An attempt to connect a laptop or new smartphone to the Internet distribution from the phone is often interrupted by a request for a security key, which the owner of the device cannot remember. Instead of searching for entries or resetting settings, Android users can instantly see a forgotten mobile hotspot password right in the system settings menu, using the built-in functions of a modern operating system.
Previously, retrieving saved data required having credentials required presence root access access to system files, which was unsafe and difficult for the average user. Today, algorithms Google and shell manufacturers like One UI or MIUI have greatly simplified this process. We will look at legal and safe methods that will help restore access to your network.
It is worth noting right away that the methods may vary slightly depending on the version Android and model of your device. If you are using an outdated version of the system below 10, some functions may not be available. In this case, you will have to resort to more complex technical solutions or resetting the router.
Using the QR code function in settings
Starting with Android 10, the system has a native QR code generation function for quickly transmitting network data. This is the simplest and most reliable method that does not require the installation of additional applications. You just need to go to the wireless connection settings and find the active access point.
Click on the gear icon next to the name of your network or select “Share”. QR codewill appear on the screen containing encrypted information about the SSID and security key. Under this code, a text password is often immediately displayed, which can simply be rewritten.
⚠️ Attention: If the password under the QR code is not written in text, you will need a second smartphone with a camera and a code scanner to read the information and see it in text form.
This method works on most modern devices, including Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi and Pixel. The interface may look different, but the logic of actions remains the same: settings -> Wi-Fi -> network selection -> share button.
View via Google Account and synchronization
If you have enabled password synchronization with the cloud Google, you can find the saved data through the browser on any device. This function is called Smart Lock or “Password Manager”. It automatically saves the keys for networks that you have connected to previously.
To access this data, go to your phone settings, select the “Google” section, and then “Autofill”. In the menu that opens, click on “Autofill by Google” and select “Google Passwords”. Here you will see a list of all saved networks.
Having found the desired network in the list, click on it. The system will ask you to confirm your identity using fingerprint, Face ID or a pattern key. After successful authentication, you will see the network name and can click on the eye icon to reveal the hidden password.
- 🔐 The method works even if you are not currently connected to this particular network.
- 📱 Passwords can be accessed from any device where you are logged into your account.
- ⚙️ Active data synchronization is required in Google settings.
Regularly check the list of saved passwords in your Google account and delete those you no longer use to improve the security of your data.
Using ADB for advanced users
For those who are not afraid of the command line and have a computer at hand, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to extract system configuration files without obtaining root access, but requires enabling USB debugging.
First you need to activate developer mode. Go to About Phone and quickly tap 7 times on the build number. Then in the “For Developers” menu that appears, enable the “USB Debugging” item. Connect the smartphone to the PC with a cable.
Open a terminal or command line on the computer and enter the command to enter the device shell:
adb shellNext you need to run the command to display the contents of the file where the Wi-Fi configurations are stored. Depending on the version of Android, the path may differ, but the following instruction is most often used:
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlIn the displayed text, look for the tag PreSharedKey. The value inside this tag is your desired network password. This method is universal, but requires care when reading the XML code.
What to do if ADB does not see the device?
Make sure that the drivers for your smartphone are installed on your computer. Also check the USB cable - it should support data transfer, not just charging. When connecting, a request for debugging permission may appear on the phone screen, which must be confirmed.
Access via root access and file managers
If your device has received root access, the process becomes as simple and straightforward as possible. You get full access to the file system, including protected partitions where system settings are stored.
Using an advanced file manager such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer, navigate to the path /data/misc/wifi/. Here you will find the file wpa_supplicant.conf. Open it as a text document.
Inside the file there will be a list of all the networks to which the phone has ever connected. Look for blocks network={ ... }. Inside such a block we are interested in two lines: ssid (network name) and psk (password).
| Parameter | Description | Example value |
|---|---|---|
| ssid | Wireless name network | Home_WiFi_5G |
| psk | Security key (password) | MySuperSecretPass123 |
| key_mgmt | Encryption type | WPA_PSK |
| prio | Connection priority | 1 |
⚠️ Attention: Obtaining root access will void the warranty on the device and can lead to system failure if handled carelessly. Use this method only if you understand the risks.
Having root access gives complete control over the system, but for the simple task of viewing a password, this is an excessive measure that reduces the overall security of the smartphone.
Third-party applications and their limitations
In the store Google Play there are many applications that promise to show forgotten passwords. However, it is important to understand the technical limitations of a modern operating system. Without root access, most of these apps do not have access to the file wpa_supplicant.conf.
Many popular utilities, such as WiFi Password Viewerare actually just duplicating the QR code generation feature built into Android. They do not “crack” the password, but read it from the system interface, if allowed by the manufacturer.
Be careful with applications that require suspicious permissions. Some of them may collect data about your access points and transmit it to their servers. Always check the developer's rating and reviews before installing such software.
- 📉 The effectiveness of applications without root access on new versions of Android tends to zero.
- 🛡️ Many antiviruses block the operation of such utilities as potentially dangerous.
- 🔄 It is often easier to use built-in QR scanner, rather than installing unnecessary software.
Resetting the router settings as a last resort
If none of the software methods worked, and access to the Internet is vital, the physical method remains. It consists of resetting the wireless router to factory settings.
On the router case, find a small button Reset, often recessed into the case. Press it with a paper clip and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the lights blink. After rebooting, the device will use the standard password.
The standard login information is usually located on a sticker on the bottom of the device. This could be a combination like admin/admin or a unique code. After the reset, you will have to reconfigure the network name and come up with a new password.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router will delete all individual settings, including the type of connection to the provider (PPPoE, L2TP, etc.). Make sure you have an agreement with your provider at hand to restore your Internet settings.
☑️ Preparing to reset the router
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the password from someone else's Wi-Fi network without connecting to it?
No, this is technically impossible using legal methods. The password is stored encrypted on the device that is already connected, or on the router itself. It is impossible to select it remotely without access to the equipment.
Why is there no “Share” button in the Wi-Fi settings on my Android 11?
Some smartphone manufacturers (for example, older Huawei or Honor models) could remove this function from their shell. In this case, try using the Google Account method or third-party QR code scanners if the code is still generated.
Is it safe to save passwords in Google Account?
Yes, the data is encrypted and stored on secure Google servers. Access to them is possible only after re-authentication of the account owner. This is considered one of the most reliable storage methods.
What to do if the wpa_supplicant.conf file is empty?
This means that the phone has never connected to saved networks with superuser rights or the file has been corrupted. It is also possible that on this firmware the passwords are stored in a different format or location.
Is it possible to recover the password if the phone has been reset to factory settings?
No, with a full reset (Factory Reset), all local data, including saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords, are permanently deleted. The only hope left is for synchronization with the cloud, if it was enabled before the reset.