The situation when you need to connect a new device to the network, but Wi-Fi password is forgotten, is found everywhere. It often happens that the phone is already connected to the router, and a guest or a new laptop requires you to enter a combination that you do not remember. Fortunately, modern versions of the mobile operating system Android allow you to extract this information without complex manipulations.
Previously, before the release of the version Android 10, it was almost impossible to view the saved encryption key without obtaining superuser rights. However, today Google has introduced user-friendly features that make the process transparent to the average user. In this article we will analyze all the current methods, from standard settings to using the terminal.
Don't panic if you don't see the password field right away. The shell interfaces from Samsung, Xiaomi or Pixel may differ visually, but the logic of operation remains the same. It is only important to understand what version of the system your device is running on, since the choice of tools depends on this.
View through standard settings (Android 10 and newer)
The easiest and safest way to find out security key is to use the built-in QR code generation function. Starting from Android 10, the system allows you to “share” access to the network by creating a visual code that contains an encrypted password.
First, go to section Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi. Find the network you are currently connected to in the list and click on the gear icon next to its name. In the menu that opens, you need to find the button Share or QR code.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models To display a QR code, you will need to undergo biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial scan) to confirm your identity.
After the code appears on the screen, the password is often displayed in text form directly below it. If the text is hidden by asterisks, you will need a second smartphone with a camera and an installed QR code scanner (or just another phone’s camera with recognition function).
If there is no text under the QR code, point the camera of another phone at the code. In a notification or in a pop-up window, the system will show a connection string, where your password will be indicated after the "P:" or "S:" character.
This method works on most devices with a clean system Android, as well as on shells One UI and MIUI. The main condition is that you must be authorized on the network at the time of viewing the settings.
Using Google Lens and screenshots
If your smartphone does not show the password text under the QR code, computer vision technology from Google will come to the rescue. The function Google Lens (or “Lens”) is capable of analyzing images and extracting text information from them, including network data.
Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code that you received in the Wi-Fi settings. After that, open the application Google or Google Photos and run the image analysis function. The system will automatically recognize the code structure and offer the “Connect to network” action, opening network key.
- 📸 Take a screenshot of the QR code in Wi-Fi settings.
- 🔍 Open the image via Google Lens.
- 📝 Click on the recognized text or connection button.
- 🔑 Copy the password that appears to the clipboard.
This method is especially effective if you do not have a second device at hand. Text recognition algorithms work even if part of the code is covered by interface elements, although for reliability it is better to take a clean screenshot.
It is worth noting that the recognition accuracy depends on the image quality and application version Google. Make sure that you have the latest updates for Play Market services installed.
Viewing through a file manager (Root required)
For users whose devices run on older versions Android (below 10) or have specific firmware restrictions, there is a method for accessing system files. However, it requires root access (superuser rights).
Data about all saved networks is stored in a special system configuration file. To access it, you will need a file manager with root support, for example Root Explorer or Solid Explorer. You need to go to the path /data/misc/wifi/.
In this directory there is a file named WifiConfigStore.xml (on new versions) or wpa_supplicant.conf (on old ones). By opening this file in a text editor, you will see a list of all the networks to which the phone has ever connected.
<Network><SSID>"MyHomeWiFi"</SSID>
<PreSharedKey>"SuperSecretPassword123"</PreSharedKey>
</Network>
Look for the tag PreSharedKey or attribute psk —the value inside it is yours Wi-Fi password. Be extremely careful when editing this file: any unnecessary changes to the syntax may cause the network module to malfunction.
⚠️ Attention: Obtaining root access will void the device warranty and may interfere with the operation of banking applications. Use this method only if you are fully aware of the risks.
What to do if the file does not open?
If the file manager does not allow you to open the file even with root access, try copying it to the internal memory of the phone, open the copy, find out the password, and then delete the copy. Do not edit the original directly.
Using the ADB command line (without Root)
There is a more advanced method that does not require superuser rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer. We are talking about using a debug tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method works on many devices where USB debugging is enabled.
First, activate developer mode in the phone settings (by clicking 7 times on the build number in the About the phonesection) and enable the item USB debugging. Connect the phone to the PC with a cable and open the command line on the computer in the folder with ADB installed.
Enter the following command to output the contents of the Wi-Fi configuration file:
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlIf the command is successful, you You will see the data output to the console. Look for lines with your network name (SSID) and key (PreSharedKey). On some devices, access to this file via ADB may be limited without root, then the method will not work.
| Method | Root required | PC required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in settings | No | No | Low |
| Google Lens | No | No | Low |
| File manager | Yes | No | High |
| ADB command line | No (often) | Yes | Average |
The method using ADB is the “golden mean”: it is safer than getting root access, but requires a computer and basic console skills.
Third-party applications for password recovery
In the store Google Play you can find many utilities that promise to show saved passwords in one click. However, there is an important caveat here: without root, most of these applications do not have access to the system key store.
Applications like WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery do work, but only on rooted devices. If you don't have superuser rights, they often offer to simply create a QR code for the current network, duplicating the standard Android function, or show ads.
- 📲 Install the application from a trusted source.
- 🔐 Grant the requested permissions (Root).
- 📂 Wait until the list of saved files is scanned networks.
- 👁️ Click on the desired network to display the password.
Be careful when installing such software. Some unscrupulous developers may use such utilities to collect data about your access points. Always check reviews and download numbers before installing.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid applications that require you to disable your antivirus or install third-party security certificates. This is a sure sign of malware.
Alternative methods of logging into the router
If none of the software methods work, there is always physical access to the equipment. The password is often indicated on a sticker located on the bottom or back panel of the routeritself. Look for the inscription WPA Key, Wireless Key or Password.
You can also access the router control panel through a browser. To do this, enter the gateway IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) into the address bar. The login and password for entering the admin panel are often standard (admin/admin), if you have not changed them.
Inside the router interface, go to the Wireless or Wireless networksection. There, the current password will be displayed in the security field, which you can not only view, but also change to something more convenient for remembering.
☑️ Checking access to the router
This method is universal and does not depend on the version of Android or the availability of access rights to the phone’s file system. It is especially useful if you need to change the password for all devices at once.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I find out the password for someone else's Wi-Fi network if I am not connected to it?
No, this is impossible using legal methods. The phone only stores keys to networks to which it has successfully connected previously. To connect to a new network, you need to know the password in advance or get it from the owner.
Why is there no "Share" button in the Wi-Fi settings on my Android 11?
Some shell manufacturers (for example, older versions of MIUI or custom firmware) may hide this function or move it. Try clicking on the line with the name of the network, and not on the gear, or update the system.
Is it safe to use applications to view passwords?
Security depends on the developer. Official utilities from the Play Market with a high rating are usually safe, but remember: they often need full access to the system (Root) to work, which in itself reduces the overall level of protection of the device.
What to do if the QR code is not read by the camera?
Try increasing the screen brightness, wiping the camera, or using a third-party scanner application from the store. Also make sure that you point the camera at the entire code without cutting off corners.
Does the password in the WifiConfigStore.xml file change after a factory reset?
Yes, when you perform a Factory Reset, all saved networks and their passwords are deleted from the phone's memory. You will have to enter them again the first time you connect.