Forgot your home password Wi-Fi, but the sticker on the router has worn off? Or do you need to connect a new gadget, but are too lazy to look for a piece of paper with the access code? On Android smartphone you can easily view saved passwords from networks to which you have previously connected - and this does not always require root access or complex manipulations. In this article we will analyze all current methodsincluding hidden system functions, applications and even bypassing restrictions on some firmware.

It is important to understand: the methods differ in depending on the version Android (since Android 10 Google has simplified access to passwords), phone model (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands often modify the standard interface) and availability superuser rights. We will consider options for all cases - from the simplest to the advanced, taking into account the nuances of security and compatibility.

Method 1: Standard Android settings (without ROOT)

Starting with Android 10, Google has added a built-in Wi-Fi password viewer to the system - but only for those networks to which the phone already connected. This method works on most smartphones without additional apps or administrator rights. Here's how to use it: Already connected data-i="54">Connections

  1. Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung).

  2. Select Wi-Fi, then tap on the name current network (or networks from the list Saved networks).

  3. Click on the button Share (or Share on English firmware).

  4. The system will ask for confirmation by PIN code, fingerprint or pattern key - enter it.

  5. A text password will appear under the QR code - copy it or write it down.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or ColorOS from Oppo) item Share may be missing. In this case, try the alternative methods below.

Update the firmware to the latest version

Check if you are connected to the network (some phones only show the password for an active connection)

Make sure that you do not have a third-party launcher installed (it can hide system functions)

Try switching to the English interface language (sometimes the translations are incomplete)

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If you have If you are Android 9 or older, this method will not work - skip to the next section. Also note that on some phones (for example, Huawei s EMUI) the path to the settings may differ: instead of Network and Internet look for Wireless networks or Mobile Wi-Fi.

Method 2: Viewing the password through the configuration file (for advanced users)

All Wi-Fi passwords on Android are stored in the system file wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be accessed via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or a file manager with root access. This method is universal, but requires preparation:

First enable USB debugging:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone.

  2. Click 7 times on the item Build number (a notification “You have become a developer” will appear).

  3. Return to Settings → System → For developers.

  4. Activate USB Debugging.

Now connect the phone to the computer and run the commands in terminal (or PowerShell on Windows):

adb shell

su


cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep -E 'SSID|PreSharedKey'

In the output you will see a list of networks (SSID) and their passwords (PreSharedKey). If the command did not work, try an alternative path:

cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

⚠️ Attention: On new versions Android (starting from 11), the file wpa_supplicant.conf may be encrypted or missing. In this case, only root or specialized applications will help.

What to do if ADB gives a "permission denied" error

This means that you do not have superuser (root) rights. To bypass the restriction, you can:

1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk)

2. Use applications like WiFi Password Viewer (requires root)

3. Connect to the phone as an FTP server via Total Commander with the "Android Debug Plugin"

Method ROOT required Works on Android 10+ Difficulty
Standard settings ❌ No ✅ Yes ⭐⭐ (simple)
ADB + wpa_supplicant.conf ⚠️ Partially ❌ No (starting with Android 11) ⭐⭐⭐ (average)
Applications (WiFi Password Viewer) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ⭐ (easiest)
TiBu backup ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)

Method 3: Applications for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

If system methods do not work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue. We have selected 3 verified applicationsthat show saved passwords - but keep in mind that most of them require root access:

  • 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer - a simple application with a minimalistic interface. Shows all saved networks and their passwords in a list. Works on Android 5.0+, but without root, displays only the networks you are currently connected to.

  • 🛠️ WiFi Password Recovery - supports exporting passwords to a file .txt or .csv. There is a search function by network name. Requires root on Android 9 and later.

  • 📱 WiFi Key Recovery —recovers passwords even after resetting the settings (if the configuration file was not deleted). Supports Dark Mode and sorting by connection date.

⚠️ Attention: Be careful when installing applications from unknown sources! Some utilities may contain adware or collect data. Before installation, check: Google Play may contain adware or collect data. Before installation, check:

  • 📌 Application rating (must be above 4.0)

  • 📌 Number of downloads (from 100K+)

  • 📌 User reviews (especially negative)

  • 📌 Permissions (the application should not request access to SMS or contacts)

If you do not have root access, try the application WiFi Map —it does not show passwords directly, but contains a database of open networks and passwords shared by other users. There is a chance to find your network, especially if you live in an apartment building.

I look on the router

I use standard Android settings

Installed application (specify which one in comments)

I ask the provider

Another option

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Method 4: Backup via Titanum Backup (only with ROOT)

If installed on your phone Titanium Backup (or a similar backup application), you can extract Wi-Fi passwords from a system data backup. This method is suitable if:

  • 🔄 You already have a backup made before you lost your password

  • 🔧 The phone is rooted

  • 📱 You are using custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)

Instructions:

  1. Open Titanium Backup and go to the Backups tab.

  2. Find in the list Wi-Fi settings (or com.android.providers.settings).

  3. Tap on the backup and select Extract.

  4. In the extracted data, find the file wifiConfigStore.xml —it will contain passwords in encrypted or clear form.

For decryption, you can use online services like CyberChef (if passwords are encrypted in Base64) or scripts on Python. However, this method requires technical knowledge and is only suitable for experienced users.

💡

If you often forget passwords, set up Wi-Fi backups to be automatically sent to email. To do this, Titanium Backup select Schedule → Add a new task → specify Wi-Fi settings and select cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).

Method 5: Alternative methods (if all else fails)

If none of the above methods worked, try these options:

  • 📡 View password on the router: Turn the device over - the sticker usually shows the factory password (if it has not been changed). If changed, go to the web interface of the router at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (default logins and passwords: admin/admin or admin/empty).

  • 📞 Check with your provider: Call the support of your Internet provider (the number is usually indicated in the contract). Tell them that you forgot your Wi-Fi password - they can reset it or tell you the factory one.

  • 🔄 Reset the router settings: Press the button Reset on the back panel of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After resetting, the network will be named as on the sticker, and the password will return to the factory default. Minus: you will have to configure the router again.

  • 🖥️ View password on another device: If a laptop is connected to the same network on Windows or MacOS, the password can be found through the system settings (on Windows: Control Panel → Network Control Center → Changing adapter settings → Wireless network → Properties → Security).

⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router to factory settings will delete all your personal settings, including:

  • 🔐 Changed Wi-Fi password

  • 🌐 Port and forwarding settings (if you configured them)

  • 📡 Guest network (if it was enabled)

  • 🔄 Parental control rules

If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact a specialist or the provider’s support service. Also remember that unauthorized access to other people's Wi-Fi networks may be regarded as a violation of the law (in Russia - Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Illegal access to computer information”).

Security: how to protect your Wi-Fi passwords

To avoid the problem of a forgotten password in the future, follow these tips:

  • 📝 Save passwords in a safe place: Use password managers (Keepass, 1Password, Bitwarden) or write them to an encrypted file. Do not store passwords in clear text on your phone!

  • 🔄 Regularly update passwords: Change your Wi-Fi access code every 3-6 months. This will protect you from unauthorized connections by neighbors or hackers.

  • 🛡️ Use complex passwords: Avoid simple combinations like 12345678 or qwerty. The optimal password is at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and special characters (for example, K7#pL9@mN2$vP5!).

  • 📶 Disable WPS: The function Wi-Fi Protected Setup is vulnerable to brute force attacks. Go to the router settings and deactivate it.

  • 🔍 Check connected devices: In the router's web interface (192.168.1.1), look at the list of connected gadgets. If you see unfamiliar ones, change the password.

If you often share access to Wi-Fi with guests, configure guest network on the router. It allows you to:

  • 🔒 Limit Internet speed for guests

  • 🕒 Set network operation time (for example, 2 hours)

  • 📵 Block access to local devices (printers, NAS)

💡

Never give your main Wi-Fi password to strangers! A guest network or a QR code for connection is the safest way to provide temporary access.

Common problems and their solutions

When trying to view the Wi-Fi password on Android users encounter common errors. Let's look at the most common ones:

Problem Possible cause Solution
No “Share” button in Wi-Fi settings Outdated version of Android or custom firmware Update the system or use ADB/root methods
ADB gives the error “device unauthorized” The request for USB debugging is not confirmed Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the resolution on the screen smartphone
The application does not show passwords No root access or blocked by an antivirus Give root access or disable the antivirus temporarily
The password is displayed as asterisks (***) Firmware limitation (for example, on Xiaomi) Use a file manager with root to view wpa_supplicant.conf
After resetting the router, the Internet does not work Incorrect PPPoE or DHCP settings Call provider to reconfigure the connection

If you are using a phone with Android Go (light version for weak devices), some methods may not work due to reduced system functions. In this case, the only reliable way is resetting the router or contacting your provider.

Also note that on some phones (for example, Samsung Galaxy c One UI) after the update to Android 13/14 the path to the Wi-Fi settings may change. If you don’t find the item you need, use the search in the settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without root access?

Yes, on Android 10 and later this can be done through standard settings (section “Share”). On older versions or custom firmware (for example MIUI), third-party applications may be required, but they do not always work without root. ADB or third-party applications, but they do not always work without root.

Why are passwords in the wpa_supplicant.conf file encrypted?

Starting Android 9Google has tightened data security and passwords are stored in encrypted form. They can only be decrypted by having access to the encryption keys (that is, with root access) or through specialized utilities like WiFi Password Recovery.

Is it safe to use applications to view Wi-Fi passwords?

Most applications from Google Play are safe, but there is a risk of running into malware, especially if you download APKs from unknown sources. Before installation, check:

  • 📌 Number of installations (from 100K+)

  • 📌 Reviews (especially negative ones)

  • 📌 Requested permissions (the application should not ask for access to SMS or geolocation)

We recommend using WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery —they are time-tested and open source.

How to find the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone?

On iPhone there is no built-in way to view passwords, but you can:

  1. View the password on Macif it connected to this network (via Terminal or Keychain).

  2. Use Shortcuts ("Commands" application) with ready-made scripts for retrieving passwords.

  3. Reset the router settings (if there are no other options).

Read more in our article “How to find the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone.”

Is it possible to hack someone else's Wi-Fi by finding out its password from the phone?

No, that's it illegal. In Russia, unauthorized access to other people's networks is classified under Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Illegal access to computer information”) and is punishable by a fine of up to 500 thousand rubles or imprisonment for up to 4 years. In addition:

  • 🔍 Modern. routers use protection WPA3that is resistant to brute force.

  • 📡 Providers monitor suspicious activity and can block the device by MAC address.

  • 🛡️ Hacking networks from 802.1X (corporate) is almost impossible without physical access to the equipment.

If you urgently need the Internet, it is better to use a mobile hotspot or public networks (in cafes, libraries).