Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but your phone is connected to the network? The situation is familiar to many: a neighbor set up the router, the provider sent a complex code via SMS, and now you need to connect a new device. Fortunately Android stores all saved passwords all that remains is to extract them. In this article we will look at 5 working methodsincluding methods without root access, using ADB and even through the file system.

Methods vary in complexity and device requirements. Some are suitable for old versions of Android (up to 9 inclusive), others work only on rooted phones, and others are universal, but require a computer. Important: not all methods will work on modern smartphones with the latest security updates (for example, on Samsung One UI 6 or Xiaomi HyperOS). If your phone was released after 2022, first check the section about manufacturer restrictions.

We warn: some actions can violate the warranty or lead to resetting the settings. You perform all manipulations at your own peril and risk. If the Wi-Fi is not yours (for example, in a cafe or hotel), retrieving the password may be illegal use methods only for legal purposes.

1. Standard method: through Android settings (without root)

The simplest method is view the password in the network settings, but it works only on Android 10 and older (and even then not on all firmware). Manufacturers often remove this option from the interface, so if you Samsung, Xiaomi or Huaweiyou will most likely have to use other methods.

How check:

  1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
  2. Find your network in the list and tap on its name.
  3. Look for the item Password, Show password or the eye icon (👁️).
  4. The system may request PIN code for locking or a fingerprint.

If item no, it means the manufacturer hid it. For example, on Samsung Galaxy s One UI this option appears only after entering the PIN code of the SIM card (which is meaningless for Wi-Fi). On Pixel with pure Android, the password is displayed without problems.

Try another method from the article|

Check for system updates (sometimes the option appears after the update)|

Use ADB (section 3)|

Install custom firmware (for advanced users)-->

Limitation: On some phones (for example Realme or Oppo) the password is displayed as dots, but cannot be copied. In this case, the methods from the following sections will be useful.

2. Viewing the password through the configuration file (root required)

Android stores all data about Wi-Fi networks in a file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml (the path may differ on new versions). To read it, you need root access or custom recovery (for example, TWRP). This method works on any versions of Android, but is only suitable for experienced users.

Instructions:

  1. Install Explorer with root support (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
  2. Go to path /data/misc/wifi/ (or /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/ on Android 12+).
  3. Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml and open it with a text editor.
  4. Look for blocks with the tag <string name="PreSharedKey"> —there will be a plaintext password next to it.

Example content file: 

<Network>

<string name="SSID">MyWiFi</string>


<string name="PreSharedKey">12345678</string>


<int name="Security">PSK</int>


</Network>

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14) the file is encrypted. In this case, only backup via ADB (section 3) or specialized utilities like WiFi Password Viewer (requires root) will help. data-i="112">Attention:
What to do if there is no WifiConfigStore.xml file?

On Android 10+, data can be stored in binary format. Try to find the file. WifiConfigStore.pb i. decode it using the utility protobuf-decoder (requires a PC).

3. Extracting the password via ADB (without root, but debugging is needed)

If there is no root access, but it is enabled USB debugging, you can retrieve the password using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). The method works on Android 9 and below, as well as on some Android 10–11 firmwares (for example, on Pixel or Nokia). On new versions (Android 12+), Google has closed this loophole, so the method may not work.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download ADB Tools on PC and unzip the archive.
  2. Enable on your phone USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Number build - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
  3. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm permission to debug.
  4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and run: 
    adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
  5. Open the downloaded file and find the password (as in section 2).

If the command gives an error Permission deniedtry the alternative path: 

adb shell

su


cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

⚠️ Attention: On Samsung and Xiaomi even with ADB may be required unlocking the bootloaderwhich will reset all data! Before experiments, make a backup copy.
💡

If ADB does not see the device, try reinstalling the drivers or using another USB cable (preferably the original one).

4. Applications for viewing Wi-Fi passwords (root/without root)

There are utilities that make it easier to retrieve passwords. However, most of them require Google Play There are utilities that make it easier to retrieve passwords. However, most of them require root-rights or only work on older versions of Android. Below are proven options:

  • 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer - shows all saved networks and passwords (requires root). Supports export to file.
  • 📱 WiFi Key Recovery — works without root on Android 9 and below, but requires USB debugging.
  • 🛠️ Root Browser — file manager with access to system folders (needs root to view WifiConfigStore.xml).
  • 🔍 Network Info II — displays technical network data, but shows the password only on some firmwares.

Warning: Be careful with applications that promising “Wi-Fi hacking” or “viewing passwords without root.” Many of them contain viruses. data-i="161">spyware or spyware. Before installing, check the reviews and ratings in Play Market.

Example of work WiFi Password Viewer:

Network name (SSID) Password Security type
HOME_WIFI_5G qwerty1234 WPA2-PSK
OFFICE_GUEST welcome2026 WPA3-SAE
TP-Link_Extender adminadmin WPA-PSK

Through Android settings|

Using ADB|

Using root and configuration file|

Applications from Play Market|

I don’t know, haven’t tried it yet-->

5. router

If none of the methods work, radical measures remain. Their disadvantage is you will need access to the router or the loss of some data on the phone.

  • 🔄 Resetting the router to factory settings - press the button Reset on back panel (hold for 10-15 seconds). After that, connect to the network with the default password (indicated on the router sticker). Minus: all router settings will be reset.
  • 📱 Backup via TiBackup — if you have root, make a backup of your system data (Wi-Fi settings), then extract the password from the archive.
  • 💻 View on another device — if this is connected to Wi-Fi laptop or tablet is connected, find the password there (on Windows: Control Panel → Network Connections → Wireless Network → Properties → Security).

On some routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or Keenetic), the password can be viewed in the web interface by address 192.168.1.1 (logins/passwords for login are usually admin/admin or indicated on the device body).

⚠️ Attention: If the router is rented from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), a reset may block access to Internet. In this case, call support and ask to resend the connection data.

Manufacturer restrictions: why the method may not work

Modern smartphones actively block access to system files. This is what prevents you from extracting the password on popular brands:

Manufacturer Problem Workaround
Samsung (One UI) File WifiConfigStore.xml encrypted Use Samsung Smart Switch for backup (the password will be in the archive)
Xiaomi/Redmi (MIUI) ADB is limited, root is difficult to get Install Magisk and module MIUI Unlock Tool
Huawei/Honor (EMUI) No access to system folders even with root View passwords via Huawei Backup on PC
Google Pixel On Android 12+ ADB does not issue passwords Use Fastboot for temporary root

If your phone was released after 2022, you will most likely need unlocking the bootloader or installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS). These are risky operations that can void the warranty or disable the device.

💡

On new smartphones (Android 12+), it is almost impossible to extract the Wi-Fi password without root. If the phone is under warranty, it is better to contact the provider to reissue the data.

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

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

Yes, but only if the manufacturer has not blocked this function. Try going to Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → Show password. On Samsung, Xiaomi i Huawei this method usually does not work.

Why does ADB not see the password file?

Most likely, you have a new version of Android (12+), where access to system files is limited. Also check if USB debugging is enabled and the resolution is confirmed on the PC.

Is it safe to use applications to view passwords?

Only if they are from the official Google Play and have a high rating. Avoid apps that ask for unnecessary permissions (for example, access to SMS or contacts).

What to do if none of the methods worked?

All that remains is to reset the router to factory settings (button Reset) or contact your provider for a new password. You can also connect your phone to a PC and try to extract the password via Android Backup Extractor (requires backup).

Is it possible to find out the password from someone else's Wi-Fi to which the phone is connected?

No, this is illegal. Extracting passwords without the permission of the network owner is classified as unauthorized access (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Use methods only for your networks!