How to view the Wi-Fi password on Android 9: all methods

Forgot the password for your home Wi-Fi, but it is saved on your phone? Don’t rush to reset your router or call your provider. In this article, we will look at all the current ways to extract a password from a smartphone’s memory - from standard system tools to workarounds for devices with custom shells. Important: the methods only work for networks to which the phone has already been connected before. Android 9 Pie is it saved? Don’t rush to reset your router or call your provider. In this article, we will look at all the current ways to extract a password from a smartphone’s memory - from standard system tools to workarounds for devices with custom shells. Important: the methods only work for networks to which the phone has already connected before.

Version Android 9 (code name Pie) was released in 2018, but is still used on millions of devices - from budget Samsung Galaxy A to flagships Huawei P30. Unfortunately, Google removed the ability to view Wi-Fi passwords directly in the settings starting from Android 10, so the owners of the "Nine" were luckier. However, even here there are nuances: manufacturers often modify the standard interface, and some methods require ADB or a file manager.

Before you begin, check two points: firstly, the phone must be unlocked (no root required), secondly, you must know PIN code or pattern key devices. If the smartphone is not yours, ask the owner's permission: retrieving passwords without consent may violate local privacy laws.

Method 1: Standard Android 9 settings (without root)

The easiest method is to use the built-in system tools. It works on "pure" Android 9 Pie (for example, on Google Pixel 3) and some shells from manufacturers. Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of the current network (or select a saved network from the list).
3. Tap on the button Share (or Share on English firmware).
4. The system will ask for PIN codea fingerprint or pattern key.
5. After authentication, QR code and a text password will appear below it.

Important: on some devices (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 c MIUI 10) button Share may be missing. In this case, proceed to the next method.

The device is connected to the desired Wi-Fi network|Know the phone unlock PIN|The phone does not have a corporate security policy (MDM)|The Android version is definitely 9.0, not 10+-->

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a corporate phone with Mobile Device Management (MDM), the password sharing feature may be disabled by the administrator. An attempt to bypass this restriction will lead to blocking of the device.

Method 2: Through the Wi-Fi configuration file (file manager required)

All Wi-Fi passwords on Android are stored in an encrypted file wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be read without root access, but only with the help of a special file manager, for example, Android 9 it can be read without root access, but only with the help of a special file manager, for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer. Step-by-step guide:

1. Install FX File Explorer from Google Play.
2. Open the application and provide access to the device memory.
3. Go to the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore

   or (on some firmware):

   /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

4. Find file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it using the built-in text editor.
5. Look for blocks like:

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

The password will be indicated in the line psk="...". Copy it without quotes.

What to do if there is no file?

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) the path to the file may differ. Try an alternative route:

/data/vendor/wifi/WifiConfigStore or use the search by file name in the file manager.

Manufacturer	Path to file wpa_supplicant.conf	Do you need root access?
Google Pixel, "pure" Android	/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore	No
Samsung (One UI)	/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore or /data/vendor/wifi/...	No
Xiaomi (MIUI 10)	/data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf	Yes* (only for MIUI 11+)
Huawei (EMUI 9)	/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore	No

*On Xiaomi s MIUI 11 i the newer file is protected, and access will require root or ADB.

Method 3: Using ADB (for advanced users)

If the previous methods did not work, you can extract the password via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is universal, but requires a computer and USB debugging enabled. Instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools from the official website Android Developers.
2. Enable Mode Developer on your phone: Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times).
3. Activate USB debugging in the developer menu.
4. Connect your phone to the PC and run in the command line:

   adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf

5. Open the downloaded file on your computer with any text editor.

On devices s MIUI 11+ i ColorOS 7+ this method may not work due to additional protection. In this case, only root or resetting the router will help.

Standard settings|File manager|ADB|Nothing worked-->

⚠️ Attention: Using ADB may lead to resetting the settings if you enter incorrect commands. Do not edit files manually - read only! Also make sure that the original drivers for your phone model are installed on your computer (download them from the manufacturer’s website).

Features for different brands

Manufacturers often modify Android 9 to suit their needs, so the methods for retrieving the password may differ. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands:

Samsung (One UI 1.x)

On devices Galaxy S9, Note 9 and others with One UI the button Share is usually available. If it is not there:

• 📱 Check for system updates: in some regions Samsung added this feature through patches.
• 🔍 Use My Files (built-in file manager) to access wpa_supplicant.conf.
• 🔧 On corporate devices (Knox) the function is blocked.

Xiaomi (MIUI 10)

On Redmi Note 7, Mi 9 and other s MIUI 10:

• 🔄 The method with Settings → Wi-Fi → Share works only for the current network.
• 📁 The file wpa_supplicant.conf is available without root, but the path may be /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf.
• 🚫 On MIUI 11+ root will be required or ADB with superuser rights.

Huawei (EMUI 9)

On P30, Mate 20 and others:

• 🔗 Button Share is present, but may be hidden behind an additional tap on the network name.
• 📂 The configuration file is in /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.
• 🔒 On devices with Huawei Mobile Services (without Google Play) you may need Huawei HiSuite to access the files.

What to do if none of the methods work?

If all of the above methods fail, radical measures remain:

1. Resetting the router. Press the button Reset on the back panel of the router (hold 10–15 seconds). The password will be reset to the factory password (indicated on the sticker).
2. View the password on another device. If a laptop, iPhone or tablet is connected to the network, extract the password from there.
3. Contact your provider. For some operators (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline), the Wi-Fi password can be found in your personal account.

If the smartphone is not yours, and the owner urgently needs to connect a new device, use the function Wi-Fi Direct or QR code (if it is supported by the router). For example, on TP-Link i Keenetic you can generate a QR code for quick connection without entering a password.

Security: how to protect your Wi-Fi after retrieving the password

If you managed to extract the password, take a moment to improve your network security:

• 🔐 Change the password to a more complex one (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
• 🛡️ Enable WPA3 instead WPA2 (if the router supports).
• 📵 Disable WPS —this protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
• 👥 Create guest network for friends, so as not to disclose the main password.
• 🔄 Update the router firmware regularly (once every 3-6 months).

On routers ASUS, TP-Link and MikroTik can be configured limit of connected devices or access schedule (for example, turn off Wi-Fi at night). This will reduce the risk of unauthorized connection.

⚠️ Attention: If you connect to the network IoT devices (smart light bulbs, cameras), create a separate network for them with limited rights. Many smart gadgets transmit passwords in clear text and can become an entry point for hackers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without root on Android 9?

Yes, on Android 9 this is possible without root access. Use standard settings (Share) or a file manager to access wpa_supplicant.conf. Root will only be required on custom firmware (for example, MIUI 11+).

Why is there no "Share" button on my Xiaomi?

On Xiaomi s MIUI 10 the button may be missing due to regional restrictions or manufacturer policy. Try:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version.
2. Use a file manager to access wpa_supplicant.conf.
3. Install alternative firmware (for example, Pixel Experience).

Is it possible to extract a password from someone else's phone without his consent?

No. This violates personal data law (Article 137 of the Criminal Code RF) and can be qualified as unauthorized access to information. In addition, modern phones (for example, Samsung Knox) record such attempts and block the device.

What to do if the file is wpa_supplicant.conf empty?

This means that:

• The phone has never connected to Wi-Fi (unlikely).
• The firmware uses a different path to the file (try it /data/vendor/wifi/...).
• The device has data encryption enabled (requires root to decryption).

Try connecting to the network again and try again.

Do these methods work on Android 10 and later?

No, starting from Android 10, Google has removed the ability to view Wi-Fi passwords without root access On new versions. you will need:

• Root access + Root Explorer.
• Use ADB with superuser rights.
• Special applications like WiFi Password Viewer (require root).