Forgot the password for your home or work Wi-Fi, but your phone is connected to the network? On Android, there are several ways to retrieve your saved password, from standard tools to technical tricks for advanced users. The main thing: you you will not need root access for most methods, if the device is already connected to the target network.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from browsing through router settings to analyzing system files. Please note: some methods only work on certain versions of Android (for example, Android 10+ has restrictions on access to passwords). We will also warn about the risks of using third-party applications and explain why reflashing your phone to extract the Wi-Fi password is always a bad idea.

1. Viewing the password through the router settings

The most reliable and universal way is to go to the router’s web interface. This will work even if the phone did not save the password (for example, after resetting the settings). You will need:

  • 📶 Connection to the target Wi-Fi network (phone or other device)
  • 🖥️ IP address of the router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
  • 🔑 Login and password from the admin panel (often admin/admin)

Instructions:

  1. Open the browser on your phone and enter the IP router in the address bar (you can find it in Settings → Wi-Fi → [network name] → Router management).
  2. Enter your login/password (if you have not changed, look on the router sticker).
  3. Go to section Wireless (or Wireless network) → Security (or Protection).
  4. The password will be in the field Password, PSK or Network key.
💡

If you can’t access the router settings, try connecting to it via an Ethernet cable (you need a USB-C/OTG adapter for your phone).

⚠️ Attention: Many providers block access to the router settings via Wi-Fi. In this case, connect via cable or reset the router to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds).

2. Using the built-in password manager (Android 10+)

Starting from Android 10, Google has added the function of viewing saved Wi-Fi passwords directly in the settings. However, it does not work on all devices (for example, it is missing on some phones Xiaomi and Samsung with shells MIUI i One UI).

How to check:

  1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap on the name of the connected network.
  3. Click Share (or Share).
  4. The system will request confirmation using PIN code, fingerprint or pattern key.
  5. After confirmation, a QR code and a text password will appear below it.
Why do some phones not have this function?

On devices with custom skins (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS), manufacturers often remove or modify standard Android functions. The function may also be disabled by corporate device security policies.

Manufacturer Function support Alternative method
Google Pixel ✅ Yes —
Samsung (One UI) ❌ No Use Smart Things or router
Xiaomi (MIUI) ⚠️ Partially File wpa_supplicant.conf (need root)
OnePlus (OxygenOS) ✅ Yes —

3. Retrieving a password through a file wpa_supplicant.conf (root required)

This method is suitable for devices with root access or custom firmware. The file wpa_supplicant.conf stores all saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords in clear text.

Instructions:

  1. Install any file manager with root access (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
  2. Go to the path: 
    /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

    or (on older versions of Android):

    /data/misc/wifi/
  3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with a text editor.
  4. Look for blocks type: 
    network={

    ssid="network_name"
    

    psk="password_in_open_form"
    

    key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
    

    }

⚠️ Attention: Changing or deleting this file may lead to the loss of all saved Wi-Fi networks. We recommend making a backup copy before. editing.

Make sure you have root access (check through the Root Checker application)

Create a backup copy of the wpa_supplicant.conf file

Use a reliable file manager (not the standard "Files")

Do not edit the file directly - just copy the data-->

4. Applications for viewing Wi-Fi passwords (without root)

There are applications that promise to show Wi-Fi passwords without root. However, most of them either do not work on new versions of Android or require connection to Google Play There are apps that promise to show Wi-Fi passwords without root. However, most of them either do not work on newer versions of Android or require connection to ADB (USB debugging). Let's consider proven options:

  • 🔍 WiFi Password Viewer —works on Android 9 and lower, shows passwords from wpa_supplicant.conf (requires root on new versions).
  • 📱 WiFi Key Recovery —an alternative for devices without root, but you need superuser rights for full operation.
  • 🔗 Router Admin Setup Page —helps find IP router and standard login/password to enter its settings.

Important: Do not install applications asking to disable Play Protect or give access to Accessibility Service. These are signs of malware. Also avoid apps that require payment for “unlocking” a function - most often this is a scam.

Through the router settings|Using the built-in Android manager|Using root and system files|Third-party applications|Resetting the router to factory settings-->

5. Method for devices without root: ADB commands

If it is enabled on your phone USB debugging (Settings → For developers → USB debugging, you can extract the password via your computer. This method works on most devices, but requires preparation.

Steps:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm the trusted device.
  2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter: 
    adb shell

    su
    

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

  3. If the path does not work, try an alternative: 
    cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf

If the command su does not work, then the device does not have root access. In this case, try the alternative method via ADB backup:

adb backup -f wifi.ab -noapk com.android.providers.settings

Then unzip the file wifi.ab using the tool Android Backup Extractor and find the passwords in the XML files.

💡

ADB method is the only way to extract the password without root on some devices, but requires preliminary setup of USB debugging.

6. Alternative methods: QR code and backup

If none of the methods worked, try the workarounds:

  • 📷 QR code from the router: Many modern routers (for example, Keenetic, ASUS) have a sticker with a QR code that contains connection data, including a password. Scan it through the standard camera application.
  • 🔄 Android backup: When restoring the phone from a backup (for example, through Google Drive or Samsung Smart Switch), sometimes Wi-Fi passwords are also restored. Please note that this will only work if a copy was created before reset.
  • 📡 WPS connection: If the router supports WPS, you can connect to the network without password by pressing a button on the router (usually works within 2 minutes after pressing).

For device owners Samsung there is an additional way through the app SmartThings:

  1. Open SmartThings and go to section Devices.
  2. Select your router (if supported).
  3. Click Wi-Fi settings → Show password.

7. What to do if nothing helps?

If all methods have been exhausted, radical measures remain:

  • 🔧 Resetting the router: Press the button Reset on the back panel of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After resetting, use the standard password (indicated on the sticker).
  • 📞 Contact your provider: If the router was issued by the provider, call support - they can reset the password remotely or provide it according to the contract data.
  • 🛠️ Reflashing the phone: The last option is is almost never justified to retrieve the Wi-Fi password. The risks (data loss, device bricking) significantly outweigh the benefits.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router to factory settings will disconnect all users from the network and require re-configuration (including settings provider, if the connection is not automatic).

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

Is it possible to find out the password for Wi-Fi to which the phone connected before, but is not connected now?

Without root access - unlikely. Android doesn't store passwords from unrelated networks in an accessible form. If you have root, check the file wpa_supplicant.conf —there may be entries about old networks there. Also, some routers save connection logs, where you can see the history of devices (but not passwords).

Why is there no “Share” Wi-Fi password option on my Samsung Galaxy?

Samsung removed this function in the shell One UI for security reasons. Alternatives:

  1. Use SmartThings (if the router is supported).
  2. Connect to the router via a browser (see first method).
  3. Install an alternative firmware (for example, LineageOS), if you are ready to lose the warranty.
Is it safe to use Wi-Fi hacking applications?

No. Most of these applications:

  • Contain malicious code (data theft, advertising).
  • Do not work on modern networks with WPA3.
  • They break the law (unauthorized access to the network is punishable by a fine).

The only legal way is to restore access through a router or provider.

How to protect your Wi-Fi from such password leaks?

To minimize risks:

  • Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (in the router settings).
  • Disable WPS —this protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
  • Change your password regularly (every 3-6 months).
  • Create a guest network for friends - it is isolated from the main one.
  • Configure MAC filtering (allow only trusted devices to connect).
Can I find out the Wi-Fi password from an iOS phone?

On iPhone (iOS 16+), the password can be viewed in Settings → Wi-Fi → [network name] → Password (Face ID/Touch ID is required). On Android there is no such function by default, so use the methods from this article.