When trying to connect a new gadget to a home network or provide access to a guest, the user often discovers that the Wi-Fi password is forgotten and cannot be entered manually. Fortunately, modern versions of Android store data about saved access points, allowing you to retrieve them without complex manipulations with root access, which were mandatory a few years ago, since this task is now solved by built-in security functions using standard means.
In this article we will analyze in detail the current methods for viewing saved access keys. We will look at both standard interface settings and more advanced methods via ADB for those cases when the smartphone manufacturer has hidden the required option. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to perform these steps.
However, keep in mind that the menu interface may vary depending on the firmware version and device brand. For example, the shell MIUI from Xiaomi or One UI from Samsung have their own features for displaying QR codes. Let's move on to specific instructions that will help you regain access to the network.
Viewing the password through the network settings on Android 10 and higher
Starting with version Android 10, Google has introduced a QR code generation function for quickly connecting other devices. This code contains all the necessary information, including Network SSID and the security key itself. To see the password, you do not need to install third-party software.
Go to the settings of your smartphone and find the section responsible for connections. It is usually called Network and Internet or Connections. Next, select item Wi-Fi. Here you will see a list of available networks, and at the top - the current active connection.
Click on the gear icon next to the name of the network to which you are currently connected. In the menu that opens, find the button Share or the QR code icon. The system will ask you to confirm your identity using a fingerprint, pattern key, or Face ID.
After successful authentication, a QR code will appear on the screen. A text string with a password is often immediately displayed below it. If the text is hidden by dots, take a screenshot of the screen. Then open this image in any application for reading QR codes or in Google Lens, and you will receive the decrypted password in plain text.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones with highly customized skins, the password text under the QR code may be missing. In this case, use the method with a screenshot and a third-party scanner.
If there is no password text under the QR code, take a screenshot and open it through Google Photos or any QR scanner - the application will automatically recognize and show the line with the access key.
Using the developer menu and USB debugging
If the standard interface does not allow you to see the password in clear text, you can use developer tools. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and installing the platform Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It works on most devices without the need to obtain root access.
First, activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. After a message appears indicating that you have become a developer, return to the main settings menu.
In section System or Advanced find item For developers. Activate the switch USB debugging. Now connect your phone to PC using a quality cable. A request for debugging permission will appear on the smartphone screen - confirm it.
Open the command line or terminal on your computer in the folder with the installed adb. Enter the following command to access the Wi-Fi configuration file:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlThis command will copy the settings file to your computer. Open the resulting file WifiConfigStore.xml with any text editor, for example, Notepad++ or Notepad. Find your network name (SSID) in the code. Next to it in the tag PreSharedKey the password you need will be indicated.
What to do if the file is empty?
If the WifiConfigStore.xml file is empty or does not contain data, your device may have backup encryption enabled or a new version of Android is being used, where the file path has been changed. Try the command: adb shell pm grant com.android.settings android.permission.READ_WIFI_CREDENTIALS
Login to the router control panel
The most universal method, which does not depend on the version Android or smartphone model, is to log into the web interface of the router itself. If you have ever changed the router's administrator password or know the factory data, this method is guaranteed to work.
Make sure that your smartphone is connected to the Wi-Fi network for which you want to find out the password. Open any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet) and enter the gateway IP address in the address bar. Most often this 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The exact address can be found in the Wi-Fi settings in the item Gateway.
An authorization window will appear. Enter your login and password. By default on many devices this is admin/admin, but the data may differ depending on the provider or model, for example TP-Link, Asus or MikroTik.
After logging in, find the section Wireless (Wireless mode) or Wi-Fi Settings. In the subsection Security (Security) there will be a field PSK Password or Wireless network key. Often the password is hidden by asterisks, but next to it there is an eye icon or a checkbox Show Passwordthat displays the symbols.
⚠️ Attention: If you reset the router to factory settings to log in with a standard password, all current Internet settings (PPPoE, L2TP) will be deleted. Be careful if you don’t know the settings of your provider.
Using applications with Root access
For users with full access to the file system (root), the task is simplified to a couple of clicks. Applications like WiFi Password Viewer or Root Browser can directly read system configuration files that are protected from the average user.
Obtaining root access is a complex procedure that can lead to loss of warranty and disruption of banking applications. If you have already unlocked the bootloader and installed Magisk, then installing specialized software will take a minimum of time.
After installing such an application, give it superuser rights the first time you launch it. The app will automatically scan the file wpa_supplicant.conf or similar depending on the version Android. You will see a list of all ever connected networks with decrypted passwords.
The advantage of this method is the ability to not only view, but also copy the password to the clipboard with one click. However, be aware of the security risks: any application with root access could theoretically gain access to other confidential data on your device.
Using Root applications is the fastest way, but it carries security risks and may void the device warranty.
Specifics of different Android versions and skins
Interface and accessibility functions vary greatly depending on what version of the operating system is installed on your gadget. Manufacturers often modify the standard one, adding or removing certain features for the sake of design or security. Below is a table showing the differences in methods for viewing passwords on popular OS versions and shells. This will help you quickly navigate the menu of your specific device. Android, adding or removing certain features for the sake of design or security.
Below is a table showing the differences in methods for viewing passwords on popular OS versions and shells. This will help you quickly navigate the menu of your specific device.
| Version / Shell | Viewing method | Do you need Root | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10-13 (Stock) | QR code in settings | No | The password is often written under the code |
| MIUI (Xiaomi) | QR code through the Wi-Fi menu | No | Requires entering the screen PIN code |
| One UI (Samsung) | Share button | No | You need to scan the code with another phone |
| Android 9 and below | Configuration file | Yes (usually) | Via ADB or Root manager |
| Android 14+ | Network settings | No | Improved biometric protection |
Please note that on managed devices Android 14 and newer Google has strengthened its security measures. Viewing a QR code or password may now require mandatory biometric authentication, even if there is no screen lock password set.
Device owners Samsung should be aware that in some regions, the feature of displaying the password as text under the QR code has been removed in security updates 2023-2026. In this case, the only standard option is to scan the code with the camera of the second device.
☑️ Check before viewing the password
Restoring access without a smartphone
There are situations when the smartphone is inaccessible, discharged or not connected to the network, and you need to find out the password. In such cases, you can do without a mobile device, using other gadgets or physical tags.
If you have a Windows laptop that was previously connected to this network, you can view the password in the properties of the wireless adapter. Go to Control Panel → Network Center, click on the name of the network and select Wireless network properties. In the tab Security check the box Display entered characters.
Also check the sticker on the body of the router itself. The factory Wi-Fi password (WLAN Key) is often indicated on the bottom panel of the device along with the MAC address and PIN code. This is true if you have never changed the security settings of the router after purchase.
As a last resort, if all else fails, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the button Reset for 10-15 seconds. After this, the device will work with the password specified on the sticker, but you will have to reconfigure the connection settings to the provider.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router will delete all settings, including the network name and Internet connection type. Do this only if you are sure that you can configure the router again.
Before resetting the router, find an agreement with your provider - the technical parameters (VPI/VCI, PPPoE login and password) required to set up the Internet are often indicated there.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You can Is it possible to find out the password for someone else’s Wi-Fi if I’m not connected to it?
No, this is impossible using legal methods. WPA2 and WPA3 encryption protocols protect data transmission. You can find out the password only if you have physical access to the router or if you have previously connected to this network and saved a profile on the device with administrator rights.
Why is the password text not displayed under the QR code?
This depends on the version of Android and the manufacturer's policy. In pure Android 10-12 there is often text, but in newer versions or skins (for example, older versions of One UI) only the code itself is shown for security reasons. Use the QR scanner on the second phone to decrypt.
Is it safe to use applications to view passwords?
Applications from Google Play that do not require root access usually simply generate a QR code based on the system API, this is safe. However, apps that require Root access gain full control over the system, which creates potential vulnerabilities for your personal data.
What should I do if I forgot the password for the router’s admin panel?
If the standard admin/admin are not suitable, and you did not change the password yourself, the provider may have changed it. Try to find it in your provider’s personal account or call technical support. As a last resort, only resetting the Reset button will help.
Can I see the password on an iPhone if I have Android?
No, ecosystems are isolated. But if you have a Mac or iPad synced via iCloud Keychain, you can view your saved password there. On Android, you can only see the password for networks to which the Android device itself was connected.