Where Android stores WiFi passwords and how to see them

Android keeps WiFi passwords in a settings file, but the path to view them depends on which version of Android you have and whether your phone is rooted. On Android 10 and newer, Google locked down access to this file for security reasons — you cannot see a saved password through the standard Settings app, even if you created the network yourself. On Android 9 and earlier, you can view passwords through Settings, though the steps vary slightly by manufacturer.

The reason for this change is real: if anyone with physical access to your phone could see every WiFi password you have ever saved, they could use those passwords on other networks. Android 10+ treats saved passwords like it treats saved credit card numbers — visible only to you when you actively need them, not browsable in a list.

Key Takeaways

  • Android 10 and newer do not show saved WiFi passwords in Settings; you must use a workaround or check your router instead.
  • Android 9 and earlier let you view passwords through Settings > WiFi, though the exact menu path depends on your phone maker.
  • The fastest way to recover a forgotten password on any Android version is to log into your router's admin panel from a computer or another device.
  • If you need the password to connect another device, ask the person who set up the network or check any written record from when it was installed.

Viewing saved passwords on Android 9 and earlier

On older Android versions, the password is stored in plain text in a settings file that the Settings app can read. Open Settings, then tap WiFi or WiFi and Network (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Find the network name in the list, long-press it, and tap Manage or Edit. A checkbox or toggle labeled Show password will appear near the bottom of the screen — tap it, and the password displays in the field above.

Some phones from Samsung, LG, or Motorola may label this differently. If you see Advanced options or More settings, tap that first. The password field itself may be labeled PSK, Pre-shared key, or straightforward Password. If the field is grayed out or you do not see a show/hide toggle, your phone is running Android 10 or newer.

Why Android 10 and newer block this view

Starting with Android 10, Google moved WiFi passwords into a restricted system file that the Settings app cannot read directly. This is intentional — it prevents malware or a person who borrows your phone from harvesting all your saved network credentials at once. The tradeoff is that you lose the convenience of viewing a password you set up months ago.

This restriction applies even if you are the owner of the phone and the person who created the network. There is no setting to turn it off without rooting your device, which voids your warranty and introduces security risks of its own.

Getting the password from your router instead

The fastest and most reliable way to recover a WiFi password on any Android version is to access your router's admin panel from a computer, tablet, or another phone. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar (most home routers use one of these). You will be prompted to log in — the default username is often admin and the password is often admin or password, though this varies by manufacturer.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, Network, or Security. The password field is usually called Passphrase, Pre-shared key, or WiFi password. Write it down or take a screenshot. If you cannot remember the router login, check the sticker on the back or bottom of the router — it usually lists the default credentials.

If you do not have access to the router or do not remember the admin password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all settings, including the WiFi password, and returns the router to its original state — you will need to set up the network again from scratch.

Using a file manager to view the password file (Android 9 and earlier only)

On Android 9 and earlier, the WiFi password is stored in a readable text file at /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf. You can view this file using a file manager app if your phone is not rooted, though most standard file managers will not show files in the /data directory by default. You need a file manager that can access hidden system files, such as ES File Explorer, Solid Explorer, or MiXplorer.

Open the file manager, enable the option to show hidden files (usually in Settings or a menu), navigate to /data/misc/wifi/, and open wpa_supplicant.conf with a text editor. The file contains entries for each saved network, and the password appears next to psk=. This method is more technical than using Settings and carries a small risk of accidentally changing the file, so it is best used only if the Settings method does not work.

What to do if you cannot see the password

If you are on Android 10 or newer and need the password for another device, your options are limited. The most practical route is to use your router's admin panel, as described above. If you do not have access to the router, contact the person who set up the network — they may have a record of the password or can reset it for you.

If this is a public or shared network (a workplace, school, or apartment building WiFi), ask the network administrator or IT department. They can reset your password or issue you a new one without affecting other users. Do not attempt to reset the router unless you own it and have permission to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I did not create the network?

No. Android only shows passwords for networks you have personally connected to and saved. If someone else set up the network, you cannot view the password through your phone, even if you are currently connected. You would need to ask the network owner or access the router directly.

Does rooting my phone let me see passwords on Android 10?

Yes, rooting gives you access to system files that the standard Android interface blocks. However, rooting voids your warranty, makes your phone more vulnerable to malware, and can cause stability problems. It is not worth the risk unless you have a specific technical reason to root.

What if the password field shows dots or asterisks instead of the actual password?

That is the Show password toggle not being activated. Long-press the network name again, tap Manage or Edit, and look for a checkbox or eye icon labeled Show password. Tap it to reveal the actual characters.

Can I recover a password if I factory reset my phone?

No. Factory resetting your phone erases all saved WiFi networks and passwords. If you need the password after a reset, you must recover it from the router or contact the network owner.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes, writing it down and storing it in a safe place is actually a good practice. It gives you a backup if you forget it and need to reconnect a device. Keep the written copy in a find location, just as you would with other important passwords.