Situations when you need to connect a new device to the network, but the password is forgotten or written down in an inaccessible place, arise regularly. Modern smartphones based on Android have long learned to remember this data, but hide it from plain sight for the sake of security. However, knowing the correct sequence of actions, retrieving a saved combination of characters will not be difficult even for an inexperienced user.
Methods for restoring access depend on the version of the operating system and access rights to the device. Owners of gadgets with Android 10 and newer have an advantage, since the system allows you to legally view access keys through the standard menu. For older versions or specific models, additional tools or access to root access may be required. Before proceeding with complex manipulations, it is worth checking the basic settings, which are often overlooked. In most cases root access.
Before you begin complex manipulations, it is worth checking the basic settings, which are often overlooked. In most cases QR code or the general settings menu contains all the necessary information. Below we will analyze in detail each available method so that you can choose the most suitable one for your phone model.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces may differ depending on the manufacturer’s shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If you do not find an exact match, look for similar settings items.
Using a QR code to view your password
The easiest and fastest method available on most modern smartphones is the QR code generation function. This option appeared back in Android 10 and became a standard for exchanging connection data. You do not need to be a network administrator, it is enough that the phone is already connected to the desired one Wi-Fi.
First, open the settings and go to the wireless networks section. Find an active connection and click on the gear icon or arrow next to the network name. Detailed information will open on the screen, where the required code is often hidden.
- 🔍 Click the "Share" button or "QR code" in the network settings menu.
- 🔐 Pass the biometric verification (Face ID or fingerprint) to confirm your identity.
- 👁️ Look under the generated square code: the password is often written there in clear text.
If the text under the code is not displayed, do not despair. It QR code already contains an encrypted connection string. You can take a screenshot of the screen and open it through any QR code scanner or through Google Lens to see the text line where, after the prefix P: the password will be specified.
If the password text is not visible under the QR code, just take a screenshot of the screen and start scanning through Google Photos or the camera application - the system itself will recognize the text.
View through the settings of Android 12 and later
In more recent versions of the operating system, starting from Android 12, Google has introduced a native feature of directly displaying passwords in the security settings. This eliminates the need for users to use third-party applications or scan codes.
To use this method, you must go to the security settings section. This is where all saved system credentials are stored. The path may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same for all devices on the clean Android.
Find the “Passwords” or “Password Manager” item in the system settings. Select the Wi-Fi tab. You will see a list of all the networks to which the phone has ever connected. Click on the desired network and confirm access via PIN code or biometrics.
In the window that opens you will see a password field. If text is displayed instead of dots, the problem is solved. If the dots remain, click on the eye icon at the end of the line. Security system may require re-authorization, which is normal data protection.
| Android version | Function location | Required authorization | Text display |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10-11 | Wi-Fi settings -> QR code | Yes (biometrics) | Partially (depending on OEM) |
| Android 12 | Settings -> Passwords | Yes (PIN/biometrics) | Yes (eye button) |
| Android 13+ | Settings -> Passwords and accounts | Yes | Yes (full access) |
| Android 9 and below | Not included in the standard | N/A | Root required |
Checking saved passwords through Google Account
The Google ecosystem allows you to synchronize passwords between devices. If you have ever saved access keys in your account, you can find them through the web interface or synchronization settings. This is especially useful if your phone is not available, but your computer is available.
Go to your Google account settings through a browser or application. Go to the “Security” section and find the “Password Manager” item. Not only site logins are stored here, but also data Wi-Fi networksif the appropriate synchronization has been enabled.
In the list of saved items, look for the names of your networks. When you click on an element, the system will ask you to confirm that it is you. After successful verification, you will see your login and password in clear text. This is a universal method that works regardless of phone model.
⚠️ Attention: This method requires Google password synchronization to be enabled on your device. If the function was disabled, the data may not have been saved in the cloud.
☑️ Checking synchronization
Using the ADB command line (for advanced)
For users who are not afraid of the command line and have ADB (Android Debug Bridge) installed on their computer, there is a method for obtaining a password without root access, but with USB debugging enabled. This method is suitable for Android 9 and some older versions where vulnerabilities have not yet been closed.
You need to connect the phone to the PC, launch the ADB console and enter a command to display the contents of the system configuration file. If the device allows reading this file without elevated rights, you will receive an XML file with a list of all networks.
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confThe resulting file can be opened with any text editor. Inside there will be blocks networkcontaining a field psk, which is your password. It is worth noting that on modern versions Android access to this file is closed by default.
What to do if ADB does not see the device?
Make sure that USB debugging is enabled on your phone in the "For Developers" menu. You may also need to install ADB drivers on your computer and confirm the RSA key on the smartphone screen the first time you connect.
Method with root access and file managers
If your device has one root access (superuser rights), the process of retrieving the password becomes trivial. You get full access to system files where the configuration of wireless connections is stored.
Use a file manager with root support, for example Root Explorer or FX File Explorer. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf or WifiConfigStore.xml (the path may differ depending on the OS version).
- 📂 Open the file with a text editor directly in the file manager.
- 🔎 Find the tag
ssidwith the name your network. - 🔑 Nearby there will be a field
pskorpasswordwith the desired value.
This method is the most reliable for older devices, but requires preliminary preparation. Obtaining root access may void your warranty and requires caution when modifying system files.
Having root access gives complete control over the system, but opens access to critical data, so use this method only on trusted devices.
Third-party applications and their limitations
In the Play Market you can find many applications that promise show passwords. However, after the release Android 10 Google blocked applications from accessing Wi-Fi system files without root access. Most of these apps are now either useless or require complex setup.
Applications like WiFi Password Viewer can only work on rooted devices. If you don’t have superuser rights, they often show only stubs or offer to share a QR code, which can be done using regular tools.
Be careful when installing such utilities. Many of them are loaded with ads or collect data about your connections. It is better to use proven system functions or open source file managers.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install applications with questionable reviews that require unnecessary permissions. To view the password, standard system functions or root access is sufficient.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?
No, this cannot be done using standard Android tools. The phone only stores hashes, or keys, for the networks it connected to. To recover a password from a network to which the device is not connected, you will need special security audit tools and physical proximity to the router.
Is it safe to save passwords in a Google Account?
Yes, data in a Google Account is encrypted during transmission and storage. Access to them is possible only after authorization by the account owner. This is considered a more secure method than storing passwords on paper or in open files on the phone.
Why is there no "Show password" button on my Android 11?
Smartphone manufacturers often modify the interface. If there is no direct button, use the QR code method or check the "Security" -> "Passwords" section. In some shells (for example, MIUI or OneUI), the menu logic may differ from stock Android.
What to do if you forgot the password for the router and need to reset the settings?
If none of the methods helped, the only option is to reset the router to factory settings. There is a Resetbutton on the back panel of the router. Hold it for 10-15 seconds. After this, the device will return to the factory password indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the case.