How to view the saved Wi-Fi password on Android: all working methods

Forgot your home or work Wi-Fi password, but it is saved on your smartphone Android? The situation is familiar to many: the router was set up a long time ago, the sticker with the password was lost, and you need to connect to the network from a new device. Fortunately, there are several ways retrieve saved password directly from your smartphone - from simple to technically complex. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, their pros, cons and security nuances.

It is important to understand that manufacturers Android (especially in the latest versions of the OS) are actively fighting data leaks, so some methods may not work on new devices. If you are using Samsung, Xiaomi or Google Pixel with the latest updates, be prepared for limitations. But don’t worry - we will describe workarounds in detail.

Also remember: extracting passwords from other people’s devices without the owner’s consent violates the law can lead to serious consequences. This instruction is intended only for working with your own networks and devices.

1. Viewing the password through Android settings (without root)

The easiest method is to use the built-in system tools. Unfortunately, it works not on all devicesas many manufacturers hide this function. But if you are lucky, you can see the password in a couple of clicks.

On a clean one Android (for example, on Google Pixel or Nokia) the path is this:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of the connected network (or select a saved network from the list).
3. Tap on the button Share (or Share on English firmware).
4. The system will request confirmation by PIN code, fingerprint or pattern key.
5. After confirmation, a QR code and a text password will appear below it.

On devices Samsung (with shell One UI) the path is slightly different:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the icon ⚙️ next to the name of the network.
3. Select QR code —the password will appear below it.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi, Realme and some other brands this function may not be available disabled. If there are no buttons, go to the next method. Share no - go to the next method.

If your device does not support this method, do not be upset. There are at least 4 more alternative options, including methods for devices with root access and without.

2. Using a QR code to transfer a password

Even if yours Android does not show the password in text form, it can almost always be generated QR code to connect other devices. This code contains the name of the network (SSID) and the password in encrypted form. It can be decrypted using special services or applications.

How it works:

1. Open Wi-Fi settings and find the connected network.
2. Tap on the button Share or QR code (depending on the firmware).
3. Take a screenshot of the QR code or photograph it with another device.
4. Use an online service (for example Qifi) or an application like WiFi Key Recovery to decode.

The advantage of this method is that it does not require root access works on most devices. However, there is a caveat: some manufacturers (for example, Huawei) encrypt the QR code so that standard decoders cannot read it.

3. View Password via ADB (for advanced users)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to control your device via a computer. With its help, you can retrieve saved Wi-Fi passwords, but for this you will need:

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

Instructions for retrieving the password:

1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check connections:

   adb devices

   If the device is displayed in the list, you can continue.

3. Get a list of saved networks:

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

   Or for new versions of Android:

   adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreSoftAp.xml"

4. In the output, find the block with the name of your network (NETWORK_NAME) and next to it there will be a line with password (PreSharedKey).

If the command does not work, try an alternative way:

adb shell su -c "ls /data/misc/wifi/"

This command will show all Wi-Fi configuration files. Look for files with the extension .conf or .xml.

⚠️ Attention: Access to these files may be blocked even through ADB. In this case, only Android 10+ Access to these files may be blocked even through ADB. In this case, it will only help root access or backup via adb backup (but this is a separate topic) will help. data-i="131">root access

Install ADB drivers on PC|

Enable USB debugging on your phone|

Allow debugging in the dialog box on your smartphone|

Connect the device via USB ("Transfer" mode files" is not required)-->

4. Applications for viewing passwords (requires root)

If your device has root access, the task is simplified many times over. There are many applications that can show all saved Wi-Fi passwords in just two clicks. Here are the most proven:

Application	Link (Play Market)	Features	Cons
WiFi Password Viewer	Link	Shows all saved networks, export to file	Not updated since 2019
WiFi Key Recovery	Link	Supports QR codes, password copying	Advertising, requires root
Root Browser	Link	Allows you to manually find configuration files	Difficult for beginners

How to use these applications:

• 📱 Install one of the applications from the table.
• 🔓 Provide root access when prompted.
• 🔍 Select a network from the list - the password will be displayed in clear form.
• 📋 If necessary, copy or export the data.

On devices with Magisk (a popular root manager), some applications may not see passwords due to restrictions SELinux. In this case, try to temporarily switch to the mode Permissive via Magisk Manager.

What to do if the application does not see the network?

If the application shows an empty list or an error, check:

1. Do you really have root access (try running Root Checker).

2. Is antivirus or built-in protection blocking access (for example, Knox on Samsung).

3. Have the paths to the configuration files changed in your version of Android (starting from Android 10Google moved them to protected storage).

5. Retrieving a password through a backup copy (without root)

If your device does not have root access, but it is possible to create backup, you can try to extract passwords from it. This method does not work on all firmware, but sometimes it turns out to be the only way out.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and open the command line.
2. Run the command to create a backup copy of Wi-Fi settings:

   adb backup -f wifi_backup.ab -shared wifi

3. A confirmation request will appear on the phone - agree and set a password for the archive (remember it!).
4. Download the archive wifi_backup.ab from the device (it will be in the folder with ADB).
5. Use the tool android-backup-extractor (available on GitHub) to extract data:

   java -jar abe.jar unpack wifi_backup.ab wifi_backup.tar [your_password]

6. In the resulting archive wifi_backup.tar find the file wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml —it will contain passwords.

This method is more complicated than using ADB or root applications, but it does not require superuser rights. However, Android 9+ Google has tightened the protection of backup copies, so the method may not work.

⚠️ Attention: Backups created through adb backupdo not contain passwords in clear text on Android 10 and later. In such cases, additional decoding or root access will be required.

6. Alternative methods (if all else fails)

If all of the above methods did not work, there are still a few options left:

• 📡 Resetting the router: Press the button Reset on the back panel of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After this, the network will use the factory password (indicated on the device sticker). Minus: all router settings will be reset, including the network name and guest access.
• 🖥️ View on another device: If a laptop is connected to the same network on Windows or macOS, the password can be viewed through the system settings. On Windows: Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Center → Wireless network → Properties → Security.
• 📞 Contacting the provider: If this is the network of your Internet provider (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), the password can be found in your personal account on their website or by calling their support phone number. It is usually listed in the section Wi-Fi or Equipment settings.

If you are renting housing or are using a corporate network, contact the administrator. In some cases, the password can only be changed on their part.

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

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without root and ADB?

Yes, but only if your device supports viewing the password through the settings (as described in first method). On most modern smartphones (especially Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme) this function is disabled. An alternative is to use a QR code (method 2).

Why doesn't ADB show passwords on my phone?

Most likely you have Android 10 or laterwhere access to Wi-Fi configuration files is limited. Try:

1. Gain root access and use specialized applications.
2. Try alternative file paths (for example, /data/misc_ce/... or /data/vendor/...).
3. Create a backup copy through adb backup and try to extract data from it.

If all else fails, the only remaining options are hardware methods (resetting the router or viewing on another device).

Is it safe to use applications to view passwords?

Yes, but only if:

• You download them from official store (Google Play).
• The application has good reviews and is updated regularly.
• You only grant root access to trusted apps.

Avoid applications that ask for too much permission (for example, access to SMS or contacts) - this may be a sign of malware Software.

Is it possible to find out the password from someone else's network to which my phone was connected?

No, and you shouldn't even try. Extracting passwords from other people's networks without the owner's consent:

• Violates law on the protection of personal data (FZ-152).
• May qualify as unauthorized access to computer information (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
• Leads to blocking your device on the network (many routers detect suspicious activity).

If you need access to someone else's network, ask the owner for the password.

Why did all the methods stop working after updating Android?

Starting with Android 10Google is implementing Scoped Storage other restrictions that block access to system files, including Wi-Fi configurations. Manufacturers (especially Samsung and Xiaomi) further tighten the protection in their shells.

If after the update the following stop working:

• ADB commands - try using su (need root).
• Apps to view passwords - update them or find alternatives.
• Backups - use third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root).