Where Android Stores WiFi Passwords and How to Access Them

Android stores WiFi passwords in an encrypted file on your phone, but the method to view them depends on whether your device is rooted and which Android version you have. The simplest path for most people is to use the QR code method, which works on Android 10 and newer without needing to root your phone or know the actual password text. If you need the password as text, you will need either a rooted device or access to your router's admin panel.

The reason Android hides these passwords is security: if someone gains physical access to your phone, they cannot easily extract WiFi credentials to use on other networks. This protection is built into the operating system itself, which is why there is no straightforward "view password" button in the WiFi settings menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Android 10 and newer devices can display a QR code for any saved WiFi network without showing the password as text, and you can scan this code on another device to connect.
  • To see the actual password text, you need either a rooted Android device or access to your router's admin panel to reset and view the password there.
  • The QR code method works when ready and requires only that you have already connected to the network once before.
  • If your device is rooted, the password file is stored at /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf, but accessing it requires a file manager with root permissions.

Using the QR Code Method on Android 10 and Newer

This is the fastest way to share a WiFi password or view it on another device without ever seeing the text. Open the Settings app, tap Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung devices), then select WiFi. Find the network name in the list of saved networks and tap it once — do not tap "Connect" if you are already connected.

A menu will appear with options including "Forget" and sometimes "Manage." Tap the gear icon or "Manage" to open the network details. Look for a QR code icon or button, usually near the top or bottom of this screen. Tap it, and Android will display a QR code that contains the network name and password. You can now scan this code from another phone, tablet, or device to connect to the same network without typing the password manually.

This method works on Android 10, 11, 12, 13, and newer. If you do not see a QR code option, your device is either running Android 9 or older, or your manufacturer has removed this feature — in that case, move to the router method below.

Viewing the Password Text on a Rooted Device

If your Android phone is rooted, you can access the file where WiFi passwords are stored. You will need a file manager app with root permissions, such as ES File Explorer, Solid Explorer, or MiXPlorer. Open the file manager, enable root access (usually through a menu option or by granting superuser permission when prompted), and navigate to /data/misc/wifi/.

Look for a file named wpa_supplicant.conf. Open it with a text editor — the file manager usually has a built-in option to "Open as text." The file contains all your saved networks in XML format. Find the network name you are looking for (it will appear as ssid="YourNetworkName") and look directly below it for the line psk="YourPassword". The text between the quotation marks is your WiFi password.

Rooting your device carries risks: it can void your warranty, expose your phone to security vulnerabilities if done incorrectly, and make system updates difficult. Most people should use the QR code method instead, which requires no rooting.

Finding the Password Through Your Router's Admin Panel

Every WiFi router has an admin panel where you can view or reset the password without needing to root your phone. Open a web browser on any device connected to the network (or on a computer connected by ethernet cable) and go to your router's IP address, usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, check the back or bottom of your router for a sticker listing the correct address.

Log in using the admin username and password. These are often printed on the router itself — common defaults are admin/admin or admin/password, though many routers force you to change this on first setup. Once logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, Security, or Network. The password field will show either the actual password or a series of dots. Some routers let you click an eye icon to reveal it; others require you to click "Edit" or "Change" to see it.

If you do not remember the admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings, so you will need to set up the network again from scratch, but it will restore the default admin credentials printed on the router.

What to Do If You Cannot Remember the Admin Password

If you have forgotten the router admin password and do not want to reset the entire router, contact your internet service provider. They can often reset the admin password remotely or provide you with the default credentials for your specific router model. Have your account number and a form of ID ready when you call.

Alternatively, if you set up the router through a mobile app (common with newer routers from companies like Google, Eero, or Netgear), open that app and look for a WiFi settings or network management section. Many apps display the password directly or let you reset it without needing the admin panel.

Why Android Does Not Show Passwords in Settings

Android intentionally hides saved WiFi passwords from the main settings menu because the operating system assumes that if someone has physical access to your unlocked phone, they should not automatically gain access to your network credentials. This is a security boundary: your phone's lock screen protects your device, but your WiFi password should be a separate layer of protection for your network.

The QR code feature was added in Android 10 as a compromise — it lets you share the password securely without displaying it as text that could be photographed or written down. If you need the password as text for a device that cannot scan QR codes, the router admin panel is the intended path, since it requires you to physically access the router or know the admin credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a saved WiFi password on Android 9 or older?

Not without rooting your device or accessing the router admin panel. Android 9 and earlier do not have the QR code feature. If you need the password, use the router method: log into your router's admin panel at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 and look for the WiFi password in the wireless settings section.

Will viewing a saved WiFi password disconnect me from the network?

No. Viewing the password through the QR code method, the router admin panel, or a rooted file manager does not affect your connection. You can stay connected while you retrieve the password.

What if the QR code option does not appear in my WiFi settings?

Your device is either running Android 9 or older, or your phone manufacturer has disabled this feature. Check your Android version in Settings > About Phone. If you are on Android 10 or newer, try restarting your phone or updating to the latest system version. If it still does not appear, use the router admin panel method instead.

Is it safe to root my phone just to view a WiFi password?

No. Rooting carries security risks and can void your warranty. The QR code method on Android 10+ and the router admin panel method are both safer and do not require rooting. Only root your device if you have a specific reason beyond viewing a WiFi password.

Can I view another person's saved WiFi password on their phone?

Only if their phone is unlocked and you have access to their Settings app. The QR code method requires opening the WiFi settings menu, which is visible to anyone with physical access to an unlocked phone. This is why keeping your phone locked is important if you want to protect your network credentials from others in your household.