How to Find Your WiFi Password on Android

Where Android Stores Your WiFi Password

Android keeps the password for any WiFi network you have connected to before, but the location and how you reach it depends on which Android version you are running and whether your phone is rooted. On Android 10 and newer, Google moved passwords behind additional security layers — you cannot straightforward open a settings menu and read them in plain text the way you could on older versions.

The easiest method for most people is to look at your router's label or settings instead of your phone. Your router has a sticker on the back or bottom with the network name and password printed on it, and you can also log into the router itself through a web browser to view or change the password. This avoids needing to dig through phone settings altogether.

Key Takeaways

Android 10 and newer do not display saved WiFi passwords in the settings app — you must use your router's label, router settings, or a QR code instead.
Your router's physical label on the back or bottom shows the network name and password without needing to touch your phone.
You can log into your router through a web browser on any device by typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) and entering the admin username and password.
If you need the password for a network you set up yourself, check your email for the confirmation message your internet provider sent when you first connected.
Rooted Android phones can access the password files directly, but this requires technical knowledge and voids your phone's security protections.

Check Your Router's Physical Label

The fastest way to find your WiFi password is to look at the sticker on your router itself. Most routers have a label on the back or bottom that lists the network name (SSID) and the password in plain text. The label usually shows something like "Network Name: YourNetwork" and "Password: abc123xyz" or similar. This method works regardless of what Android version you have and does not require any phone settings changes.

If the label is worn off or missing, you can still access the password through the router's web interface. Open a web browser on any device connected to the same network, type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar, and press Enter. Some routers use a different address like 192.168.0.1 or 10.0.0.1 — if the first one does not work, check your router's manual or the sticker for the correct address. Log in using the admin username and password (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password on the sticker), then look for a section called "Wireless Settings" or "WiFi" to see the network password.

Use a QR Code to Share the Password

If you are trying to give someone else the WiFi password, Android has a built-in QR code feature that avoids typing it out. On Android 10 and newer, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, select WiFi, tap the network name you are connected to, and look for a QR code icon or "Share" button. Tap it to display a QR code that contains the network name and password. The other person can scan this code with their phone's camera app, and Android will prompt them to connect to the network automatically.

This method does not show you the password in text form, but it solves the practical problem of sharing access without needing to read or type the password yourself. If the QR code option does not appear on your phone, your Android version may not support it — in that case, use the router label or web interface method instead.

Log Into Your Router Through a Web Browser

You can view and change your WiFi password by logging into the router itself through any web browser. Connect to the WiFi network on any device (phone, tablet, or computer), open a web browser, and type the router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1, but check your router's label or manual if that does not work. Press Enter and you should see a login page.

Enter the admin username and password. On many routers, both are "admin" by default, but some manufacturers use different defaults — check the sticker on your router or the manual that came with it. Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Wireless Settings," or "Network Settings." Inside that section, you will see the network name (SSID) and the password or passphrase. You can view it, copy it, or change it from this page. After making any changes, look for a "Save" or "explore" button to confirm.

Check Your Email for the Original Setup Information

If you set up the WiFi yourself when you first got internet service, your internet provider likely sent you a confirmation email with the network name and password. Search your email inbox for messages from your internet provider (such as Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, or your local provider) with subject lines like "WiFi Setup," "Network Information," or "Your Internet Service." The email should contain the network name and password you chose or that was assigned to you.

This method only works if you still have access to the email account you used when you signed up for service. If you cannot find the email or do not remember which account you used, the router label or web interface method will get you the answer faster.

What to Do on Android 9 and Older

On Android 9 and earlier, you could view saved WiFi passwords directly in the Settings app. Go to Settings, select WiFi, long-press the network name you are connected to, and tap "Show Password" or a similar option. You may be asked to enter your phone's PIN, pattern, or fingerprint for security. The password will then appear in plain text on the screen.

This method no longer works on Android 10 and newer because Google removed the ability to display passwords this way for security reasons. If you are running an older Android version and this option is not visible, your phone may have been updated or the setting may be hidden in a different location — in that case, use the router label or web interface method instead.

Accessing Passwords on a Rooted Phone

If your Android phone is rooted (meaning you have removed manufacturer restrictions and have full system access), you can view WiFi passwords by accessing the system files where Android stores them. The passwords are saved in a file called wpa_supplicant.conf located in the /data/misc/wifi/ directory. You can view this file using a file manager app designed for rooted phones, such as ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer, by navigating to that directory and opening the file with a text editor.

Rooting your phone to access WiFi passwords is not recommended for most people. Rooting removes security protections that keep your phone safe from malware, voids your manufacturer warranty, and can cause your phone to become unstable or stop receiving security updates. Use this method only if you have technical experience and understand the risks involved. For nearly everyone, the router label or web interface method is simpler and safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Android only stores passwords for networks you have connected to before. If you want to see a password for a network you are not connected to, you must use the router's web interface or check the physical label on that router. You cannot view it through your phone's settings.

What if I forgot the admin password for my router?

Most routers have a reset button on the back that you can hold for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory settings. This will erase all your custom settings and return the admin password to the default (usually "admin" or blank). After resetting, you can log back in and set a new password. Check your router's manual for the exact reset procedure, as it varies by model.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with someone?

Sharing your password with people you trust is generally safe. They will be able to use your internet connection, but they cannot see your other passwords or access your files unless you have shared those separately. If you want to revoke access later, you can change the WiFi password through the router's web interface, which will disconnect anyone using the old password.

Why does Android hide WiFi passwords on newer versions?

Google hid the password display feature for security. If someone gains temporary access to your phone, they cannot easily read all your saved WiFi passwords and use them elsewhere. The QR code sharing feature provides a way to share access without exposing the password in text form.

Can I change my WiFi password from my Android phone?

You cannot change it directly from the WiFi settings app on Android 10 and newer. You must log into your router's web interface through a browser (as described above) to change the password. Once you change it, you will need to reconnect your phone to the network using the new 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.