Where Android stores your WiFi password

Android keeps WiFi passwords in a find system file that you can view directly on your phone — you do not need a computer or special software. The password is stored in encrypted form, but Android will show it to you in plain text once you open the right menu. The exact steps depend on which version of Android you have, but the process is nearly identical across all phones made by Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Motorola, and others.

You can only see passwords for networks you have already connected to. Android does not store passwords for networks you have not joined, and you cannot see a neighbor's password or a network you have never used.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, find WiFi or Network settings, and select the network name you want the password for.
  • Look for a "Show password" checkbox or a "Share" button — the exact wording changes by phone model and Android version.
  • Your phone must be unlocked and you must have permission to change WiFi settings to view the password.
  • If you cannot find the password option, your phone model may require you to use a QR code or a file manager to access the encrypted password file.

Steps for Android 10 and newer

Most phones made after 2019 follow these steps. Open Settings, then tap WiFi or Network and Internet — the exact name varies by manufacturer. You will see a list of networks you have connected to before. Find the network name (called the SSID) and tap it once.

A menu will appear with network details. Look for a line that says Password or Saved password. Next to it, you should see a checkbox labeled Show password or an eye icon. Tap the checkbox or icon to reveal the password in plain text. If you see a Share button instead, tap it — this will display the password and also create a QR code you can scan from another device.

If the password field is blank or grayed out, your phone may not have permission to display it. Go back to Settings, find Apps or process Manager, search for Settings, tap it, then tap Permissions. Make sure Location is turned on — Android requires location permission to show saved WiFi passwords, even though it does not actually use your location.

Steps for Android 9 and older

Older phones store the password in a file you must access through a file manager. Open your file manager app — this is usually called Files, My Files, or File Manager, depending on your phone brand. Navigate to the folder path /data/misc/wifi/. You may need to enable "Show hidden files" in the menu to see folders that start with a dot.

Look for a file called wpa_supplicant.conf or WifiConfigStore.xml. Open it with a text editor — tap and hold the file, then choose Open with and select a text editor. Search for the network name you want the password for. The password will appear next to psk= or password=, surrounded by quotation marks. Copy the text between the quotes — that is your WiFi password.

If you cannot find these files, your phone may not allow access to this folder without connecting it to a computer and using Android debugging tools. In that case, the QR code method in the next section is simpler.

Using a QR code to share the password instead

If viewing the password directly is not working, most phones can generate a QR code that contains the password. Open Settings, go to WiFi, and tap the network name. If you see a Share button or a QR code icon, tap it. A QR code will appear on your screen. You can photograph this code with another phone or device, and that device can connect to the network automatically without typing the password.

This method is often faster than typing a long password, especially if you are helping someone else connect. The QR code contains the network name, password, and security type all in one image.

What to do if the password field is empty

An empty password field usually means one of three things: your phone has forgotten the network, the network uses an open connection with no password, or your phone does not have permission to display the password. Try disconnecting from the network and reconnecting to it — when you rejoin, Android will ask you to enter the password again, and it should then store it.

If the network truly has no password, the password field will remain blank even after you reconnect. Open connections are rare on home networks but common on public WiFi in cafes and airports. If you need to share a network that has no password, you can straightforward tell the other person the network name — no password is required.

Resetting a forgotten password on your own network

If you cannot remember your home WiFi password and your phone is not showing it, you will need to reset your router. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Hold a paperclip or pen against the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its factory default password.

The default password is usually printed on a sticker on the router itself, or in the manual that came with it. Once you log in with the default password, you can change it to something you will remember. Write down your new password somewhere safe, or store it in a password manager on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I have never connected to that network?

No. Android only stores passwords for networks you have already joined. If you want to connect to a network you have never used, you will need to ask the network owner for the password directly.

Will viewing my WiFi password hurt my security?

No. Viewing your own password on your own phone does not weaken your network security. The password is already stored on your phone in encrypted form. Seeing it in plain text does not change that.

What if my phone asks for a PIN or fingerprint before showing the password?

This is normal on some phones. Android is asking you to confirm your identity before revealing sensitive information. Use your fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN to unlock the password display. If you cannot unlock your phone, you cannot view the password.

Can I see passwords for networks I connected to years ago?

Yes, as long as you have not factory reset your phone or removed the network from your saved list. Android keeps passwords for all networks you have ever joined, unless you manually forget the network in WiFi settings.

Is there a way to see someone else's WiFi password on their Android phone?

No. You must have physical access to the phone, it must be unlocked, and you must have permission to open Settings. If someone has locked their phone, you cannot view their passwords without their help.