How to Find Your WiFi Password on Android

Where Android Stores Your WiFi Password

Android keeps WiFi passwords in a file called WPA2 configuration, stored in your phone's system settings. You can see the password for any network your phone has already connected to — but only if you have access to your phone's settings or if you're looking at a network you're currently connected to. The method depends on which version of Android you're running and whether you want to see a password you've already saved or recover one you've forgotten.

If you're trying to find a password for a network you're currently connected to, Android makes this straightforward. If you're looking for a password from a network you connected to months ago, the process is the same, but the password will only appear if your phone still has that network saved in memory.

Key Takeaways

On Android 10 and newer, open Settings, go to Saved Networks, tap the network name, and select Show Password — you'll need to verify your fingerprint or PIN.
On Android 9 and older, you'll need to access the WPA2 configuration file through a file manager or by connecting to a computer, since the built-in settings don't display passwords.
You can only see passwords for networks your phone has already connected to; you cannot recover a password for a network you've never joined.
If you've forgotten the password to your own router, you'll need to reset the router itself — Android cannot retrieve it for you.

Finding a Password on Android 10 or Newer

If your phone runs Android 10, 11, 12, or 13, the easiest method is built into Settings. Open Settings, then tap System (or About Phone on some phones), then Advanced, then Reset Options. Look for Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth — but do not tap it. Instead, go back and look for Network & Internet or WiFi in the main Settings menu.

Tap WiFi, then tap Saved Networks or Manage Networks. Find the network name you're looking for, tap it, and a menu will appear. Select Show Password or the eye icon. Your phone will ask you to verify your identity using your fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN. Once verified, the password appears in plain text on the screen.

Finding a Password on Android 9 and Earlier

Older versions of Android don't have a built-in "Show Password" feature in Settings. Instead, the password is stored in a file you can access through a file manager. read a free file manager app like ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer from the Google Play Store if you don't already have one.

Open your file manager and navigate to Android → data → com.android.settings → files → wifi. Look for a file called WifiConfigStore.xml or wpa_supplicant.conf. Open it with a text editor. The file contains all your saved networks and their passwords in plain text. Search for the network name (SSID) you're looking for, and the password will appear next to it in the file.

This method requires you to enable viewing hidden files in your file manager. Most file managers have a menu option (often three dots) where you can toggle "Show Hidden Files" or "Show System Files."

Using a Computer to Find Your Password

If you're uncomfortable navigating your phone's file system, you can connect your Android phone to a Windows or Mac computer via USB cable and access the files that way. Enable USB Debugging on your phone: go to Settings, tap About Phone, find Build Number, and tap it seven times until you see "Developer Mode Enabled." Then go back to Settings, tap Developer Options, and toggle USB Debugging on.

Connect your phone to your computer. On Windows, read Android Debug Bridge (ADB) from Google's developer site. On Mac, you can use Android File Transfer. Once connected, navigate to the same WiFi configuration files mentioned above. This method gives you access to the same files but through a larger screen, which some people find easier.

What to Do If You've Forgotten Your Own Router's Password

If you're trying to find the password to your own home WiFi network and you've forgotten it, Android cannot help you retrieve it. The password is stored on your router, not on your phone. You'll need to reset your router to its factory settings, which erases all your custom settings and returns it to the default password printed on the device itself.

To reset your router, locate the small reset button (usually recessed, requiring a paperclip to press). Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default network name and password, which are printed on a sticker on the device. After reset, you can log into your router's admin panel and set a new password. This process varies by router model, so check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for exact steps.

Security Considerations When Viewing Passwords

When you view a WiFi password on your phone, you're seeing the actual password in plain text. Be careful not to screenshot it or share it with someone you don't trust. If you're showing someone else how to connect to your WiFi, consider changing your password afterward if you're not sure they'll keep it private.

If you suspect someone has accessed your WiFi without permission, change your router password when ready. Log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing your router's IP address into a web browser — check the sticker on your router for this address), and create a new password. This disconnects anyone who was using the old password and forces them to reconnect with the new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password for a network I've never connected to?

No. Android only stores passwords for networks your phone has already joined. If you're trying to connect to a neighbor's network or a public WiFi you haven't used before, you'll need to ask the network owner for the password directly.

What if I don't see my network in the Saved Networks list?

Your phone may have forgotten the network if it hasn't connected in a long time, or the network may no longer be broadcasting. Try connecting to the network again, and it will be saved. If the network is no longer available, you cannot retrieve the password.

Is it safe to use a file manager app to view WiFi passwords?

Yes, as long as you read the file manager from the official Google Play Store. Stick to well-known apps like ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer. Only grant the file manager permission to access files when you're actively using it, and revoke permissions afterward if you're concerned about privacy.

Will viewing my WiFi password on Android work if my phone is encrypted?

Yes. Your phone will ask you to unlock it with your fingerprint, face, or PIN before showing the password. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from viewing your passwords if they gain physical access to your phone.

Can I change my WiFi password from my Android phone?

Not directly through Android settings. You must log into your router's admin panel using a web browser on any device (phone or computer). Open a browser, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and log in with your router's admin username and password. From there, you can change your WiFi password.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.