Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, or the sticker on your router has worn off? Or do you need to connect a new gadget, but are too lazy to look for a piece of paper with a code? On Android, there are several ways to retrieve saved passwords from networks you've previously connected to. Moreover, not all methods require root access or special applications.

In this article we will look all current methods from standard settings to hidden firmware functions. You will learn how to view the password on Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Google Pixel and other smartphones, as well as what to do if your Android does not show passwords by default. Important: some methods only work on certain versions Android 10–14, so check them on your device.

We warn you in advance: if you are using a corporate or public network, retrieving the password may violate security rules. You perform all manipulations at your own peril and risk.

1. Standard method through Android settings (without root)

Starting from Android 10, Google has added to the system the ability to view passwords of saved networks - but only if the device is not locked with a pattern or PIN code. The function is not available on all firmware (for example, it is not on some models Huawei i Honor), but it’s worth checking.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
  • 🔍 Find the desired network in the list and tap on its name.
  • 🔑 Click Share (or Share on English firmware).
  • 🔐 The system will request confirmation by PIN code/fingerprint/pattern —enter it.
  • 📋 A text password will appear under the QR code - you can copy it.

If item Share no - it means your firmware does not support this function. Proceed to the following methods.

📊 What smartphone do you have?
Samsung
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco
Google Pixel
Huawei/Honor
Other brand
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22 s One UI 5.1) the password is displayed only after scanning QR code from another phone. If you do not have a second gadget, use the method with ADB (section 3).

2. Viewing passwords on Samsung smartphones (One UI)

Owners Samsung Galaxy were more fortunate: the company added a separate menu for managing saved networks. This method works on most models with One UI 3.1 and newer (including Galaxy S21, S22, S23, A52, A73 etc.).

How to view the password:

  1. Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap on the ⚙️ icon next to the desired network.
  3. Select Network management (or Manage network settings).
  4. Tick the box Show password —the system will require confirmation by biometrics or PIN code.

If there is no item Network management try an alternative path:

  • 🔧 Go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Other security settings.
  • 🔑 Select Wi-Fi settings —saved networks can be displayed here.

Check the One UI version (Settings → Phone information → One UI version)

Make sure the phone is unlocked (PIN/fingerprint/pattern)

Connect to the network whose password you want to know (not necessary, but sometimes it helps)

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3. Using ADB (without root, for advanced users)

If the standard methods do not work, you can extract passwords via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a debugging tool that does not require superuser rights. The method works on Android 9–14, but you need computer and USB cable.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download ADB Tools (official package from Google) and unzip to a folder on your PC.
  2. On your phone, turn on Developer mode (tap on Build number in Settings → About phone).
  3. In Developer settings activate USB debugging.
  4. Connect the phone to the PC, open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
  5. Enter the commands one by one: 
    adb devices

    (the name of your device should appear)

    adb shell

    su -c "cmd wifi list_networks"

    (if an error appears su: not found, skip su -c)

    cmd wifi show_password

    (replace with the name of your Wi-Fi network)

After executing the last command, the console will display a password in the format password: your_password.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) command cmd wifi may not work. In this case, try an alternative method with settings put global or use the applications from section 4.
Firmware Does it support ADB? Alternative command
Stock Android (Pixel, Motorola) ✅ Yes cmd wifi show_password
One UI (Samsung) ✅ Yes settings put global wifi_show_password 1
MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco) ❌ No (blocking) Use Mi Account (section 5)
EMUI (Huawei/Honor) ⚠️ Partially dumpsys wifi (requires root)

4. Applications for viewing passwords (requires root)

If you have root accessthe task is simplified: Google Play there are dozens of utilities that show all saved passwords in a couple of clicks. We tested the top solutions and chose the most reliable ones.

Top apps:

  • 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer — simple interface, shows SSID, passwords and security type (WPA/WPA2).
  • 📡 WiFi Key Recovery — exports passwords to a file, supports backup.
  • 🛡️ Root Browser — file manager with access to system folders (passwords are stored in /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml).

How to use:

  1. Install one of the applications (links above).
  2. Give root access when prompted.
  3. In the main menu, select Saved Networks or Passwords.
  4. Copy the required password (can be exported to a text file).
💡

If after installation the application does not see passwords, check whether root access is active in the settings (for example, in Magisk Manager or SuperSU). Sometimes rebooting the phone helps.

⚠️ Warning: Rooted apps may pose a security risk if downloaded from untrusted sources. Install only apps with a high rating (4.5+ stars) and a large number of downloads (100K+).

5. Specific methods for Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands

Manufacturers often modify Android to suit their needs, so universal methods may not work. Let's look at the features of popular brands.

📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI)

On devices with MIUI 12–14 Wi-Fi passwords are tied to Mi Account. To see them:

  1. Login in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
  2. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Saved networks.
  3. Select a network and press Show password (confirmation via SMS or fingerprint will be required).

📱 Huawei/Honor (EMUI/Magic UI)

These devices block access to passwords without root, but there is a workaround:

  • 🔄 Reset settings router (button Reset on the back panel).
  • 🔑 Connect to the network with a standard password (indicated on the router sticker).
  • 📱 Log in Settings → Wireless networks → Wi-Fi → Network management and look at the password.

📱 Google Pixel

On Pixel s Android 12+ passwords are displayed via Settings → Network and Internet → Internet → Network name → Share. If this method does not work, use ADB (section 3).

Why are passwords not displayed on some phones?

Manufacturers can block access to passwords for security reasons (for example, Huawei following US sanctions).

On corporate devices with Android Enterprise the function is disabled by default.

Some mobile operators (for example, Beeline or MTS) block viewing passwords on proprietary firmware.

6. How to find the Wi-Fi password through a router

If none of the methods on your phone worked, you can extract the password directly from router. This does not require special skills - just access to the web interface of the router. data-i="207">). It can be found on the device sticker or in

Instructions:

  1. Find out IP address of the router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). It can be found on the device label or in Wi-Fi Settings → Advanced → Gateway on the phone.
  2. Open the browser on your PC or phone and enter the IP address in address bar.
  3. Enter your login and password (by default often admin/admin or admin/1234).
  4. Go to section Wireless (or Wi-Fi, Wireless network).
  5. Find the field Password, Key or Security key —the current password is displayed here.

If you have not changed the login data to the router, but have forgotten them, try the standard combinations for your model:

Router manufacturer Login Password
TP-Link admin admin
ASUS admin admin
D-Link admin (blank)
Zyxel Keenetic admin 1234
Rostelecom admin rostel or P@ssw0rd
💡

If you cannot enter the router settings, the only way out is to reset it to factory settings using the button Reset (hold for 10–15 seconds). After this, the Wi-Fi password will become standard (indicated on the sticker).

7. Backing up Wi-Fi passwords

In order not to look for passwords every time, you can create a backup copy of them. This is especially useful before resetting your phone or moving.

Backup methods:

  • 📱 Via Titanum Backup (requires root): saves files WifiConfigStore.xml to the cloud or to a memory card.
  • 🖥️ Via ADB: 
    adb backup -f wifi_backup.ab -shared

    (creates a file wifi_backup.abthat can be restored later).

  • ☁️ Via Google Account: enable synchronization in Settings → Google → Backup (Wi-Fi passwords are not saved on all devices).

To restore passwords from a backup:

  1. For Titanium Backup: select Recover and specify the backup file.
  2. For ADB: 
    adb restore wifi_backup.ab
⚠️ Attention: Backups of Wi-Fi passwords may contain confidential information. Store them in a secure place (for example, in an encrypted archive) and do not transfer them to third parties.

8. Frequent problems and solutions

Can’t find your password? Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

  • 🚫 There is no "Share" option in Wi-Fi settings → Use ADB or check the Android version (update to 10+).
  • 🔒 The phone requires a PIN, but there is none → Unlock your device via Find My Device (Google) or reset the settings.
  • 📵 ADB does not see the device → Install drivers for your model (download from the manufacturer's website).
  • 🔄 After resetting the router, the password does not suitable → Check the case of letters (passwords are sensitive to it) or reset the router again.
  • 🛡️ The application with root does not show passwords → Update Magisk or check the rights in SuperSU.

If you use public Wi-Fi (in a cafe, hotel, airport), retrieving the password may not be possible due to:

  • Dynamic password change (for example, in networks The Cloud or MTS Wi-Fi).
  • Authorization through the portal (as in Starbucks or McDonald’s).
  • Encryption at the provider level (corporate networks).
💡

In hotels or hostels, the Wi-Fi password is often written on the back of the room door or in an information booklet. Before attempting to hack the network, check these places!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

You can. Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without root and ADB?

Yes, on most modern smartphones (Android 10+) the password can be viewed through the standard settings (section 1). If this method does not work, try the method for your brand (section 5). Authorization in the manufacturer's account is often enough. data-i="279">Why did passwords stop being displayed after updating Android? Xiaomi And Samsung Authorization in the manufacturer's account is often enough.

Why did passwords no longer appear after updating Android?

Some updates (for example, switching from Android 9 to 10) reset security settings. Try:

  1. Reconnect to the network manually.
  2. Clear application cache Settings (Settings → Applications → Settings → Storage → Clear cache).
  3. Use ADB (section 3).
Is it possible to find out the password from someone else's network to which the phone was connected?

Technically yes, but this violates the law on personal data (FZ-152) and can be qualified as unauthorized access to computer information (Article 272 Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). We do not recommend using these methods for networks that you are not the owner of.

How to transfer Wi-Fi passwords to a new phone?

There are several ways:

  • ☁️ Via Google Account: enable synchronization on the old phone (Settings → Google → Backup) and restore the data on the new one.
  • 📱 Via QR code: on your old phone, generate a network QR code (Wi-Fi Settings → Share) and scan it with your new device.
  • 🖥️ Via ADB: create a backup (section 7) and restore it on a new phone.

On Samsung you can use Smart Switch, and on Xiaomi — Mi Mover.

Why is the password displayed as dots/stars?

This is a standard security measure. To see the symbols:

  • Click on the password field (sometimes an eye icon 👁️ appears).
  • Copy the password to the clipboard and paste it into notepad.
  • Use applications like WiFi Password Viewer (section 4).