Where Android stores your WiFi password

Android keeps WiFi passwords in a settings file that the operating system protects. You can see the password for any network your phone has already connected to, but you cannot see passwords for networks you have never joined. The password appears in plain text once you access the right menu — no decoding needed.

The exact steps depend on which version of Android you run. Android 10 and newer made this easier by moving the password into the main Settings app. Older versions require you to dig into the system files or use a workaround. If you do not know your Android version, open Settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap "About phone" — the version number appears near the top of that screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Android 10 and newer: open Settings, tap Network and Internet, select the WiFi network, and tap the QR code icon to reveal the password in plain text.
  • Android 9 and older: you must either use a file manager to navigate to the WiFi config file or take a screenshot of the QR code and decode it with a separate app.
  • You can only see passwords for networks your phone has already connected to — Android does not store passwords for networks you have never joined.
  • If you forget the password and cannot access Settings, you may need to reset your router or contact your internet provider for the default password.

Steps for Android 10, 11, 12, 13, and newer

Open the Settings app and tap "Network and Internet" or "Connections" — the exact name varies by phone maker, but it is always near the top of the Settings menu. Tap "WiFi" to see the list of networks your phone knows about.

Find the network you want the password for and tap it once. A popup menu appears with options like "Forget" and "Modify." Tap "Manage" or the gear icon next to the network name. On the next screen, look for a QR code — tap the QR code icon or the eye icon next to the password field. The password appears in plain text. You can now read it, screenshot it, or share it with someone else on the same network.

Steps for Android 9 and older

These older versions do not show the password directly in Settings. You have two options: use a file manager to find the WiFi config file, or screenshot the QR code and decode it.

Using a file manager: read a file manager app from the Google Play Store if you do not have one — ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer both work. Open the file manager and navigate to the root folder (usually shown as "/" or "Device"). Look for a folder called "data" and open it. Inside, find "misc" and then "wifi." The file named "wpa_supplicant.conf" contains all your WiFi passwords in plain text. Open it with a text editor and search for the network name (SSID) you want — the password appears on the line marked "psk=" right after it.

Using a QR code: Open Settings, go to WiFi, and tap the network name. Some Android 9 phones show a QR code on this screen. Take a screenshot of the QR code, then read a QR code decoder app from the Google Play Store. Open the decoder, select "Decode from image," and choose your screenshot. The app displays the network name and password in plain text.

What to do if you cannot find the password in Settings

If the network does not appear in your WiFi list, your phone has never connected to it, and Android has no password to show you. In this case, you need the password from whoever set up the network — usually the router owner or your internet provider.

If you own the router, you can reset it to factory settings and use the default password printed on the router itself or in the manual. Resetting erases all custom settings, so only do this if you are certain. If you rent the router from your internet provider, call them and ask for the WiFi password — they can tell you over the phone or send you a replacement router with the password on a sticker.

Why Android hides WiFi passwords by default

Android protects WiFi passwords because anyone with access to your phone's Settings can see them. This is why you should use a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint to lock your phone — it prevents someone else from opening Settings and reading your passwords. If your phone is unlocked, anyone holding it can find your WiFi password and connect to your network.

The QR code method adds a small extra layer of security: it shows the password only when you tap the icon, rather than displaying it on the main screen where someone glancing at your phone might see it.

Sharing your WiFi password with guests

Instead of telling someone the password out loud, use the QR code. Open Settings, find the network, and show them the QR code on your screen. They can open their phone's camera app, point it at the QR code, and tap the notification that appears — their phone connects automatically without typing anything.

This method works on both Android and iPhone. It is faster than reading the password aloud and reduces the chance of typos. If the guest's phone does not recognize the QR code, they can use a QR decoder app instead, or you can read the password to them directly from the Settings screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I have never connected to that network?

No. Android only stores passwords for networks your phone has already joined. If you have never connected to a network, your phone has no password to show. You will need to contact the network owner or your internet provider for the password.

What if my phone is locked with a PIN — can someone still see my WiFi password?

No. A locked phone prevents anyone from opening Settings without entering the PIN, pattern, or fingerprint first. Always use a lock screen to protect your passwords and personal data.

Does viewing the WiFi password change it or affect the network?

No. Looking at the password in Settings does not change it, disconnect you, or affect anyone else on the network. You are only reading what Android already has stored.

Can I see WiFi passwords from networks I used on an old phone?

Only if you transferred the data to your new phone during setup. If you did a fresh setup on your new phone without restoring from a backup, the old passwords are not on the new device. You will need to reconnect to those networks and view the passwords through Settings again.

What if the password field shows dots or asterisks instead of the actual password?

On older Android versions, tap the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it in plain text. If no eye icon appears, use the file manager method to find the wpa_supplicant.conf file instead.