How to find the password from the entered Wi-Fi on Android

An attempt to connect a new gadget to a familiar network is often interrupted due to a forgotten security key that was previously entered on a smartphone with Android OS. Instead of searching for records or resetting the router, device owners can use hidden system settings, where saved data is available for viewing in a matter of seconds without installing third-party software.

Previously, gaining access to saved encryption keys required root access editing system files, which was associated with the risk of damaging the firmware. Today, the algorithms have changed: starting with Android 10, the password viewing function is built right into the settings interface. However, for devices of older versions or specific shells, alternative methods may be required, which we will describe in detail below.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods for obtaining a forgotten access key. We will consider both standard methods via Settings, and more advanced options using a computer. It is important to understand that the security of the network depends on the complexity of the key, so storing it in clear form on the device requires some caution.

Using the QR code function in the settings

The simplest and most accessible method, which does not require installing additional software, is available on most modern smartphones. Developers Google we have introduced the ability to generate a QR code for quickly connecting guests, which also contains the password itself in text form. This method works on pure Android, as well as on shells MIUI, One UI and others.

First, you need to go to the wireless network management menu. Find the gear icon next to the name of the active network or go to the Settings → Connections → Wi-Fisection. Click on the current network to open detailed connection information. In the window that opens, you will see a “Share” button or a QR code icon.

After clicking, the system will ask you to confirm your identity using a fingerprint, face or screen unlock PIN code. This is a security measure that ensures that the password will not be recognized by a stranger who picks up your phone. After successful authentication, a QR code will appear on the screen for scanning.

⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models (for example, older versions Xiaomi or Huawei), the password may not be displayed in text under the QR code. In this case, you will have to take a screenshot and recognize the code through a third-party scanner application.

A line like WPA:password123is often written under the code image. If the text is hidden, take a screenshot of the screen and open it in any QR code reader app or Google Lens. The application reads the encrypted data and displays it on the screen in a readable form.

View through the "Saved Networks" menu

In some versions firmware, especially in custom shells from Chinese manufacturers, a separate section has been implemented for managing previously connected access points. This allows you to see a list of all the networks your smartphone has ever connected to and find out their security keys.

Navigation may vary depending on the brand. For example, on Samsung the path looks like Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Menu (three dots) → Saved networks. On devices Xiaomi just click on the arrow next to the network name in the main Wi-Fi menu. A list of all remembered profiles is displayed here.

Select the network you are interested in from the list. The interface will offer the same actions as in the previous section: generating a QR code or directly displaying a password. The advantage of this method is that you can view data even from a network to which you are not currently connected, but have previously connected.

• 📱 Make sure that the screen is unlocked before entering the security settings.
• 🔒 The system may ask you to re-confirm your lock screen password.
• 👁️ On On some devices, the password is hidden by dots - click on the “eye” icon to see the symbols.

If you do not find such a section, the manufacturer may have hidden this feature in their version of Android. In this case, it is worth trying the following methods that work at a deeper level of the system.

Using ADB to retrieve the configuration

For For advanced users who do not have root access, but have access to a computer, the ideal solution would be to use a debug bridge Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This tool allows you to send commands to the system and receive responses that are usually hidden from the user interface.

First you need to activate the developer mode on your smartphone. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the “Build number” item. After this, a new section “For Developers” will appear in the menu, where you need to enable USB debugging. Connect your phone to the PC with a cable.

Open a command line on your computer in the folder with ADB installed. Enter the command to check the connection:

adb devices

A request for debugging permission will appear on the phone screen - confirm it. Next we need to access the Wi-Fi configuration file. Enter the following command:

adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

This command will display the contents of the system file where all wireless network settings are stored. You need to scroll the output to the section <Network>corresponding to your SSID. Inside the tag <PreSharedKey> the required password will be stored in clear text.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 10 and higher, access to this file via ADB without root access can be blocked by the SELinux security policy. If the command returns a “Permission denied” error, this method will not work without obtaining superuser rights.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

Make sure that ADB drivers are installed for your phone model. Try replacing the USB cable or using a different USB 2.0 port instead of 3.0. Also check if the “File Transfer” mode is selected in the USB connection notification.

Third-party applications for password recovery

In the store Google Play there are many utilities that promise to show saved passwords. However, it is important to understand how they work: without root access, they cannot directly read system files. Most of these applications act as QR code generators or use the system API to create an access point.

Applications like WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery often require superuser rights. If you have not rooted your device, functionality will be limited. They can show the password only if the system itself allows this through standard APIs, which duplicates the first method of the article.

Be extremely careful when installing such software. Many free utilities are loaded with ads or collect data about your networks. Before installing, carefully read reviews and check the permissions that the application requests.

Application name	Requires Root	Security	Functionality
WiFi Password Viewer	Yes	Average	Full access to files
QR Code Reader	No	High	Scan only
ES File Explorer (old versions)	Yes	Low	Browse system folders
WiFi Map	No	High	Search for open networks

The use of third-party software is justified only in extreme cases, when built-in tools are not available. In most situations, the standard Android functionality copes with the task better and more securely.

Resetting the router settings as a last resort

If none of the Software methods did not help, but you need to connect to the Internet urgently, the only option left is the hardware method. It involves resetting the wireless router settings to factory settings. This is a radical method that should only be used if you have physical access to the router.

Locate the button Reseton the device body. Usually it is recessed into the body, so you will need a paper clip or toothpick to press it. Press the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing. After rebooting, the router will use the standard password indicated on the sticker at the bottom of the case.

The main disadvantage of this method is the loss of all individual network settings. You will have to reconfigure the network name (SSID), encryption type, as well as connection parameters to the provider (login and password PPPoE/L2TP), if they are not saved automatically.

⚠️ Attention: Before resetting, make sure that you have an agreement with the provider at hand, which contains the authorization data. Without them, the Internet may not work even after resetting the Wi-Fi password.

Frequently asked questions and problems during recovery

Users often encounter nuances that are not described in standard instructions. Differences in Android versions, features of specific phone models and manufacturers' security policies create many special cases.

For example, on some devices with a shell ColorOS from Oppo or Funtouch OS from Vivo view function The password may be hidden deeper in the menu or require entering a password from the manufacturer's account. Always check for system updates, as new security patches may change functionality.

It is also worth remembering that if the phone has been reset to factory settings, all saved Wi-Fi passwords will be permanently deleted. In this case, it is impossible to restore them in any software way, since the data is erased from the protected memory section.

Is it possible to find out the password on Android 6 or 7 without Root?

Unfortunately, on Android versions below 10 there is no built-in function for viewing the password. Without obtaining superuser rights (Root), it is impossible to view the saved key using standard means. The only option is to use the method with ADB, but it is also often blocked on older versions without root access.

Why is the password not written under the QR code?

This is a feature of the interface of a specific shell. The developers decided to hide the text display for security reasons, leaving only the graphical code. In this case, use a third-party QR code scanner on another phone by pointing the camera at your device's screen.

Is it safe to save passwords in the Google cloud?

Yes, syncing passwords through your Google Account is protected by end-to-end encryption. You can view your saved passwords (including Wi-Fi passwords on some devices) via passwords.google.com by logging in with your account.

What to do if the "Share" button is inactive?

Make sure that you are connected to this network at the moment. The QR code generation function only works for an active connection. If you want to find out the password for another saved network, connect to it first.