The situation when you need to connect a new gadget or laptop to an already familiar wireless network, but the access key has long been forgotten, occurs everywhere. Fortunately, modern smartphones based on Android store this data in memory for years, allowing you to quickly restore access to the Internet. The Google operating system automatically creates backup copies of connection profiles so that the user does not have to enter complex combinations of characters again each time.
However, you cannot simply see these symbols in the standard settings menu for security reasons. System limitations they hide sensitive information from accidental viewing, requiring confirmation of the owner’s identity through biometrics or a PIN code. Depending on the firmware version and the manufacturer’s shell (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei), the algorithm of actions may differ significantly, but the general principle remains the same for the entire ecosystem.
In this article we will analyze all the current methods for obtaining forgotten access keys, starting from the built-in functions of the latest OS versions and ending with advanced methods for experienced users. You will learn how to export network data in the form of a QR code or text file, as well as what risks are associated with using third-party software for these purposes.
Built-in functions of Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version of the operating system, Google engineers have introduced a native mechanism for viewing and sharing passwords via QR codes. This function has become a de facto standard for most modern devices running Android 10, 11, 12, 13 and more recent releases. To gain access, you do not need third-party software or superuser rights; it is enough to have physical access to an unlocked smartphone that is already connected to the desired network.
The process is as follows: you need to open the settings, go to the wireless connections section and select the network of interest. An information window will appear on the screen, where the password itself is often hidden, but a QR code is available for scanning by another device. In some shells, for example in clean Android or on smartphones Xiaomi, the key text may be displayed immediately below the QR code after passing the biometric verification.
⚠️ Attention: The password view function may not be available on devices with heavily modified shells or outdated security patches. If you don't see the Share option or QR code, try updating your Google Play Services system components.
It is important to understand that this mechanism requires your smartphone screen to be unlocked to activate this mechanism. The security system Android blocks access to sensitive data if the device is in sleep mode for more than a few minutes or the main PIN code has not been entered after rebooting.
Instructions for Samsung owners Galaxy
Owners of devices from the South Korean company Samsung have somewhat expanded capabilities thanks to the shell One UI. In the latest firmware versions, the process of retrieving network data has become even more intuitive. You need to go to the settings menu, select “Connections”, and then go to the “Wi-Fi” section.
Click on the gear next to the name of the network you are currently connected to, or select a saved network from the list at the bottom of the screen. In the window that opens, at the bottom there will be a “QR code” or “Share” button. After confirming your identity (fingerprint or Face ID), a code and a text string with a password will appear on the screen, which can be copied.
☑️ Checking Wi-Fi access on Samsung
An interesting feature One UI is the ability to generate a static QR code that can be saved in gallery. This is convenient if you need to connect guests frequently, but don't want to dictate a complex password every time. However, store such images in hidden folders, since anyone who gains access to the photo will be able to connect to your network.
Interface features of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco
Chinese brand smartphones Xiaomi, including sub-brands Redmi and Pocoworking on the shell MIUI or new HyperOSoffer their own algorithm of actions. Here the functionality is also built into the system, but the arrangement of the elements can confuse an unfamiliar user. Open “Settings”, select “Wi-Fi” and click on the arrow to the right of the name of the active network.
A QR code will appear on the screen. Unlike pure Android, here the password is often not written in text right away. To see it, you need to take a screenshot of the code or click the “Share” button, and then use the built-in QR code scanner in the Security application or through the camera, pointing it at your own screen. After scanning, the system will display a line like WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;, where after P: there will be the key you are looking for.
What to do if the QR code button does not work?
If the standard sharing function is not activated, check if the “Flight” or traffic saving mode is enabled. Sometimes rebooting the Wi-Fi module helps. Also make sure that you are trying to view the password for the current active network, and not for the one saved in the archive.
It is worth noting that in some versions MIUI for the European region, functions may be limited to satisfy local data protection laws. If the standard method does not work, you can try using Mi Cloud cloud synchronization if it has been previously configured, although direct export of passwords from there is often closed for the user.
Using Google Password Manager
The Google ecosystem offers a centralized storage that synchronizes passwords between devices. If synchronization with your Google account is enabled on your smartphone, then keys to Wi-Fi networks can be saved in Google Password Manager. This is especially true for devices running Android 14 and later, where password manager integration has become deeper.
To check for saved data, go to Settings → Google → Autofill → Autofill by Google. Select Google Passwords or Password Manager. In the list of sites and applications, sometimes there are entries with the name of your Wi-Fi network. By clicking on such an entry and confirming your identity, you will see a login (usually the same as the name of the network) and password.
| Access method | Required version of Android | Availability of Root | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in settings | 10 and higher | No | Low |
| Google Manager | Any (depending on synchronization) | No | Medium |
| Wpa_supplicant file | All versions | Yes | High |
| Third-party applications | Depends on software | Often required | Average |
The convenience of this method is that it is cross-platform. You can go to the password manager through a browser on your computer at passwords.google.com and find out the Wi-Fi key, even if the phone itself is in another room. The main thing is to remember the password for your Google account.
View through system files (root access)
For users with rights Superuser (Root), access to deep system settings is available, where all passwords ever entered are stored in clear text. This method is universal and works on any version of Android, including the oldest, but requires an unlocked bootloader and an installed rights manager (Magisk, SuperSU).
You will need a file manager with support for root access, for example Root Explorer or Solid Explorer. You need to follow the path /data/misc/wifi/. This directory contains the file wpa_supplicant.conf (or sometimes wpa_supplicant.conf.backup). By opening it with a text editor, you will see a list of all networks in the format:
network={ssid="NameOfNetwork"
psk="PasswordHere"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}
⚠️ Attention: Making changes to the system configuration files may lead to unstable operation of the Wi-Fi module or complete failure of the communication module. Edit for viewing only or copy the content to another file.
This method is considered the most reliable for restoring access on older devices or custom firmware, where standard functions may be cut by developers. However, obtaining root access automatically voids the device's warranty and reduces the overall security of the system, making it vulnerable to malware.
Third-party applications and their limitations
In the store Google Play you can find hundreds of applications that promise to show saved passwords without root access. However, extreme caution should be exercised. Since the release of Android 10, Google has significantly limited app access to system Wi-Fi data. Now, most of these apps either do not work or require connecting the smartphone to the PC and using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to create a backup copy of the settings.
Applications running without root access on new versions of the OS often use the method of creating an access point or emulating a connection to “pull” data, but this is unstable. Popular utilities like WiFi Password Viewer on modern smartphones will most often display a message about the need for root access.
Using unverified software carries the risk of data leakage. An application with access to your network configurations could theoretically share this data with third parties. Therefore, if you still decide to use such software, choose open source apps or from well-known developers with a good reputation.
On modern versions of Android, third-party applications without root access is practically useless for viewing real passwords due to Google's security policy.
Security issues and data protection
Easily viewable Wi-Fi password is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, this is convenient for the user, on the other hand, it poses a risk if the device falls into the wrong hands. This is why Google and smartphone manufacturers are introducing mandatory biometric verification before displaying a QR code or password.
If you lose your phone, an attacker could theoretically gain access to your home network if the device was unlocked and the session was not interrupted. To minimize risks, it is recommended to use a strong screen lock PIN and not store passwords in the form of simple text files or screenshots in a shared gallery.
It is also worth regularly checking the list of connected devices in the router. If you notice an unfamiliar user, immediately change the password on your router. After changing the key on all your devices, you will need to go through the connection procedure again, which will break the connection with the potential intruder.
Is it possible to view the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to this network right now?
Yes, if the network is saved in the device’s memory. On Android 10+, you need to go to Wi-Fi settings, find the network in the “Saved networks” list (or click “Add network” and select Nearby from the list, if the function is supported), click on it and select “Share” or view properties. However, on some older firmware, browsing is only possible for the active network.
What to do if the Share button or QR code does not appear?
This may mean that your version of Android is lower than 10, or the device manufacturer (for example, some Huawei models or older Samsung) has limited this function. In this case, the only option left is with root access or logging into the admin panel of the router (address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), if you know the login and password for the router itself.
Is it safe to scan the QR code from Wi-Fi through the camera?
Yes, it is a standard and secure protocol. The QR code contains an encrypted connection string. The camera reads it and sends the command to the system to connect. No viruses can be transmitted through this code, since it is just text in a special format.
Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored after resetting the phone?
When performing a full factory reset (Hard Reset), all saved Wi-Fi passwords are permanently deleted if they were not synchronized with a Google account. After re-authorizing your Google account, some of the settings may be restored automatically, but you shouldn’t hope for this - it’s better to know the password in advance.