Where Android stores your hotspot password
Your Android phone stores the hotspot password in the same settings menu where you turned the hotspot on. The exact path depends on your phone's manufacturer — Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and others arrange their menus slightly differently — but the password is always in the hotspot or tethering settings, never buried elsewhere.
The password itself is generated automatically when you first enable hotspot. You can see it without changing it, or you can create a new one if you want something easier to remember or if you suspect someone has written it down.
Key Takeaways
- Your hotspot password lives in Settings under Mobile Hotspot, Hotspot, or Tethering — the exact name varies by phone brand.
- Most Android phones show the password in plain text on the hotspot settings screen, so you can read it without any special steps.
- If you cannot find the password field, your phone may be set to hide it; toggling "Show password" will reveal it.
- You can generate a new password from the same screen if you want to change what your guests type in.
Finding the password on Samsung phones
On Samsung Galaxy phones, open Settings, then tap Mobile Hotspot and Tethering (or sometimes just Hotspot). You will see a section labeled Mobile Hotspot with a toggle switch. If the hotspot is already on, the password appears directly below the network name in a field labeled Password.
If the password field shows dots instead of the actual characters, look for a Show password checkbox or eye icon near the password field and tap it. The password will then display in plain text so you can read it to someone or type it into another device.
Finding the password on Google Pixel and stock Android
On Google Pixel phones and other devices running near-stock Android, go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then Hotspot and Tethering. Tap Wi-Fi Hotspot (or Mobile Hotspot). The network name and password both appear on this screen.
The password is shown in a field below the network name. If it displays as dots, tap the eye icon to the right of the password field to reveal the actual characters. This works the same way as a password field on a website.
Finding the password on other Android brands
OnePlus, Motorola, and other manufacturers use similar layouts but with slightly different menu names. The general path is Settings → search for "hotspot" or "tethering" → tap the result → look for the password field on the hotspot settings screen.
If you cannot find the password by browsing, use your phone's search function within Settings. Open Settings, tap the search icon at the top, type "hotspot password," and the system will take you directly to the right screen. This works on almost all Android phones regardless of brand.
What to do if the password field is blank or missing
If you see the hotspot settings screen but no password appears, the hotspot may not be turned on yet. Toggle the Mobile Hotspot or Wi-Fi Hotspot switch to the on position. Android generates a password automatically as soon as you enable the hotspot, and it will then appear on the screen.
If the hotspot is already on and you still see no password, try turning it off and back on. This forces Android to refresh the settings screen and display the password. If the problem persists, restart your phone — this clears temporary glitches that sometimes hide the password field.
Changing your hotspot password
To create a new password, open the hotspot settings screen (using the steps above for your phone brand), then tap the password field itself or look for an Edit button or pencil icon next to it. You can then type a new password directly into the field.
Android requires hotspot passwords to be at least 8 characters long. Use a mix of letters and numbers if you want it harder to guess, but keep it short enough that you can say it aloud without mistakes. When you are done typing, tap Save or Done. The new password takes effect when ready, and anyone already connected will be disconnected and must re-enter the new password to reconnect.
Why you might not remember your password
Android generates a random password the first time you turn on hotspot, and most people never write it down. If you have had the hotspot on for months or years, you may have straightforward forgotten what the system created. The solution is always the same: open the hotspot settings, look at the password field, and either read it or change it to something you will remember.
If you have already given the old password to someone and now want to change it, changing the password will log them out. They will see that the network still exists but will not be able to connect until you give them the new password. This is useful if you suspect someone has shared your hotspot password with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my hotspot password if I forgot it?
Yes. Open your hotspot settings using the steps for your phone brand, and the password is displayed on the screen. If it shows as dots, tap the eye icon or "Show password" option to reveal it in plain text.
What if my phone does not show a password field at all?
Make sure the hotspot is actually turned on — Android only displays the password once the hotspot is active. If it is on and you still see no password field, try turning the hotspot off and back on, or restart your phone.
Can I use a password I choose instead of the one Android generated?
Yes. Tap the password field in your hotspot settings and type a new password. It must be at least 8 characters long. Tap Save or Done, and the new password takes effect right away.
Will changing my hotspot password disconnect people who are already using it?
Yes. Anyone connected to your hotspot will be disconnected when you change the password. They will need the new password to reconnect.
Where is the hotspot password stored if I want to back it up?
The password is stored only in your phone's hotspot settings. Android does not back it up to the cloud automatically. If you want to remember it, write it down or take a screenshot of the settings screen.