A request to enter a security key appears on the screen of a new smartphone or laptop, but the combination of characters from the home Wi-Fi network has been erased from memory. You can now solve this problem on Android without obtaining root access and installing third-party software, since in modern versions of the operating system the function of viewing saved passwords is built directly into the connection settings.
In this guide we will examine in detail all the current methods for recovering forgotten access keys. You'll learn how to view your password through standard system settings, how to use QR code scanning capabilities, and what workarounds exist for devices with outdated software. Data Security remains a priority, so some methods will require you to verify your identity through biometrics or a screen unlock PIN.
Standard method through the settings of Android 10 and later
Starting with version Android 10, Google has introduced a native QR code generation function for quickly connecting other devices. The same function allows the smartphone owner to see the text version of the password. This method is the simplest and does not require installing third-party software or obtaining root-rights. However, the menu interface may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell, be it MIUI, OneUI or pure Pixel Experience.
First, you need to go to the wireless connection settings section. Typically the path looks like this: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi. If you are already connected to the desired network, simply click on its name or the gear icon next to it. Some firmware requires you to click on the "Share" button or the QR code icon located directly on the screen with network information.
⚠️ Attention: To view the password, the system will definitely ask you to confirm your identity. This could be a fingerprint, face scan, or screen unlock PIN. Without this procedure, access to the security key is not possible.
After successful authentication, a large QR code will be displayed on the screen, which can be scanned by another device. Under this code, as a rule, the network password itself is written in small print. If the text is too small or missing, you can take a screenshot of the screen and open it in any QR code reader app or Google Lens. Text key will be decrypted and shown in the notification or scan results.
If there is no password text under the QR code, make screenshot of the screen and open it through Google Lens - the system will automatically recognize and show the saved access key.
Using Google Lens for scanning
Not all users notice the text under the QR code in Wi-Fi settings, especially on smartphones with small screens or specific themes. In such cases, the built-in tool Google Lens (Lens) comes to the rescue. This service is capable of analyzing images and extracting text information from them, including data encrypted in pattern lock.
The process is as follows: take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code of your Wi-Fi network. Then open the Photos app (Google Photos), find that screenshot, and click on the Lens or Search by Image button. The system will analyze the picture and highlight the area with the code. By clicking on it, you will see a pop-up window with network data, where the password itself will be indicated in clear text. SSID and the password itself in clear text.
This method is universal and works even if the smartphone manufacturer has hidden the text display of the key in the settings interface. The main requirement is the presence of Google service installed on the device, which is relevant for the vast majority of certified devices on the market. This allows you to bypass interface restrictions without interfering with system files.
Viewing passwords on older versions of Android (up to 10)
On devices running Android 9 Pie and earlier versions, the situation is more complicated. The system does not provide a graphical interface for viewing saved security keys in order to protect user data. The file in which all Wi-Fi settings are stored is located in a protected system partition and is read-only by processes with superuser privileges.
The only reliable way to find out the password on such devices is to obtain root access. After rooting your smartphone, you will need a file manager with access to system directories, for example Root Explorer or RE Manager. You need to follow the path /data/misc/wifi/ and find the file named wpa_supplicant.conf. By opening this file with a text editor, you will see a list of all networks to which the phone has ever connected.
| Field in the file | Description of value | Example data |
|---|---|---|
ssid |
Wireless name network | "Home_WiFi" |
psk |
Network password (security key) | "MySecretPass123" |
key_mgmt |
Key management type | WPA-PSK |
priority |
Network connection priority | 1 |
Inside the file, look for the line psk="your_password". The value in quotes is the key you are looking for. Be extremely careful when editing this file: any accidental change to the syntax may cause the smartphone to stop seeing saved networks or lose the ability to connect to Wi-Fi altogether. It is recommended to back up the file before making any changes.
⚠️ Warning: Rooting your device will void your device's warranty and may interfere with banking applications due to SafetyNet security mechanisms. Use this method only if you fully understand the risks.
What to do if the wpa_supplicant.conf file is empty?
Sometimes the file may contain no data if the settings have been reset or saved to the cloud. In this case, try rebooting the router and connecting to the network again so that the file is updated.
Using ADB for devices without Root
There is an advanced method for extracting passwords without obtaining superuser rights, using the debugging tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not work on all smartphone models, as it depends on the manufacturer’s security settings and firmware version. However, on many devices with USB debugging enabled, you can display the contents of the configuration file via a computer.
First, you need to activate developer mode on your smartphone. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the "Build number" item. After this, the “For Developers” section will appear in the settings menu, where you need to enable the “USB Debugging” item. Connect the phone to the computer with a cable and make sure that permission to debug from this PC appears on the smartphone screen.
Open a command line or terminal on the computer in the folder with ADB installed and enter the following command to try to read the file:
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confIf the command is successful, you will see the contents of the file directly in the terminal window, including password lines. If the system responds with the error “Permission denied,” it means that access to this file is denied on your firmware, even through ADB without root access. In such a situation, this method, unfortunately, will not work, and you will have to look for alternatives.
☑️ Preparing to work with ADB
Third-party applications for password recovery
In the store Google Play there are many applications that promise to show saved Wi-Fi passwords. Most of them work on the same principle: they either require root access to read system files, or exploit vulnerabilities in specific versions of Android. Popular utilities such as WiFi Password Viewer or ES Explorer (in older versions) can automate the file search process wpa_supplicant.conf.
It is important to understand that without root access, these applications are often useless on modern versions of Android due to enhanced security policies "sandboxes". They can only show the network name (SSID) but hide the password itself. In addition, installing dubious software to access system settings carries the risk of leaking your personal data to third parties.
If you still decide to use third-party software, carefully study the permissions that the application requests. Location access and Storage access are standard for such apps, but asking for rights to send SMS or access contacts should arouse suspicion. Always check user reviews and developer ratings before installation.
⚠️ Attention: Android settings interfaces and security policies are constantly updated. Features that work today may be disabled in the next system update. Always check the relevance of the methods with the official documentation of your OS version.
Resetting the router settings as a last resort
If none of the software methods helped, and access to the network is vital, the last option remains - resetting the router to factory settings. This method will allow you to set a new password that you will know for sure. However, it will require physical access to the router itself and the presence of a cable for initial setup.
Most routers have a recessed button on the case Reset. By pressing it with a paper clip and holding it for 10-15 seconds, you will return the device to factory settings. After this, the Wi-Fi network will work with the password indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the router, or without a password at all. You will need to go to the router control panel through a browser (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and configure your Internet connection again.
This method is the most radical, since all current settings, including provider settings, network names and device restrictions, will be deleted. Use it only if you are sure that you can reconfigure the Internet, or if you have an agreement with the provider with the authorization data specified there.
Resetting the router deletes all settings, including the provider data. Make sure that you have an agreement with the login and password for the PPPoE/L2TP connection before performing this procedure.
Is it possible to view the Wi-Fi password without unlocking the screen?
No, it is not possible. The Android system specifically requires authentication (fingerprint, face or PIN) before displaying a password or generating a QR code. This is a fundamental security mechanism that protects your data from unauthorized access if the phone falls into the wrong hands while unlocked (for example, through Smart Lock).
Why is the password text not displayed under the QR code?
It depends on the specific smartphone shell. Some manufacturers (for example, in older versions of MIUI or ColorOS) hid the text password, leaving only the code. In this case, use the Google Lens screenshot scanning method, which is able to read data directly from the graphical image of the code.
Is it safe to use applications to view passwords?
Most of these applications on Google Play are safe if they have a high rating and many reviews, but they often require root access. Without root access they are useless on new Androids. Beware of applications that require unnecessary permissions not related to the network browsing function, as they may collect your telemetry.
What to do if the wpa_supplicant.conf file does not open?
If you have root access, but the file does not open or is empty, check the access rights (chmod/chown) to the file through the terminal. It is also possible that your firmware stores passwords in encrypted form in another system partition, which is typical for some Samsung and Huawei devices with enhanced data encryption.
Is it possible to find out the password for someone else's Wi-Fi network through your phone?
No, it is impossible to legally find out the password for a network to which your phone has never connected. All described methods only work with saved network profiles. Attempts to hack other people's networks using special utilities are illegal and can be prosecuted by law.