How to get the WiFi password on Android: step-by-step guide

A forgotten Wi-Fi password blocks the connection of a new gadget or laptop to the work network, but on Android smartphones the saved access keys remain in the system memory. Instead of searching for records or resetting the router, the device owner can instantly retrieve the necessary data through standard settings using the built-in function of viewing a QR code or network information.

Previously, viewing saved keys required root accesswhich was associated with security risks and loss of warranty. Today, starting from version Android 10 and higher, the process has become much simpler and more accessible to the average user. However, the methods may vary depending on the model of your smartphone and the firmware version installed by the manufacturer.

In this article we will look at all the current methods for restoring access to a wireless network. You will learn how to use standard system functions, command line capabilities, and specialized utilities. We will also look at the nuances of security and explain why some old methods no longer work on modern gadgets.

Viewing the password through system settings and QR code

The easiest and safest way to find out the access key is available on most modern devices. If your smartphone is running Android 10 or newer, the system allows you to generate a special QR code, containing encrypted network data. This method does not require superuser rights and works out of the box.

First, you need to go to the wireless connection settings menu. Find the section Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi. In the list of available networks, select the one you are currently connected to, or click on the gear icon next to the saved network. The interface may differ slightly on smartphones. data-i="47">. When you click on it, the system will ask you to verify your identity using your fingerprint, face or PIN. This is an important measure Samsung, Xiaomi or Pixel, but the logic of action remains the same.

On the network about screen, you will see a Share button or icon QR code. When you click on it, the system will ask you to verify your identity using your fingerprint, face or PIN. This is an important measure securitythat prevents strangers from accessing your data if your phone is unlocked.

After confirmation, a square code will appear on the screen. Below it is often (but not always) written the clear text of the password. If the text is hidden, you can simply scan this code with a second device. The camera of another smartphone will recognize the code and automatically offer to connect to the network, or will show a line like WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:12345678;;, where after P: there will be the key you are looking for.

⚠️ Attention: On some custom shells (for example, older versions of MIUI), the password text under the QR code may be hidden by asterisks. In this case, use another phone's camera to scan to see the data in the connection notification.

Using the ADB command line without root access

For users who do not want or cannot obtain superuser rights, but have minimal technical skills, there is a method using tools ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to extract a network configuration file directly from a device connected to a computer.

First you need to activate USB debugging mode on your smartphone. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the build number seven times to become a developer. Then, in the new “Developer Options” menu, enable “USB Debugging.” Connect the phone to the PC with a cable and install drivers if required.

Open the command line on the computer in the folder with ADB installed and enter the command to display a list of saved networks:

adb shell cmd wifi list-networks

This command will show a list of SSIDs and their identifiers. To get detailed information, including the password, for a specific network, use the command specifying the network ID (replace ID with a digital identifier):

adb shell cmd wifi get-network -p ID

In the command output, find the line PreSharedKey. The value specified after it is your password. This method works on many devices with Android 10+as it uses new system APIs available through shell commands, bypassing the need to directly access protected files through root.

What to do if the command does not work?

If you receive a “Permission denied” error or empty output, then your device manufacturer has blocked access to this data even through adb. In this case, try the method of backing up or resetting the router.

Obtaining access through root access and file managers

The classic method, which is guaranteed to work on any version of Android, is direct access to the system file where all Wi-Fi configurations are stored. However, for this your device needs root access. Obtaining such rights gives complete control over the system, but also voids the warranty and can lead to damage to the device if handled improperly.

If superuser rights have already been obtained (via Magisk or similar utilities), you will need a file manager that supports root access, for example Root Explorer or Mixplorer. Go to the root directory of the system along the path:

/data/misc/wifi/

This folder contains the file WifiConfigStore.xml (on new versions of Android) or wpa_supplicant.conf (on older versions up to Android 10). Open this file with any text editor. Inside you will find blocks <Network>containing fields SSID (network name) and PreSharedKey (password).

Android version	Configuration file name	Path to file	Data format
Android 9 and below	wpa_supplicant.conf	/data/misc/wifi/	Text (plain text)
Android 10 - 11	WifiConfigStore.xml	/data/misc/wifi/	XML
Android 12+	WifiConfigStore.xml	/data/misc/wifi/	XML (encrypted key)*
All versions	NetworkHistory.txt	/data/misc/wifi/	Log connections

Please note that on the latest versions of the system, the password in the file may be encrypted or presented as a hash that cannot be decrypted back into text form without special device keys. In such cases, even ROOT access may not provide an explicit password, but only confirmation of its presence.

⚠️ Attention: Never edit or delete system configuration files manually if you are not sure of your actions. An error in the XML syntax can cause the Wi-Fi module to stop turning on until the settings are completely reset.

Recovery via the router web interface

If you do not have access to your phone settings, but you can connect to the router in any way (for example, via a LAN cable from a laptop or from another device that is already on the network), you can find out the password through the router control panel. This method is universal and does not depend on the Android version.

Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. Most often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The exact address, as well as the username and password for logging in, are usually indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device. Standard credentials are often admin/admin or admin/passwordif you have not changed them before.

After authorization, find the section responsible for the wireless network. It may be called Wireless, Wi-Fi, Wireless mode or WLAN. Inside this section, look for the “Security” (Security) or “Wireless Network Settings” subsection. The field PSK Password, Wireless Password or Wireless network key will display the current password.

If the password field is hidden by dots, most modern interfaces have an icon “eyes”, by clicking on which you can see the symbols. If there is no such function, you can simply replace the old password with a new one, save the settings and connect to the network with updated data.

Third-party applications and their limitations

In the store Google Play you can find many applications that promise to show your saved passwords. However, it is important to understand the principle of operation of the operating system Android. Starting from version 4.4, access to the file wpa_supplicant.conf for ordinary applications is closed at the kernel level.

Most of these apps without root access work only as random password generators or databases of popular combinations, which is useless for your personal network. Applications that actually read system files require superuser privileges when first launched.

• 📱 WiFi Password Viewer is a popular application that requires ROOT. Shows a list of networks and allows you to copy the password to the clipboard.
• 🔓 WiFi Key Recovery —a utility with a simple interface that displays data in a list with the ability to export.
• 🛠️ ES File Explorer (old versions)—a powerful file manager that, if you have root access, allows you to manually open system configs.

Using dubious applications from unverified sources carries the risk of infection malware devices. Attackers can disguise malicious code as useful utilities to steal your data. Always check the developer and reviews before installing such software.

⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and capabilities may change with Android updates. What worked on Android 8 may not work on Android 13 due to stricter Google security policies.

Why do apps ask for strange permissions?

Many apps ask for access to geolocation, since scanning Wi-Fi networks in Android is closely related to determining the user's location. This is a requirement of the system, and not a whim of the developer.

Security measures and common errors

When trying to get a WiFi password, users often make mistakes that can lead to data loss or blocking of the device. The main problem is the thoughtless acquisition of root access. The rooting process differs for each model: for Samsung this is one procedure, for Xiaomi - another, and for devices on processors MediaTek - a third.

Incorrect firmware or failure to obtain rights can turn a smartphone into a “brick”. In addition, having root access makes the device vulnerable to viruses that can gain complete control of the system, including access to banking applications and personal correspondence.

Another common mistake is trying to use outdated methods on new devices. For example, searching for a file wpa_supplicant.conf on Android 12 is often useless because the data storage structure has changed. Always check the instructions against your specific firmware version.

• 🔒 Never share your router admin panel password with strangers.
• 📲 Make a backup copy of important data before obtaining root access.
• ⚡ Do not disconnect the phone from the power supply while modifying system files.

Remember that knowing the password for your own network is the right of the owner, but the security of the entire home network depends on the complexity of this password. If you recognize your key, make sure that it is secure enough and is not used on other devices or services.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

You can Is it possible to find out the WiFi password on Android without root access?

Yes, this is possible on devices with Android 10 and higher through the QR code generation function in the Wi-Fi settings. You can also try the method using ADB through a computer, if the manufacturer has not blocked this feature.

Why does the application show the “Root Required” error?

The Android system prohibits regular applications from accessing system files where passwords are stored (/data section). Without superuser rights (Root), the application physically cannot read this protected memory section.

What to do if the QR code is not displayed in the settings?

This may mean that your version of Android is lower than 10, or the smartphone manufacturer has disabled this function in the shell. In this case, try entering the router settings through a browser or use the ADB method.

Is it safe to use password recovery apps?

It is safe to use only trusted applications from the official Google Play store with a high rating. apps from third party sources may contain viruses. Remember that they often need root access to work, which in itself reduces the overall security of the device.

Is it possible to find out the password from someone else's WiFi network?

No, it is impossible to legally find out the password for someone else’s network without access to their router or device that is already connected to it. Hacking other people's networks is a violation of the law and ethical standards.