How to See (Find) WiFi Password on Android: 7 Methods
Connecting to Wi-Fi is easy while setting it up, as the password can typically be found at the bottom of the router. However, once you change the key, you may end up forgetting it in the future if you need to share the passkey with someone or if you purchase a new device and want to connect it to your Wi-Fi.
In this tutorial, you will learn how to see Wi-Fi passwords on Android and locate the hotspot password of your phone. Whether your phone runs on the latest or an older Android version, this comprehensive guide helps everyone find their Wi-Fi password.
Method 1: Retrieve the Wi-Fi Password Of An Already Connected Network That Is Not Saved
While reviewing the methods to find Wi-Fi passwords on Android, I made sure to prioritize security and privacy. You can view and share your Wi-Fi password from the settings of without rooting the device. I suggest this method for sharing passcode with guests.
Here is a step-by-step method to retrieve the Wi-Fi password of a connected network on Android that is not saved
Step 1) Open the Settings app on your Android mobile phone.
Step 2) Locate the Connections option and tap on it.
Step 3) Choose the Wi-Fi settings from the list.
Step 4) To view the password of your current connected WiFi network, click on its name.
Step 5) Select the QR Code icon from the bottom of the screen.
Step 6) Take a screenshot of the Code or directly Scan it with other devices.
Tip: The above steps may differ a bit with different versions of the Android operating system.
Method 2: Check Hotspot Password On Any Android Device
As I evaluated different methods on Android phones, I found that sharing the hotspot with friends is very convenient. I was impressed that even if my friend forgot the PIN code, I could access the password of their network. This minimizes the risk of connection interruptions.
Here are the steps that I used to check hotspot password on an Android device
Step 1) Launch the phone’s Settings app.
Step 2) Hit on Wireless & Networks from all the options.
Step 3) Locate the Tethering & Portable Hotspot option and select it.
Step 4) Now, choose a Portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
Step 5) Find the Configure hotspot and open it.
Step 6) Access the Password by tapping on the Wi-Fi password viewer icon.
Method 3: How To View Saved Wifi Password On Android
According to my review, this is another useful method that can help you find your password on your device. This is especially helpful if you are away from home at work or elsewhere and you have someone visiting, but you forget to give them the password beforehand.
Check out the guide to view the Wi-Fi password saved on your phone:
Step 1) Swipe down the Status Bar on your Android smartphones.
Step 2) Long tap on the Wi-Fi logo to expand internet settings.
Step 3) Hit the three dots at the top right corner of the Screen.
Step 4) Now, go to Wi-Fi settings.
Step 5) Access Saved networks inside the Wi-Fi settings.
Step 6) Tap on the Wi-Fi network to see its password.
Tip: In some cases, you may need to root your device in order to see the Wi-Fi password. Rooting allows Android users to gain a privileged pass (called root access) to certain areas of the Android system. However, I must warn you that rooting is risky and can void your device’s warranty. So, unless you have advanced computer knowledge, it is not recommended.
Method 4: Find Saved Wi-Fi Passwords On Android Phone With ADB Commands
Over the course of my review, I found this technique to see Wi-Fi passwords on Android. I could access the passwords of saved networks on my device. I particularly liked the technical aspect and the feeling of being a Wi-Fi password hacker while retrieving it from the protected directory.
Here are steps to find any saved Wi-Fi password on your Android phone:
Step 1) Download SDK Platform-Tools for Windows and ADB Driver.
Step 2) Put them together in a folder. Extract the Platform-tool file and install ADB Driver.
Step 3) Enable the Developer Mode by tapping 7 times on the Build Number. And turn on the USB Debugging in the Developer options.
Step 4) Open the extracted Platform-tool folder. Shift+Right-click inside the folder. And select Open Command Prompt window here or, in this case, its PowerShell window.
Step 5) Run this command “. \adb devices”. You may not be required to add “. \” in cmd.
Step 6) In List of Devices, if you see “device,” your mobile is ready to backup. If you see “unauthorized”, you will require to check the prompt on your phone and click Ok.
Step 7) Ensure your device is connected. Then run this Command “adb backup -f backup.ab -noapk -noobb -noshared -all -system -keyvalue”. (Backup of the system files in the phone’s storage will begin).
Step 8) Get Android Backup Processor and Extract it.
Step 9) Copy the abe.jar file from the Android Backup Extractor and backup.ab from the Platform-tools folder. Paste them in the newly created folder using the Name “Backup folder” next to the ADB driver installer.
Step 10) Download and install Java.
Step 11) Now Run this Command “cd ..” and then “dir.”
Step 12) After this, Enter the “cd Backupfolder” command and run the “dir.”
Step 13) Next, copy and paste this command “java.exe -jar abe.jar unpack backup.ab backup.tar.”
Step 14) Extract it, and if it shows any error, ignore it.
Step 15) Go to back up > apps > .com.Android .providers.settings > k.
Step 16) Here, open the .com.Android .providers.settings.data file with a text editor like Notepad++.
Step 17) Finally, under WifiBackupData, view the Wi-Fi -password saved with the name PreshareKey.
Tip: If you are unfamiliar with ADB and fastboot tools, the process of fixing issues may seem confusing. Follow these instructions carefully to avoid problems.
Method 5: How To Connect Any Wi-Fi Network With A QR Code
I found that after creating QR codes, it is crucial to learn how to show the WiFi password on Android. This enabled me to connect automatically using the mobile camera or Google Lens. This method is very helpful to avoid manually entering network information.
1) Use the Camera to Scan Quick Response code for Wi-Fi Connection
Follow the instructions below to get a Wi-Fi password directly from QR codes:
Step 1) Expand the Camera app on the Android phone to which you want to connect the Wi-Fi.
Step 2) Locate the QR Scanner option. And tap on it.
Step 3) Open the QR code on the other device or select the screenshot from your gallery.
Step 4) Once you scan it, you will get the option to connect to that network. Then tap on the given option.
2) Use the Google Lens App to Scan the QR Code to Connect to Wi-Fi
Following are the steps that I used to scan the quick response code for a Wi-Fi connection:
Step 1) Launch the Google Lens app on Android smartphones.
Step 2) Place the QR code in the camera after opening it on the other device or select its screenshot from your gallery.
Step 3) Scanning the QR Code will prompt the option to Join the Network. Tap on it and connect to the Wi-Fi network.
Note: Not every phone running Android contains the feature to scan a QR code. You may need to enter the password manually after retrieving it using the methods given below.
Method 6: How to View Wi-Fi Password on Android from Your Router Setting
I discovered that viewing Wi-Fi passwords for your home or office network is possible through your router’s settings. You only need to know the login details, which are typically provided in the documentation or pasted on the back of the router.
Here are the steps to view the Wi-Fi password from your router settings on Android:
Step 1) Open the Wi-Fi settings on your Android phone.
Step 2) Tap on the Wi-Fi Network you are connected to and locate the IP address. Usually, the IP address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.1.0
Step 3) Enter the IP address in your browser’s search bar.
Step 4) Insert the Wi-Fi credentials for the router. Both the username and password are usually “admin.”
Step 5) From the Home Screen, in the Wi-Fi settings of the Router, find the network’s Password underneath the Wi-Fi name.
Note: Choose a strong and unique password to protect your network from potential threats.
Method 7: How to Find A Wi-Fi Password On Android Using Third-Party Apps
While reviewing many apps on the Google Play Store, I found that they claim to reveal Wi-Fi passwords, but caution is necessary. I particularly appreciate that some apps may not work as advertised, and some could be malicious, potentially harming your device. I suggest being very selective with these apps.
It’s essential to research and only use reputable apps that have been tested and reviewed by other users.
Here are some of the best apps that I came across for finding your Wi-Fi password:
1) Wi-Fi Passwords Map Instabridge
Wi-Fi Passwords Map Instabridge is commonly known as Instabridge. It not only showed me the Wi-Fi passwords but also helped me share your Wi-Fi passwords by making them public to Instabridge users.
Follow the instructions to see the Wi-Fi password with Instabridge on Android :
Step 1) Download the Instabridge app from the Google Play Store.
Step 2) Open the app on your Android device and sign up.
Step 3) Once you log in to the app. You see the map showing accessible Wi-Fi networks in your area.
Step 4) Click on the Show Password option of any network.
Step 5) Here, you will see the Wi-Fi password. You can use it to connect to the Wi-Fi.
Tip: I suggest protecting your home internet connection from being used for harmful or malicious activities; do not share your Wi-Fi password.
2) Wi-Fi Magic
WiFi Magic provides easy access to a database of public Wi-Fi passwords. It functions like a social media platform, with users contributing to the database to increase the number of passwords.
This app also provided me with directions to the location and the option to book a ride to reach the destination. So, when you select a network, the app displays its name, MAC address, and distance from your location.
To use the app, you need to create an account. Using Wi-Fi Magic, I could also see the status of different WiFi networks as it uses color coding to display them:
- Green for networks without passwords.
- Yellow for networks that require a sign-up to connect.
- Red for password-protected networks.
3) Wi-Fi WPS WPA Tester
WiFi WPS WPA Tester is an Android app that allows you to run a vulnerability check on a Wi-Fi network to get its password. I discovered that it is an ideal option to address the critical question of how to see Wi-Fi passwords without a rooted device.
Follow the instructions below to use Wi-Fi WPS WPA Tester:
Step 1) Download the app from the Android app store.
Step 2) Open WiFi WPS WPA Tester and provide location access.
Step 3) Next, available Wi-Fi connections appear with signal strength.
Step 4) Tap the one you want to connect to your phone.
Step 5) Now, click on Check Vulnerabilities.
Step 6) If the network is found vulnerable, click on the Try all PINs option.
WiFi WPS WPA Tester may show a compatibility issue with the older Android version. This method can work fine on the phone running Android 9 or older.
As per my review, the Wi-Fi WPS WPA Tester may show a compatibility issue with an older Android version. This method can work fine on phones running Android 9 or older.