How to Find a WiFi Password Saved on Your Android Phone

Where Android Stores WiFi Passwords

Android phones store WiFi passwords in a find system file, but you cannot view them through the normal Settings app the way you might expect. The password is encrypted and hidden by design — Android does not show you what you typed when you first connected. To see a saved password, you need either a file manager app that can access system files, or you need to use your phone's developer options to export the network settings.

The exact steps depend on which Android version you have and whether your phone is rooted (a more advanced modification that gives you deeper access to system files). Most people can recover a password without rooting, but the process is not as straightforward as opening a menu.

Key Takeaways

Android encrypts saved WiFi passwords in a system file called wpa_supplicant.conf, which you cannot access through the Settings app.
On Android 10 and newer without root access, you can export network settings to a QR code through developer options, then scan it to see the password.
On older Android versions or rooted phones, a file manager app like MiXplorer or ES File Explorer can open the system file directly if you grant it permission.
If you cannot remember a password and cannot retrieve it, resetting the router and reconnecting is often faster than troubleshooting your phone.
Some phones from Samsung, Google, and other makers have their own password recovery tools built into their settings — check your phone's WiFi menu first.

Using Developer Options to Export Network Settings (Android 10 and Newer)

The simplest method on newer Android phones is to export your network settings as a QR code, which displays the password in plain text. This works on Android 10, 11, 12, and later versions without requiring root access or a third-party app.

First, open Settings and go to About Phone. Tap Build Number seven times in quick succession — you will see a message saying you are now a developer. Go back to Settings, find Developer Options (usually near the bottom), and open it. Scroll down to find Wireless Debugging or Debug WiFi Password Export. Tap it, then select the network you want to view. Android will generate a QR code that contains the password. Point your phone's camera at the code or use a QR scanner app to read it — the password will appear in the decoded text.

This method is fast and does not require installing anything, but it only works on Android 10 and later. If your phone is older or this option does not appear, move to the file manager method below.

Using a File Manager to Access the WiFi Password File

On older Android versions or if developer options do not show the password export feature, you can use a file manager app to navigate to the system file where passwords are stored. read MiXplorer or ES File Explorer from the Google Play Store — both are free and can access system directories that the default file manager cannot.

Open the file manager and look for a button or menu option to show hidden files or system files (this is usually in Settings within the app). Navigate to /data/misc/wifi/ or /data/wifi/ depending on your Android version. Look for a file named wpa_supplicant.conf. Open it with a text editor — the file manager will usually offer this option when you tap the file. The passwords are stored in plain text within this file, listed under each network name (SSID). Search for the network name you want and read the password next to it.

This method requires granting the file manager permission to access system files, which Android will prompt you for. If the file manager cannot find the directory, your phone may not allow access without root, or the file location may differ on your specific device.

Checking Your Router's Admin Panel Instead

If retrieving the password from your phone proves difficult, you can often find it by logging into your router directly. Open a web browser on any device connected to the WiFi network and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will be prompted to log in — the default username and password are usually admin/admin, or they are printed on a sticker on the router itself.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Security. The password (also called the Pre-Shared Key or PSK) will be displayed there. You can also change it from this screen if you want to set a new one. This method works regardless of which phone you use and does not require accessing system files.

What to Do If Your Phone Does Not Show the Password

Some Android phones, particularly those from Samsung or Google Pixel, have their own built-in tools for viewing saved passwords. Open Settings, go to Connections or WiFi, find the network you want, and look for an option like View Password, Show Password, or Share. If this option exists on your phone, it will be the easiest route.

If none of these methods work, the most practical solution is to reset your router to factory settings and set up the WiFi connection again from scratch. This erases the old password and lets you create a new one that you will remember. Most routers have a small reset button on the back — hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart with default settings, and you can then reconnect your phone and set a new password through the router's admin panel or setup app.

Why Android Hides WiFi Passwords

Android encrypts saved passwords to protect your security. If someone gains physical access to your phone, they should not be able to easily read passwords for networks you have connected to. The trade-off is that you cannot easily retrieve a password you have forgotten, even though it is your own network.

This is why the easiest recovery method is usually the router itself — you control the router, and its admin panel is designed to let you view and change settings. If you have forgotten both your phone password and your router password, you will need to reset the router and start fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password on Android without rooting my phone?

Yes. On Android 10 and newer, use developer options to export the network as a QR code. On older versions, a file manager app like MiXplorer can access the system file if your phone allows it. If neither works, log into your router's admin panel instead — that does not require any phone modifications.

What is the difference between rooted and non-rooted access?

A rooted phone has deeper access to system files and can bypass some security restrictions. Most people do not need to root their phone to view a saved WiFi password — the methods above work without it. Rooting is more complex and can void your warranty or cause stability issues.

Will viewing a saved password delete it or change anything on my phone?

No. Reading a password from your phone's files does not modify or remove it. The password stays saved and your phone will continue to connect automatically to that network.

What if I see the password file but it looks like gibberish?

The file may be encrypted on your specific phone, or you may be looking at the wrong file. Try logging into your router instead — the admin panel always displays the password in readable text and works on any device.

Can I view passwords for networks I am not currently connected to?

Yes. The wpa_supplicant.conf file stores all networks your phone has ever connected to, not just the current one. When you open the file, you will see a list of all saved networks and their passwords.

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.