How to view the Wi-Fi password on Android: official and hidden methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and there is no sticker with the access code on your router? Or do you need to share the network with a guest, but don’t have time to go into the router settings? On an Android smartphone, you can view saved passwords for wireless networks - and this does not always require root access or complex manipulations. In this article we will analyze all current methodsincluding hidden system functions, standard tools and safe workarounds.

It is important to understand: methods differ depending on the version Android, smartphone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and etc.) and even the router model. In some places the password will be displayed in two clicks, and in others you will need to use ADB or a file manager. We have collected instructions for all scenarios - from the simplest to the advanced, taking into account the security limitations of modern OS versions.

Before you begin, make sure that:

• 📶 Your smartphone already connected to the target Wi-Fi network (or was previously connected).
• 🔒 You have administrator rights on the device (for some methods).
• 📱 Version Android not lower than 10 (for most methods).

1. Standard method: viewing the password in Android settings (without root)

Starting from Android 10, Google has added the ability to view passwords from saved networks directly in the settings menu. However, this method works—manufacturers like not on all devices - manufacturers like Xiaomi or Huawei often hide the option or modify it. Here's how to do this on "pure" Android (for example Google Pixel, Nokia, Motorola):

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of the current network (or select it from the list saved).
3. Click on the icon gears (⚙️) or "Change network".
4. In the "Password" section, click on the eye (👁️) to display symbols.

If there is no "Password" item or it is inactive:

• 🔄 Try first disconnect from the network, then go to its settings again.
• 📲 On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) you need to click "Share password" and confirm the action using PIN code or fingerprint.
• 🚫 If the option is missing at all, go to the next method.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 9 and below this method does not work —manufacturers hid passwords for security reasons. For older OS versions, use methods with ADB or a file manager.

2. View your password via QR code (works on most devices)

The most universal and secure method is to generate QR code with network data and then decrypt it. This even works on Xiaomi, Realme and other brands with customized firmware. Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi and tap on the name of your network.
2. Select an option "Share" or "QR code" (the name may differ).
3. Confirm the action using PIN code, pattern key or fingerprint.
4. Take a photo of the QR code with another smartphone or tablet.
5. Use any QR scanning application (for example Google Lens) to read the data.

As a result you will receive a text like:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyWiFiName;P:myPassword123;;

Where P:myPassword123 is your password.

What to do if the QR code cannot be scanned?

If the scanner gives an error, check:

- Photo quality (QR should be clear, without glare).

- Use specialized applications like QR & Barcode Scanner from Gamma Play.

- Try to generate the code again (sometimes restarting the smartphone helps).

3. Using a file manager (for advanced users)

Wi-Fi network passwords are stored in a system file wpa_supplicant.conf. To read it, you need root access or ADB superuser rights. If you have a smartphone, do the following: root access data-i="122">Navigate to the path: rooted smartphone, do the following:

1. Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

   or (for older versions of Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/

3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with a text editor.
4. Look for blocks like:

   network={
   ssid="Network_name"
   psk="network_password"
   key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
   }

If the file is missing or empty:

• 🔍 Check the folder /data/vendor/wifi/ (on some firmware).
• 📁 Try searching for the file using ADB the command:

  adb shell su -c "find /data -name wpa_supplicant.conf"

⚠️ Attention: Changing or deleting files in /data/misc/wifi/ may lead to losing all saved networks or failure of the Wi-Fi module Do not edit the file. manually!

Method with ADB (without root, but with computer)

If you do not have root access, but have access to the computer, you can retrieve the password via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method works on Android 10+, but requires preliminary setup:

1. Activate developer mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About phone and tap on the build number 7 times.
2. Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your smartphone to the PC, open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and run:

   adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

4. Open the downloaded file WifiConfigStore.xml with any text editor and find the line:

   your_password

If the command adb pull gives the error "Permission denied", try:

adb shell
su
cp /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml /sdcard/
exit
exit
adb pull /sdcard/WifiConfigStore.xml

Android version	Path to the file with passwords	Do you need root access?
Android 9 and below	/data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf	Yes
Android 10–12	/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml	No (via ADB)
Android 13+	Depends on the firmware	Most often yes

5. Applications for viewing passwords (with reservations)

There are dozens of applications that promise to show Wi-Fi passwords “without root.” Google Play There are dozens of apps that promise to show Wi-Fi passwords “without root.” 90% of them are scams or require payment for useless functions. However, there are legitimate tools that can work under certain conditions:

• 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer (requires root) - shows all saved networks in a convenient list.
• 📱 WiFi Key Recovery (for older Android) - works on versions up to 9.0 inclusive.
• 🔍 Network Info II - does not show passwords directly, but helps analyze networks (useful for diagnostics).

Before installing any application:

⚠️ Attention: Applications that request superuser rights (root) without explanation may contain malicious code. Check reviews, date of last update, and permissions the app requests. For example, accessing SMS or Contacts to view Wi-Fi passwords is a clear sign of fraud.

The only exception is official utilities from router manufacturers (for example, TP-Link Tether or Mi WiFi). They can show the password for your router if you are logged in to the administrator account.

6. Alternative methods (if all else fails)

If all of the above methods did not work, there are radical or workarounds:

• 🔄 Resetting the router: Press the button Reset on the back panel of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). The password will be reset to the factory password (indicated on the sticker).
• 📞 Calling the provider: If the router was issued by an Internet company, they can provide the password using the contract number.
• 🖥️ View on another device: You can find out the password via Control Panel on Windows or Keychain Access on macOS, if they have previously connected to this network.
• 🛠️ Cable connection: Connect to the router via Ethernet and go to its web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

To enter the router settings, use:

• Login: admin (or see the sticker on the device).
• Password: admin, 1234 or a unique code from the label.

How to find the router's IP address?

If 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 do not open, find out the exact address:

- On Windows: run command Command line team ipconfig and find the line "Default gateway".

- On Android: install the application Fing or Network Analyzer and scan the network.

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

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi that you have never connected to?

No, this is impossible without hacking the network. Android only stores passwords from networks to which the device has previously connected. To gain access to someone else's network, you need to:

• Ask the owner for a password.
• Use WPS (if the function is enabled on the router).
• Connect via QR code (if the owner generates it for you).

Any other methods (hacking, brute force) illegal and may entail liability.

Why is there no "Show" option in the Android settings password"?

It depends on three factors:

1. Manufacturer firmware: Xiaomi, Huawei and Samsung this option is often removed from the menu.
2. Android version: On versions below 10, the function is not available by default.
3. Security Policy: On corporate devices or smartphones with MDM (device management), the option may be blocked.

Solution: use methods with ADB or QR code.

Is it safe to use ADB to extract passwords?

Yes, if you follow the instructions and do not change system files. ADB is an official tool from Google, but:

• 🔌 Connect your smartphone only to trusted PC (risk of data interception).
• 📵 Do not leave USB debugging enabled all the time.
• 🔍 Before using ADB disconnect your smartphone from public networks (for example, in cafe).

For additional security, after retrieving the password, disable debugging in the developer settings.

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on Android without a computer?

Yes, but with limitations:

• 📱 On "pure" Android (10+) — through network settings (see section 1).
• 🔄 On Samsung/Xiaomi — through QR code (see section 2).
• 🛠️ On rooted devices - through the file manager (see section 3).

Without root and computer not allowed extract the password on older versions of Android (9 and below) or on firmware with strict restrictions (for example, ColorOS from Oppo).

What to do if the Internet does not work after resetting the router?

After resetting you must:

1. Connect to the router via cable or via Wi-Fi with a factory name (for example, TP-Link_1234).
2. Go to the web interface at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
3. Enter data for connecting to the Internet (you can check with your provider or find them in contract).
4. Configure the name and password of the new Wi-Fi network.

If the Internet does not appear, check:

• 🔌 Connecting the cable to the port WAN (not LAN).
• 📡 Connection type (usually PPPoE or Dynamic IP).
• 🔄 Reboot the router after saving the settings.