How to view the Wi-Fi password on Android: all working methods (2026)

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or do you need to connect a new gadget, but can’t remember the combination? There are several ways to retrieve your saved password on Android, from simple built-in tools to advanced root methods. In this article, we will analyze all the current options, their pros and cons, as well as nuances for different versions of the operating system.

It is important to understand that the capabilities of standard Android tools are limited by Google's security policy. Starting from Android 10manufacturers began to hide passwords from users out of the box, so new smartphones may require additional software or superuser rights. But don't worry: even without root access, there are working workarounds.

Before you begin, make sure that your smartphone is already connected to the desired Wi-Fi network. Most methods require an active connection to the access point whose password you are trying to find out. If the device is not connected, first find a way to log in (for example, through another gadget with a known password).

1. Standard method: viewing the password in Android settings (without root)

On some smartphones (mainly Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei i OnePlus to Android 9) the password for the current network can be viewed directly in the system settings. This method is the simplest, but does not work on all devices.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Network and Internet → Wi-Fi on pure Android).
• 🔗 Click on the name of the current network (to which the smartphone is connected).
• 🔍 Scroll down and find the item Password, Show password or Share (in English firmware).
• 🔐 The system may request PIN code for screen lock or a fingerprint for confirmation.

If item no password - it means the manufacturer has blocked this function. In this case, proceed to the following methods.

2. Using a Wi-Fi network QR code (Android 10 and later)

Starting Android 10, Google has added a feature to generate a QR code for connecting to Wi-Fi. This code contains an encrypted password that can be extracted using third-party applications. The method works without root access and is suitable for most modern smartphones.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi and tap on the name of your network.
2. Find option Share (or Share in the English version) and confirm the action with a fingerprint or PIN code.
3. The system will generate a QR code. Take a photo or copy it to the clipboard.
4. Install an application for reading QR codes (for example, QR & Barcode Scanner ot Gamma Play) and scan the code.
5. The QR code data will contain a line like WIFI:S:;T:WPA;P:;, where after P: the required password is indicated.

This method reliable, but requires additional software. The main advantage is that it works without restrictions. Android 10–14 without restrictions.

3. Applications for viewing passwords (without root)

If system methods do not work, you can use third-party utilities. They analyze Wi-Fi configuration files and extract stored passwords. It is important to choose trusted applications from Google Playto avoid viruses.

Top 3 working applications (2026):

Application	Does root required?	Features	Link
WiFi Password Viewer	❌ No	Shows passwords for the networks to which the smartphone was connected. Works on Android 5–9.	Google Play
WiFi Password Recovery	❌ No	Supports exporting passwords to a file. Requires memory access permissions.	Google Play
WiFi Key Recovery	✅ Yes (optional)	Works without root, but with limitations. Shows SSID and passwords in a convenient list.	Google Play

How to use:

1. Download and install one of the applications.
2. Launch it and provide access to Device memory and Wi-Fi settings.
3. The application will scan system files and show a list of saved networks with passwords.
4. Find the desired network in the list and copy the password.

⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) can block such applications as “potentially dangerous”. This is a false positive - add the utility to the exceptions if you trust the source.

4. Method with root access: manually viewing the configuration file

If your smartphone has superuser rights (root), you can manually extract the password from the system file wpa_supplicant.conf. This file stores all saved networks and their credentials.

Instructions:

• 📁 Install any file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
• 🔍 Follow the path:

  /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

  or (on older versions of Android):

  /data/misc/wifi/

• 📄 Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with a text editor.
• 🔐 There will be blocks in the file type:

  network={
  ssid="network_name"
  psk="password"
  key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
  }

  where psk is the password.

If the file is missing or empty, try an alternative path:

/data/vendor/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

(relevant for some firmware based on Android 11–14).

⚠️ Attention: Editing system files without root access or through unverified applications can lead to data loss or resetting Wi-Fi settings. Always make a backup copy of the file before making changes.

What to do if the wpa_supplicant.conf file is encrypted?

On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13+) this file In this case, only specialized software like WiFi Password Root Pro or manual extraction via ADB with decryption will help.

5. Retrieving a password via ADB (for advanced users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that allows you to execute commands at the system level. With its help, you can extract the Wi-Fi password, even if you do not have root access, but the process requires preparation.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB drivers.
• 📱 A smartphone with enabled USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times to unlock developer mode).
• 🔌 USB cable for connections.

Step-by-step commands:

1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Enter:

   adb shell

   then:

   su

   (if you have root) or skip this step.

3. Run:

   cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf

   or (for new versions of Android):

   cmd wifi list-networks

4. Find the line in the output c psk="..." is the password.

If the command does not work, try an alternative method via settings:

adb shell settings get global wifi_password

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS or EMUI), this method may return an encrypted hash instead of the password. In this case, decryption using specialized scripts will be required.

USB debugging is enabled

ADB drivers are installed on the PC

The smartphone is connected in file transfer mode (MTP)

Access to ADB on the phone is allowed (a request will appear the first time you connect)-->

6. Alternative methods: if all else fails

If all of the above methods do not work, radical or workaround options remain:

• 🔄 Reset the router. Press the button Reset on the back panel of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After resetting, use the standard password (located on the device sticker). Minus: All router settings will be reset, including the network name and guest access.
• 📡 Connecting via WPS. If the router supports WPS, press the button WPS on it, then select this option in the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone. Minus: the method does not work on all devices and is unsafe (vulnerable to hacking).
• 💻 View password on another device. If a Windows laptop is connected to the network, open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Wireless network → Properties → Security and check the box Display entered characters.
• 📞 Contacting the provider. Call the support of your Internet provider and request access data. You will need to provide your personal information and connection address. Minus: Not all providers provide a password over the phone.

If you rent a property or are connected to a public network (for example, in a hotel), try asking for the password administrator. In some cases, networks are configured for automatic authorization through the portal - then a password may not be required at all.

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

❓ Is it possible to find out the password for Wi-Fi to which you previously connected, but are not connected now?

Yes, but with limitations. If the smartphone has ever connected to the network, its data (including the password) could be saved in a file wpa_supplicant.conf. Use methods with root access or applications like WiFi Password Recovery. However, on Android 10+ However, without root, the chances are minimal - the system. clears the password cache for inactive networks.

❓ Why is there no “Show password” item in the settings?

Manufacturers have removed this option for security reasons, starting with Android 9–10. An exception is some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), where the function can be returned. Also, the item may be missing on smartphones with corporate policies (for example, Samsung Knox).

❓ Do applications for viewing passwords work on Android 13/14?

Most applications without root stopped working on Android 11+ due to tightened security policies. The exception is utilities, using QR codes or ADB. For full access to passwords on new versions of the OS you will need superuser rights or unlocked bootloader.

❓ Is it possible to find out the password from your neighbors' Wi-Fi?

Technically yes, but this illegal. Hacking other people's networks is regulated by the article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Illegal access to computer information") and is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or correctional labor. Even if the network is not protected by a password, connecting without the owner’s permission is considered a violation.

❓ How to protect your Wi-Fi from viewing your password?

To prevent password retrieval from connected devices:

• Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (setting in the admin panel of the router).
• Disable WPS —this protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
• Change the password regularly (every 3-6 months).
• Configure MAC filtering (allow connections only to trusted devices).
• Create guest network for temporary connections.