The situation when you need to connect a new device to an already working network, but the access key is forgotten or lost, occurs everywhere. Fortunately, modern mobile operating systems provide built-in tools to solve this problem without the need to use third-party software.
Previously, superuser rights were required to view saved data, which created security risks and could lead to malfunctions of the gadget. Today the situation has changed dramatically, and most users can get the necessary information using standard means, simply by looking at the settings.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms of actions for different versions of the OS, starting with current releases and ending with older builds, where the approach may differ. You will learn how to read data via a QR code, use a file manager, and even use console commands to extract configuration files.
Standard method through settings for Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version, Google has introduced a generation function QR codes to quickly connect guests. This function not only simplifies the authorization process for friends, but also allows the smartphone owner to see the text value of the security key.
To get started, you need to open the section Settings and go to the menu Network and Internet or Connections, depending on the manufacturer's shell. Next, select Wi-Fi, where a list of available networks and the current active connection will be displayed.
Click on the gear icon next to the name of the network you are connected to currently connected. In the window that opens, find the button Share or the QR code icon. The system may request confirmation of identity through a fingerprint, pattern key or PIN code.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models, for example, from the brand Xiaomi or Samsung, the password may be hidden by asterisks under the code. In this case, you will need to take a screenshot of the screen.
If the text is not immediately visible, take a screenshot of the open QR code. Then open this screenshot through the app Google Lens or any other QR code scanner installed on your device. The camera or gallery will automatically recognize the encrypted data and display it in a readable form above the image.
If the scanner does not read the code from the screenshot, try increasing the screen brightness or opening the image on another device and pointing the phone camera.
Viewing saved networks on Android 12 and above
In more recent updates to the operating system, the interface has become even more friendly. Now users can see a list of all previously connected access points, and not just the currently active network.
Go to Wi-Fi settings and scroll down the list to the section Saved networks. All SSIDs that the device has ever connected to are displayed here. By clicking on any of them, you will see a button to generate an access code.
This method is especially convenient if you are outside the coverage area of the desired network, but want to know the password to enter it on another gadget. The system stores this data in encrypted form until you decide to delete the network from memory.
| Android version | Access to the list of networks | Display password | Necessity of Root |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 9 and below | No (file only) | Only via file | Yes |
| Android 10 | Active only | Via QR/Screenshot | No |
| Android 11 | Only active | Via QR/Screenshot | No |
| Android 12+ | All saved | Direct viewing | No |
It is worth noting that shell manufacturers, such as OneUI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi, may slightly change the layout of menu items. However, the logic of the function remains the same for the entire ecosystem.
The presence of the "Saved networks" item in the Wi-Fi settings is the main indicator that you have Android 12 or later installed.
Using a file manager on older versions
If your device is running Android 9 Pie or earlier versions, Standard settings will not allow you to view security keys. In this case, the only option is to directly access the system configuration file.
Data about wireless connections is stored in a special file called wpa_supplicant.conf. However, this file is not accessible by default to regular applications for system security reasons.
/data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confTo read this file, you will need permissions Root. Without them, the file manager simply will not be able to open the directory /data/. If superuser rights have already been obtained, use an advanced file manager, for example Root Explorer or Solid Explorer.
⚠️ Attention: Obtaining root access will void the warranty for the device and can lead to damage if done incorrectly. Do this only if you fully understand the risks.
After opening the file, you will see a list of blocks, each of which begins with a parameter network={. Inside the block, find the line psk="your_password". The value in quotes is the key you are looking for from the access point.
What if the file is empty?
If the wpa_supplicant.conf file exists but does not contain entries, you may have connected to networks that did not save the password, or the data is stored in a different format on this firmware.
Checking via the console and ADB without root access
For advanced users, there is a method for extracting data via USB debugging. This method does not require obtaining superuser rights, but requires connecting to a computer and installing drivers ADB.
First activate developer mode on your smartphone. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. After the message about activating the mode appears, a new section will appear in the settings menu For developers.
Enable the option in this section USB debugging. Connect your phone to your PC with a cable and open a command prompt on your computer in the folder with installed platform tools. Enter the command to check the connection:
adb devicesA request for permission to debug from this computer will appear on the smartphone screen. Confirm the action by pressing OK. Now you can try running a command to back up your Wi-Fi settings, although this is often blocked on modern versions of Android without root access.
- 📱 Make sure the USB cable is working and supports data transfer, not just charging.
- 💻 Install the latest drivers for your smartphone model on your computer.
- 🔒 On some devices (for example, Huawei), the backup command may not work without additional authorization.
This method is more suitable for enthusiasts who want to understand the principles of the system than for the average user looking for a quick way to restore access.
Login to the router control panel
An alternative and often the most reliable way to find out the password is to go to the web interface of the router itself. This method works regardless of the Android version and whether you have access rights to the phone system.
Make sure that your smartphone is connected to the network of this router (even if there is no Internet, the local connection should work). Open any browser and enter the gateway IP address in the address bar. Most often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
The exact address is often written on a sticker on the bottom of the device, and the default login and password are also indicated there (usually admin/admin). If you changed this data earlier and forgot it, you will have to reset the router to factory settings using the button Reset.
After authorization, find the section Wireless or Wireless mode. In the subsection Wireless Security or Wireless protection the current security key will be displayed in the field PSK Password.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces different manufacturers (TP-Link, Asus, D-Link) are very different. Look for sections with the words Security, WLAN or Wi-Fi Key.
This method also allows you not only to view, but also change the password to a more complex one if you suspect that the network has been hacked by neighbors.
☑️ Logging into the router
Third-party applications and security measures
In the store Google Play there are many utilities that promise to show saved passwords in one click. However, most of them either do not work without root access, or are collectors of advertising traffic.
Applications like WiFi Key Recovery can indeed extract the file wpa_supplicant.conf, but only if the device already has superuser rights. Without them, they are useless, since the Android system does not allow access to protected directories.
Be extremely careful when installing such software. Often such apps request redundant permissions, such as access to contacts, microphone or geolocation, which have nothing to do with the network scanning functions.
It is best to rely on the built-in tools of the system or the official interface of the router. This ensures that your data will not be transferred to third parties, and your device will not become infected with malware.
Remember that the security of your personal information depends on your vigilance. Do not install applications from unverified sources and always check the requested permissions before installation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find out the Wi-Fi password if I have never connected to this network?
No, it is not possible. Android only stores the keys that were used to successfully connect. If the device has never connected to a given access point, information about the password simply does not exist in its memory.
What to do if the QR code does not show the password text?
Try to take a screenshot of the screen with a QR code and open it through the Google Lens application. It can recognize encrypted data even from images in the gallery and often displays the password in text if it is hidden under graphics.
Is it safe to obtain root access to view the password?
For most users, this is not recommended. Obtaining superuser rights reduces the level of system security, makes the device vulnerable to viruses and can lead to denial of warranty service. It is better to use the QR code method or log into the router.
Where is the file with passwords on Android without Root?
Without root access, direct access to the file /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf is closed by system restrictions. A regular file manager will not be able to open this directory, so viewing the file using standard means will not work.