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Setup and Configuration

How to See Wifi Password in Android? Open Wifi Settings

Introduction Have you ever connected your Android phone to a Wi-Fi network, only to forget the password later when you needed to share it with a friend, connect a new device, or set up a smart TV? You are not alone. This is one of the most common frustrations

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Introduction

Have you ever connected your Android phone to a Wi-Fi network, only to forget the password later when you needed to share it with a friend, connect a new device, or set up a smart TV? You are not alone. This is one of the most common frustrations for smartphone users. The good news is that modern Android devices make it surprisingly easy to retrieve saved Wi-Fi passwords without installing third-party apps or resorting to risky methods.

In this guide, we will walk you through exactly How to See Wifi Password in Android? by opening your Wi-Fi settings, along with several alternative methods for older devices and different manufacturer skins. Whether you are using a Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi, OnePlus, or any other Android phone, you will find a method that works for you. We will also cover troubleshooting tips, security best practices, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Table of Contents

Why You Might Need to See a Saved Wi-Fi Password

There are many practical reasons you might want to retrieve a Wi-Fi password from your Android phone. Perhaps a guest is visiting and you want to connect their laptop without typing the long password manually. Maybe you bought a new smart TV or IoT device and need to enter the credentials. Or perhaps you simply forgot the password yourself and only have it saved on your phone.

Before Android 10, retrieving a saved Wi-Fi password required root access or third-party apps, which posed security risks. Today, most modern Android phones let you view or share the password directly from the system settings, thanks to Google’s push for better user experience and transparency.

Method 1: Using Android 10 and Above (Built-in Password Reveal)

If your phone runs Android 10 or newer, there is a good chance you can view the Wi-Fi password directly from the settings menu. This is the simplest and most secure method because it uses the operating system’s native features.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
  2. Tap on Network & Internet (or Connections on some devices).
  3. Select Wi-Fi.
  4. Tap on the name of the network you are currently connected to, or tap the gear icon next to a saved network.
  5. Look for a Share button, which is usually represented by a QR code icon.
  6. Authenticate using your fingerprint, face unlock, or device PIN.
  7. After authentication, the Wi-Fi password will be displayed in plain text beneath the QR code.

This method works on most stock Android devices and many OEM skins. The password is only revealed after biometric or PIN authentication, which protects your network from unauthorized access.

Method 2: Android 12 and Above (Improved Sharing)

Starting with Android 12, Google refined the Wi-Fi sharing experience. The process is similar to Android 10 but with a cleaner interface and more consistent placement of the password field.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Internet.
  2. Tap the gear icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
  3. Tap Share.
  4. Verify your identity with biometrics or PIN.
  5. The password appears below the QR code. You can also tap to copy it to the clipboard.

Android 12 also introduced a “Nearby Share” style flow for Wi-Fi credentials, making it easier to send the password to another Android device without showing it on screen.

Method 3: Samsung Galaxy Devices

Samsung’s One UI skin has its own layout, but the functionality is essentially the same. Samsung devices running Android 10 or later support viewing saved Wi-Fi passwords.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Connections, then Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap the gear icon next to the network you want.
  4. Tap QR code at the bottom of the screen.
  5. Authenticate with fingerprint or PIN.
  6. The password will be shown below the QR code.

On some older Samsung models, you may need to tap Manage network settings or look for a Password field instead of a QR code. Samsung also allows you to share the network via a QR code that other devices can scan.

Method 4: Google Pixel Devices

Pixel phones run stock Android, so the process is straightforward and closely matches the Android 10/12 methods described above.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Network & Internet.
  3. Tap Internet.
  4. Tap the gear icon next to your Wi-Fi network.
  5. Tap Share.
  6. Authenticate with fingerprint or PIN.
  7. View or copy the password displayed beneath the QR code.

Pixel devices also support sharing Wi-Fi credentials through Quick Share, which can send the password directly to another Android phone nearby.

Method 5: Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO Devices (MIUI / HyperOS)

Xiaomi’s MIUI and newer HyperOS have a slightly different interface, but viewing the Wi-Fi password is still possible on recent versions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap the arrow or info icon next to your connected network.
  4. Look for Share password or a QR code icon.
  5. Authenticate if prompted.
  6. The password appears below the QR code.

On some MIUI versions, you may need to tap Share Wi-Fi and then Show password. If your Xiaomi device is running an older MIUI version, the password may not be visible in plain text, and you may need to use the QR code method or ADB instead.

Method 6: OnePlus Devices (OxygenOS)

OnePlus phones running OxygenOS follow a layout similar to stock Android with minor tweaks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi & Network.
  3. Tap Wi-Fi.
  4. Tap the gear icon next to your network.
  5. Tap Share or the QR code icon.
  6. Authenticate with fingerprint or PIN.
  7. Read the password shown beneath the QR code.

Method 7: Sharing via QR Code

Even if you cannot see the password in plain text, most modern Android phones let you generate a QR code that contains the Wi-Fi credentials. Another device can scan this QR code to connect automatically without typing the password.

How to Use QR Code Sharing

  1. Follow the steps in any method above to reach the Share screen.
  2. A QR code will be displayed.
  3. On the other device, open the camera app or a QR scanner.
  4. Point it at the QR code.
  5. Tap the prompt to connect to the Wi-Fi network.

This is especially useful when you want to share your Wi-Fi with guests without revealing the password. However, if you specifically need the text password, combine this with the plain-text reveal method when available.

Method 8: Using ADB (Advanced Users)

If your device does not support viewing the password through settings, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to extract saved Wi-Fi credentials. This method requires a computer and some technical comfort.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Enable Developer Options on your phone by tapping Build number seven times in About phone.
  2. Enable USB Debugging in Developer Options.
  3. Connect your phone to a computer via USB.
  4. Install ADB on your computer.
  5. Open a terminal and run: adb devices to confirm connection.
  6. Run: adb shell.
  7. Navigate to the Wi-Fi config directory (path varies by Android version and OEM).
  8. Extract the configuration file containing SSID and password.

Note: On Android 10 and above, direct file access to Wi-Fi configs is restricted without root. ADB may still retrieve some information, but plain-text passwords are often encrypted. This method is most useful on older Android versions (Android 9 and below) or on specific OEM skins that store configs in accessible locations.

Method 9: Rooted Android Devices

On rooted devices, you have full access to the file system, including Wi-Fi configuration files. This was the primary way to retrieve passwords before Android 10 introduced native sharing.

General Approach

  1. Use a root file explorer app.
  2. Navigate to /data/misc/wifi/.
  3. Open wpa_supplicant.conf (older Android) or the relevant config file.
  4. Look for ssid and psk entries. The psk value is your password.

Rooting your device voids warranties and can introduce security risks. Only use this method if you are comfortable with the implications and have a specific need.

Comparison of Methods

Here is a quick comparison to help you choose the right method for your situation.

Method Android Version Root Required Shows Plain Text Difficulty
Built-in Share (Android 10+) 10 and above No Yes Easy
Android 12 Improved Sharing 12 and above No Yes Easy
Samsung One UI 10 and above No Yes Easy
Google Pixel 10 and above No Yes Easy
Xiaomi MIUI / HyperOS Varies No Sometimes Easy to Medium
OnePlus OxygenOS 10 and above No Yes Easy
QR Code Sharing 10 and above No No (encoded) Easy
ADB Any (limited) No (partial) Sometimes Hard
Rooted Device Any Yes Yes Hard

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the right steps, you may run into problems. Here are common issues and how to resolve them.

No Share Button Available

If you do not see a Share or QR code option, your device may be running an older Android version or a heavily customized skin. Check for system updates first. If no update is available, try the ADB or QR code methods, or consider using a trusted third-party app with caution.

Authentication Fails Repeatedly

If fingerprint or PIN authentication fails, ensure your biometrics are set up correctly. Try restarting the phone. If the issue persists, the device may have a security policy enforced by an employer or MDM (Mobile Device Management) that disables password viewing.

Password Not Shown in Plain Text

Some OEMs only show the QR code and not the plain-text password. In this case, scan the QR code with another device, or use a QR decoder app on the same phone to extract the password string.

Network Not Saved

You can only retrieve passwords for networks your phone has saved. If the network was never saved or was removed, the password will not be available.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Keep your phone secured: Since anyone with access to your unlocked phone can view Wi-Fi passwords, use a strong PIN, fingerprint, or face unlock.
  • Update regularly: Newer Android versions offer better and more consistent password sharing features.
  • Use QR codes for guests: Instead of reading out passwords, generate a QR code so guests can connect instantly.
  • Avoid third-party password apps: Many apps claiming to recover Wi-Fi passwords are scams or privacy risks. Stick to built-in methods.
  • Change default router passwords: If your home Wi-Fi still uses the default password printed on the router, change it to something unique and strong.
  • Document important passwords: Store critical network passwords in a reputable password manager rather than relying solely on your phone.
  • Be cautious on public networks: Never attempt to retrieve or share passwords on untrusted or public Wi-Fi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see Wi-Fi passwords without root on older Android versions?

On Android 9 and below, the built-in Share button is usually not available. You may need ADB or a root method. Some OEM skins added this feature earlier than stock Android, so check your specific device’s settings.

Is it legal to view a saved Wi-Fi password?

Viewing a password saved on your own device is perfectly legal. However, attempting to access or share someone else’s network without permission may violate laws and terms of service.

Why does my phone ask for authentication before showing the password?

This is a security feature. It ensures that only the device owner can view sensitive network credentials, even if someone else is holding the unlocked phone.

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

Yes, as long as the network is saved in your phone’s Wi-Fi list. Open Wi-Fi settings, tap the saved network, and follow the Share steps.

Does viewing the password require internet access?

No. The password is stored locally on your device. You do not need an active internet connection to view it.

What if my employer manages my phone?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies can disable password viewing and sharing. If this applies to you, contact your IT department.

Are there apps that can show Wi-Fi passwords?

Some apps claim to do this, but they often require root access and may pose security or privacy risks. The built-in Android methods are safer and recommended.

Conclusion

Retrieving a saved Wi-Fi password on Android has become much easier in recent years. If you are wondering How to See Wifi Password in Android?, the answer in most cases is simple: open your Wi-Fi settings, tap the network, tap Share, and authenticate. Modern Android versions, including Android 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, support this natively, and most major manufacturers have adopted the feature in their custom skins.

For older devices or special situations, methods like QR code sharing, ADB, and root access remain available, though they come with additional complexity or risk. Whichever method you choose, remember to prioritize security: keep your device locked, avoid suspicious third-party apps, and use strong, unique passwords for your networks.

By following the steps in this guide, you should now be able to confidently retrieve and share Wi-Fi passwords on virtually any Android device. Bookmark this page for future reference, and share it with friends who might find it helpful.