Where Android Stores Your Hotspot Password

Your Android phone stores the hotspot password in the mobile hotspot settings, not in a separate app or file you can browse. The exact path depends on which Android version and phone manufacturer you have, but the password is always in one of two places: the hotspot settings menu itself, or the Wi-Fi network details if you've already connected another device to it.

The password is generated automatically when you turn on mobile hotspot for the first time. Android creates a random combination of letters and numbers, though most phones let you change it to something you'll remember. Once set, that password stays the same until you manually change it again.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, find Mobile Hotspot or Tethering, and look for the password field — it's usually visible right there without any extra steps.
  • If you can't find the password in settings, check any device already connected to your hotspot by looking at its Wi-Fi network details.
  • Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android phones use slightly different menu names, but the hotspot settings are always in the main Settings app.
  • You can change your hotspot password at any time from the same settings menu, and the change takes effect when ready.

Finding the Password in Settings on Most Android Phones

Start by opening Settings on your Android phone. Scroll down and look for Mobile Hotspot, Tethering, or Wireless and Networks — the exact name varies by manufacturer. Tap that option.

Once you're in the hotspot menu, look for Mobile Hotspot or Wi-Fi Hotspot and tap it. You should see a section showing the network name (called the SSID) and directly below or next to it, the password. The password field often shows dots or asterisks for security, but tapping on it or a nearby eye icon will reveal the actual characters.

If the password field shows only dots and there's no eye icon, try long-pressing on the password field itself — some Android versions reveal the text this way. If that doesn't work, you can straightforward change the password to something you know, which we cover in the next section.

Finding the Password on Samsung Phones

Samsung phones use a slightly different menu structure. Open Settings, then tap Connections at the top. Look for Mobile Hotspot and Tethering or just Mobile Hotspot.

Tap Mobile Hotspot to open the hotspot settings. You'll see the network name and password displayed on this screen. If the password shows as dots, tap the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual password. Samsung's interface usually makes this clearer than other Android versions.

Finding the Password on Google Pixel Phones

Google Pixel phones keep the hotspot settings in a slightly different location. Open Settings and tap Network and Internet. Then tap Hotspot and Tethering or Tethering.

Tap Wi-Fi Hotspot to see the settings. The password appears on this screen, usually with an eye icon next to it. Tap the eye icon to show the full password in plain text.

Checking a Connected Device If You Can't Find It in Settings

If you've already connected a laptop, tablet, or another phone to your hotspot, you can see the password through that device's Wi-Fi settings instead. This works when your Android phone's settings aren't showing the password clearly.

On a Windows laptop, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, then Wi-Fi. Scroll down and click Manage Known Networks, find your hotspot network name, and click it. Click Properties, then scroll to Security and toggle Show Password on. On a Mac, open System Preferences, go to Network, and look for your hotspot in the Wi-Fi list — right-click it and select Get Info, then look for the password in the Security tab.

Changing Your Hotspot Password

If you want to change the password to something easier to remember, go back to the hotspot settings menu where you found the original password. Look for an Edit button, a pencil icon, or a Configure option. Tap it to edit the network settings.

Find the password field and replace the current password with a new one. Android requires at least 8 characters, and most phones accept letters, numbers, and some symbols. After you type the new password, tap Save or Done. The change takes effect when ready, and any devices currently connected will be disconnected — they'll need to reconnect using the new password.

What to Do If You Still Can't See the Password

If your phone's settings menu doesn't show the password field at all, the hotspot feature may not be fully set up. Go back to the hotspot menu and make sure the toggle for Mobile Hotspot is turned on. Sometimes Android won't display the password until the hotspot is active.

If the toggle is already on and you still see no password field, try turning the hotspot off and back on. This refreshes the settings menu and usually makes the password field reappear. If that doesn't work, restart your phone entirely — this clears any temporary glitches that might be hiding the password display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my hotspot password if I've forgotten it?

Yes. Open your hotspot settings and look at the password field — it's stored there and visible (usually behind dots that you can reveal). If your settings menu isn't showing it, turn the hotspot off and back on, or restart your phone. You can also see the password through any device already connected to your hotspot by checking that device's Wi-Fi settings.

Does changing my hotspot password affect my regular internet connection?

No. Your hotspot password is separate from your mobile data plan and your home Wi-Fi password. Changing the hotspot password only affects devices trying to connect to your phone's hotspot — it doesn't change anything about how your phone connects to the internet.

Why does my hotspot password have random letters and numbers?

Android generates a random password automatically when you first turn on the hotspot. This is for security — a random password is harder to guess than a straightforward one. You can change it to anything you want in the hotspot settings menu, as long as it's at least 8 characters long.

What if my hotspot settings don't match the steps you described?

Android varies by phone manufacturer and version. If your menu looks different, search your Settings app for "hotspot" or "tethering" — the search function will take you directly to the right menu. The password field will be in whichever hotspot menu you find.