The quickest way to see your saved WiFi password

On Android 10 and newer, the easiest method is to open Settings, tap System or Advanced (depending on your phone), then Reset options, and select Reset WiFi, mobile & Bluetooth. This does not delete anything — it just resets the connections. After that, go back to Settings > WiFi, select your network, and tap the gear icon next to it. The password appears in plain text under Password.

If that path does not work on your phone, try Settings > WiFi > tap and hold your network name > Modify (or Edit) > check the box next to Show password. The password will appear in the field above.

On older Android versions (9 and below), the built-in settings do not show saved passwords at all. You will need a file manager or a third-party tool instead — see the section below on that approach.

Key Takeaways

  • Android 10 and newer let you see passwords through Settings > WiFi, then tapping the gear icon next to your network and checking the password field.
  • The "Show password" checkbox in the WiFi edit screen works on most newer phones but may be labeled differently depending on your manufacturer.
  • Android 9 and older do not have a built-in way to view saved passwords through Settings alone.
  • If you cannot remember your password and cannot see it on your phone, you can reset your router and set a new one, or log into your router's admin panel from a computer.

Why Android hides WiFi passwords by default

Android stores WiFi passwords in encrypted files on your phone so that other apps cannot read them without your permission. This is a security feature — if someone steals your phone or gains access to it, they cannot easily pull out all your saved passwords and use them elsewhere.

The trade-off is that you cannot easily see your own password either. The system assumes you either remember it or can get it from your router. For most people this is fine, but if you need to share the password with a guest or set up another device, you are stuck.

Using a file manager to find the password on Android 9 and older

If your phone runs Android 9 or earlier, you can view the password file directly using a file manager app. read a file manager like Solid Explorer or ES File Explorer from the Google Play Store. Open it and navigate to Android > data > com.android.systemui > files. Look for a file called WifiConfigStore.xml or similar.

Open the file with a text editor (most file managers have a built-in option). Search for your network name (SSID) in the text. Next to it you will see a line that says psk= followed by a string of characters — that string is your password, usually in plain text or sometimes encoded depending on your Android version.

This method requires you to enable file access to system folders, which some file managers ask permission for when you first try. If you see a warning, tap Allow or Grant. The file itself is read-only, so you cannot accidentally change anything.

Resetting your router if you cannot find the password

If you have tried all the above and still cannot see the password, you can reset your router to factory settings and create a new one. Locate the small Reset button on the back or bottom of your router (usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it). Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

Once it boots back up, connect to the default network name and password printed on a sticker on the router itself. Log into the router's admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser on a computer connected to the router). From there you can set a new WiFi name and password.

Warning: resetting the router will disconnect all devices currently using it, and any custom settings you made (port forwarding, parental controls, etc.) will be erased. Only do this if you are certain you want to start fresh.

Viewing the password from your router's admin panel

Another option is to log into your router directly from a computer. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will be asked for a username and password — these are usually admin and admin, or admin and the default password printed on your router's sticker.

Once logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, or Network Settings. Your current WiFi password will be displayed there, usually in a field labeled Passphrase or Pre-Shared Key. You can also change it from this screen if you want to set something new.

If you do not know your router's admin password, you will need to reset the router (see the section above). Most routers do not have a way to recover a forgotten admin password without a factory reset.

Third-party apps that show WiFi passwords

Several apps on the Google Play Store claim to show your saved WiFi passwords, such as WiFi Password Show, WiFi Passwords, and Instabridge. These apps work by reading the same encrypted files your phone stores, and they require you to grant them permission to access your device files.

Before using any of these apps, check the reviews and permissions carefully. Some are legitimate, but others may collect data or display ads aggressively. If you use one, uninstall it after you have the password — there is no reason to keep an app around that only serves one purpose and requires broad file access.

The built-in Android methods described above are safer because they do not involve third-party software, so try those first.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your phone only stores passwords for networks you have already joined. If you want to see someone else's password, you need access to their phone, their router's admin panel, or you need to ask them directly.

Does viewing my saved password mean someone else can see it too?

Only if they have physical access to your unlocked phone and know how to navigate to Settings or use a file manager. Your lock screen password protects against casual snooping. If someone has your phone unlocked, they can see most of your data anyway.

What if the password field is blank or shows only dots?

On some Android versions and manufacturer skins, the password field stays hidden even after you tap "Show password." Try the file manager method instead, or log into your router's admin panel from a computer to see the password there.

Will showing my WiFi password change anything on my phone or network?

No. Viewing the password does not modify it, disconnect you, or trigger any alerts. It is a read-only action.

Can I see passwords for networks I used to connect to but deleted?

Once you forget a network in Android, the password is deleted from your phone's storage. You cannot recover it from your phone — you would need to check your router or ask the network owner.