You many need to view saved WiFi passwords on your Android device for several different reasons. However, the main reason is simply because one may have forgotten it. To access most WiFi networks, with exception to public hotspots, a security key or password is required.
The good thing is that once the password has been added on a specific smartphone, there is no need to re-enter it the next time they want to use the WiFi. Most people usually don’t know how to go about forgetting it and may end up in panic wondering whether to contact their provider.
In this blog post, we are going to see how you can easily find the password of your saved network. This tutorial covers both rooted and unrooted devices.
1. View Saved WiFi Passwords on Android From the Settings App
Probably the easiest way around this predicament, this method will definitely help you in seconds. Simply follow the steps below:
- Open the Settings app usually identified by a cogwheel icon.
- Navigate to the Connections tab.
- Select WiFi, look for the WiFi Settings/Preferences option and tap on it.
- Tap on the Saved Networks option to list all that have their password stored on your device.
- Select the WiFi network you want and tap the share button or the QR code icon, where you’l be prompted to input your security password to continue.
- A QR code will be displayed on the screen and underneath it, the password is displayed.
- Alternatively, use a QR code scanner app to decode it to text, which is your password.
PS; This QR code method is only available for Android 10+ users as it is a relatively new feature. Furthermore, some models of brands like Samsung and Oppo do not support this method as well. Continue reading to find out methods that will work if you own any of those devices.
2. View Saved WiFi Passwords From the Router Configuration Site
In order to be able to use this method, you need to know the router login address issued by your provider. The address is normally in the form of an IP address such as 192.168.4… and can be found embedded onto your router. This process is also relatively simple but requires the network admin who knows the login credentials.
Speaking of IP addresses, do you want to know how you can hide your online identity from hackers and your ISP? Check out this article and find out today!
To use this method, follow these steps:
- Connect to your WiFi and open any web browser on your android device.
- Type in the login address on the search bar and enter your login credentials.
- Once logged in to the control panel, navigate to the Wireless tab and tap the eye icon to reveal your password.
This method is assured to work but the only one that can use it flawlessly is the network administrator.
3. View Saved WiFi Passwords using Third-Party Apps
If your device is an Android 9 and below, then the first method is definitely not going to work. Therefore, you will be forced to turn to other options if you also can’t use the second method. However, this will require you to root your device.
Rooting your device is an action that does more harm than good as it soft-bricks your phone making it easily vulnerable to attacks. Google discourages this and prompts you to block such applications from your device. At Fast X Tech, we stand with Google on this one so please ensure you know the risks and if possible, just avoid this method.
If you wish to proceed with rooting, check out this article by Android Authority.
The reason you require a rooted phone is that the file containing saved WiFi credentials is stored in a protected directory in your storage. Follow the steps below on your rooted device to find the password:
- Download an advanced file explorer like ES File Explorer. It is able to browse the root directories.
- Navigate to the wifi directory by opening the data then misc folder /data/misc/wifi
- Inside the wifi directory, tap and open the wpa_supplicant.conf file, which will be presented in a text editor.
- Locate the SSID (name of your WiFi) and next to it should be the password labeled as psk.
If for some reason this doesn’t work out for you, head to the Play Store and download an Android WiFi password viewer app. One such good app is WiFi Password Viewer due to its simple User Interface. Since the user has root access, the app will work perfectly.
Browse our website or click here to learn how you can find saved WiFi passwords on your Windows device.
Conclusion
The above tutorials have been simplified as much as possible for our users. Note that this content is provided for educational purposes only and any steps taken will be at one’s own risk. Incase of a query, be sure to let us know in the comment section and we will get back to you.
