The situation when you need to connect a new device to your home network, but the password itself is forgotten or written on a piece of paper that has gone missing somewhere, is familiar to many smartphone owners. If you have in your hands a modern smartphone Huawei or Honorrunning version 10 or higher, the solution to this problem has become as simple as possible and does not require obtaining superuser rights. The operating system allows you to view saved data directly through the settings interface. Android versions 10 and higher, the solution to this problem has become as simple as possible and does not require obtaining superuser rights. The operating system allows you to view saved data directly through the settings interface.
Previously, to obtain such information it was necessary to install third-party utilities or obtain root accesswhich often led to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the system. Now the built-in shell functionality EMUI or Magic UI provides a convenient tool for managing network connections. It is enough to have access to the unlocked screen of the phone, which is already connected to the desired access point or has previously been connected to it.
In this guide, we will examine in detail several methods for retrieving the security key. We will look at standard system tools, features of working with QR codes and alternative options for older firmware versions. You'll learn how to securely share access with guests without losing control of your home network.
Viewing the password through WiFi settings in Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version of Google's mobile operating system, engineers have introduced a feature to display security keys for saved networks. On smartphones Huawei this process is implemented through the wireless connections menu. You don't need to look for hidden configuration files or use the terminal. The interface has become intuitive even for inexperienced users.
To get started, you need to go to the Network Control Center. Open the application Settings and find the section Wi-Fi. A list of available access points will be displayed here, as well as the one to which your device is currently connected. Click on the gear icon or arrow next to the name of the active network to enter its detailed parameters.
In the menu that opens, you will see a button or icon in the form QR code. Clicking on it generates a graphical code containing encrypted information about the network, including its name (SSID) and password. In most cases, under the square code itself, the system automatically displays a text line with the access key. If the text is hidden by dots, simply touch the area with the code or use the “Show password” function, if provided by a specific firmware version.
⚠️ Attention: To view the QR code and text password, the system will definitely ask you to confirm your identity. You will need to enter your screen unlock PIN, pattern, or scan your fingerprint. This is a security measure to prevent data theft by unauthorized persons.
If the text under the QR code is not displayed, take a screenshot of the screen with the code and open it in any QR reader application or Google Lens. The camera recognizes the code and displays network data in text form.
Using a QR code to transfer data
Quick response (QR) technology has become the de facto standard for exchanging network settings. When you generate code in the settings menu Huawei, you create an encrypted format string WIFI:S:NetworkName;T:WPA;P:YourPassword;;. Any device with a camera and support for the standard can read this information and automatically connect to the network without manually entering characters.
This method is especially convenient when you need to connect a guest. Instead of dictating a complex set of characters containing numbers and punctuation, you simply share the phone screen. The guest points the camera on their smartphone and the connection is established instantly. This saves time and eliminates manual typing errors that often arise from confusion between similar characters, such as zero and the letter "O".
However, it is worth remembering that anyone with physical access to your unlocked phone in this menu can access your network. Therefore, do not leave your device unattended in public places with the WiFi settings menu open. Privacy your home network directly depends on the reliability of your gadget's screen lock.
Features of the EMUI and Magic UI interface
Shells installed on devices Huawei i Honor, have their own visual differences from pure Android. Although the operating logic remains the same, the arrangement of elements may vary depending on the software version. In earlier versions EMUI the (Share) button may have looked different or required additional actions to display the key.
In current versions Magic UI, based on new Android kernels, the process is unified. After clicking on the QR code icon, the system may offer to save the image in the gallery or send it via messenger. This is a useful feature that allows you to send the password to yourself on another phone or save it in your notes as an image for future use.
If you don't find the code generation button in the main WiFi menu, try clicking on the eye icon next to the password field if the network requires reconnection. In some builds, this action forces the key text field to open after the user has successfully authenticated. Menu navigation may vary, but keywords Wireless networks and Additional usually help you find the desired section.
| EMUI / Magic UI version | QR button location | Authentication requirement | Save option |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMUI 9.x (Android 9) | Not in settings | Not required | No (Root required) |
| EMUI 10.x (Android 10) | Network name / Gear | Fingerprint / PIN | Yes (screenshot) |
| Magic UI 4.0 (Android 10) | QR icon next to the name | Fingerprint / PIN | Yes (share) |
| EMUI 12 / Magic UI 5+ | Control center / Settings | Face ID / Fingerprint | Yes (save) |
What to do on older versions of Android (up to 10)
Owners of devices running on base Android 9 Pie and lower, face security restrictions. In these versions, the file containing passwords (wpa_supplicant.conf) is protected from being read by regular applications and by non-root users. Direct viewing through the settings in such systems is not possible using standard means.
The only legal way to find out the password on such devices without flashing is to access the router settings. If you know the gateway address and administrator login, you can log into the router's web interface through the browser on your phone. There, in the section Wireless mode or Wireless Security the current encryption key will be displayed.
An alternative option for advanced users is receiving root access. This gives full access to the file system. After obtaining root access, you can use file managers with access to system directories (for example, Root Explorer) and open the WiFi configuration file. However, this method carries risks: incorrect actions can turn the phone into a “brick” or disrupt the operation of banking applications.
⚠️ Attention: Obtaining superuser rights (Root) on Huawei devices often requires unlocking the bootloader, which is no longer officially supported by the manufacturer. This may lead to a complete loss of warranty and the inability to receive official security updates.
How to find the password file if you have root access
The wpa_supplicant.conf file is usually located in the /data/misc/wifi/ path. To view it, you need a file manager with superuser rights. Inside the file, look for the line psk="your_password".
Restoring access through the router’s web interface
If your phone does not show the password and you don’t have a computer at hand, you can try going into the settings of the router itself directly from your smartphone. To do this, the device does not need to be connected to the WiFi of this network - you can use the mobile data if you know the IP address of the gateway, or connect to the network without access to the Internet (if the router distributes DHCP).
Open the browser on your phone Huawei and enter the IP address of the gateway in the address bar. Most often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The exact address is usually written on a sticker on the bottom of the router case. After entering the address, an authorization form will appear. The default login and password are also indicated on the sticker (often it is admin/admin), if you have not changed them.
After successfully logging into the control panel, find the section responsible for the wireless network. It may be called Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings or Wireless mode. In the security subsection (Security) will be a password field. If there are dots there, try unchecking “Hide password” or simply copying the contents of the field if the interface allows it.
☑️ Actions when logging into the router
Security measures and changing your password
Having found out your password, you can understand how reliable it is. Often, users set simple combinations like 12345678 or phone number, which makes the network vulnerable to brute-force hacking. If you find that your security key is too simple, it is strongly recommended that you change it directly in the router settings.
When you change the password, all connected devices will automatically disconnect from the network. You will have to re-enter the new key on each smartphone, laptop and TV. To avoid forgetting your new complex password, write it down in a safe place or use a password manager. On phones Huawei you can use the built-in password-protected notes feature to store such information.
Changing your passkeys regularly is a good habit for keeping your home network secure. This is especially true if you suspect that someone else may have learned your password or if you have previously granted access to a large number of guests. Modern encryption WPA3 provides better protection, but only if you use a complex password.
Changing the WiFi password requires reconnecting all devices in the house. Make sure that you have physical access to the router and main gadgets before starting the procedure.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I find out the password for someone else's WiFi network that I connected to before?
No, this is impossible without physical access to the device on which the password is saved and knowledge of the unlock code of this device. The Android system encrypts stored data and requires owner authentication to view it.
Why did the ability to see the password disappear after updating Android?
In some cases, after major firmware updates, security settings may be reset or display algorithms may change. Try clearing the Settings app cache or restarting your device. If the problem persists, check for system updates.
What to do if the QR code is not scanned by another phone?
Make sure that your phone's screen Huawei has sufficient brightness. Sometimes protective glass or glare prevents the camera of another device from reading the code. Try taking a screenshot and showing an image from the gallery, or use the “Share” function to send an image file.
Is there a difference in receiving a password on Huawei and Honor?
The difference is minimal and depends on the version of the shell (EMUI or Magic UI). The logic of the actions is identical: Settings -> Wi-Fi -> Click on the network -> QR code. The visual design of the icons may vary slightly.