HowToFixWiFiSimple fixes  •  Better connection
Setup and Configuration

How to Show Wifi Password in Android? Android Stored Credential

Introduction Forgetting the password of a network you have connected to before is a very common situation. Maybe you want to connect a new phone, a tablet, a smart TV, or share access with someone visiting your home. If this has happened to you, learning How t

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Forgetting the password of a network you have connected to before is a very common situation. Maybe you want to connect a new phone, a tablet, a smart TV, or share access with someone visiting your home. If this has happened to you, learning How to Show Wifi Password in Android? can save you from the hassle of resetting your router or asking your internet provider all over again.

Modern Android versions are far more considerate about this than older ones. Instead of forcing you to dig through hidden files, Android now lets you view or reveal a saved Wi-Fi password in a safe and secure way for most networks you have already connected to at some point. The exact method depends heavily on your Android version, your device manufacturer, and whether you are using the stock Android experience or a custom skin.

This guide is built to cover every realistic and safe approach for stored Wi-Fi credentials on Android. It focuses on legitimate methods using built-in features, explains their limitations, walks through step by step instructions, and helps you figure out which one applies to your exact device. By the end, you will know exactly how to check an Android stored credential for a known network without resorting to risky or unnecessary workarounds.

Table of Contents

Understanding Android Stored Wi-Fi Credentials

Every time you connect to a Wi-Fi network and choose to save it, Android creates a stored credential entry for that network. This entry includes the network name, also known as the SSID, and the password used to authenticate. The goal of this system is convenience. Your phone should automatically reconnect whenever that network is in range without asking you for the password again.

Due to security reasons, Android does not simply display the plain text password in a big visible list for all devices. Instead, access to view that password is gated. On most modern builds, you must authenticate yourself first. This usually means using your screen lock, fingerprint, face unlock, or device PIN. This extra layer exists to stop someone who briefly has physical access to your unlocked phone from casually reading every saved Wi-Fi password.

Another thing worth knowing is that “show Wi-Fi password” is different from “find a random network’s password”. The built-in options only work for networks that are currently saved on your Android device. If your phone has never connected to that router before, there will be no stored credential for it to reveal.

Before You Begin

Before going through the steps for How to Show Wifi Password in Android?, it is worth running a quick check to avoid confusion:

  • Check if you are connected or just saved: You do not have to be actively connected to view the saved password on most Android 10+ devices. Being within range is not strictly required either, as long as the network remains in your saved list.
  • Know your screen lock: Be ready to enter your PIN, pattern, password, or use biometric authentication when prompted.
  • Find your Android version: Go to your device settings and look for “About phone” or “About device” to see your Android version number. This is the single biggest factor for which method will work.
  • Identify your brand UI: Stock Android behaves slightly differently from Samsung One UI, Xiaomi HyperOS/MIUI, OnePlus OxygenOS, OPPO ColorOS, Realme UI, and vivo FuntouchOS/OriginOS.
  • Only use safe methods: Stick to built-in settings. Any method asking for third-party password viewer apps with broad permissions is unnecessary for most users and can be a security concern.

Android Version Compatibility For Viewing Wi-Fi Passwords

Not every Android release gives you a direct “view password” button. Here is a realistic breakdown to help set expectations:

  • Android 10: Introduced the widely used “Share” option for saved Wi-Fi networks. Tapping share generates a QR code and on many builds reveals the password as plain text below it.
  • Android 11: Same core behavior as Android 10. On most stock devices, the share screen is the standard route for Android stored credential viewing.
  • Android 12, 12L, 13, 14 and newer: Still rely heavily on the share QR code flow. Some OEMs moved menu names slightly, but the logic remains the same for saved networks.
  • Android 9 Pie and earlier: The system settings rarely show a plain text password. Viewing is mostly unavailable without elevated access on unmodified devices.

Keep in mind that an OEM can disable or rename entries. What follows are the methods that work for the vast majority of real devices right now.

Method 1: Show Wifi Password in Android Using The “Share” Network QR Code (Android 10 and Up)

This is the most reliable built-in answer for How to Show Wifi Password in Android? on modern devices. If your phone runs Android 10 or newer with a fairly standard network settings layout, this should work for any network saved to your device.

Step by step instructions

  1. Open Wi-Fi settings: Go to your device Settings, then tap “Network & internet”, followed by “Wi-Fi”.
  2. Find the saved network: Tap the network name of the Wi-Fi you want to reveal. This can be under “Saved networks”, “Network details”, or just the entry in your saved list depending on your UI.
  3. Tap Share: On the network details screen, look for a button labeled “Share”. You will be asked to authenticate at this point. Use your screen lock, fingerprint, or face unlock to proceed.
  4. View the QR code and password: After authentication, your phone will display a QR code representing that network. On many stock Android builds, the Wi-Fi password will appear as plain text directly below the QR code. On some builds, it may be shown in a small text field near the bottom of that same share screen.
  5. Copy or note it down: You can either read it from that screen or, if needed, scan the QR code with another device to connect. Scanning with a QR reader app will often show the network details including the password for the stored entry.

Notes for this method

  • This only works for saved networks. If the network is not saved, the “Share” option may be missing.
  • If you do not see any text password below the QR code, your OEM may have hidden it but still generated the QR. Trying a different view or checking with Method 3 to 5 below is worth it.
  • Authentication is mandatory on secure builds and cannot be skipped.

Method 2: Viewing Via Nearby Devices Or System UI Differences

Some Android variants slightly reorganize the path. The goal remains identical: reach the saved network details and use the share/authenticated view to reveal the Android stored credential.

Alternative path

  1. Open Settings: Head to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi (common on some skins).
  2. Access saved list: Tap the gear icon next to the saved network, or look for “Saved networks” from the Wi-Fi screen.
  3. Use “Share” or “QR code”: From that details page, look for “Share”, “QR code”, or “View QR code”. Authenticate and check for the plain text password.

Do not mistake “Forget network” with the share option. Forgetting will remove the saved credential entirely. The share option is the one you want when figuring out How to Show Wifi Password in Android?.

Method 3: Checking Saved Networks On Samsung One UI

Samsung devices use One UI, which is very common. On recent One UI versions running Android 10 and above, the share QR flow is present for saved networks. In some older One UI builds, the menu is tucked in a slightly different spot.

Step by step for most modern Samsung phones

  1. Go to Wi-Fi: Open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi.
  2. Select the network: Tap the saved network you want from the list, or go to “Manage known networks” if present.
  3. Share: Tap the “Share” button at the bottom or in the details view. You will be asked for your biometrics, PIN, or pattern.
  4. Reveal: After authentication, the QR code appears. On most current One UI versions, the password is shown as readable text below that QR code. If visible, you can now copy or read your Android stored credential.

If your One UI version shows only the QR code with no plain text, the text is still not exposed by default. In that case, use Method 1 logic on a stock-like view or test by scanning the QR code with another device’s QR scanner which can parse the network string and display the password field.

Method 4: Checking Saved Networks On Xiaomi HyperOS or MIUI

Xiaomi’s software has gone through many changes between MIUI and HyperOS. The “share” route exists on a large number of devices running Android 10+, but the exact labeling can differ.

Practical approach

  1. Open Wi-Fi settings: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi & internet > Wi-Fi.
  2. Find saved network: Tap on the connected or saved network name. Some versions require going to “Manage saved networks”.
  3. Look for Share/QR: Tap “Share”, “Generate QR code”, or “Network details” and then “Share”. Authenticate when asked.
  4. Check for password text: Many HyperOS/MIUI builds show the QR code and the password in plain text underneath. If present, this is the direct way for this skin.

On a few older MIUI releases, the plain text password was not shown on-screen. If that is your case, the QR code is still your built-in key. Scanning it with a standard QR code scanner will reveal the full network info for that saved entry.

Method 5: Checking Saved Networks On OnePlus, OPPO, Realme And vivo

These brands share similar codebases at times, so the flow often overlaps.

OnePlus (OxygenOS)

  1. Settings > Wi-Fi & internet > Wi-Fi
  2. Tap the saved network > look for “Share” or “QR code”
  3. Authenticate and check below the QR code for the password text

OPPO (ColorOS) & Realme (Realme UI)

  1. Settings > Wi-Fi > select the saved network from the known list
  2. Tap “Share” or the QR icon
  3. Complete verification and read the password shown on the share screen

vivo (FuntouchOS/OriginOS)

  1. Settings > WLAN (or Wi-Fi)
  2. Tap the saved network details
  3. Look for “Share network” or “QR code”. After authentication, check for plain text below the code

Across all of these, the QR code method is the intended answer when searching for How to Show Wifi Password in Android?. The presence of plain text varies by build number, but the share screen itself is almost always gated by device authentication.

Method 6: Older Android Versions (Android 9 And Below)

Android 9 Pie and earlier do not have a universal “share to show password” option in stock settings for most users. For a typical unrooted device on these versions, there is no built-in toggle to display a plain text Wi-Fi password for saved networks.

What you can realistically do

  • Check router label: Many routers have a default SSID and password printed on a sticker. If the network was never changed, this may still match.
  • Log into the router: If you still have access to the router’s admin page from another device, you can often view or change the wireless password there. This is independent of Android entirely.
  • Use a device that still knows it: If another phone, laptop, or tablet is currently connected to that exact network and can show its password through its own settings, that is often the easiest route.

It is important to be honest here. For fully stock, unrooted Android 8.1 or lower, a safe built-in way to “show Wi-Fi password” is not commonly available. Avoid any random “Wi-Fi password viewer” APKs that claim instant access, as they are almost never legitimate for unrooted stock devices.

Comparing All Methods At A Glance

Method Android Support Needs Root? Shows Plain Text? Reliability
Share Network + QR Code (Stock) Android 10 to latest No Yes on most builds Very high
Samsung One UI Share Flow Android 10 to latest No Often yes, varies by One UI version High
Xiaomi HyperOS/MIUI Share Flow Android 10 to latest No Commonly yes High
OnePlus/OPPO/Realme/vivo Share Flow Android 10 to latest No Commonly yes High
Router Login / Another Connected Device All Android versions No Yes High when available
Built-in Settings (Stock) Android 9 and below No Rarely Low for most stock devices

Important Notes About Security And Privacy

While learning How to Show Wifi Password in Android? is perfectly normal, it comes with a few responsibilities.

  • Only reveal for your own networks: Never attempt to extract passwords for networks you do not own or do not have permission to use. Doing so can be unethical and in many places, unlawful.
  • Guard your device: The authentication prompt exists for a reason. If someone gains full access to your unlocked phone, they could reach saved networks. Keep your screen lock strong and up to date.
  • Be careful when sharing: If you show the QR code or read the password aloud in public, anyone nearby can use it. Only share with people you trust.
  • Change old passwords when needed: If you suspect the Wi-Fi password has been shared too widely, changing it from your router admin panel is the correct fix.
  • Avoid sketchy tools: There is no safe need for random apps that promise to list every Wi-Fi password with no authentication on stock, unrooted Android.

Tips And Best Practices

To make this process smoother and safer, keep these tips in mind when dealing with Android stored credential lists:

  • Update if unsure: If your device is on a very old patch and missing the share option, updating your system can sometimes bring the standard Android 10+ flow.
  • Use the QR code as a universal fallback: Even if plain text is missing from your screen, the QR code contains the same SSID and password. Scanning it with another trusted device is a safe built-in workaround.
  • Look for “Saved networks”: On some newer builds, going directly to “Saved networks” is faster than opening the network from the quick Wi-Fi list.
  • Test on the right network: Public hotspot networks added in certain ways can behave oddly. Stick to home, work, or personal networks you knowingly saved.
  • Keep a secure backup mentally: If this is your primary home network, consider storing the password in a trusted password manager on your device instead of having to look it up repeatedly.
  • Know your OEM path: If stock instructions fail, quickly refer to your brand’s path from Methods 3-5. Small UI names are the most common reason people miss it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the Wi-Fi password on Android without connecting?

Yes, in most cases for Android 10 and above. If the network is saved in your list, you can open its details and use the share/QR option even if your phone is not currently connected to it. Authentication will still be required.

Why don’t I see a “Show password” button?

On modern Android, there is usually no literal button that says “Show password”. Instead, Android uses the “Share” action which displays a QR code and often the plain text password below it. If your UI hides the text, only the QR remains. This is a design choice for extra security.

Is it possible to see Wi-Fi passwords on Android 9 or lower?

On stock, unrooted Android 9 and below, there is no reliable built-in setting to display saved Wi-Fi passwords. Your safest options are checking the router, using another connected device, or seeing if the sticker is still present.

Will rooting help to view Android stored credential passwords?

Technically, on very old versions, elevated access could expose saved configurations. However, rooting comes with major tradeoffs. It can weaken security, affect banking apps, break updates, and void support. For the vast majority of people trying to figure out How to Show Wifi Password in Android?, rooting is not worth it when the share/QR method already works on most devices.

Can I use the QR code to get the password on another phone?

Yes. Use any phone or tablet with a built-in QR code scanner. Point it at the QR code shown by your Android share screen. Most QR scanners will parse it and show the network name, security type, and the password field. This works even if your own device does not display the plain text.

Does this work for all saved Wi-Fi networks?

It works for standard WPA/WPA2/WPA3 personal networks saved to your device. Very unusual enterprise configurations with advanced certificates can behave differently and may not expose a simple shareable password through this screen.

Is it safe to share my Wi-Fi via QR code?

It is safe to share with trusted people. The QR only gives access to that specific network. If you ever want to revoke access, the proper long-term fix is to change your router password. Just avoid letting unknown people scan it.

Conclusion

Finding out How to Show Wifi Password in Android? no longer has to be a mystery. For the majority of devices running Android 10 or newer, the built-in “Share” network option is all you need. By authenticating with your screen lock, you can reveal the QR code and, on most builds, the plain text password for any network in your Android stored credential list.

If your brand skin hides the text, do not worry. The QR code is just as useful. Scan it with another trusted device and you will have the password right away. For older Android versions, your most practical and safe routes are the router login or checking a device that is already connected.

The key is to stick to built-in, secure methods and only do this for networks you have permission to access. With the steps above matched to your Android version and manufacturer, you should be able to recover any saved Wi-Fi password you need with minimal effort.