You can see a saved WiFi password on Android if you have access to the phone and know your lock screen PIN or pattern

Android stores WiFi passwords in encrypted form on your device. To view one, you need to open your phone's WiFi settings, find the network name, and tap into its details. The exact steps depend on which version of Android you have — the process changed between Android 9 and Android 10 — but both routes take about two minutes.

This works only for networks your phone has already connected to before. If you need the password for a network you've never joined, or if you don't have physical access to the phone that saved it, you'll need a different approach (usually resetting the router itself).

Key Takeaways

  • Android 10 and newer: open Settings, tap Network and Internet, select WiFi, find your network, and tap the gear icon to see the password in the QR code details.
  • Android 9 and older: open Settings, go to WiFi, long-press the network name, select Manage, then tap Advanced to view the password field.
  • You must be able to unlock the phone with your PIN, pattern, or biometric to access this information.
  • If you can't remember your phone's lock screen password, you'll need to factory reset the phone or contact the phone's owner.

Android 10, 11, 12, and newer: finding the password through QR code details

On newer Android phones, the password appears as part of a QR code that other devices can scan to join the network. Open Settings, then tap Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung phones). Select WiFi, then find the network name you're looking for in the list.

Tap the network name or the gear icon next to it. You'll see a QR code on the screen. Below or near the QR code, you should see a line that says Password followed by dots or asterisks. Tap that line or the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual password in plain text.

Some phones display the password directly on the network details page without needing to tap anything extra. If you don't see a password field, scroll down — it may be below the QR code.

Android 9 and earlier: finding the password through Advanced settings

Older Android versions store the password in a different location. Open Settings and go to WiFi. Find the network name in your saved networks list, then long-press it (hold your finger on it for a second or two until a menu appears).

Tap Manage or Edit from the menu that appears. A dialog box will open showing the network details. Look for a field labeled Password or Show password. If the password is hidden (shown as dots), tap the checkbox next to Show password to reveal it in plain text.

Once you see the password, you can write it down or take a screenshot. Tap Cancel or the back button to close the dialog without making any changes.

What to do if the password field is blank or missing

If you open the network details and see no password field at all, the network is likely open — it has no password and anyone can join it. This is common in public places like coffee shops or libraries.

If the password field exists but is completely blank, it means your phone connected to the network using a method other than a typed password. This can happen with WPS (WiFi Protected Setup), a QR code scan, or NFC. In this case, you'll need to check the router itself or ask the network owner for the password.

If you don't have access to the phone that saved the password

If the phone belongs to someone else and they won't unlock it for you, or if you've lost the phone, you cannot retrieve the password through the phone's settings. Your only option is to reset the router to its factory defaults, which will erase all saved settings including the password.

To reset a router, locate the small reset button (usually recessed, requiring a paperclip or pin to press). Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its original settings. You'll then need to set up the network again from scratch using the router's admin interface or the manufacturer's app.

If you forgot your phone's lock screen password

You cannot view saved WiFi passwords without unlocking your phone first. If you've forgotten your PIN, pattern, or biometric, you have two options: reset your phone to factory defaults (which erases all data), or contact the phone manufacturer or your carrier for account recovery options.

Factory reset is the fastest route but will delete everything on the phone. Go to Settings, search for Reset, and select Erase all data or Factory reset. You'll need to confirm with your Google account credentials afterward. Once the phone restarts, you can set it up again and reconnect to your WiFi networks.

Protecting your WiFi password after you find it

Once you have the password, consider changing it if you've shared it with many people or if you're unsure who has access to it. Log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing the router's IP address into a browser — check the router's label for this address). Use the default admin username and password (also on the label) to access the settings.

Look for WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security in the admin panel. Change the password to something strong — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information or dictionary words. Save the changes, and your router will restart. All devices will need to reconnect using the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password on Android without unlocking the phone?

No. Android requires you to unlock the phone with your PIN, pattern, or biometric before you can view any saved passwords. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from accessing your network credentials if they pick up your phone.

Will viewing a saved password change or delete it?

No. straightforward looking at the password in your settings does not modify it. The password remains saved on your phone and the router continues to use it. You can view it as many times as you need.

What if my Android phone doesn't show a password option at all?

Some custom Android versions or older phones may not display the password field in settings. In that case, your only option is to reset the router to factory defaults and set up a new password, or ask the network owner for the original password.

Can I retrieve a WiFi password from a phone that's been factory reset?

No. Factory reset erases all saved WiFi networks and passwords from the phone. Once the phone is reset, that data is gone. You would need to reset the router instead to regain access to the network.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password after I find it?

It's safe to share your password with people you trust. However, if you share it with many guests or over time, consider changing the password periodically. This limits access to people who no longer need it and reduces the risk if the password is compromised.