How to Find Your WiFi Password on Android

Where Android Stores Your WiFi Password

Android keeps WiFi passwords in a settings file that the system encrypts and locks away from other apps. You can view a password you have already connected to, but only if you have set up a screen lock on your phone — Android will not show passwords on unlocked devices. The password appears in plain text once you unlock it, so anyone with access to your unlocked phone can see it.

The exact steps depend on which version of Android you run. Android 10 and newer have a simpler path than older versions, and some phone makers like Samsung add their own screens on top of Android's standard settings. The core idea stays the same: go to WiFi settings, find the network you want, and tap to reveal the password.

Key Takeaways

Your phone must have a screen lock (PIN, pattern, or fingerprint) before Android will show you a stored WiFi password.
On Android 10 and newer, open Settings, go to WiFi, tap the network name, then tap the QR code icon to see the password.
On Android 9 and older, the path is Settings, WiFi, long-press the network name, then tap Show Password.
If you cannot see the password field, your phone may not have a screen lock enabled, or you may not have connected to that network before.
Some Samsung phones and other brands show passwords in a different location within their own WiFi settings screens.

Steps for Android 10 and Newer

Open the Settings app and tap WiFi. You will see a list of networks your phone has connected to before, along with any networks currently broadcasting nearby. Find the network whose password you want to see and tap its name once.

A panel will slide up or pop open showing details about that network. Look for a QR code icon — it usually appears in the top right corner of this panel. Tap the QR code icon, and Android will display the password in plain text below the code. You can now read it, copy it, or share it by taking a screenshot.

If you do not see a QR code icon, your phone may be running an older version of Android, or your phone maker may have changed the layout. In that case, look for a "Show password" checkbox or toggle on the same panel. Tap it to reveal the password in plain text.

Steps for Android 9 and Older

Open Settings and tap WiFi. Find the network you want and long-press its name — hold your finger on it for a second or two until a menu appears. Do not just tap once; the single tap will try to connect or show basic info, but the long-press opens the full options.

From the menu that appears, tap "Modify network" or "Edit" (the exact wording varies by phone). A new screen will open showing the network details. Scroll down until you see the password field, which is usually labeled "Password" or "PSK." The password will be hidden by dots or asterisks at first.

Look for a "Show password" checkbox near the password field and tap it. The dots will change to plain text, and you can now read the password. Some older phones show a small eye icon next to the field instead of a checkbox — tap the eye to toggle the password visibility.

What to Do If You Cannot See the Password

The most common reason you cannot see a password is that your phone does not have a screen lock set up. Android treats the WiFi password as sensitive information and will not display it unless you have a PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or face unlock enabled. Go to Settings, search for "Screen lock" or "Lock screen," and set up at least a PIN before trying again.

Another reason is that you have never actually connected to that network before. Android only stores passwords for networks you have joined. If you are looking at a network that is broadcasting but you have never entered its password, the password field will be empty or missing entirely.

If the network is grayed out or marked as "Saved" but you still cannot see the password, try forgetting the network and reconnecting. Go to WiFi settings, long-press the network name, and tap "Forget." Then find the network in the list of available networks, tap it, enter the password again, and connect. After that, you should be able to view the password using the steps above.

Viewing Passwords on Samsung and Other Branded Phones

Samsung phones, Google Pixels, and other brands sometimes place the password view in a different location than stock Android. On Samsung phones running Android 10 or newer, open Settings, tap Connections, then WiFi. Find your network and tap the gear icon next to it, not the network name itself. This opens Samsung's own settings screen, where you can tap "Show password" to reveal it.

Google Pixel phones follow the standard Android path described above. Other manufacturers like OnePlus, Motorola, and LG usually follow the standard path as well, but may have slight differences in button labels or menu names. If you cannot find the password using the standard steps, try searching your phone's Settings app for "WiFi password" — most phones have a search feature that can point you to the right screen.

Sharing a WiFi Password Without Showing It

If you want to give someone else access to your WiFi without telling them the password, Android offers a safer option. On Android 10 and newer, open WiFi settings, tap your network name, and tap the QR code icon. The QR code displayed is unique to your network and password. Have the other person open their phone's camera app, point it at the QR code, and tap the notification that appears. Their phone will connect automatically without ever displaying the password.

This method works only if both phones are running Android 10 or newer. For older phones or iPhones, you will need to either tell them the password or use a guest network if your router supports one. Many modern routers let you create a separate guest network with its own password, which you can change or disable later without affecting your main network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I forgot my phone's screen lock PIN?

No. Android will not display WiFi passwords on phones without a screen lock, even if you own the phone. You will need to reset your screen lock through your Google account or Samsung account (depending on your phone brand) before you can view passwords. This is a security feature to prevent someone who steals your phone from easily accessing your networks.

Why does the password field show dots instead of the actual password?

The dots are a security feature that hides the password from anyone looking over your shoulder. Tap the "Show password" checkbox or eye icon to change the dots to readable text. The password will remain visible until you close the settings screen or toggle the checkbox again.

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

You can forget it to remove it from your phone's memory. Long-press the network name and tap "Forget." Your phone will no longer automatically connect to it. If you are concerned about security, change your WiFi password on your router to prevent anyone else from using the old password.

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

Only if you have connected to them before and your phone saved the password. Android only stores passwords for networks you have joined. If a network is broadcasting but you have never entered its password, you cannot view it from your phone's settings.

Is it safe to view my WiFi password on my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone has a screen lock and you are the only person with access to it. The password is encrypted in storage and only displayed after you unlock your phone. Avoid viewing or sharing your password on a phone that others can access, or on a phone you use in public places.

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.