Accessing the WiFi password stored on our Android phone can be essential in many situations. Whether because we don't remember it, because we want to share our network key with a guest, or to configure it on a new device, knowing how to recover this information greatly facilitates the management of our wireless connections. Although historically finding these passwords was a procedure reserved for users with advanced knowledge, today there are simple and secure methods, both with and without root access, and adapted to the different versions of Android and customization layers. In this article, we show you all the possible ways to Find the WiFi password on Android from saved connections, including alternative methods and safety tips.
Why would you want to see the saved WiFi password?
Forgetting or losing your Wi-Fi password is much more common than you might think. Our phones usually store the password for any Wi-Fi network we've accessed, which is especially useful if we need to share it with family or friends, migrate the connection to a new device, or simply because we've lost the notepad or the sticker on our router. Having access to these saved passwords gives us autonomy and avoids depending on access to the router panel or to request the key again from the network owner.
How saved WiFi passwords work on Android
When you connect to a Wi-Fi network from your Android device, the operating system saves the associated key in a secure area of the system. This means you won't have to re-enter the password every time the network is available. This automated storage allows for quick and transparent network access, but it also means that while the phone remembers the password, you may not remember it or have it handy if you need it.
The method for resetting that password will vary depending on your Android version, manufacturer, and whether you have root access. Therefore, we've broken down all the available options below.
Easy Method: View Saved WiFi Password on Android 10 or Higher (No Root)
Since Android 10, Google has added native functionality that makes it easy to view and share the Wi-Fi password for any network you're connected to or have saved, without the need for root permissions or external applications.This advancement has marked a turning point in Wi-Fi network management within the Android ecosystem.
Follow this process to access the password in plain text or share it via a QR code:
- Open the Settings app from your Android device.
- Navigate to the section Network and Internet or a similar section, depending on the manufacturer.
- Sign in Wi-Fi and locate the option Saved networks. All the networks you've previously connected to appear here.
- Select the network you want to view the password for.
- Click on the button Share, usually identified with a QR code icon.
- The system will ask for your PIN, fingerprint, pattern, or unlock method to continue.
- The password will appear in plain text just below the QR code. from the selected Wi-Fi network. If you only see the QR code, you can scan it with another device's camera (or with Google Lens on the same phone) to decrypt the key.
This method works for most devices running Android 10 or higher, although the path may vary slightly for certain customization layers (Xiaomi's MIUI, Huawei's EMUI, etc.). However, the goal and result are generally the same: view or share the password for any saved network.
Differences depending on the customization layer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, etc.)
Not all menus and routes are exactly the same on all Android phones.For example, on Samsung devices, the section may be called "Connections," and to share the password, you'll need to tap on the active network and select the QR code icon. On Xiaomi (MIUI), simply access the connected network from the Wi-Fi settings and tap "Share." On Huawei (EMUI), the option to share via QR code is usually clearly visible. The result, however, will be the same: the QR code will contain all the network information, including the password in plain text.
Special case: Android 9 or earlier versions without root
If you have a phone with an Android version prior to 10, the situation is complicated, as the system does not offer direct access to saved Wi-Fi passwords for security reasons. However, there are alternative methods, although they usually require more steps and sometimes the use of a PC. However, if you're not root, you'll only be able to access the current network password if you have access to the router:
- Go to your WiFi settings and select the network you're connected to.
- Look for the “Network Information” option to locate the Gateway, usually 192.168.0.1 or similar.
- Enter this address in your browser to access the router's configuration (you'll need to know the login credentials; by default, they're usually admin/admin or admin/1234 if they haven't been changed).
- Within the router's dashboard, you can check and change the WiFi password for the active network.
This method doesn't access the password saved on your phone, but rather obtains it directly from your router. If you need the password for another saved network you're not connected to, on Android 9 or earlier, you can only do so by being root or using advanced methods with ADB and connecting to your computer.
View saved WiFi passwords on Android without root using ADB and PC
On versions prior to Android 10, if you're not rooted but have some technical experience, you can extract the configuration file where Android stores Wi-Fi passwords using the ADB command on a computer. To perform this method, you'll need:
- A PC with the Android SDK and ADB installed.
- The corresponding USB cable.
- Activate the USB debugging on your mobile (Settings > About phone > Build number > Developer options).
The procedure would be:
- Connect your phone to your PC and accept USB debugging if requested.
- Open a command window and navigate to the folder where ADB is installed.
- Run the following command:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf c:/wpa_supplicant.conf - The copied file will contain all your saved networks and passwords, which you can open with any text editor.
WarningThis method may not work on all devices and requires that the phone not have any additional security restrictions. It's also not recommended for beginners, as it modifies system files.
How to view WiFi passwords on Android as a root
If you have a rooted phone, you'll have free access to the system files where Android stores all network settings, including Wi-Fi passwords. The most common methods to view this information are:
1. Use specific applications to view WiFi passwords
- WiFi Key Recovery: One of the most popular and simple apps. When opened, it requests root permissions and displays all saved networks along with their passwords (PSK) and encryption protocol. It offers the option to copy the password, generate a QR code, or share it directly.
- WiFi Password Viewer/WiFi Password Recovery: Similar applications that, with root permissions, show the entire list of stored networks and their keys, allowing you to copy or share the information as needed.
These apps are available on the Google Play Store, but they always require rooting your device to function properly.
2. Use a file explorer with root permissions
Another way is to use a root-compatible file explorer (e.g., Root Browser, ES File Explorer (supported version), etc.). The procedure is:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the path /data/misc/wifi/
- Find and open the file wpa_supplicant.conf with a text editor
- In the content you will find the parameters ssid (network name) and psk (password) for each saved network
This method provides full access to information, but remember: Having root access involves security risks, so only perform these steps if you are aware of what you are doing and do not share the information with untrusted third parties.
Share your WiFi password easily with a QR code
One of the great advantages of the function incorporated from Android 10 and in many layers of customization is the possibility of Share your WiFi key with other users without having to dictate or write it down.. Simply show the generated QR code on your screen for another phone to scan:
- On the sharing screen of the selected WiFi network, the QR code with the SSID and the embedded password will appear.
- The other user just needs to scan it with the camera or an app like Google Lens
- The network will be automatically configured on your phone, or it will show you the key in plain text.
This method is fast, convenient, and prevents transcription errors, especially with complex passwords.
Other ways to access saved WiFi passwords
- From other synchronized devicesIf you have your Google account set up to back up and sync, your wireless networks may sync with other Android or even Windows devices (using features like Smart Lock on Google or Keychain on iPhone).
- Recovering the key from the routerIf you changed your password from the router's admin panel and can't remember it, you can reset it there or check your keychain if you're using synced Apple devices, following the appropriate security steps.
Security recommendations when managing WiFi passwords
- Don't share your passwords with strangers Do not use unknown applications to recover passwords, as they could compromise the security of your device.
- Avoid connecting to public or open networks, as they may pose a risk to the privacy of your personal data.
- Write down your most important network passwords in a secure place (a password manager or a physical note out of reach of others).
- Consider changing your password periodically and avoid using easily predictable combinations, especially in home environments.
Options for backing up your WiFi networks
Android allows you to configure automatic backup of device settings, including Wi-Fi passwords. This way, when you set up a new phone with the same Google account, you'll automatically have access to your usual networks:
- Accede to Settings > System > Backup
- Activate the option “Backup to Google Drive”
- Confirm that WiFi network information is enabled in the backup
Thus, you will never lose your WiFi passwords and you can easily access them when you change your phone or restore your settings.
Additional tips to avoid losing your WiFi passwords
- Write down your password in a safe place (password manager or physical note)
- Share the key only with people you trust
- Create strong but easy-to-remember passwords
- If you change the password, update it on all your devices and write it down again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recovering WiFi Passwords on Android
- Can I view WiFi passwords without root on any Android? Only on Android 10 or higher, you can view them without root. On earlier versions, you'll need special permissions or a PC with ADB.
- Is it legal to view saved WiFi passwords? As long as you access networks you have permission to access (your home network or known networks), there's no problem. It's neither legal nor ethical to access other people's network passwords without their consent.
- Can I see the saved Wi-Fi passwords on my iPhone? iOS also allows you to view saved network passwords starting with certain versions, usually from Settings, by tapping on the network and validating with Face ID, Touch ID, or the passcode. You can also view them from iCloud Keychain on Mac devices.
- What happens if I change the router password? You'll need to update your password on all your devices. Having a backup will make it easier to sync them.
Know How to find the WiFi password on Android from saved connections It's essential to manage your connectivity efficiently and securely. Thanks to the new features built into Android, the process is easier than ever if your phone has a recent version. And if you have older versions, you still have options to check or share your passwords. Always remember to take precautions to protect the security of your network and your devices.