How to find the password of the Wi-Fi network on Android to which you are connected

An attempt to connect a new gadget to a familiar Wi-Fi network is often interrupted due to a forgotten password, which was previously saved only in the memory of your Android smartphone. Instead of searching for records or resetting the router, you can instantly restore this data directly through the phone settings, since modern versions of the system allow you to view saved access keys without installing additional applications. Previously, viewing saved security keys required access to system configuration files, which was unsafe for the average user. However, starting with version

Previously, viewing saved security keys required root access and access to system configuration files, which was unsafe for the average user. However, starting from version Android 10, Google has introduced a generation function QR codes to quickly connect guests. This mechanism allows you not only to share access, but also to visually read the password itself, hidden under a pattern lock.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the current methods for obtaining a forgotten password. We will look at the standard tools of the system, the possibilities of using computers to analyze traffic, as well as the nuances of working with the administrative panels of routers. You will learn what restrictions exist in different firmware versions and how to bypass them in legal ways.

Using the built-in QR code generator

The easiest and most reliable way to find out the password is to use the “Share” function, available in the Wi-Fi settings menu. This method works on most modern smartphones from Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel and other manufacturers running on Android 10 and higher. You do not need to install additional applications or obtain extended access rights to the system.

First, open the phone settings and go to the Connections or Network and Internetsection. Find the item Wi-Fi and click on the gear icon opposite the active network. The menu that opens often contains a button Share or icon QR code. When you click on it, the system will ask for identity confirmation via a fingerprint, pattern or PIN code.

After successful authentication on the screen a square code will be displayed. A text password will be written under it or right inside it (depending on the phone model). If the text is hidden, you can screenshot and open the image in any QR code reader or Google Lens. The camera will recognize the code and show the connection string, where the required key will be indicated after the colon. screenshot screen and open the image in any QR code reader or Google Lens. The camera will recognize the code and show the connection string, where the required key will be indicated after the colon.

It’s worth it Please note that on some custom shells, such as MIUI or OneUI, the interface may differ slightly. However, the logic of action remains the same: search for an active network and request to generate a code to connect another device. This is a standard security protocol WPA2/WPA3, supported at the system kernel level.

Viewing saved networks through the router settings

If for some reason the phone does not allow you to view the password (for example, an outdated version of Android), you can turn to the source of the signal - a wireless router. To do this, you will need to know the IP address of the gateway, which is usually indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device or in the phone’s network settings.

Open a browser on your smartphone or computer and enter the gateway address in the address bar, most often it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The system will ask for the administrator login and password. If you have not changed them, try the standard combinations: admin/admin or admin/password. This data can also be found on the router case.

After logging into the control panel, find the section responsible for the wireless network. It may be called Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings or Wireless mode. Inside this section, look for subsection Security (Security). It is there that the current password is stored in the PSK Password or Wireless network key field. It is often hidden by asterisks, but there is a “Show password” checkbox next to it, which makes the characters visible.

The location of the menu may vary depending on the microcode version. If you cannot find the item you need, it is better to check the official instructions for your specific device model on the manufacturer's website.

Using a computer with administrator rights

If you have a laptop or PC based on Windows, which was previously connected to the desired network, you can extract the password via the command line. This method does not require third-party utilities and works at the operating system network profile level. It is especially useful if the phone is too old or has limitations.

Run Command Prompt as an administrator. Enter the command to view all saved profiles:

netsh wlan show profiles

Find your network name in the list. Then enter a command to display the details of a specific profile, adding a key key=clearthat is responsible for decrypting the stored key:

netsh wlan show profile name="Your_Network_Name" key=clear

In the command output, find the block Security settings. The line Key contents (Key Content) will display the password in clear text. This method works reliably because Windows stores this data in an encrypted registry, but has built-in tools for it to be legally viewed by the device owner.

Access to system files with root access

For devices with obtained root access (superuser rights) there is direct access to the file system where all Wi-Fi configurations are stored. This method is the most universal, but requires caution, since incorrect actions can lead to unstable operation of the system.

You will need a file manager that supports root access, for example Root Explorer or Solid Explorer. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/. This folder contains the file WifiConfigStore.xml (in new versions of Android) or wpa_supplicant.conf (in older versions before Android 10). These files contain XML markup with all saved networks.

Open the file with a text editor and find the tag <Passphrase> or psk. The password for the corresponding <SSID> (network name) will be indicated next to it. Be careful when editing this file: any change to the syntax may cause the phone to no longer see saved networks.

⚠️ Attention: Obtaining root access will void the device warranty and may disrupt the operation of banking applications due to the triggering of SafetyNet or Play Integrity API security mechanisms.

Use of this method is justified only if other methods are not available. After retrieving the password, it is recommended to immediately close the file without saving changes so as not to damage the configuration structure.

Third-party applications for password recovery

In the store Google Play there are many applications that promise to show Wi-Fi passwords. However, most of them require root access to actually work. Non-rooted apps often simply try to guess a password from a shared database or show ads without providing any real benefit.

One ​​exception is apps that act as QR code scanners or use special APIs to back up settings. For example, some password managers can sync network information if you have previously allowed them access to this information. But for the initial retrieval of a forgotten password, they are rarely effective without superuser rights.

If you still decide to use third-party software, choose only proven solutions with a high rating and a large number of reviews. Avoid apps that require suspicious permissions that are not related to the network management function. The security of your personal data should be a priority.

Method	Requirements	Complexity	Security
QR code in settings	Android 10+	Low	High
Router panel	Access to the admin panel	Medium	High
Windows command line	Windows PC	Medium	High
Root files	root access	High	Low

Restoring access by resetting the settings

As a last resort, if none of the methods worked and access to the router is lost (for example, the administrator password has been changed), you can reset the router settings to factory settings. To do this, there is a special button on the device body Resetwhich must be held for 10-15 seconds.

After resetting, the router will return to the factory settings indicated on the sticker. You can connect to the network using a standard password (or without it) and set a new security key. However, remember that this action will disconnect all devices in the house from the Internet, and you will have to reconnect them again.

This method is radical and is used only when other options have been exhausted. Make sure that you have access to the provider cable and the necessary data for the initial Internet setup (PPPoE login and password, if required) before pressing the reset button.

What to do if the Reset button does not work?

If the mechanical button is broken or inaccessible, turn off the power to the router, hold down the Reset button, turn on the power and hold button for another 10 seconds. On some models, this helps to activate the recovery mode.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router will delete all user settings, including the network name, password, port forwarding and parental control settings.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on Android 9 and below without root?

Unfortunately, Android versions below 10 do not have a built-in function for generating a QR code with a password display. Without root, viewing system files is impossible. The only option is to enter the router settings through a browser or use a computer with a saved network profile.

Is it safe to use Wi-Fi hacking applications?

Most of these applications are fraudulent or contain malicious code. They cannot “crack” the modern WPA2/WPA3 encryption protocol in seconds. Using such software exposes your phone to the risk of viruses and identity theft.

Why is the password hidden with dots in the phone settings?

This is a security measure to prevent strangers from snooping on the password in public places. The system intentionally hides the characters, but provides legal ways to reveal them through a QR code or owner authorization.

Can a telecom operator help you recover your password?

Telecom operators provide Internet access, but do not store passwords for your home Wi-Fi networks. This data is only stored on your router and connected devices. The provider's technical support will not be able to tell you the forgotten key.