How to find the password for Wi-Fi distribution from Android: 5 working methods (including hidden ones)

Did you share the Internet from your smartphone, but forgot the password for your own access point? Or you connected a new guest to your phone, but now you can’t remember the combination for other devices? The situation is familiar to many - especially if the password is generated automatically by the system. Fortunately, on Android there are several ways to retrieve the saved password from the distribution Wi-Fi, and not all of them require superuser rights.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods from simple viewing through settings to working with system files and third-party utilities. Important: some methods depend on the version Android and shell of the manufacturer (for example, MIUI, One UI or ColorOS). Where this is critical, we will indicate the nuances. You will also find out why on some phones, the password for Wi-Fi distribution cannot be seen without root access, and what to do about it.

1. Standard method: password in the access point settings

The most obvious method is to look at the access point management menu. On most modern smartphones (especially those with Android 10+), the password is displayed directly in the interface, but not always explicitly. Here's how to do it:

1. Open Settings → Wireless networks → Modem mode (or Access point and modem).
2. Tap on item Mobile hotspot (on Samsung — Mobile hotspot).
3. Find the line Password —it can be hidden under asterisks (••••••••).
4. Tap the eye icon (👁️) or switch Show passwordto reveal the combination.

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (for example, Xiaomi s MIUI 12+) the password is visible only when Wi-Fi is active. If there is an access point. is turned off, the system can hide the field completely. In this case, turn on the distribution for 10-15 seconds and repeat the steps.

If your menu does not have the "Show password" option, it means the manufacturer blocked it. Proceed to the next method.

2. Viewing the password through the wpa_supplicant file (without root)

On Android passwords from all saved networks (including distribution) are stored in the system file wpa_supplicant.conf. requires root access, but on some firmware (especially custom ones) it can be read through ADB or a file manager. Let's try to do without root:

Step 1. Install a file manager with access to system folders, for example FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer (turn on display of hidden files in the settings).

Step 2. Go to the path:

/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore

Or (on old versions Android):

/data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

Step 3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with a text editor. Look for blocks like:

network={
ssid="Name_of_your_point"
psk="your_password"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}

⚠️ Attention: On Android 9+ this file is often encrypted or inaccessible without root. If the folder /data/misc/wifi/ is empty or inaccessible, go to the method with ADB.

adb shell find /data -name "wpa" 2>/dev/null

3. Using ADB to extract password (without root)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that allows you to execute commands on your smartphone from your computer. With its help, you can read the password for Wi-Fi distribution, even if the file wpa_supplicant.conf is hidden. You will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-tools.
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the permission for debugging.
2. Open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and run:

adb shell
su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf"

If the command returns an error Permission deniedtry the alternative path:

adb shell
su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf"

💡 Useful advice: If ADB gives no such file or directory, which means the file has been moved. Use the command adb shell find /data -name "wpa"to find its new location.

Install ADB-tools on your PC|

Enable USB debugging on your phone|

Connect the phone with the original cable|

Allow debugging in the dialog box on the smartphone-->

4. Applications for viewing Wi-Fi passwords (require root)

If the previous methods did not work, you can only use third-party utilities. Most of them require root accessas they work with system files. The best options:

⚠️ Attention: Installing applications with root access may violate the phone's warranty and increases the risk of malware infection. Use only proven utilities from Google Play.

If you do not have root access, but have access to ADB, try the application WiFi Password Recovery —it works through debugging and does not require root (however, the functionality is limited).

5. Resetting the access point password (if all else fails)

If none of the methods worked, a radical method remains - reset password and set a new one. This will not help you recognize the old combination, but will allow you to continue using Wi-Fi distribution. How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Wireless networks → Modem mode → Mobile hotspot.
2. Tap on Setting up an access point (or Configuration).
3. Find the field Password and enter a new combination (minimum 8 characters).
4. Save the changes and restart the distribution.

🔹 Important: After resetting the password, all previously connected devices will be disabled. You will have to re-enter new data on laptops, tablets, etc.

If you use Android 12+, the system may offer to generate a password automatically. In this case, it will be visible in the settings only as long as the access point is active.

Common problems and solutions

Not all methods work equally well on different phones. Here are typical difficulties and ways to get around them:

• 🔄 The password is not displayed in the settings: Check whether the access point is turned on. On some phones (for example Huawei), the password field appears only when distribution is active.
• 🔒 ADB gives an access error: Try to run the command as a superuser (su), but this requires root. An alternative is to use Magisk to temporarily obtain root access.
• 📱 File wpa_supplicant.conf empty: On Android 10+ passwords can be stored in encrypted form. Try extracting them via TWRP (custom recovery).
• 🛑 Applications do not show the password: Make sure that the utility has access to system files. On some firmware (for example, Flyme from Meizu), additional permission is required in the security settings.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 13+ and the latest security updates (for example, Samsung Knox) retrieving the password without root is almost impossible. In this case, the only option left is to reset.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions