The user is trying to connect a new gadget to the home network, but cannot remember the encryption key, although the Android smartphone is already successfully authorized in this Wi-Fi. Before the release of the tenth version of the operating system, it was almost impossible to find out the saved password without obtaining root access, however, modern interface and security updates provided device owners with direct access to this data through standard settings.
Today, there are several extraction methods network keys: from standard system settings to the use of specialized console utilities. The choice of a specific method directly depends on the version Androidinstalled on your gadget, as well as on the presence of superuser rights. We will analyze each option in detail, explaining the technical nuances and possible security limitations.
Standard capabilities of Android 10 and later
Starting with version Android 10, Google has introduced a generation function QR codes for quick connection of guests. This mechanism not only makes it easier for other devices to log into the network, but also allows the smartphone owner to visually see the password in text form. The function is available in the standard settings menu without the need to install third-party software.
To access the information you will need to go to the section Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi. In the list of available networks, find the one you are currently connected to and click on the gear icon next to its name. In the network settings menu that opens, there is often a “Share” button or an icon QR code.
After confirming your identity using a fingerprint, PIN code or pattern key, the screen will display square code. Below it, as a rule, the password text is displayed in small font. If the text is hidden by asterisks, try taking a screenshot of the screen and opening it in any image editor or gallery with a zoom function - often the characters become readable when zoomed in.
⚠️ Attention: On some skins, for example, in older versions MIUI or OneUI, the password can be hidden even under a QR code. In this case, you will need to use a method of scanning the code with another device to intercept the data.
If the password is not visible under the QR code, scan it with the camera of another phone. Many scanners show a decrypted connection string, where the key is indicated after a colon or the word PWD.
Using Google Lens for decryption
If your firmware does not display the password text under the generated code, computer vision technology from Google will come to the rescue. The application Google Lens (lens) is capable of analyzing graphic data on the screen and extracting text information from it, including network parameters encrypted in the QR code.
Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code of your Wi-Fi network. Then open the application Google Lens or launch it through the search widget in the Google search bar. Select a saved image from the gallery. The system will automatically recognize the code and suggest actions related to it.
Analysis results often display detailed information about the network, including SSID (network name) and the password itself in clear text. This is one of the safest methods as it does not require tampering with system files or using console commands. However, for the method to work, you need an active Internet connection at the time of image analysis.
- 📸 Take a high-quality screenshot so that the code is clear and without glare.
- 🔍 Make sure that the text and code recognition function is turned on in the Google Lens settings.
- 📱 If you do not have the Lens application, you can replace with the built-in Google Lens feature in the Google app or Gallery.
View through a file manager with root access
On devices with version Android lower than 10, as well as in cases where standard methods do not work, the only option is direct access to system configuration files. To do this, the device requires root access (superuser rights). Without them, the operating system blocks access to directories where critical connection data is stored.
Passwords for all networks to which the smartphone has ever connected are stored in a special file called wpa_supplicant.conf. This file is located in a protected directory /data/misc/wifi/. To view it, you will need an advanced file manager that supports root access, for example Root Explorer, Solid Explorer or RE Manager.
After granting the application superuser rights, go to the specified path and open the file wpa_supplicant.conf as a text document. Inside you will see a list of blocks, each of which corresponds to a specific network. Find the block with the one you need SSID and look at the value of the field psk —this is your password in its pure form.
network={ssid="MyHomeWiFi"
psk="SuperSecretPassword123"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}
⚠️ Attention: Obtaining root access will void the warranty on the device and can lead to system failure if done incorrectly. Create a complete backup of your data before starting the procedure.
Extracting password via ADB without Root
For users who do not want to root their phone, but own a computer, there is a method of using the debug bridge ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to execute commands on behalf of the system, however, on modern versions Android (especially 11 and higher), access to the file wpa_supplicant.conf via ADB is often blocked by SELinux security policies.
However, on some devices this method is still relevant. You need to enable “USB Debugging” in the menu For developers on your smartphone and connect it to your PC. After installing the drivers and utility platform-tools, open a command prompt on your computer and enter the command to display the contents of the configuration file.
If the device's security policy allows reading, you will get the same result as when using a root file manager. Otherwise, the system will return a “Permission denied” error. This method requires certain technical literacy and the availability of appropriate software on the computer.
| ADB command | Description of action | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
adb devices |
Checking device connection | Enabled USB debugging |
adb shell |
Entering the command shell of the phone | Resolution on the smartphone screen |
su |
Requesting superuser rights | root access (optional) |
cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf |
Output the contents of the file with passwords | Accessing the system partition |
What to do if ADB returns an access error?
If the command does not work without root, try using backup via ADB. Create a backup of the settings application (adb backup -f wifi.apk com.android.settings), then unzip the archive on your PC and look for the configuration files inside. This is a complex path, but it sometimes bypasses the limitations of direct reading.
Third-party applications for key recovery
In the store Google Play there are many applications that promise to show saved passwords in one click. However, it is important to understand how they work. Non-rooted apps cannot read the system file directly. Instead, they often exploit interface vulnerabilities or require a connection to a computer to execute scripts.
Apps that support root accesssuch as WiFi Password Viewer or ES File Explorer (in older versions) work on the principle described above: they simply read the file. wpa_supplicant.conf and display the data in a convenient list. This saves time manually searching for lines in a text editor.
Be extremely careful when installing such software. Many apps contain aggressive advertising or collect data about your networks. Before installing, carefully review the permissions that the application requests. If a simple password viewer requires access to contacts or a microphone, this is a sure sign of malware.
- 🛡️ Check the developer rating and the number of downloads before installation.
- 🚫 Avoid applications that require suspiciously wide access to the system.
- ✅ Use only proven open source utilities, if possible.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and API capabilities are constantly changing. What worked on Android 8can be completely blocked on Android 13. Always check the application capabilities with your OS version.
The most reliable and secure way on modern phones is to use the standard QR code in the Wi-Fi settings. The remaining methods require either superuser rights or a connection to a PC.
Restoring access through the router web interface
If none of the software methods worked, the classic option remains - logging into the router control panel. Since your phone is already connected to the network, you have full access to the router's local interface. This method is universal and does not depend on version Android.
Find out the IP address of the default gateway. Usually this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The exact address can be found in the Wi-Fi connection settings on your phone in the “Details” or “Gateway” sections. Enter this address into the address bar of any browser on your smartphone.
After entering the administrator login and password (often by default it is admin/adminif you have not changed them), go to the wireless network section (Wireless or WLAN). The security settings will display the current encryption key. Here you can change it to a more complex one if you suspect that the network has been compromised.
What should I do if I don’t remember the password for the router?
If the standard login and password do not work, and you changed them and forgot, you will have to reset the router settings to factory settings. To do this, you need to hold down the button Reset on the device body for 10-15 seconds. After this, the router will return to the factory data indicated on the sticker below, but you will have to reconfigure the Internet connection.
Is it possible to find out the password for someone else's Wi-Fi network?
No, if you have not connected to this network before. The operating system Android stores only those keys that were successfully used for authorization. Hacking other people's networks is illegal and technically difficult without specialized equipment.
Why did saved networks disappear after updating Android?
During major system updates or resetting the settings to factory settings, the file wpa_supplicant.conf can be cleared for security purposes. In this case, it is impossible to recover passwords, and you will have to re-enter them or look at the router sticker.
Is it safe to save passwords in the Google cloud?
Yes, Google syncs Wi-Fi settings between your devices through a secure account. This allows you to automatically connect to your home network on a new phone immediately after logging into your account, without the need to manually enter a key.