How to find your Wi-Fi password on Android if you forgot it: 7 working methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but you still have it saved on your phone? This is a common situation, especially if the network was set up a long time ago or someone else entered the password. Luckily, Android There are several ways to retrieve a saved password without resetting the router - even if you don't have permission root.

In this article we will look at 7 proven methods, including built-in functions Android 10+, hidden menus of manufacturers (Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei), as well as universal solutions through ADB and the file system. We'll also cover security considerations and alternative options if none of the above methods work.

Important: Not all methods work on custom firmware or older versions. Android (below 8.0) If your phone was released before 2018, first check the "Older versions of Android».

1. Standard method: Wi-Fi menu in Android 10 and newer

Starting from Android 10 (2019), Google added a built-in feature for viewing passwords for saved networks. This is the simplest and most secure method, but it doesn't work on all firmware versions (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi may block access).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Network and Internet → Wi-Fi).
• 🔍 Find your network in the list and tap on its name (do not connect, if already connected).
• 🔑 Select an item Share (or Share (on English firmware).
• 🔐 The system will ask PIN code, pattern or fingerprint - enter it.
• 📝 A text password will appear under the QR code (it may be hidden under a button) Show password).

If the point Share No - your manufacturer has disabled this feature (often found on Samsung One UI up to version 3.1). Proceed to the next method.

2. Hidden menus of manufacturers: Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei

Some brands hide passwords in engineering menus or special settings sections. Here's how to find them:

Xiaomi (MIUI 12 and later)

• 🔧 Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 📋 Tap on your network name and hold for 2-3 seconds.
• 🔑 In the menu that appears, select Scan the QR code — the password will be displayed below the code.

Samsung (One UI 3.1+)

• 📱 Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
• ⚙️ Click the gear next to your network.
• 🔍 Scroll down and select QR code — the password will be under it.

Huawei (EMUI 10+)

• 🔗 Go to Settings → Wireless & Networks → WLAN.
• 📌 Tap on your network and select Share password.
• 🔐 Enter your device PIN—the password will appear in text format.

Why do manufacturers hide passwords?

Many brands (especially Xiaomi And Samsung) restrict access to passwords for security reasons. They believe that users should know the password in advance or reset it through the router. However, this isn't always convenient, especially if the router is in a hard-to-reach location or its settings are protected by the ISP.

3. Viewing the password through the file manager (without root)

On some devices, passwords are stored unencrypted in system files. To read them, you'll need any file manager with access to root folders (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Install file manager from Google Play and grant it access to the memory.
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

   or (on newer versions Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreSoftAp.xml

3. Open the file in a text editor and find the line <string name="PreSharedKey"> - there will be a password after it.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ This method rarely works—files are often encrypted. If you see a set of characters like a1b2c3d4e5, which means the data is encoded.

Enable USB debugging (if ADB is needed)

Install a file manager with root access

Make a backup copy of important data

Check your Android version (this method may not work on Android 11+) -->

4. Using ADB (for advanced users)

If the previous methods did not work, you can extract the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — a debugging tool. The method requires connecting the phone to the computer, but does not require root-rights.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools and unzip the archive.
2. Turn it on on your phone USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → Developer Options).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and launch it cmd (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
4. Enter the commands in order:

   adb devices
   adb shell
   su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep psk"

5. If a line appears with psk="your_password" - this is the Wi-Fi key.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ The command may return an encrypted password. In this case, try an alternative command:

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

and open the downloaded file on your PC.

5. Alternative method: resetting the router

If none of the methods worked, there remains reset the router settings to factory settings. This is a radical method, but it is guaranteed to give you access to the network. After the reset, you will be able to access the router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and set a new password.

How to reset a router:

• 🔌 Find the button on the back of the router Reset (usually recessed into the body).
• 📍 Take a paper clip or a toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds.
• 🔄 Wait for the reboot (all indicators will light up).
• 🌐 Connect to the network with the factory name (for example, TP-Link_XXXX) and go to the control panel.

The default login and password are usually indicated on the router sticker (e.g. admin/admin or admin/password). If there is no sticker, check the router model. Google.

6. Older versions of Android (before 8.0)

On devices with Android 7.0 and below, passwords are often stored in clear text. To see them, just install any app for viewing Wi-Fi passwords (for example, WiFi Password Viewer).

Instructions for Android 6.0–7.1:

1. Download from Google Play application WiFi Password Recovery (or equivalent).
2. Run it and provide root access (if required).
3. Find your network in the list of saved networks and copy the password.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 5.0 and below many applications require rootIf it is not there, try the method with ADB (section 4) or reset the router.

7. Security measures: what to do after password recovery

Once you have learned the password, it is recommended to:

• 🔒 Change password to a more complex one (use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols).
• 📱 Delete unnecessary saved networks in the Wi-Fi settings.
• 🛡️ Enable WPA3 in the router settings (if supported).
• 🔄 Update your router's firmware to the latest version.

If you often forget your passwords, save it in password manager (For example, Google Password Manager or KeePass) or write it down on paper and keep it in a safe place.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, on Android 10+ This can be done through the standard menu Settings → Wi-Fi → ShareOn older versions it will help. ADB or hidden menus of manufacturers (section 2).

Why is the password encrypted in the WifiConfigStore.xml file?

Starting from Android 9Google has tightened its security policy, and many manufacturers have started encrypting passwords. In this case, the only solution is resetting the router or using ADB with superuser rights.

What should I do if I don't have access to my router (for example, it's at my ISP's)?

Contact your internet service provider's support team - they can reset your password remotely or provide it over the phone (identity verification will be required). Alternatively, use WPS-connection (if the router supports it).

Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password?

No, this violates personal data laws and may be considered unauthorized access. All methods in this article are intended only for restoring access to his own networks.

Why doesn't the internet work after resetting the router?

Resetting deletes not only the Wi-Fi password, but also the connection settings to the provider (for example, PPPoE or VLANTo restore access, call your provider's support team or check the connection details in your contract.