How to view the Wi-Fi password on Android: all methods from simple to complex

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and there is no data sticker on your router? Or do you need to connect a new device, but are too lazy to look for a piece of paper with the code? On your Android smartphone, you can easily retrieve the saved password from any network you have previously connected to. The main thing is to know where to look and what tools to use.

In this article we will examine all current methods obtaining a Wi-Fi password on Android: from standard system functions to advanced methods with root access and ADB. We will describe the nuances for different versions of Android (from Android 10 to Android 14) and popular brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Realme). We will also warn you about the risks and limitations of each method - so that you choose the best option without harm to the phone.

Spoiler: on most modern smartphones the password can be seen without root and applications - it is enough to know the hidden function in the settings. And if the phone is rooted, the process will take less than a minute. Read on!

1. Standard method: password in Wi-Fi settings (without root)

Starting from Android 10, Google added to the system the ability to view passwords from saved networks directly in the settings. However not all manufacturers have left this function in their shells. For example, on bare Android (Pixel, Motorola) or OnePlus it works, but on Samsung One UI or Xiaomi MIUI it can be hidden.

How to check:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Network and Internet → Wi-Fi).
• 🔍 Find your network in the list and tap on its name.
• 🔑 If there is an item Password or Show password —you're in luck! Click on it and confirm your identification (PIN, fingerprint or pattern).
• 📋 Copy or write down the password.

If there is no item with a password, try an alternative way:

1. Press the name of your network in the Wi-Fi list with your finger.
2. In the menu that appears, select Change network or Network management.
3. Scroll down - sometimes the password field is hidden under additional settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (for example, Samsung Galaxy c One UI 5.0+), the password field may be blocked by the security policy. In this case, only root or ADB will help.

2. Viewing the password via QR code (for guest networks)

Few people know, but Android can generate a QR code for connecting to Wi-Fi - and the password is also encoded in it! This method works even if there is no direct access to the password in the settings.

Instructions:

• 📱 Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Tap on the name of your network.
• 🖼️ Find the button Share, QR code or Invite (on Xiaomi it may be a gear icon next to the network name).
• 🔐 The system will show a QR code and password under it (sometimes you need to swipe up).

If there is no QR code, but there is an opportunity to “share the network”, then when sending a link to another device (for example, through Nearby Share) the password may be displayed in the notification.

3. Using a file manager with root access

If your phone rooted (has root access), then the Wi-Fi password is stored in the system file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml. It can be opened by any file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open the file manager and give it root access.
2. Go to path /data/misc/wifi/ (or /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/ on new versions of Android).
3. Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml and open it with a text editor.
4. Look for blocks with the tag <string name="PreSharedKey"> —after it the password will be indicated in encrypted or clear form.

On Android 11+ passwords can be stored in binary format. In this case, the application will help WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).

⚠️ Attention: Changing or deleting files c /data/misc/wifi/ may lead to loss of all saved networks. Do not edit the file manually!

What to do if the WifiConfigStore.xml file is empty?

On some firmware (for example, custom) passwords are stored in the database /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db. Use an SQL editor (for example SQLite Editor) and look for table wifi or secure.

4. Applications for viewing passwords (without root and with root)

There are dozens of applications that promise to show Wi-Fi passwords. However, most of them either don't work or require root. We tested current solutions and compiled a list of proven utilities: Google Play There are dozens of apps that promise to show you Wi-Fi passwords. However, most of them either don't work or require root. We tested current solutions and compiled a list of proven utilities:

Application	Root	Works on	Features
WiFi Password Viewer	✅ Yes	Android 5–14	Shows all saved passwords, export to file
WiFi Password Recovery	❌ No	Android 10–12	Works only on some phones (for example, Samsung)
WiFi Key Recovery	✅ Yes	Android 7–13	Supports encrypted passwords, interface in Russian
Network Connections Info	❌ No	Android 9–14	Shows only the current network, without history

Warning: do not install applications from unknown sources (APK files). Many of them contain malicious code masquerading as “Wi-Fi hackers”. Use only proven utilities from Google Play with a rating of 4+.

Check the number of downloads (minimum 100K+)|Read reviews (especially negative ones)|Avoid applications that ask for unnecessary permissions (SMS, contacts)|Prefer open source utilities (GitHub)

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5. Method for advanced: retrieving the password via ADB

If you have a computer and your phone is turned on USB debugging mode the password can be retrieved via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method works without root, but requires preparation.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on your phone Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times), then return to Settings → System → For developers and activate USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and run the command:

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

4. If the command does not work, try an alternative path:

   adb shell
   su -c "ls /data/misc/wifi/"

   and find the current configuration file.

On Android 10+ an additional command may be required to bypass restrictions:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

⚠️ Attention: Using ADB on other people's phones without the owner's consent is punishable under Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Illegal access to computer information”). This method is intended only for retrieving your own saved passwords.

6. Alternative methods (if all else fails)

If none of the above methods worked, try these options:

• 🔄 Resetting the router: Press the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10 seconds). After resetting, the password will become standard (indicated on the sticker).
• 📡 View through the router's web interface: Connect to the router via cable, enter 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1in the browser, log in (login/password usually admin/admin) and find the section Wi-Fi → Security.
• 📱 Use another device: If a laptop or tablet is connected to the network, retrieve the password via Network Center (Windows) or Keychain chain (macOS).

On some routers (for example, TP-Link or Keenetic) the password can be seen in the manufacturer's mobile application - even if you do not remember the login information for the web interface.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi passwords on Android

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

Yes, on most phones with Android 10+ the password is displayed in the network settings (see section 1). If it's not there, try the QR code method (section 2). On phones Xiaomi and Realme the built-in “Share network” function also works.

Why is there no password field in the settings?

The manufacturer could remove this function in its shell. For example, Samsung and Huawei often block access to passwords by default. In this case, root, ADB or bare Android firmware will help (for example, LineageOS).

Is it safe to use applications to hack Wi-Fi?

No! Most of these applications are fraudulent softwarethat either do not work or steal your data. The only legal utilities are those that read already saved passwords (for example, WiFi Password Viewer), but they require root.

Is it possible to find out the password from someone else's network to which you are connected phone?

Technically yes (via root or ADB), but this is breaks the law. In Russia, unauthorized access to the network is subject to a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or correctional labor (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Use this method only for their own networks. data-i="209">violates the law

How to protect your Wi-Fi from such leaks?

Update the router firmware, disable WPS, set a complex password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and signs) and enable WPA3 in the security settings. Also regularly check the list of connected devices in the router’s web interface.