The fastest way to see your saved WiFi password

On Android 10 and later, you can see a saved WiFi password directly in your phone's settings without needing the router or a computer. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, tap the network name you want, then tap Share. Your phone will ask for your lock pattern, PIN, or fingerprint. Once you unlock it, the password appears on screen — you can copy it or take a screenshot.

This method only works if you are already connected to that network. If you have forgotten the password and are no longer connected, you will need to use your router instead. The steps vary slightly depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer, but the general path through Settings remains the same across most devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Android 10 and later phones store WiFi passwords in Settings, and you can view them by unlocking your phone with your fingerprint or PIN.
  • The Share button in your WiFi settings shows the password as a QR code and as text, both of which you can copy or screenshot.
  • Older Android versions (9 and below) do not display saved passwords in the settings menu, so you will need to check your router instead.
  • If you cannot remember your router password, you can reset it using the physical reset button on the device or by logging into your router's admin panel with a web browser.

Step-by-step for Android 10, 11, 12, and 13

Open the Settings app on your phone. Tap Network & Internet (some phones label this Connections). Select WiFi. You will see a list of networks you have connected to before.

Find the network name you want the password for and tap it. A menu will pop up with options including Share, Edit, and Forget. Tap Share. Your phone will prompt you to unlock it — use your fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN. Once unlocked, the password will display on screen as both a QR code and plain text. You can tap the password field to copy it to your clipboard, or take a screenshot to save it.

What to do if your Android version is older than 10

Android 9 and earlier do not show saved WiFi passwords in the settings menu. If you are running an older version, you have two options: check your router directly, or update your phone if the manufacturer still supports it.

To check your router, open a web browser on any device connected to the network and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will be asked to log in — the default username is often admin and the password is often admin or password, though this varies by manufacturer. Once logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, or Security. The password will be listed there, sometimes labeled as Pre-Shared Key or Passphrase.

Finding the password on your router if you cannot access your phone settings

If your phone is locked and you cannot unlock it, or if you no longer have access to the phone that was connected to the network, you can find the password on the router itself. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — most manufacturers print the default WiFi name and password there. If the sticker has worn away or the password has been changed, you will need to log into the router's admin panel.

Connect any device (computer, tablet, or phone) to the network using a different method if possible — for example, plug an ethernet cable into the router if you have one. Then open a web browser and navigate to your router's IP address. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1. If you are unsure which one, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website. Log in with the default credentials (usually printed on the device), then navigate to the wireless settings to view or change the password.

Why your phone stores the password and how to manage it

Android saves WiFi passwords so you do not have to type them in every time you connect. The password is encrypted and stored locally on your phone, not sent to Google or your phone manufacturer. This is why only you can view it — the phone requires your unlock method as proof that you own the device.

If you want to remove a saved password, go back to that network in your WiFi settings and tap Forget. The next time you try to connect, you will be asked to enter the password again. This is useful if you are selling your phone or if you want to disconnect from a network permanently.

What to do if you have changed your router password and forgotten the new one

If you have changed your WiFi password and cannot remember the new one, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds while the device is powered on. This will erase all your custom settings and return the router to the password printed on the sticker.

Resetting the router will disconnect all devices from the network, so plan to do this when you can reconnect everything afterward. After the reset, log back into the router's admin panel and set a new password. Write it down or store it somewhere safe — consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to keep track of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see someone else's WiFi password on my Android phone?

No. You can only view passwords for networks your own phone has connected to and saved. You cannot see the password for a network you have never joined, even if you are standing next to the router. If someone else's phone is connected to their network, they would need to unlock their phone and follow the same steps to show you the password.

What if the Share button does not appear in my WiFi settings?

The Share button only appears on Android 10 and later. If you are running Android 9 or earlier, upgrade your phone if the manufacturer still supports it, or use your router's admin panel instead. You can check your Android version in Settings > About Phone > Android Version.

Is it safe to screenshot my WiFi password?

Screenshots are stored on your phone like any other file, so they are as find as your phone itself. If someone gains access to your phone, they can see the screenshot. For better security, do not leave screenshots of passwords lying around — delete them once you have written the password down or saved it in a password manager.

Can I change my WiFi password from my Android phone?

Yes, but you have to do it through your router's admin panel, not through your phone's WiFi settings. Open a web browser, go to your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), log in, and look for the wireless or security settings. You can change the password there, then reconnect your phone using the new password.