Have you ever needed to share your Wi-Fi password with a friend or a new device, only to realize you can't remember it? It happens to the best of us. Fortunately, if your Android phone is already connected to the network, there are a few ways to retrieve that elusive password.
The method you'll use depends largely on your Android version and the manufacturer of your device, as Android has evolved significantly over the years.
For Android 10 and Newer (with a QR Code)
Google made it much easier to share Wi-Fi credentials with Android 10 and later versions by introducing a QR code sharing feature. While primarily designed for sharing, this also allows you to see the password.
Open Settings: Go to your phone's Settings app.
Navigate to Network & Internet: Tap on Network & Internet or Connections, then Wi-Fi.
Select the Network: Tap on the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to.
Tap Share: Look for a Share button or an icon that looks like a QR code. You might be asked to verify your identity with your PIN, pattern, or fingerprint.
View the Password: A QR code will appear on your screen. Below the QR code, the Wi-Fi password will usually be displayed in plain text.
For Older Android Versions (and Some Newer Devices Without QR Password Display)
For older Android versions, or if your newer device doesn't display the password directly under the QR code, the process becomes a bit more involved, often requiring root access or a third-party app. However, there's a workaround for most users even without root.
Method 1: Using the QR Code Screenshot (for devices that show QR but not password)
If your Android 10+ phone displays a QR code but not the password directly beneath it, you can still leverage this feature:
Generate the QR Code: Follow steps 1-4 from the "For Android 10 and Newer" section above to get to the QR code screen.
Take a Screenshot: Take a screenshot of the QR code.
Use a QR Code Scanner App: Download a reliable QR code scanner app from the Google Play Store (e.g., Google Lens, or a dedicated QR scanner). Many of these apps allow you to scan an image from your gallery.
Scan the Screenshot: Open the QR code scanner app and use its "scan image" or "scan from gallery" feature to load your screenshot. The app should then decode the QR code and reveal the Wi-Fi password.
Method 2: Accessing Rooted Files (Requires Root Access)
Warning: Rooting your Android device can void your warranty, potentially brick your device if done incorrectly, and may expose it to security risks. Proceed with caution.
If your Android device is rooted, you can access the system files where Wi-Fi passwords are stored.
Install a File Explorer with Root Access: Download a file explorer app that supports root Browse (e.g., ES File Explorer, Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer).
Grant Root Permissions: Open the file explorer and grant it root permissions when prompted.
Navigate to the Wi-Fi Configuration File: Go to the following path:
/data/misc/wifi/.Open
wpa_supplicant.conf: Look for a file namedwpa_supplicant.conforWifiConfigStore.xmland open it with a text editor. Inside this file, you'll find a list of all saved Wi-Fi networks and their corresponding passwords (usually underpsk=for WPA/WPA2 networks).
Method 3: Using Your Router's Admin Panel
This method doesn't retrieve the password from your phone, but it's a reliable way to find your Wi-Fi password if you have access to your router.
Find Your Router's IP Address: On your Android phone, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, tap on the connected network, and look for "Router," "Gateway," or "IP address."
Access Router Settings: Open a web browser on your phone or computer and type the router's IP address into the address bar.
Log In: Enter your router's username and password. (If you haven't changed them, these are often "admin/admin," "admin/password," or similar, and can usually be found on a sticker on your router itself.)
Find Wireless Settings: Once logged in, navigate to the "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," or "Wireless Security" section. Your Wi-Fi password (often labeled "Pre-shared Key," "Security Key," or "Passphrase") should be displayed there.
What if You Can't See the Password?
If you've tried the methods above and still can't find the password, and your device isn't rooted, you might be out of luck for directly viewing it on your phone. In such cases, your best bet is usually to access your router's administration panel or, as a last resort, reset your router to its factory defaults (which will reset the password to the default one, usually printed on the router).
Remember to always keep your Wi-Fi passwords secure and consider using a password manager to keep track of all your credentials!