Where Android stores your saved WiFi passwords

Android keeps the passwords for networks you have connected to before in a settings file on your phone. You can view these passwords directly in your phone's settings without needing any extra apps or a computer. The exact steps depend on which version of Android your phone runs, but the process is similar across most devices.

Your phone stores these passwords in an encrypted form, which means only you can see them when you are logged into your device. If someone else picks up your phone and tries to look, they will not be able to access the passwords unless they know your lock code or fingerprint.

Key Takeaways

  • Android stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network or WiFi, and you can view them by tapping a saved network name.
  • On Android 10 and newer, you tap the network name and then look for a "Show password" option or a QR code option.
  • On older Android versions, the password appears directly when you tap the network, sometimes under "Advanced" or "Show password".
  • If you cannot find the password in settings, your phone may not have saved it, or you may need to check a different network name if your router broadcasts multiple networks.

Steps for Android 10, 11, 12, and newer

Open your phone's Settings app. Scroll down and tap Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by phone brand). Then tap WiFi.

You will see a list of networks your phone has connected to before. Find the network name you want the password for and tap it. A menu will pop up with options. Look for Show password, Manage, or a small eye icon. Tap whichever one appears, and the password will display on your screen. Some phones show a QR code instead — you can scan that code with another device to connect without typing the password.

Steps for Android 9 and earlier

Open Settings and go to WiFi. Find the network name in the list and tap and hold it (press and do not let go) until a menu appears. Tap Manage or View details. On some phones, you may need to tap Advanced or More options first.

Look for a checkbox or toggle that says Show password. Check the box, and the password will appear in the field above. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the menu, because it will disappear once you leave this screen.

What to do if the password does not appear

If you tap the network and no password field shows up, your phone did not save the password when you first connected. This sometimes happens if you entered the wrong password initially or if the connection was interrupted. In that case, you will need to get the password from your router or from whoever set up the network.

Another common reason is that your router broadcasts more than one network name. Some routers create a separate 5 GHz network alongside the standard 2.4 GHz network, and they may have different passwords even though they look similar. Check your router's label or settings to see if there are multiple network names, and look for each one in your phone's WiFi list.

How to find the password on your router if your phone does not have it

If your phone never connected to the network before, or if you cannot find it in settings, you can look up the password on the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the network name and password printed on it. Look for words like "WiFi Password", "Network Key", or "PSK".

If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can log into the router's settings page from a computer or another device that is already connected. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Log in with the username and password (often "admin" and "admin", or printed on the router). Once inside, look for a WiFi settings or Security section where the password is displayed.

Why you might want to change your WiFi password

If you found your password and realize it is something straightforward like "12345678" or the default one that came with your router, consider changing it to something stronger. A weak password makes it easier for people nearby to connect to your network without permission and use your internet.

You can change the password through the same router settings page where you found it. Create a password that is at least 12 characters long and mixes letters, numbers, and symbols. After you change it, you will need to reconnect all your devices using the new password — your phone will forget the old one and ask you to enter the new one the next time you try to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Android only stores passwords for networks your phone has successfully connected to before. You cannot view the password for a network you have never joined, even if it is in range right now.

Will viewing my password on my phone show it to anyone else?

Only if they have physical access to your unlocked phone. The password is stored in an encrypted section that requires your lock code or biometric unlock to access. If your phone is locked, they cannot see it.

What if I forgot my password and the sticker on the router is gone?

You can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase your custom password and return it to the default one printed on the label. You will then need to set up the router again and create a new password.

Do I need to do anything special if my router has two network names?

No. Your phone treats them as separate networks and stores a password for each one. If you connected to both, you will see both names in your WiFi list and can view the password for each separately.

Can I share my WiFi password with someone without telling them the actual password?

Yes. On Android 10 and newer, when you view the password, your phone shows a QR code. Another person can open their camera app and point it at the QR code, then tap the notification that appears to connect automatically without typing anything.