How to View WiFi Password on Android?

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It’s common to forget your Wi-Fi password, especially if you’ve connected to many networks over time. Whether you’re trying to connect a new device or share your network details with someone, knowing how to view the Wi-Fi password on Android is incredibly useful. In this guide, learn how to find saved Wi-Fi passwords on various versions of Android, including Android 9 and Android 10, and how to manage passwords without needing a rooted device.

How to View WiFi Password on Android?

Ways to See Wi-Fi Passwords on Android

There are several methods to find your Wi-Fi password on an Android device. The approach varies based on the Android version you’re using and whether your phone is rooted. Here’s a breakdown of how to view Wi-Fi passwords on different Android devices.

1. View Wi-Fi Password on Android 10 and Later

If your Android phone is running Android 10 or newer, you can easily see the Wi-Fi password for any network you’re currently connected to or previously saved.

Steps to View Wi-Fi Password on Android 10:

  1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  2. Tap on Network & Internet.
  3. Select Wi-Fi.
  4. Tap the saved network you’re currently connected to or want to view.
  5. Tap Share. You may be prompted to authenticate using a password, fingerprint, or PIN.
  6. You’ll see a QR code that can be scanned to share the network.
  7. The Wi-Fi password will be displayed in plain text below the QR code.

This method is simple and works without needing to root your device. You can easily find the password for your currently connected network or any other saved network.

Viewing Wi-Fi Passwords on Android 9 and Older

If you’re using Android 9 or an older version, things are a bit more complicated. The Android operating system doesn’t allow users to directly view saved Wi-Fi passwords through the settings menu without root access. However, there are still ways to find saved Wi-Fi passwords on Android using workarounds.

1. Use a Password Manager

A good password manager can help you save your Wi-Fi credentials when you first enter the password. If you’ve saved the password to a manager like LastPass or Bitwarden, you can simply log in and find the saved network password there.

2. Using a Rooted Android Device

If you’re using Android 9 or earlier, you need a rooted device to see the Wi-Fi password for saved networks. Rooting allows you to access the system files that store your Wi-Fi credentials.

Steps to View Wi-Fi Passwords on a Rooted Android:

  1. Download a file explorer app that can access the root folder, like ES File Explorer or Root Explorer.
  2. Navigate to /data/misc/wifi/ on your phone.
  3. Open the file named wpa_supplicant.conf.
  4. You’ll see a list of Wi-Fi network names (SSID) and their corresponding passwords (PSK).

This file contains the network name and password for all previously connected networks. While this method requires a rooted device, it’s the easiest way to access passwords directly on older Android versions.

View Wi-Fi Password Without Root

Rooting your phone comes with risks, including voiding your warranty or bricking the device. For users who prefer to avoid this, there are still a couple of methods to find saved Wi-Fi passwords on Android without a rooted device:

1. Use an App Like Wi-Fi Password Viewer

Some apps, like Wi-Fi Password Viewer, can display saved passwords. However, many of these apps still require root access to function properly, especially on Android 9 and older. Check app reviews to ensure the app works for your phone’s Android version.

2. Use a QR Code Scanner

If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network on a different Android device that supports sharing via QR code (like Android 10 or above), you can use a QR code scanner on another phone to see the password in plain text. Follow these steps:

  1. On the phone with the saved network, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Share.
  2. Scan the QR code using a second device.
  3. The password will be displayed on the second phone.

How to View Wi-Fi Password on Samsung Galaxy Devices

The steps to view saved Wi-Fi passwords on Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 10 or later are similar to other Android devices.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Connections.
  2. Tap on Wi-Fi.
  3. Select the saved network or the currently connected network.
  4. Tap on QR Code.
  5. The Wi-Fi password will be displayed below the QR code.

For Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 9 and older, you’ll need to root the device or use a password manager.

Using Third-Party Apps to View Wi-Fi Passwords

While it’s not officially recommended to use third-party apps for sensitive data like Wi-Fi passwords, there are a few reliable options available if you’re running Android 9 or older:

1. Wi-Fi Password Viewer App

Several apps, like Wi-Fi Password Viewer, are available on the Google Play Store. These apps claim to show saved Wi-Fi passwords but typically require root access.

2. Password Manager Apps

If you’ve previously saved your network details using a password manager, apps like LastPass or Dashlane can store and display your Wi-Fi network’s password.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. Can’t See the Wi-Fi Password

If you can’t see the Wi-Fi password directly, make sure you’re running Android 10 or newer. If you’re using Android 9 or older, the ability to view passwords is more restricted without root access.

2. No Root Access on Older Android Versions

Unfortunately, on Android 9 and older, rooting is required to view saved Wi-Fi passwords directly from the system files. However, a password manager can still help you store and access your Wi-Fi credentials for the next time.

3. Permission to View the Folder Denied

For users attempting to access the wpa_supplicant.conf file, ensure your phone is rooted and that your file explorer app has root permissions. Without root, you cannot view this file.

Conclusion

Depending on your Android version, the ability to find your Wi-Fi password may be simple or require a few extra steps. Android 10 and later allow you to easily share and view passwords directly from the settings menu, while Android 9 and older require workarounds like rooting or using a password manager. Knowing how to view saved Wi-Fi passwords on Android can be incredibly helpful, whether you’re troubleshooting your network or simply sharing the password with a friend.

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