Forgetting a WiFi password can be frustrating, especially when you need to connect another device or share it with a friend. Fortunately, Android devices offer several ways to find saved WiFi passwords, whether through system settings, QR codes, or advanced methods for tech-savvy users. This guide will walk you through various safe and legal methods to retrieve your WiFi password on an Android phone in 2025.
1. Finding a WiFi Password Using Android Settings (No Root Required)
Newer Android versions make it easy to access saved WiFi passwords directly from the settings.
Steps to View a Saved WiFi Password on Android:

- Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your phone.
- Select WiFi & Network: Tap on WiFi & Internet or Connections, depending on your phone’s manufacturer.
- Tap on the Connected WiFi Network: Select the WiFi network you are currently connected to.
- Click on Share: You will see a QR code on the screen.
- View the Password: Below the QR code, you should see the WiFi password in text format. If not, scan the QR code with another phone to reveal the password.
Note: This feature is available on most Android devices running Android 10 and above. If your phone doesn’t display the password directly, you can use a QR code scanner app to decode it.
2. Finding a WiFi Password on Older Android Versions (Without Root)
If your phone is running an older Android version that does not support WiFi password sharing, you may need to access the router settings.
Method 1: Check Your Router’s Admin Panel
- Find Your Router’s IP Address:
- Open Settings → WiFi & Network → Tap on the connected WiFi network.
- Look for the Gateway IP Address (e.g.,
192.168.1.1
).
- Log Into Your Router:
- Open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address.
- Enter the admin username and password (found on the router label or provided by your ISP).
- View the WiFi Password:
- Navigate to Wireless Settings or WiFi Security to see the saved password.
This method works on any device, including older Android versions.
3. Using a File Manager to Find WiFi Password (Root Required)
If your phone is rooted, you can directly access system files to find saved WiFi passwords.
Steps to Retrieve WiFi Passwords Using a File Manager:
- Install a Root File Manager: Download a file manager app like Solid Explorer or Root Explorer.
- Navigate to the WiFi Configuration File:
- Go to /data/misc/wifi/.
- Open the wpa_supplicant.conf file.
- Find the WiFi Password:
- Inside the file, look for
ssid="WiFi_Name"
andpsk="WiFi_Password"
.
- Inside the file, look for
- Note Down the Password: The text next to
psk=
is your saved WiFi password.
Important: This method requires root access, which may void your warranty or compromise security if done improperly.
4. Using ADB Commands to Retrieve WiFi Passwords (No Root Required)
Advanced users can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to extract saved WiFi passwords without rooting the device.
Steps to Find WiFi Passwords Using ADB:
- Enable Developer Mode:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Tap “Build Number” multiple times to enable Developer Options.
- Enable USB Debugging:
- In Developer Options, turn on USB Debugging.
- Connect Phone to a PC:
- Install ADB tools on your computer.
- Connect your phone via USB and open Command Prompt or Terminal.
- Run the Following Commands:
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf
- The command will display a list of saved WiFi networks along with their passwords.
This method is safe, but it requires some technical knowledge.
5. Using Third-Party Apps to Retrieve WiFi Passwords
There are some third-party apps available for recovering saved WiFi passwords, but caution is advised.
How to Use WiFi Password Recovery Apps:
- Download a Trusted App: Look for reputable apps on the Google Play Store, such as WiFi Password Viewer.
- Grant Necessary Permissions: Some apps may require root access to retrieve passwords.
- View Saved WiFi Passwords: The app will scan and list all previously connected networks along with their passwords.
Warning: Be cautious when using third-party apps, as some may contain malware or compromise your data.
6. Finding a WiFi Password from a Linked Google Account
If you use Google’s backup services, your saved WiFi passwords might be stored in your Google account.
Steps to Check Google Account for WiFi Passwords:
- Visit Google Password Manager: Open passwords.google.com in a web browser.
- Sign in to Your Google Account.
- Search for Saved WiFi Networks.
If you have backed up your WiFi settings, you may find the password here. However, this method is not always reliable.
7. Preventing Future WiFi Password Loss
To avoid losing your WiFi password again, follow these best practices:
1. Save the Password Securely
- Write it down in a notebook or use a password manager.
- Apps like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass can store WiFi passwords securely.
2. Use a Memorable But Strong Password
- Avoid generic passwords like
12345678
orpassword123
. - Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g.,
MyWiFi@2025Secure
).
3. Enable Guest WiFi for Visitors
- Instead of sharing your main password, set up a guest network on your router.
- This keeps your primary network secure while allowing visitors to connect.
4. Use QR Codes for Easy Sharing
- Most Android phones now allow WiFi sharing via QR codes.
- Print out the QR code and keep it handy for easy access.
Conclusion
Finding a saved WiFi password on an Android phone in 2025 is much easier with built-in sharing features, QR code scanning, and network settings. Whether you use system settings, router login, ADB commands, or a file manager, you have multiple options depending on your device and technical expertise.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Use WiFi settings on newer Android versions to view or share passwords.
✔ Access router settings to check or reset the password.
✔ Use rooted methods or ADB commands for advanced recovery.
✔ Save passwords securely to avoid losing them in the future.
By following these methods, you can quickly and safely recover your WiFi password on an Android phone without any hassle.