Forgot the password for your home Wi-Fi, but on your phone Is it already saved? On Android 10 gaining access to saved network passwords is more difficult than on newer versions of the OS - Google has removed the direct ability to view it through the settings. However, there are several workarounds that work even without rights. root.

This article contains all the current ways to view the Wi-Fi password on Android 10, including methods through ADB, configuration files and third-party applications. We will also look at why some instructions from the Internet stopped working and how to avoid errors when retrieving the password.

Important: all methods require physical access to the device. If the phone is not yours, obtaining a password without the owner's permission violates the data privacy law.

Why on Android 10 you cannot view the password through the settings

In versions Android below 10, users could open saved Wi-Fi passwords through the network settings menu. But with the release Android 10 (API 29) Google has tightened its security policy:

  • 🔒 Privacy protection: passwords are no longer displayed in clear text, even for the device owner.
  • 📱 Restrictions for applications: Third-party apps have lost access to the file wpa_supplicant.confwhere passwords were stored.
  • 🛡️ New permissions: working with networks now requires special permission ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, which many applications do not receive.

These changes were made to protect against data leaks, but created difficulties for legitimate users. For example, if you connected to Wi-Fi in a cafe and want to remember the password for another device, this cannot be done using standard means.

📊 How often do you forget Wi-Fi passwords?
Often, you have to reset the router
Sometimes, but I remember through the phone
Never, I keep it in notes
I don’t know how to view them

Method 1: Viewing the password via ADB (without root)

The most reliable method for Android 10 is using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It does not require superuser rights, but you need an activated USB debugging computer.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable Developer mode on your phone:
    • Go to Settings → About phone → Build number.
    • Click on Build number 7 times until the notification “You have become a developer” appears.
  • Activate USB debugging:
    • Return to Settings → System → For Developers.
    • Enable switch USB debugging.
    • Connect your phone to the PC and confirm the trusted device.
    • Open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter: 
      adb shell

      su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep '<string name=\"PreSharedKey\">'"

      • If the command did not work, try an alternative path:

      adb shell

      su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep -A 1 'SSID=' | grep 'PreSharedKey'"

      In the response you will see a list of networks (SSID) and their passwords (PreSharedKey). If the output is empty, it means that the device has no saved connections or uses another storage method (for example, on some firmware Samsung or Xiaomi).

      Install ADB drivers on PC|Enable developer mode on the phone|Activate USB debugging|Connect the phone to the computer with an original cable-->

      ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei c EMUI 10) the file WifiConfigStore.xml can be encrypted. In this case, the method will not work - you will need root or alternative methods.

      Method 2: Using a file manager with root access

      If your device has root accessyou can directly open the file with passwords through any file manager (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).

      Instructions:

      1. Open a file manager with support root.
      2. Go to the path: 
        /data/misc/wifi/
      3. Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml (or wpa_supplicant.conf on old firmware).
      4. Open it with a text editor and find the lines: 
        Network_name

        Password

    On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy c One UI 2.x) passwords can be stored in encrypted form. In this case, the application WiFi Password Viewer (requires root) will help.

    Firmware Path to the file with passwords Root required?
    Stock Android 10 /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml Yes
    Samsung One UI 2.x /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml (encrypted) Yes + decoder
    Xiaomi MIUI 11-12 /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml Yes
    Huawei EMUI 10 The file is missing or encrypted Yes + ADB
    💡

    If the file WifiConfigStore.xml is empty, try looking for passwords in /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreBackup.xml —some firmware creates backup copies.

    Method 3: Applications for viewing passwords (with and without root)

    In Google Play there are applications that promise to show saved Wi-Fi passwords. However, most of them only work with Android 10 most of them only work with root access or have limitations.

    Top 3 tested applications:

    • 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer - shows passwords from wpa_supplicant.conf (requires root). Supports export to a text file.
    • 📡 WiFi Key Recovery —works on some firmware without root, but often gives a "No access" error.
    • 🔑 WiFi Password (Root) —simple interface, but only for rooted devices.

      • How to use:

      1. Install the application from Google Play.
      2. Provide root access (if required).
      3. A list of networks with passwords will appear in the main window.
      4. Click on the desired network to copy the password.
      ⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, "WiFi Password Hack") ask for unnecessary permissions or contain malicious code. Before installing, check reviews and ratings Google Play.
      Why don't root-less apps work on Android 10?

      Starting with Android 10, Google has blocked third-party applications from accessing system password files. Even if the app promises to show passwords without root, it either exploits vulnerabilities (which is dangerous) or simply shows an empty list. The only exception is applications integrated into the firmware by the manufacturer (for example, on some Xiaomi phones).

      Method 4: Viewing the password through the router (if you have access)

      If you have access to router web interface, you can find out the Wi-Fi password directly from the router settings. This method is universal and works regardless of the version of the router's web interface. (usually Android.

      Instructions:

      1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
      2. Open your browser and enter your router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
      3. Enter your login and password (by default, often admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).
      4. Go to the section Wireless (or "Wireless network", "Wi-Fi").
      5. Find the field Password, Pre-Shared Key or "Security Key".

      If you have not changed the login data to the router, they may be standard:

      Router manufacturer IP address Default login/password
      TP-Link 192.168.0.1 admin/admin
      ASUS 192.168.1.1 admin/admin
      D-Link 192.168.0.1 admin/blank
      Xiaomi 192.168.31.1 Indicated on the sticker

      If you cannot enter the router settings, the only way to reset the Wi-Fi password is to press button Reset on the back panel of the router (hold for 10 seconds). This will reset all settings, including the Wi-Fi password, to factory settings.

      Method 5: Alternative methods (for advanced users)

      If none of the above methods worked, you can try more complex methods. They require technical knowledge. and do not guarantee results.

      Method 1: Retrieving the password via TWRP

      • 📱 Install custom recovery TWRP.
      • 🔧 Boot into recovery mode (Power + Volume Up).
      • 📁 Go to Advanced → File Manager.
      • 🔍 Find the file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml and copy it to the SD card.

      Method 2: Usage (without root, but with limitations) The method does not work on all devices, since Termux (without root, but with restrictions)

      Install Termux from F-Droid (version from Google Play deprecated) and run the commands:

      pkg update && pkg upgrade

      pkg install tsu
      

      tsu
      

      cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep PreSharedKey

      This method does not work on all devices because Termux in the latest versions Android lost some of its capabilities.

      ⚠️ Attention: Installing TWRP or modified firmware may lead to loss of warranty and “brick” of the device On some models (for example, Samsung With Knox) this will also reset the security counter.

      Common errors and how to avoid them

      When trying to extract the Wi-Fi password on Android 10 users encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

      • 🚫 "File not found" c /data/misc/wifi/:
        Cause: The manufacturer has changed the password storage path. Try searching in /data/vendor/wifi/ or use ADB with the command find /data -name "wifi".
      • 🔒 "Access denied" when using ADB:
        Solution: Make sure that USB debugging is enabled and you have confirmed a trusted device on your phone. Also check if your antivirus is blocking access.
      • 📱 The application shows an empty list of networks:
        Cause: Applications without root are not available on Android 10+ have access to passwords. Try the method with ADB.
      • 🔄 After updating the firmware, the passwords disappeared:
        Solution: Some updates reset Wi-Fi settings. If this happens, the password can only be restored through the router.

      If you are using the device with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), check the settings in the menu Developer Options → Networking —some builds return the ability to view passwords.

      💡

      On Android 10 and newer, the only reliable ways to get a Wi-Fi password are ADB (without root) or access to the router. All other methods either require root or are unstable.

      Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on Android 10 without a computer?

      Yes, but only if you have root access. Without it, the only option is to go into the router settings through a browser (if you are connected to this network). Applications from Google Play without root on Android 10 will not show the password.

      Why does the ADB command display an empty result?

      Possible reasons:

      • There are no saved networks on the device (you connect manually every time).
      • The manufacturer has changed the path to the file with passwords (try find /data -name "wifi").
      • On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo) passwords are stored in encrypted form.

      Solution: Try an alternative command: 

      adb shell

      su -c "ls /data/misc/wifi/"

      to see all the files in the directory.

      Is it possible to extract the password from the phone if it is locked?

      No, without unlocking the screen you will not be able to:

      • Enable USB debugging.
      • Verify the trusted device for ADB.
      • Install applications for viewing passwords.

      The only way out is to reset the phone to factory settings (losing all data) or use function Find My Device from Google for unlocking.

      Does the method work with the file wpa_supplicant.conf on Android 10?

      No. Starting from Android 9Google stopped using wpa_supplicant.conf for storing passwords. Instead, WifiConfigStore.xmlis used, which has a different format and is often encrypted. Old instructions from the Internet advising to search wpa_supplicant.confon Android 10 are irrelevant.

      How to protect your passwords from leaks on Android?

      To prevent unauthorized access to saved passwords:

      • 🔐 Use screen lock (PIN, pattern or fingerprint).
      • 🚫 Do not install applications from unverified sources.
      • 🔄 Change your password regularly Wi-Fi in the router settings.
      • 📱 Disable USB debuggingwhen it is not needed.

      On Android 11+ Google has added a feature "Automatic reset of permissions" for applications that have not been used for a long time - this reduces the risk of leaks.