How to look up the Wi-Fi access point code on Android: working methods

Have you ever encountered a situation where you need to connect a new gadget to your home Wi-Fi, but the network password has disappeared somewhere? Or a friend asks you to share the Internet from your phone, but you don’t remember the access point code? On Android, accessing saved network passwords is not as easy as on a computer—the system hides this information for security purposes. But there are several proven ways to bypass restrictions and find out the access point code even without superuser rights.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from standard Android functions to little-known workarounds. You'll learn how to view your current network password, extract data from backups, use ADB commands, and even recover code through your router. Important: some methods require preliminary setup or work only on certain versions of the OS. We will note all the nuances so that you do not waste your time.

Let's start practicing - choose the appropriate method depending on your phone model and Android version.

1. Standard method: viewing the password in the settings (Android 10+)

Starting from Android 10, Google has added the ability to view passwords from saved networks directly in the settings - but only if the device is not protected by a pattern or PIN code. This method works on most smartphones and some models with pure Android. data-i="45">🔍 Find the desired network in the list and tap on its name Samsung, Google Pixel and some models Xiaomi with pure Android.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi
• 🔍 Find the desired network in the list and tap on its name
• 🔑 Select item Share (or Share on English firmware)
• 🔐 Confirm screen unlocking (fingerprint, PIN or pattern)
• 📋 The password will be displayed under the QR code

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei or OnePlus) this item may be absent. If there are no buttons, go to the next method. Share no - go to the next method.

2. Using a Wi-Fi configuration file (file manager required)

Android stores all data about connected networks in a file wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be accessed via file manager with root access or a standard explorer on some firmwares. The method works on Android 9 and below, as well as on custom firmware like LineageOS.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Install the file manager (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore

   or (on older versions):

   /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

3. Open the file wpa_supplicant.conf with any text editor.
4. Find the block with the name of your network (ssid="...") - line psk="..." contains the password.

🔹 Example of file contents:

network={
ssid="MyHomeWiFi"
psk="12345678"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}

⚠️ Attention: On new versions of Android (11+), access to this file is blocked without root access. If the folder /data/ is empty, use the method with ADB (section 4).

Install a file manager with root access

Enable display of hidden files

Make a backup copy of wpa_supplicant.conf

Do not edit the file manually-->

3. Password recovery via backup (without root)

If you have ever backed up your Android settings via Settings → System → Backup, your Wi-Fi passwords may have been saved in the cloud. This method works on all versions of the OS, but requires Access to your Google accountthat has been linked to the device.

How to extract the password:

• 🔄 Reset your phone to factory settings (or use another smartphone).
• 📱 When setting up for the first time, select Restore from backup and log in with the same Google account.
• 🔑 After restoring, go in Settings → Wi-Fi —all networks with passwords will be automatically connected.
• 📋 Use the method from section 1to view the password.

⚠️ Attention: This method will only work if backup was enabled before lost password. On some devices (for example Xiaomi with MIUI), Wi-Fi passwords are not included in the cloud copy.

What to do if the backup is not restored?

If the recovery is stuck or the data has not loaded, check:

1) The stability of the Internet connection (it is better to use mobile data).

2) Is there enough space on the device.

3) Has the password for your Google account been changed.

When you try again, select another restore point (if several are available).

4. ADB commands: password extraction without root (Android 10+)

Tool Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to access system data without obtaining root access. The method works on Android 10 and later, but requires USB debugging enabled a computer.

Instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools and extract to your computer.
2. Enable on your phone: Settings → About phone → Number assembly (tap 7 times to activate developer mode).

   Then: Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging.

3. Connect the phone to the PC and run in the command line:

   adb shell
   su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftAp* | grep psk"

   For access points (modem mode) use:

   su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/hostapd.conf | grep wpa_psk"

🔹 Decryption of the result:

• psk="..." — password from the saved Wi-Fi network.
• wpa_psk=... — password from the distributed access point (modem mode).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) the path to the files may differ. If the command returned an error Permission denied, try the alternative method with TWRP (Section 6).

5. Viewing the access point password (modem mode)

If you need to find out the code from your own access point (when the phone distributes the Internet), and not from the connected Wi-Fi network, use this method. It works on all versions of Android, but requires access to modem mode settings.

Steps:

• 📶 Open Settings → Network and Internet → Access point and modem.
• 🔧 Tap on Setting up an access point (or Mobile Hotspot).
• 🔑 The password will appear in the field Password (may be hidden behind the stars - click on the eye icon 👁️).

📊 Comparison of methods for modem mode:

Method	Requires root	Works on	Difficulty
Access point settings	❌ No	All versions	⭐
ADB command	❌ No	Android 10+	⭐⭐
File hostapd.conf	✅ Yes	Android 8-9	⭐⭐⭐

⚠️ Attention: If you change the password in the access point settings, all previously connected devices will be disabled first report the new code all network users.

6. Alternative methods: TWRP and router

If none of the previous methods worked, there are two radical options: using custom recovery (TWRP) or resetting the settings router. These methods require technical skills or access to the router.

Method 1: Via TWRP (requires an unlocked bootloader)

• 🛠️ Install TWRP Recovery to your device.
• 📁 Boot into recovery and go to Advanced → File Manager.
• 🔍 Find the file:

  /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftAp*

  or /data/misc/wifi/hostapd.conf for the access point.

• 📋 Copy the file to the SD card and view it on your computer.

Method 2: Through the router settings

• 🌐 Connect to the router via cable or through another phone.
• 🔗 Enter the IP address in the browser router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 🔐 Log in (default logins: admin/admin or admin/password).
• 📡 Go to section Wi-Fi or Wireless network —the password will be in the field Security key.

⚠️ Attention: Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset) will delete all saved passwords, including ISP login data. Use this method only if you have access to data from your Internet provider.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi passwords on Android

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

Yes, on Android. 10 and newer this is possible through the menu Share in the network settings. On older versions it will help ADB or a backup copy is required only to access system files manually.

📱 Why is there no “Share” password button on my Xiaomi?

Manufacturers like Xiaomi, Huawei i OnePlus this function is often removed from the firmware. Use ADB or check the file wpa_supplicant.conf via TWRP.

🔄 What to do if you reset your phone and lost all passwords?

Restore the backup from Google Account (if it was enabled). If there is no copy, contact the router (the password is indicated on the sticker on the back or in the web interface at 192.168.0.1).

🛡️ Is it safe to use ADB to retrieve passwords?

Yes, if you download ADB Tools from the official website Android Developers. Do not use third-party "Wi-Fi crackers" - they may contain malicious code. All commands in this article are safe and do not change system files.

📡 How to change the access point password on Android?

Go to Settings → Access point and modem → Setting up an access point. In the Password field, enter a new code (minimum 8 characters) and save. All connected devices will be disabled.

If none of the methods worked, check if the password is hidden in password manager (for example, Google Password Manager or 1Password). Some applications automatically save data from networks when you first connect.

On devices with Android 12+ i Samsung One UI 4.0+ Wi-Fi passwords can be stored in encrypted form even for root users. In this case, the only reliable way is to reset the router or contact your provider.