The situation when you need to connect a new gadget to your home network, but the access key is forgotten, occurs extremely often. Fortunately, modern smartphones based on Android are able to save the data entered once, which makes it easy to restore them if necessary. If you are already connected to a wireless network, the system stores this key in encrypted or clear form, depending on the version of the operating system.
Starting with version Android 10, Google has introduced a convenient QR code sharing feature that automatically solves the problem of viewing the password. However, owners of older devices or those who want to get a text string to enter on the computer may encounter certain difficulties. In this article we will analyze in detail all available methods: from standard settings to the use of special utilities and superuser rights.
It is important to understand that the methods for restoring access directly depend on what version OS is installed on your device. The interfaces of manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei, may differ slightly from the stock one, but the logic of actions remains the same. Let's look at step-by-step guide for various scenarios. Android, but the logic of action remains general. Let's look at step-by-step guide for various scenarios.
Using the native QR code function on Android 10 and later
The easiest and safest way to find out data from the network is to use the built-in QR code generation function. This option appeared in the "pure" Android 10 and was quickly adopted by most shell manufacturers. You do not need to install third-party software or obtain extended access rights to the system.
First, go to the settings of your smartphone and go to the Network and Internet or Connectionssection. Select Wi-Fi, where a list of available networks will be displayed. Find the network to which you are currently connected and click on the gear icon next to its name or simply tap on the name of the network itself.
On the network (properties) screen you will see a button Share or icon QR code. When pressed, the system will ask you to verify your identity using your fingerprint, Face ID or screen unlock PIN. This is a security measure to prevent outsiders from accessing your data.
After successful authentication, a QR code will appear on the screen. Under it, as a rule, the password itself is written in small print in text form. If the text is not displayed immediately, take a screenshot of the screen and open it in any application for reading QR codes or in Google Lens - the result will be shown as a regular string of characters.
If there is no text under the QR code, just take a screenshot and scan the same screenshot through Google Lens - the application will recognize the code and show the password in text.
The QR code method works on 95% of modern smartphones without the need to obtain root access and install additional software.
Viewing through Google settings and synchronization
In more recent ecosystem updates Google, especially on devices with the Pixel UI interface or close to it, a synchronization function has appeared passwords. If you use the same Google account phone and computer, saved networks can be accessed in your browser password manager Chrome.
Open your phone settings, scroll down to the section Google and select Autofill. Next, go to Autofill from Google and click on Passwords or Password manager. In the list of saved data, look for entries related to Wi-Fi networks.
Having found the desired network, click on her. The system will again ask for identity confirmation. After this, you will see a password field, which is hidden by dots by default. Click on the eye icon to display the symbols. This method is convenient because it allows you to copy the password to the clipboard for pasting on another device.
⚠️ Attention: This function only works if you have previously enabled password synchronization in your Google account. If synchronization has been disabled, the data will only be stored locally on the device.
It is worth noting that on some custom firmware the path to these settings may differ. For example, on smartphones Xiaomi with shell MIUI or HyperOS password management is often integrated directly into the application Security or into Wi-Fi settings without deep diving into your Google account.
How to find the password on older versions of Android (without Root)
Owners of devices with version Android 9 Pie and below face security restrictions. In these versions of the OS, files with network configurations are stored in a protected system partition, access to which is closed to ordinary applications. However, there are workarounds that do not require hacking the system.
One option is to use the backup function. Some manufacturers allow you to back up system settings to your computer through proprietary software (for example Samsung Smart Switch or Mi PC Suite). When restoring such a copy on another device of the same brand, the network settings may be transferred along with passwords.
Another method is less reliable, but sometimes it works: go to the router settings through a browser. If you are connected to the network via Wi-Fi, you can access the router's web interface. In the address bar, enter 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. If you have not previously changed the router administrator password, try the standard combinations (admin/admin).
Once in the router control panel, go to the Wireless or Wireless modesection. There, in the field Wireless Password or Security key the current password will be displayed. You can change it to a new one, which you will definitely remember, or just see the current one by clicking on the show symbols icon.
Standard logins and passwords for routers
The most commonly used pairs admin/admin, admin/password or admin/1234. The exact data is usually indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the router itself.
Obtaining access with root access through a file manager
If your device has root access (superuser rights), the task is simplified to a minimum. You get full access to the file system, including hidden configuration files where every Wi-Fi password you've ever entered is stored. To do this, you will need a file manager that supports working as root, for example Root Explorer or RE Manager.
Launch the file manager and grant it superuser rights at the first request. Go to the root directory of the system along the path /data/misc/wifi/. In this folder, find a file called wpa_supplicant.conf. It is where all information about wireless networks is stored.
Open this file using the built-in text editor. You will see a list of blocks, each of which describes one network. Find the block network={, inside of which there is a line ssid="Network_Name". Immediately below it there will be a line psk="Your_Password". The value in quotes after psk is the key you are looking for.
network={ssid="Home_WiFi"
psk="SuperSecretPass123"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}
☑️ Preparing to work with Root
⚠️ Attention: When editing file
wpa_supplicant.confbe extremely careful. Any unnecessary syntax change may result in the phone not being able to see Wi-Fi networks until the next factory reset. It is recommended to make a copy of the file before editing.
Using specialized applications
In the store Google Play there are many utilities that promise to show saved passwords. However, it is important to understand the differences in how they work. Applications without root access most often simply generate a QR code (duplicating a system function) or require you to enter a password manually to create a backup.
Applications with Root support, such as WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery, work according to the principle described in the previous section, but in automatic mode. They scan the system file and display a list of all networks with decrypted passwords in a convenient interface.
Before installing such software, be sure to check permissions and reviews. Some unscrupulous developers may use such utilities to collect data about your networks. Give preference to apps with open source or high ratings and a large number of downloads.
| Application name | Requires Root | Functional | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | Yes | Show a list of all passwords | Average |
| QR Code Reader | No | Scanning codes from the screen | High |
| WiFi Map | No | Public password database | Low (user data) |
| Root Explorer | Yes | Manual viewing of configs | High (local) |
What to do if nothing helps
In rare cases, when the device is locked, the Android version is very old, and there are no root access, software methods may turn out to be powerless. In such a situation, the only reliable option remains - physically resetting the router. This action will return the device to factory settings.
Find the button on the router body Reset. Usually it is recessed into the body, so you will need a paper clip or a needle to press it. Press this button for 10-15 seconds until the lights on the router blink. After the reboot, the network will be named as indicated on the sticker, and the password will be standard (also indicated on the sticker).
After the reset, you will have to reconfigure the Internet connection (enter the login and password from the provider), if this data was not automatically picked up from the operator’s database. Therefore, before resetting, make sure that you have an agreement with the provider at hand.
Resetting the router is an extreme measure that deletes all individual settings, including the network name, password and connection parameters to the provider.
⚠️ Attention: The interfaces of routers from different manufacturers (TP-Link, Asus, D-Link) are very different. If you are not sure of your actions when setting up the Internet after a reset, it is better to call a specialist from your provider so as not to be left without connection for a long time.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the password for Wi-Fi, which I have never accessed connected?
No, this cannot be done using legal methods from your phone. The phone can only show passwords that were previously stored in its memory after successful connection. To connect to someone else's network, you need to know the key in advance or use the WPS function if it is enabled on the router.
Is it safe to use applications to view passwords?
Applications that require root access gain full access to the system. If the developer is unknown, there is a risk of data leakage. Standard methods (QR code, Google settings) are completely safe, as they use secure channels of the operating system itself.
Why is there no "Share" button in the Wi-Fi settings on my Android 11?
Some manufacturers (for example, older versions of Samsung or Huawei shells) could hide this function or implement it differently. Try clicking on the name of the network itself, and not on the gear, or look for the QR code icon in the upper corner of the network properties screen.
Where is the file with passwords stored on Android?
The system file with the configuration of wireless networks is located along the path /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf. Access to this directory is only possible if you have superuser rights (Root).
Is it possible to recover the password through a computer if the phone is connected via USB?
Directly through a wire without root access - no. The computer sees the phone as a media device or storage device, but does not have access to Android system files. However, if your phone has USB debugging enabled and Root, you can use ADB commands to extract the configuration file.