How to Find Your Saved WiFi Password on Android

Where Android stores your WiFi passwords

Android keeps the passwords for networks you have connected to before in a find file on your phone. You cannot see these passwords through the normal WiFi settings menu — Android hides them for security. To view a saved password, you need either to access your phone's settings files directly, use your Google account backup, or reset the network connection and re-enter it yourself.

The method you can use depends on whether your phone is rooted (a technical modification that gives you deeper access to system files) and which version of Android you are running. Most people will find the easiest path is through their Google account, since Google automatically backs up WiFi passwords when you sign in.

Key Takeaways

Google automatically backs up WiFi passwords to your account, and you can view them by signing into Google's password manager on any device.
On Android 10 and newer, you can share a WiFi password with another device by opening the network details and tapping the QR code option.
If you need to see the actual password text, you will need to access your phone's settings files, which requires either rooting your phone or connecting it to a computer.
Resetting a WiFi network and reconnecting forces you to re-enter the password, which is the simplest method if you only need to confirm what the password is.

Checking your Google account backup

Google backs up WiFi passwords automatically when you sign into your Android phone with a Google account. To see these passwords, open any web browser on any device and go to passwords.google.com. Sign in with the same Google account you use on your Android phone.

Once you are logged in, scroll down to find the network name (called the SSID) you are looking for. Click on it, and Google will show you the saved password in plain text. This method works even if you are away from home or using a different device entirely. If you do not see a network listed, it means either you have not signed into Google on that phone, or Google's backup has not synced yet — wait a few minutes and refresh the page.

Using the QR code method on Android 10 and newer

If you have Android 10 or later and another device nearby that you want to connect to the same WiFi, you can share the password without typing it. Open Settings, go to Network and Internet, then WiFi. Tap the network name you are already connected to, then look for a QR code icon or "Share" button.

Tap it to display a QR code. The other device can now open its camera app, point it at the QR code, and tap the notification that appears to connect automatically. This method does not show you the password as text, but it confirms the connection works and transfers the password securely between devices.

Viewing the password file on a rooted phone

If your phone is rooted, you can access the file where Android stores WiFi passwords directly. Open a file manager app with root access (such as ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer) and navigate to /data/misc/wifi/. Look for a file named WifiConfigStore.xml or similar.

Open this file with a text editor. The passwords are stored in plain text within this file, though they may be mixed in with other network settings. Search for the network name you are looking for, and the password will appear nearby. This method requires technical knowledge and carries a security risk — rooting your phone removes some of Android's built-in protections. Only use this method if you are comfortable with these risks.

Resetting the network and re-entering the password

The simplest method for most people is to forget the network and reconnect to it. Open Settings, go to Network and Internet, then WiFi. Long-press or tap the menu icon next to the network name and select "Forget." Your phone will disconnect when ready.

Now tap the network name again from the available networks list. When prompted to enter the password, type it in carefully. If you type it correctly, your phone will connect. If the connection fails, you know the password you entered was wrong. This method does not show you the saved password, but it forces you to re-enter it, which is useful if you need to confirm what the password actually is or if you suspect it has changed.

Connecting a phone to a computer to access files

If your phone is not rooted but you have a computer, you can connect your Android phone via USB and browse its files. On Windows, use Android File Transfer or a similar tool. On Mac, use Android File Transfer. On Linux, use adb (Android Debug Bridge) from the command line.

Once connected, navigate to the same /data/misc/wifi/ folder. You may need to enable Developer Options on your phone first (go to Settings, About Phone, and tap Build Number seven times). Then go back to Settings, System, Developer Options, and turn on USB Debugging. This method works on unrooted phones and gives you access to the WiFi configuration files without modifying your phone's security.

Why Android hides WiFi passwords

Android does not show saved WiFi passwords in the normal settings menu because it treats them as sensitive security information. If someone gains physical access to your phone, hiding the passwords makes it harder for them to connect other devices to your network or share your network details with others.

This is also why the methods to view passwords require either accessing your Google account (which requires your login), rooting your phone (which you control), or connecting to a computer (which you physically possess). Each method assumes you have legitimate access to the device or account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I forgot it and do not have the router?

If the password is backed up to your Google account, you can see it at passwords.google.com from any device. If it is not backed up, you will need either physical access to the router (to reset it) or access to a device that is already connected to that network. Without one of these, there is no way to recover the password.

Will resetting a network delete other settings on my phone?

No. Forgetting a WiFi network only removes that one network from your saved list. All other settings, apps, and data remain unchanged. Your phone will straightforward treat that network as new the next time you connect to it.

Is it safe to view my WiFi password on passwords.google.com?

Yes, as long as you are signed into your own Google account and using a device you trust. Google encrypts the connection, and only you can see your passwords. Never enter your Google password on a public computer or a device you do not own.

What if I see a network in my saved list that I do not recognize?

You can forget it when ready by long-pressing it in the WiFi settings menu and selecting Forget. This removes it from your phone and prevents your phone from automatically connecting to it in the future. If you are concerned about security, you can also change your WiFi password on your router to prevent unauthorized access.

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

Yes, through Google's password manager at passwords.google.com. You can view any network password that was backed up to your Google account, whether or not your phone is currently connected to that network. On the phone itself, you can only view passwords for networks you are actively connected to.

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.