Android 15), what nuances should be taken into account when working with routers from different manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic), and what to do if none of the methods worked. Important: Additional methods are available on rooted devices, but they require caution—incorrect actions can damage the system.

1. View your saved password in Android settings

The easiest way is to look up the password directly in your phone's settings if it has ever connected to this network. Starting with Android 10Google has added a feature to display Wi-Fi passwords, but its location depends on the OS version and the manufacturer's shell.

For pure Android (for example, on Google Pixel or Samsung One UI):

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of your network (connected or saved).
3. Select Share (or Share (on English firmware).
4. Confirm unlocking with PIN code, fingerprint or pattern key.
5. The password will be displayed under the QR code.

Make sure your phone is connected to the right network|Check that you have administrator rights (on some Xiaomi devices)|Disable your VPN - it may be blocking access to system settings|Update your OS if the "Share" feature is missing-->

On devices Xiaomi (MIUI), Huawei (EMUI) or Oppo (ColorOS) the path may differ:

• 📱 Xiaomi: Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap on the network → Advanced → Show password (Mi account password required).
• 📱 Huawei: The password display feature may be disabled by default. Try this path Settings → Wireless & networks → Wi-Fi → Manage networks.
• 📱 Oppo/Realme: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Saved networks → Select a network → Show password.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, Flyme from Meizu) The password may not be displayed due to the manufacturer's security policy. In this case, proceed to the next methods.

2. Using a QR code to transfer a password

If your phone doesn't display a readable password but allows you to generate a QR code to connect other devices, use this method! This method works on all modern versions of Android and doesn't require root access.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the name of your network.
2. Select Share (or similar item).
3. The system will generate a QR code. Hold another device (such as a second phone or tablet) near it and scan it.
4. A connection prompt will appear on the second device. Confirm it. The password will be entered automatically.

To see the password itself, you can scan the QR code using a third-party application, for example, QR & Barcode Scanner (available in Google Play). Most scanners recognize Wi-Fi networks and will display the SSID and password in plain text.

3. Password recovery via router

If you still have access to your router settings (you remember your web interface login and password), you can reset your Wi-Fi password directly through the admin panel. This method is universal and works regardless of your phone model.

Steps:

1. Find out Router IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1 (check the device sticker).
2. Enter the IP address into the address bar of the browser on your phone or computer.
3. Log in (standard login/password - admin/admin or admin/password, if you haven't changed it).
4. Go to the section Wireless network (or Wireless).
5. Find the field Wi-Fi password (or Wireless Password, WPA-PSK Key). The password may be hidden behind asterisks - click Show.

⚠️ Attention: If you don’t remember your router login details and the standard combinations don’t work, you’ll have to reset the device to factory settings (using the button) Reset on the back panel). After the reset, the network name and password will be reset to the default ones (indicated on the router sticker).

TP-Link|ASUS|Keenetic|Zyxel|MikroTik|Other|I don't know-->

4. Applications for viewing saved passwords (without root)

If the previous methods don't work, you can use third-party apps that can extract saved Wi-Fi passwords from system files. Important: Most of these apps require root rights, but there are exceptions for some phone models.

List of verified applications:

• 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer — works on Samsung, Xiaomi and some other devices without root. Shows all saved networks and passwords.
• 🔓 WiFi Key Recovery - suitable for Android 9-12, but may not work on newer versions due to security restrictions.
• 🔓 WiFi Password Show — a simple tool, but requires superuser rights confirmation on some firmware.

How to use:

1. Download one of the applications from Google Play.
2. Launch and grant access to Wi-Fi settings (the app will ask for permission).
3. In the list of saved networks, find the one you need and copy the password.

Why do apps ask for root permissions?

Without root access to the file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml, where passwords are stored, is restricted by the system. Root rights allow you to bypass this restriction. However, on some firmware (for example, MIUI or EMUI) Manufacturers leave "loopholes" for reading passwords without root.

5. Methods for users with root rights

If you have installed on your phone root rights (or you're ready to get them), more powerful password recovery tools are available. The main advantage is the ability to view all networks ever connected, and not just the current one.

Method 1: Via file WifiConfigStore.xml

1. Install a file manager with root support (e.g. Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/ (or /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/ on new versions of Android).
3. Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml and open it with a text editor.
4. Look for lines like this:

   <string name="ConfigKey">...</string>
   <string name="PreSharedKey">"your_password"</string>

Method 2: Through ADB (without file manager)

If you have a computer with installed ADB drivers, execute:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and turn it on USB debugging in the developer settings.
2. Open command prompt and type:

   adb shell
   su
   cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep "PreSharedKey"

3. In the output, find the line with the password (it will be in quotes after PreSharedKey).

⚠️ Attention: Using root privileges may compromise system stability or void the warranty. On devices with Magisk or SuperSU The risks are minimal, but make a backup before changing system files.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If none of the above methods work, drastic measures remain. These should only be used as a last resort, as they may affect the network or other devices.

Methods:

• 🔄 Resetting the router: Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After resetting, use the default password from the device sticker.
• 📱 Reset network settings on your phone: Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings. Attention: This will delete all saved networks!
• 🔧 Connection via WPS: If the router supports WPS, press the button WPS on it, and on the phone select Connect via WPS in the Wi-Fi settings. No password is required.
• 💻 View password on another device: If you have a laptop or tablet connected to the network, look at the password there (on Windows: Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → Wireless Network → Status → Wireless Network Properties → Security).

7. How to avoid problems in the future

To avoid the hassle of forgetting your Wi-Fi password, follow these simple rules:

• 📝 Keep your password in a safe place: Use password managers (1Password, Bitwarden) or write it down in a notebook.
• 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly: New versions often add features like exporting settings (including passwords) to a file.
• 📱 Set up backup on Android: Turn on Wi-Fi data saving Settings → Google → Backup.
• 🔒 Use easy-to-remember passwords: For example, HomeNet_2026!Plus instead of a random set of characters.

If you frequently change passwords or manage multiple networks, consider purchasing a router with a feature guest access (For example, ASUS RT-AX88U or TP-Link Archer AX6000). This will allow you to grant temporary access without revealing the main password.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the phone has never connected to this network?

No. If the device hasn't connected to the network before, none of the described methods will work. In this case, the only options are resetting the router or viewing the password on another connected device (laptop, tablet).

Why isn't there a "Show Password" option in the Wi-Fi settings on my Xiaomi?

On some firmware versions MIUI (Especially on older versions) the password display feature is disabled by default. Try updating your OS or using the QR code method. Also, check if the option is hidden behind additional settings (the ⚙️ icon next to the network name).

Are password recovery apps safe to use?

Yes, if you download them from the official Google PlayAvoid apps with suspicious permissions (such as access to SMS or contacts). Check reviews and ratings before installing. Apps like WiFi Password Viewer They don't send your passwords to the network - they just read local data.

What to do if the router does not have a Reset button?

On some models (eg, Ubiquiti UniFi) The reset is performed programmatically via the web interface or mobile app. If there is no physical button, refer to the manufacturer's instructions. As a last resort, unplug the router for 30 seconds—this sometimes resets the settings to factory defaults.

Is it possible to recover a Wi-Fi password through an operator (for example, Rostelecom or MTS)?

No, your carrier doesn't store your home Wi-Fi passwords. They can only provide access details to your router's personal account (if the device was leased). The exception is if you're using a public network (e.g., MTS_Home), but even in this case the password is usually specified in the contract.