Are you connected to Wi-Fi on your Android smartphone, but have forgotten the password - is this a familiar situation? Perhaps you need to connect another device and the owner of the network is not around, or you just want to save the password for the future. Fortunately, on Android there are several ways to retrieve a saved Wi-Fi password - both through standard settings and using additional tools.

In this article we will look at all current methodsincluding hidden system functions, working with configuration files and using third-party utilities. It is important to understand that some methods require root access or special knowledge, but most options are available even to beginners. We will also explain why on some devices the password may be hidden or encrypted, and what to do about it.

We warn you in advance: if the network is not yours (for example, public Wi-Fi in a cafe or hotel), retrieving the password may violate the rules of using the network. You perform all manipulations at your own peril and risk.

1. Standard method: password in Wi-Fi settings (Android 10 and newer)

Starting with Android 10, Google has added the ability to view passwords from saved networks directly in settings - but only if you have stock firmware (for example, on Google Pixel, Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI latest versions). On some custom shells (for example, on older versions ColorOS or EMUI) this function may not be available.

To find out the password:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi and network (or simply "Wi-Fi").
  • 🔍 Find the network you are connected to in the list and tap on its name.
  • 🔑 Select item Share (or Share on English firmware).
  • 🔐 The system will ask PIN code, pattern key or fingerprint - this is a security measure.
  • 📝 After confirmation you you will see QR code and a text password under it.
⚠️ Attention: If there is no item Share your firmware does not support this function. Proceed to the next method.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5.0+), the password may be displayed as dots. To see it, click on the eye icon (👁️) next to the field.

📊 What version of Android do you have?
10 or newer
9 (Pie)
8 (Oreo)
7 (Nougat) or older
I don’t know

2. Viewing the password through the configuration file (without root)

If the standard method does not work, you can try extracting the password from the system file wpa_supplicant.conf. This file stores data about all saved Wi-Fi networks, but access to it is usually limited. On some devices you can copy it without root accessusing ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

You will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with ADB tools installed.
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on a smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times, then return c Settings → System → For developers).
  • 🔌 USB cable for connecting to a PC.

Instructions:

  1. Connect your phone to the computer and open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
  2. Enter the command to check connections: 
    adb devices

    The serial number of your device should appear.

  3. Copy the configuration file: 
    adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

    Or (on some firmware):

    adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf
  4. Open the downloaded file in any text editor (for example, Notepad++ or VS Code).
  5. Find the line with the name of your network (ssid="...") - next to it there will be a field psk="..." with the password.
⚠️ Attention: On new versions of Android (12+), the path to the file may be different, and the data may be encrypted. If the file is not copied, will be required root access.

Install ADB on the PC|Enable USB debugging on the phone|Connect the phone to the PC with the original cable|Unlock the phone screen before executing commands-->

3. to passwords

If your device has root access, you can view Wi-Fi passwords directly through a file manager with superuser rights (for example, Root Explorer or Solid ExplorerThis method works on any versions of Android, but requires). preliminary unlocking of the bootloader and installation Magisk or SuperSU.

Step-by-step guide:

  • 📂 Open Root Explorer and follow the path: /data/misc/wifi/ or /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/ (on Android 10+).
  • 🔍 Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml (or wpa_supplicant.conf on older versions).
  • 📄 Open the file in a text editor (built-in or via QuickEdit).
  • 🔑 Find the block with your network - the password will be in the tag <string name="PreSharedKey">...</string>.

Alternative method for users Magisk:

  • 🛠️ Install the module WiFi Password Viewer via Magisk Manager.
  • 🔄 Reboot the device.
  • 📱 Log in in Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on the network - the password will be displayed in a new menu item.

On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14+), even with root access, passwords can be encrypted. In this case, only specialized software like WiFi Password Recovery.

What to do if the WifiConfigStore.xml file is encrypted?

On new versions of Android (12+), the passwords in this file are stored in encrypted form. To decrypt them, you will need to:

1. Obtain the encryption key from the system storage (for example, via adb pull /data/misc/keystore/user_0/).

2. Use the utility Android WiFi Password Decryptor (available on GitHub).

3. Manually decode the password string using a Python script.

This process is technically complex and requires knowledge in the field of cryptography. For most users, it is easier to use specialized applications. (see the next section).

4. Applications for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

If the previous methods did not work, third-party applications will come to the rescue. They are divided into two categories:

  • 🔓 For devices without root —they work only on older versions of Android (up to 9 inclusive) and require an ADB connection.
  • 🛡️ For devices with root —shows passwords directly, but requires superuser rights.

Best applications:

Application Does root required? Supported Android versions Link (Google Play)
WiFi Password Viewer ✅ Yes 5.0–13 Download
WiFi Password Recovery ❌ No (but needs ADB) 4.0–9.0 Download
WiFi Key Recovery ✅ Yes 6.0–12 Download
Root Browser ✅ Yes Any Download

Example of working with WiFi Password Viewer:

  1. Install the application and provide root access when prompted.
  2. Open the app - it will automatically scan system files.
  3. In the list find your network and tap on it - the password will appear in a new window.
  4. Copy it or share it via QR code.
⚠️ Attention: Applications without root that promise to show passwords “in 1 click” often contain malicious code. Do not install apps from unknown sources - use only proven utilities from Google Play.
💡

If you often forget passwords, create a Google Keep or 1Password note with the name of the network and password. This way you can quickly find it through a search without digging through system files.

5. Retrieving a password through a backup (without root)

Another working method is to create backup Wi-Fi settings and extract a password from it. This method does not require root, but does not work on all devices.

Instructions:

  • 🔄 Go to Settings → System → Backup.
  • 💾 Enable backup to Google Drive (if disabled).
  • 📲 Install the application WiFi Key Recovery (link in the table above).
  • 🔍 Run a scan - the app will analyze the backups and show saved passwords.

An alternative for users Samsung:

  • 📱 Use the built-in function Smart Switch to create a local backup.
  • 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and find the backup file (usually in format .sbk).
  • 🔑 Use the utility Samsung Backup Extractor to extract Wi-Fi data.

This method does not guarantee 100% results, since modern versions of Android encrypt backups. However, on devices up to Android 9 chances of success. are high.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If none of the above methods worked, there are radical or workaround solutions:

  • 🔧 Resetting the router - press the button Reset on the back panel of the router (hold for 10 seconds after). After resetting, the password will become standard (usually indicated on the sticker of the router). Minus: all connected devices will turn off and the network settings will be reset.
  • 📡 Connecting via WPS — if the router supports WPS, you can connect a new device without entering a password (press the button WPS on the router and select the network on your phone).
  • 📞 Contacting the provider —if the network belongs to your Internet provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), the password can be found in your personal account or by calling the hotline.
  • 🖥️ View on another device —if to the same laptop is connected to the network on Windows or macOS, the password can be viewed through the system settings (on Windows: Control Panel → Network connections → Wireless network → Properties → Security).
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router will to the loss of all personal settings (for example, port forwarding or parental controls). Use this method only as a last resort.
💡

If you rent a home or use corporate Wi-Fi, resetting the router may violate the rules of using the network.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to retrieve a password, users often encounter typical problems and ways to solve them:

Problem Cause Solution
No "Share" option in Wi-Fi settings Outdated or custom firmware Use ADB or root methods
ADB does not see the device No drivers installed or not enabled debugging Install Google USB Driver and check the developer settings
File wpa_supplicant.conf empty Passwords are stored in another location (for example, in WifiConfigStore.xml) Check alternative paths (see section about root)
The application shows the wrong password The password was changed after connecting Reconnect to the network and try again
The root application is not works Magisk is not installed correctly or there are no rights Check the root status in Magisk Manager and reboot the device

If you get an error adb: device unauthorized, this means that the phone does not trust your computer. Unlock the device screen and confirm the connection in the window that appears.

On some devices (for example, Huawei or Honor s EMUI) access to system files is blocked even with root. In this case, only resetting the router or contacting your provider will help.

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

Yes, but only if you Android 10 or later with stock firmware (see first method). This is not possible on older versions or custom shells without root/ADB.

❓ Why is my network not in the file? wpa_supplicant.conf data-i="255">Probably, the network is saved in a different format (for example, in

The network is probably saved in a different format (for example, WifiConfigStore.xml on Android 10+). Also check if you are connected to the network right now - some firmware stores passwords only for active connections.

❓ Will it be visible that I looked at the password?

No, viewing the password through settings or system files does not leave a trace. However, if you are using someone else's network (for example, in a cafe), the administrator can see your device in the list of connected clients.

❓ Does the ADB method work on Android 13?

Partially. On Android 13 Google has tightened access to system files, so wpa_supplicant.conf may not be available. In this case, only root or specialized applications will help.

❓ Is it possible to find out the password from your neighbors via Wi-Fi?

Technically, yes, but only if you are already connected to their network. Unauthorized access to other people's networks violates the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Illegal access to computer information”). Use this knowledge only for legal purposes.