Where Android stores your WiFi password

Android keeps the password for any WiFi network you have connected to before, but the location and how you reach it depends on which version of Android you have and whether your phone is rooted. On Android 10 and later, Google moved passwords behind stronger security — you cannot see them in plain text through the normal settings menu, even on your own phone. Instead, you can view the password through your router's admin panel, or use a workaround that requires either a rooted device or a computer connected to the same network.

If your Android version is 9 or earlier, the password is visible in Settings under WiFi, though you still need to be the device owner. Rooting your phone (giving yourself administrator access to Android's core files) lets you bypass these restrictions on any version, but it voids your warranty and opens your phone to security risks if you are not careful about what apps you grant access to.

Key Takeaways

  • Android 10 and later do not display WiFi passwords in the settings app, even for networks you created or own.
  • On Android 9 and earlier, you can view the password by going to Settings > WiFi, long-pressing the network name, and selecting "Manage".
  • The most reliable 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.
  • Rooting your phone allows you to view passwords on Android 10+, but it removes manufacturer protections and can break software updates.

Viewing the password on Android 9 and earlier

Open the Settings app and tap WiFi. Find the network name you want the password for and long-press it (press and hold for two seconds). A menu will appear with several options. Tap "Manage" or "Manage network settings" depending on your phone brand.

A new screen will open showing the network details. Look for a field labeled "Password" or "Pre-shared key (PSK)". The password will be hidden by default under dots or asterisks. Tap the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot before you leave this screen, because Android will not show it to you again unless you repeat these steps.

Why Android 10 and later hide the password

Starting with Android 10, Google removed the ability to view saved WiFi passwords from the settings menu. This change was made to prevent other people who pick up your phone from seeing passwords to networks you use regularly. The trade-off is that you cannot easily recover a password you have forgotten, even on your own device.

This restriction applies to all users on the phone, including the owner. Even if you set up the network yourself, Android will not show you the password after you have connected. The only exception is if your phone is rooted, which gives you access to the underlying file system where Android stores the encrypted password data.

Using your router to find the password

The most straightforward way to recover a WiFi password on any Android version is to log into your router's admin panel from a computer, tablet, or another phone connected to the same network. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. One of these addresses is the default gateway for most home routers.

You will be asked to log in with a username and password. If you have never changed these, they are usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router — often something like "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network Settings", or something similar. The password field will show your network password in plain text.

If you cannot remember the router login, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your custom settings and return the login to the default, so you will need to set up your network again from scratch.

Rooting your phone to view passwords on Android 10+

Rooting gives you administrator-level access to Android's file system, which lets you view the encrypted password files that Android stores. The process varies by phone model and Android version. Common rooting tools include Magisk, SuperSU, and KingoRoot, though the availability and safety of these tools changes frequently.

Rooting has serious downsides. Your phone manufacturer will no longer send you security updates, which leaves your device vulnerable to new threats. Many banking apps and payment services refuse to work on rooted phones. If something goes wrong during the rooting process, you can brick your phone (render it unusable). For these reasons, rooting is only worth considering if you have a specific technical need and understand the risks.

Using ADB to extract the password from a computer

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a tool that lets you communicate with your Android phone from a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. If you have ADB installed and your phone is connected via USB with developer mode enabled, you can pull the WiFi password file from your phone without rooting it. This method works on Android 10 and later.

First, enable Developer Options on your phone by going to Settings > About Phone and tapping "Build Number" seven times. Then go back to Settings, open Developer Options, and turn on "USB Debugging". Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable. On your computer, open a command prompt or terminal and run adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml. This downloads the file containing your saved WiFi networks and passwords to your computer. You can then open the file in a text editor and search for your network name to find the password. This method requires some comfort with command-line tools and is more technical than the router method.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If you have forgotten your WiFi password and cannot access your router, you have two options. The first is to reset your router to factory settings using the reset button, which will erase all your settings and return the login credentials to the default printed on the router. You will then need to set up your network again and create a new password.

The second option is to contact your internet service provider (ISP). They can sometimes reset your router remotely or provide you with the default login so you can access the admin panel yourself. Have your account number and a form of ID ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password on Android 10 without rooting?

Not through the settings app. Your best option is to log into your router's admin panel from a computer using the address 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If you have a Google Nest WiFi or similar mesh system, you can also view the password through the manufacturer's app on any device.

What if I do not know my router login password?

The default login is usually printed on a sticker on your router. If you have changed it and forgotten it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your custom settings, so you will need to set up your network again.

Is it safe to use ADB to view my WiFi password?

Yes, ADB is a legitimate tool made by Google. The main risk is that you might accidentally delete or modify system files if you run the wrong command. Stick to the exact command shown above and you will be fine.

Will rooting my phone let me see all my saved WiFi passwords?

Yes, rooting gives you access to the encrypted password files. However, rooting removes your manufacturer warranty, blocks security updates, and breaks many apps. The router method is safer and faster for most people.

Can someone else view my WiFi password if they have my phone?

On Android 10 and later, no — they cannot see it through the settings app. On Android 9 and earlier, they can if they have access to your phone. If you are concerned about this, you can change your WiFi password through your router, which will disconnect anyone using the old password.