Trying to find a saved Wi-Fi password in the phone settings on Android 10 often results in the user seeing only dots or asterisks instead of security key symbols. This feature of the system, which hides data by default, makes it difficult for new devices to connect to the network, but there are legal methods to bypass the restriction to view a forgotten password.
Password recovery is possible both through the built-in interface functions and using third-party tools or access to the router. It is important to understand that methods may vary depending on the device manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel) and the installed shell. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of actions for different scenarios, so that you can quickly solve the problem without resetting the network settings.
Before proceeding with complex manipulations, it is worth checking the most obvious options. Users often forget that the password can be written on a sticker on the router itself or saved in a cloud account Google. If these options are not suitable, we move on to technical methods of retrieving the encryption key directly from the phone system.
Using the sharing function via a QR code
Starting with version Android 10, company Google has introduced a convenient function for generating QR codes to quickly connect guests to the network. This feature is often overlooked, but it is the easiest way to see your password in clear text. You do not need special applications or superuser rights, a standard settings menu is enough.
First, open the section Settings and go to Network and Internet or Connections, depending on the model of your smartphone. Select the active network Wi-Fito which you are currently connected. A gear icon or a button with a QR code should appear next to the network name or at the bottom of the screen.
Click on this button and the system will generate a unique code. Under this image on most firmwares (MIUI, OneUI, stock Android) a text line with a password is immediately displayed. If the text is hidden, you can take a screenshot of the screen and open it in any application for scanning QR codes or through Google Lens.
⚠️ Attention: Do not publish screenshots with the QR code of your home network on social networks. Anyone with access to this image will be able to instantly connect to your Internet without your knowledge.
If the password under the QR code is not written in text, take a screenshot and open it through Google Lens - the system will automatically recognize the encrypted data and show it as text.
This method works stably on devices with a clean interface, but Manufacturers sometimes make changes to the menu logic. For example, some models require additional identification verification via a fingerprint before displaying the code. Make sure your phone is unlocked and has an active connection to the target network. Huawei or Honor additional identity verification via fingerprint is required before the code is displayed. Make sure your phone is unlocked and has an active connection to the target network.
View saved networks through router settings
If the phone does not allow you to view the password directly, the router itself remains the most reliable source of information. Almost all modern routers have a web interface, which can be accessed directly from a mobile device connected to this network. This method is universal and does not depend on the firmware version of the smartphone.
To enter the control panel, you need to find out the IP address of the gateway. Usually this is a combination of numbers like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. This information can be found in the Wi-Fi settings on your phone in the "Details" or "Advanced" sections, where the parameter Gatewayis indicated. Enter this address into the address bar of any browser on your smartphone.
The router authorization page will open. If you have never changed the standard data, try entering your login and password admin for both fields. The exact details are often listed on a sticker on the bottom of the device. After successful login, find the section Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless mode.
| Router manufacturer | Standard address | Path to the password in the menu |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless -> Wireless Security |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | Wireless network -> General |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wi-Fi -> Security settings |
| Xiaomi | 192.168.31.1 | Wi-Fi settings -> Password |
In the found section there will be a field PSK Password or Wireless network key. Often the password is hidden by symbols, but there is a “Show password” checkbox or an eye icon next to it. Activate it to see the symbol combination. After that, you can copy it or rewrite it manually.
Extracting data via the ADB console without root access
For more advanced users who do not want to get into the settings of the router, there is a method of using USB debugging. Tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to send commands from your computer to your phone and receive system information, including Wi-Fi configuration files.
This method requires a computer with installed drivers and platform tools Android SDK. First, you need to activate developer mode on your phone. To do this, go to Settings -> About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. After the activation message appears, go to the new menu For developers and enable Debugging USB.
Connect your smartphone to your PC with a cable and open the command line on your computer. Enter the following command to test the connection:
adb devicesIf a window appears on your phone screen asking for permission to debug, confirm it. Next, you need to run a command to output the contents of the Wi-Fi configuration file. Enter:
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml⚠️ Attention: On some devices with enhanced protection (for example, modern Samsung or Pixel) access to the file WifiConfigStore.xml can be closed even through ADB without root access. In this case, the system will return the error "Permission denied."
In the displayed list of XML tags, look for the section SSID with the name of your network. Immediately below it or in the tag PreSharedKey the required password will be indicated in clear text. Please note that in new versions of Android, the file structure may change and the data may be encrypted.
What to do if ADB does not see the configuration file?
If the command returns an access error, try using the command `adb backup -noapk -f backup.ab` to create a backup copy of the settings, and then unpack it on your computer with special utilities such as Android Backup Extractor. Inside the archive you can find a text file with network settings.
Third-party applications for restoring access
In the store Google Play there are many utilities that promise to show saved passwords. However, it is important to understand the technical limitation: without superuser rights (Root), no application can read the system file where the encrypted keys are stored. Most of these apps only work as QR code managers or require complex setup.
Applications like WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery often require special permissions to be granted through the computer. They use the same ADB mechanisms discussed above, but automate the process through a GUI. You connect your phone, press one button, and the app tries to extract the data.
- 📱 Make sure the application has a high rating and recent reviews, as many utilities contain intrusive advertising.
- 🔒 Never give applications access to personal data unless it is required for their direct function of working with the network.
- 🛑 Avoid apps that require installation of unverified security certificates, this may lead to interception of your traffic.
If your device has root access, the process becomes trivial. Any application with superuser access will be able to instantly read the configuration file and show a list of all ever connected networks with passwords. However, obtaining root access will void the warranty and may disrupt the operation of banking applications.
Specific interfaces from different manufacturers
Smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard one Androidby adding their own shells. This affects the layout of menu items and the availability of password viewing features. Knowing the features of your model will help save time when searching for the desired setting.
On devices Xiaomi with a shell MIUI the password viewing function is built in most deeply. After clicking on the QR code, the system may require you to enter the screen unlock PIN code, after which it will show the code and text password in large font. In some firmware versions, the text is hidden and you need to tap it to display it.
Smartphones Samsung with shell One UI also support QR code generation, but sometimes hide the text representation of the password. In this case, the only built-in method is to use the “Share” function through the network context menu, which can send data to the messenger in the form of a text message containing the access key.
Manufacturer interfaces are constantly updated: what worked in Android 10 when released may be changed in the 2026 security patch. Always check the relevance of the menu location in the "About phone" section.
Devices from Google Pixel and Motorola with pure Android provide the most honest interface. If there is no password under the QR code, then the security system prohibits its display at the kernel level, and you will have to use methods with a router or ADB.
Security measures and access control
Once you have found out the password, it is recommended to think about the security of your network. If your password has been compromised or shared with a large number of people, the best solution is to change it. This can be done through the same router interface that we talked about earlier.
When you change the password, all connected devices will disconnect from the network. You will have to reconnect them again by entering a new key. This is inconvenient, but it ensures that unauthorized persons will not be able to use your Internet channel for illegal activities or download content.
⚠️ Attention: When changing your Wi-Fi password, make sure that you have physical access to the router. If you make a mistake in the settings and lose the connection, you will need a LAN cable or reset the device to factory settings to restore access.
It is also worth checking the list of connected clients in the router settings. If you see unfamiliar devices, immediately change the password and encryption type to WPA2-PSK or WPA3if your equipment supports this standard. This will provide maximum protection against brute force hacking.
☑️ Checking network security
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I see the Wi-Fi password if I am not currently connected to this network?
This cannot be done directly from a phone without root access. The Android system only stores passwords from networks that the device has previously connected to and encrypts them. If you are not connected, the phone does not have an active session to verify. The only option is to enter the router settings via mobile data or another network if you know the administrator's IP address and password.
Why do I see a strange set of characters after scanning the QR code?
The QR code contains a string in a special format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;. Some scanners show all this service information in its entirety. You need to find the part that comes after the character P: and before the double semicolon ;;. This fragment is your password.
Is it safe to use applications for viewing passwords from the Play Market?
Most of these applications are safe, but useless without root access. They often simply duplicate the function of the built-in QR code generator. Applications that require the installation of additional profiles or certificates may pose a risk. Always read the permissions that the app asks for before installation.
What should I do if I forgot the password for the router’s admin panel?
If the standard ones admin/admin do not work, and you did not change the password yourself, perhaps your Internet provider did it. In this case, you should call the provider's technical support. If the password has been changed by you and forgotten, the only thing that will help is to completely reset the router to factory settings using the button Reset on the case, after which you will have to set up the Internet again.