The situation when you need to connect a new device to the network, but the Wi-Fi password is forgotten, is familiar to many users. Fortunately, modern operating systems based Android often store data about connected networks in memory. This allows you to easily restore access without having to reset your router settings or call your provider.
However, the methods for retrieving this information directly depend on your version. operating shell. Starting with Android 10, Google has built in convenient functions for network sharing, while older versions will require special utilities or root access.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the legal ways to find out the saved security key. You will learn how to use standard settings, generate QR codes and apply advanced methods for older devices.
Standard method through the settings of Android 10 and newer
Starting with the tenth version Android, the developers have introduced a native function for viewing passwords through the menu QR code. This is the safest and simplest method that does not require the installation of third-party software.
First, make sure that your device is already connected to the desired Wi-Fi network. Then go to the section Settings and select item Connections or Network and Internet. Here you need to find the active network and click on the gear icon next to its name.
A button Share or a QR code icon will appear on the screen. When pressed, the system will ask you to verify your identity using your fingerprint, Face ID or unlock PIN. After successful authentication, a pattern lock will be displayed on the screen.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models (for example, old MIUI or EMUI shells), the password may be hidden under the QR code in small print. Carefully inspect the screen.
If the password text is not immediately visible, take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code. Then open any standard code scanner or application Google Lens and upload the captured image there. The system will recognize the code and display a connection string, where after the prefix P: your access key will be indicated.
If the screenshot does not help, try pointing the camera of another phone at the QR code on the screen of the first one - most modern cameras can read them directly without additional applications.
Using the "Saved Networks" menu on Android 12+
In more recent updates mobile platformsuch as Android 12 and 13, the interface has become even more user-friendly. It is now possible to view lists of all networks to which the phone was previously connected, even if you are now out of their coverage area.
Go to Wi-Fi settings and find the section Saved networks. This list shows all available profiles. Click on the network you are interested in, and in the window that opens you will see a button Show password in the form of an eye.
After clicking, the system will again request a biometric verification or screen lock code. This is done to protect confidential data from unauthorized persons who have access to the unlocked phone.
| Android version | Button location | Do you need Root | Authentication type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10-11 | Via QR code | No | Fingerprint/PIN |
| Android 12-14 | Eye button | No | Fingerprint/PIN |
| Android 9 and below | Absent | Yes (for applications) | Root access |
| Android 15 (Beta) | Password manager | No | Biometrics |
This method is preferred since it does not violate the device warranty and does not require complex manipulation of system files. Just follow the instructions on the screen of your smartphone.
How to find the password on older versions of Android (without Root)
Owners of devices based on Android 9 Pie and older versions are faced with system security restrictions. It is impossible to view the saved key using standard means, since the file with the network configuration is protected from reading by ordinary applications.
However, if you have access to the computer and it is turned on USB debugging, you can try to extract the data through the ADB console. This method requires connecting the phone to the PC with a cable and installing drivers Android Debug Bridge.
Run the following command in the terminal on the computer to access the configuration file:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf c:/wifi_passwords.txtAfter executing the command, a text file will appear on drive C, which will list all networks and their passwords in the field psk. Please note that on many modern firmware, access to this folder via ADB is disabled without root access.
⚠️ Attention: For this method to work, you must first enable “USB Debugging” in the “For Developers” menu. If the menu is hidden, click 7 times on the build number in the "About phone" section.
If the console displays an access error, it means that your system is blocking reading system partitions without superuser rights. In this case, you will have to move on to more radical methods or use cloud backups.
Applications for password recovery with root access
If your device has root access (superuser rights), the task is greatly simplified. There are many specialized utilities that automatically read the system file wpa_supplicant.conf and display passwords in a convenient interface.
One of the most popular tools is the application WiFi Password Viewer. After installation and granting root access, the app will instantly show a list of all networks. You can copy the password to the clipboard with one click.
- 📱 WiFi Key Recovery - a simple application that shows the SSID and security keys.
- 🔓 Root Explorer - a file manager that allows you to manually open the system folder
/data/misc/wifi/and view the configuration file. - 🔑 ES Explorer (old versions) - has built-in function for viewing Wi-Fi passwords if you have root.
Getting root access will void the warranty on the device and can lead to the phone becoming bricked if done incorrectly. Use this method only if you are completely confident in your skills.
Risks of obtaining root access
Obtaining superuser rights allows access to all system files, but also makes the device vulnerable to malware. Some banking apps may refuse to work on rooted devices due to security breaches.
View password via Google Account and synchronization
Modern ecosystems Google offer a password synchronization feature. If you previously enabled saving passwords in your Google account, you can find the Wi-Fi key not on your phone, but in the cloud storage.
Go to your Google account settings through a browser or application. Go to the Security section and select Password Manager. The list of saved data may contain entries about Wi-Fi networks if this function was active.
Find the desired network in the list and click on it. The system will ask you to confirm your identity, after which it will show your login (SSID) and password. This method works regardless of the version of Android on the current device, the main thing is the presence of synchronization in the past.
Synchronization via Google Account is the most reliable way to restore access if the phone has been reset to factory settings or lost.
Resetting the router as a last resort
If none of the software methods worked, and the password is critical, physical access to the router remains. Look at the sticker on the bottom of the router case - often the factory password for Wi-Fi is indicated there.
If the password was changed earlier and was not saved on any device, you will have to reset reset settings the router to factory settings. To do this, you need to find a small button Reset (usually recessed into the case) and hold it for 10-15 seconds with the power on.
After a reboot, the router will return to factory settings. You will be able to connect using the data from the sticker, and then re-configure the network name and new password through the web interface 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting the router, all settings, including the type of connection to the provider (PPPoE, L2TP, etc.), will be deleted. Make sure you know the Internet login and password provided by your provider before clicking the Reset button.
This method guarantees results, but requires time to re-configure all devices in the house. Use it only when other options have been exhausted.
☑️ Check before resetting the router
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I find out the password for someone else's Wi-Fi if I am not connected to it?
No, it is impossible legal methods. Android doesn't store passwords for networks that the device has never connected to. Attempts to hack other people's networks are a violation of the law.
Why is the "Show password" button inactive on my Xiaomi?
In some MIUI shells, this function may be hidden or require additional authorization through Mi Account. Try updating your system to the latest version.
Is it safe to use applications to view passwords?
Applications from the official Google Play store are generally safe if they do not require suspicious permissions. However, applications that require Root gain full control over the system, which carries potential risks.
Where is the file with passwords stored on Android?
The system file is located along the path /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf. Access to this directory is blocked for regular users for security reasons.
What to do if the QR code is not read by the camera?
Try increasing the screen brightness, wiping the camera, or using a third-party QR code scanner application from the app store. Also make sure you scan the entire code without cutting off any edges.