Where Android Stores Your WiFi Password

Android keeps your WiFi password in the device settings, but the exact location and what you can see depends on which version of Android you have and whether your phone is rooted. On Android 10 and later, you can view a saved password directly from the WiFi network list without needing special access. On older versions, you will need to go into your phone's settings files or use a file manager app to find the password stored in plain text.

The simplest route is to check your WiFi settings first — this works on most phones running Android 10 or newer. If that does not show the password, or if you have an older Android version, you can use a file manager to locate the WiFi configuration file where Android stores all network details.

Key Takeaways

  • Android 10 and newer phones let you view saved WiFi passwords directly in Settings by tapping the network name and selecting the password field.
  • Older Android versions store passwords in a file called wpa_supplicant.conf that you can read with a file manager app if your phone is rooted or if you have file access enabled.
  • If you cannot find the password in settings or files, you can reset your router and set a new password, then reconnect your phone.
  • Some phones from Samsung, Google, and other makers add their own steps or menu names, so the exact path may differ slightly from the standard Android settings.

Viewing the Password in Settings (Android 10 and Newer)

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then WiFi. Tap the network name you want to see the password for — not the toggle switch, but the network name itself. A details screen will open showing the network name, security type, and other information. Look for a Password field or an eye icon next to the password. Tap the eye icon or the password field to reveal the full password in plain text.

On some phones, the password field may show dots or asterisks until you tap it. On others, you may need to scroll down to see the password line. If you do not see a password field at all, your phone may not have stored the password (for example, if you connected using a QR code without entering it manually), or you may have an older Android version that does not display passwords this way.

Finding the Password File on Older Android Versions

If your phone runs Android 9 or earlier, or if the Settings method does not show the password, you can access the WiFi configuration file directly. You will need a file manager app — most Android phones come with one, or you can read one like Solid Explorer or MiXplorer from the Google Play Store. Open the file manager and navigate to the root directory (usually shown as a forward slash / at the top of the folder list).

From the root, go to data, then misc, then wifi. Look for a file named wpa_supplicant.conf. Open it with a text editor (the file manager usually offers this as an option when you long-press the file). The file contains all your saved networks in plain text, including the passwords. Search for the network name you want — it will be listed under a section that starts with ssid= followed by your network name. The password will be on the next line, labeled psk=.

If you cannot navigate to the data folder, your phone may have restricted file access. Some phones require you to enable Developer Options first, or to root the phone to access system files. Rooting is a more advanced step that carries risks, so this method works best if your phone already allows file manager access to system folders.

Using a Third-Party App to Retrieve the Password

Several apps on the Google Play Store can show you saved WiFi passwords without requiring you to dig through files manually. Apps like WiFi Password Show, WiFi Passwords, and Saved WiFi Passwords work by reading the wpa_supplicant.conf file and displaying the results in a straightforward list. read one of these apps, open it, and grant it the permissions it requests — usually file access or device administrator access.

These apps work best on rooted phones or phones with unrestricted file access. On newer Android versions with tighter security, the app may not be able to read the file even if it asks for permission. Always check the app reviews before downloading to see whether it works on your specific Android version and phone model — compatibility varies widely.

Resetting Your Router if You Cannot Find the Password

If you cannot locate the password through any of these methods, you can reset your router to its factory defaults and create a new password. Locate the reset button on the back or bottom of your router — it is usually a small hole that requires a paperclip or pin to press. Hold the reset button 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 usually printed on a sticker on the device itself.

After the reset, your phone will no longer be connected to the network. Open your phone's WiFi settings, select the router's default network name, and enter the default password from the sticker. Once connected, you can log into the router's admin page (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) and change the password to something you choose. Then reconnect your phone using the new password.

Why Your Phone Might Not Show the Password

Some networks do not display a password in Android settings even after you have connected. This happens when you joined the network using a QR code, a WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) button, or a guest network that does not require a password. In these cases, Android may not have stored a password to show you — the connection was established through a different method.

If you joined using a QR code, the password is embedded in the code itself, not stored separately on your phone. You would need the original QR code or access to the router settings to see the actual password. For WPS connections, there is no password to retrieve — the connection was authenticated through the button press instead. Guest networks often have no password or a temporary one that changes regularly.

Differences Between Phone Makers

Samsung phones, Google Pixel phones, and others may have slightly different menu names or layouts in their settings apps. On Samsung devices running One UI, the path is usually Settings, Connections, WiFi, then tap the network name. On Google Pixel phones, it is Settings, Network and Internet, WiFi, then the network name. The steps are the same, but the menu organization differs.

If you cannot find the password using the standard path for your phone, search your settings app for "WiFi" or "Network" to jump directly to the right section. You can also check your phone maker's support website for screenshots showing the exact menu path on your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password for a network I am not currently connected to?

Yes, if you have connected to it before, Android has saved the password. Open Settings, go to WiFi, and tap the network name from the list of saved networks. The password will display the same way as for a currently connected network. You do not need to be actively connected to view it.

What if the password field shows only dots or asterisks?

Tap the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it in plain text. If there is no eye icon, try tapping directly on the dots themselves — some phones toggle the visibility that way. If nothing works, your phone may not support viewing passwords in settings, and you will need to use the file manager method instead.

Is it safe to use an app that shows WiFi passwords?

Apps that read the wpa_supplicant.conf file are reading data already stored on your phone, so they are not less find than viewing the password in settings. However, only read apps from the official Google Play Store and check the reviews first. Avoid apps that ask for unusual permissions or have poor ratings.

Can I see passwords for networks I have forgotten about?

Yes. Open Settings, WiFi, and scroll through the list of saved networks — these are all the networks your phone has connected to before. Tap any network name to see its password, even if you have not used it in months or years. This list includes networks from places you have visited in the past.

What happens if I reset my router?

Resetting the router erases all your custom settings, including the password you created. It returns to the default network name and password printed on the device. You will need to reconnect all your devices using the default credentials, then log into the router and set up a new password and network name.