Users of Honor smartphones trying to connect a new gadget to a known network are often faced with the inability to enter a password, since the Magic UI interface based on Android hides the security key characters by default. Despite the visual hiding of data for security purposes, the operating system stores this information in encrypted form, allowing the device owner to quickly find out a forgotten Wi-Fi password without installing third-party software.
There are several proven methods that allow you to restore a forgotten combination of characters directly on the screen of a mobile device. The choice of a specific method depends on the version of the installed firmware, the availability root access and model of your gadget. In this article we will look in detail at how to use the built-in functions for generating a QR code, system settings and specialized utilities to solve this problem.
Using the QR code function in the settings
The simplest and safest method available on most modern smartphones Honor under control Android 10 and above, is to use the built-in QR code generator. This feature is primarily intended for quickly connecting guests, but it is also great for visualizing saved network data.
First, you need to go to the device settings menu and select the section responsible for wireless connections. Find the item Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the name of the network to which you are currently connected or which is saved in the phone memory. A card with connection information will appear on the screen, often displaying a square barcode icon.
Click on the icon QR codeso that the system generates a unique image. In some versions of the shell Magic UI the password may be written in small print right under this code. If there is no text display, simply take a screenshot of the screen and open it in any QR code reader application or in the standard camera scanner of another device.
⚠️ Attention: Scanning a QR code with third-party applications may require access to the camera and the Internet. Make sure that you are using trusted software so as not to transfer data about your network to third parties.
The resulting data string usually has a format where after the prefix WIFI:S: there is the name of the network, and after P: the required password. The delimiter is a semicolon. This method does not require superuser rights and works at the user interface level.
If there is no text under the QR code, take a screenshot and open it through Google Lens or any barcode scanner - the application will automatically decrypt the hidden line and show the password.
View saved networks through the system menu
In newer operating system updates Android 12 i Android 13, which are often installed on new models Honor, the viewing process has become even more intuitive. Google developers have added the ability to view passwords directly in the network management menu without the need to scan codes.
Go to section Settings → Wi-Fi and find the list of saved networks. Unlike older versions, a complete list of access points to which the phone was previously connected can be displayed here. Click on the gear icon next to the desired network name.
In the window that opens, find the button Share or the eye icon. The system will ask you to verify your identity using biometrics (fingerprint or Face ID) or entering your screen unlock PIN. After successful authentication, the password will be displayed in clear text under the QR code.
- 🔍 Make sure your phone has fingerprint unlocking enabled for quick access.
- 📱 On some models Honor the view button is hidden in the "Advanced" menu inside the network card.
- 🔒 If you are asked for a password for your Google account, enter the account information associated with the device.
This method is preferable, since it uses the native security mechanisms of the operating system and does not require the installation of third-party software that could contain vulnerabilities.
Using file managers and root access
If the standard methods did not work or you have an old version of firmware installed, the only option is direct access to the system configuration files. The operating system Android stores all parameters of wireless connections in a special file wpa_supplicant.conf.
To read this file you need superuser rights (root). Without them, the system will block access to the directory /data/misc/wifi/. If your phone Honor already has an unlocked bootloader and root permissions installed, you can use an advanced file manager, for example Root Explorer or RE Manager.
File path: /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confOpen the found file as a text document. Inside you will see configuration blocks for each saved network. The password you are looking for will be in the line starting with the parameter psk=. The value after the equal sign is your security key.
⚠️ Attention: Obtaining root access will void the official warranty on the device Honor and may make it impossible to use banking applications due to security mechanisms.
What to do if the file empty?
If the wpa_supplicant.conf file is empty or does not contain your networks, the data may be stored in an encrypted Keystore that cannot be accessed without special utilities. In this case, only resetting the router will help.
Be extremely careful when editing system files. Accidentally deleting an extra character may result in the Wi-Fi module no longer being initialized correctly when the system boots, and you will have to reflash the device.
Specialized applications for password recovery
In the store Google Play there are many utilities positioning themselves as recovery tools forgotten keys. However, it is important to understand the difference between applications that simply show a QR code (work without root) and those that attempt to extract data from the system (require root).
Applications like WiFi Password Viewer or InstaWifi often require granting superuser rights. Once launched, they automatically scan the system directory and display a list of all known networks in a convenient tabular form. This saves the user from having to manually search for and open configuration files.
If you do not have root access, such applications will be useless or will only show a stub asking for access. In this case, they may offer to create a backup copy of the settings, which can be deployed on another device with root access, but this is a difficult path for the average user.
| Application name | Requires Root | Functional | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | Yes | Show all passwords | Average |
| WiFi Map | No | General password database | High |
| InstaWifi | Yes | Creating QR codes | Medium |
| ES File Explorer | Yes (optional) | Access to files | Low (lots of advertising) |
It is recommended to carefully read the permissions that the app requests during installation. If a simple password viewer requires access to contacts, microphone or location, this is a serious reason to abandon its use in favor of more reliable methods.
Applications without root access cannot show the saved password, they only help you connect to open networks or generate codes for networks you already know.
Login to the router control panel
If the phone cannot show the password, and the computer is not at hand or is also not connected to the network, you can try going into the settings of the router itself through a mobile browser. This method works if your smartphone Honor is connected to this Wi-Fi network, even if you do not know the key.
Open any browser and enter the gateway IP address in the address bar. Most often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The exact address can be found in the Wi-Fi settings on your phone in the “Details” or “Gateway” section.
The system will ask for the administrator’s login and password. By default, on many devices TP-Link, ASUS or Huawei this data is indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the router case (often this is admin/admin). If you changed them earlier and forgot, this method will not work without resetting the equipment.
After successful authorization, go to the Wireless or Wireless modesection, then select Wireless Security. In the field PSK Password or "Wireless Network Key" will display the current password. You can not only view it, but also change it to something more convenient for remembering.
⚠️ Attention: The interfaces of routers from different manufacturers are very different. If you cannot find the required section, check the instructions for your specific router model, since the menu location may change depending on the firmware version.
☑️ Logging into the router from your phone
Resetting the network and router settings as a last resort
When none of software methods did not produce results, and access to the network is vital, we have to resort to radical measures. This includes resetting the network settings on the phone itself or completely resetting the router to factory settings.
Resetting the network settings on Honor will remove all saved access points, Bluetooth pairings and mobile network settings, but will return the network adapters to default values. To do this, go to Settings → System and updates → Reset → Reset network settings If the problem is in the router itself and you cannot enter its panel, a mechanical button will help. It is usually recessed into the body and requires pressing with a paper clip for 10-15 seconds while the power is on. After this, the device will return to the factory settings, and the password will be the same as indicated on the sticker. Settings → System and updates → Reset → Reset network settings.
If the problem is in the router itself and you cannot enter its panel, a mechanical button will help Reset. It is usually recessed into the body and requires pressing with a paper clip for 10-15 seconds while the power is on. After this, the device will return to factory settings and the password will be the same as indicated on the sticker.
Remember that after resetting the router, you will have to reconfigure the provider settings (login, PPPoE password, connection type) if they are not automatically adjusted. Make sure you have a contract with your provider at hand before performing this procedure.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I find out the Wi-Fi password if my phone is not connected to it?
No, using standard Android tools it is impossible to view the password for a network to which the device has never connected or the data about which has been deleted. The system does not store keys for unknown networks.
Is it safe to use Wi-Fi hacking applications?
Most of these applications in stores are either fraudulent or contain malicious code. Legitimate utilities only show saved data or help connect to open points, but do not “hack” WPA2/WPA3 protection.
Why is there no "Share" button in the Wi-Fi settings on my Honor?
This function appeared in Android 10. If you have an older version of the operating system or a specific firmware build from the manufacturer, this the option may not be available. In this case, only root access or logging into the router will help.
What to do if the router gives an authentication error after a reset?
After the reset, the router works with factory settings. Make sure that you enter the password exactly from the sticker on the case, and not the one you came up with earlier. Also check if the Caps Lock key on the keyboard is pressed while typing.