As technology evolves, the need to connect multiple devices to the same Wi-Fi network becomes common. Knowing how to view your saved Wi-Fi passwords on Android can be incredibly helpful, especially if you’ve forgotten your network credentials or need to share them with others. This article guides you through various methods on how to see wifi password on android devices, ensuring you have the information you need at your fingertips.
Various methods on how to see Wifi password on android:
Method 1: Viewing WiFi Password on Android 10 and Above
For users with devices running Android 10 or higher, accessing saved Wi-Fi passwords is straightforward and doesn’t require additional apps or tools. Follow these steps:
- Open Settings: Start by opening the Settings app on your Android device. Look for the section labeled “Network & Internet” or simply “Wi-Fi,” depending on your device model.
- Access Wi-Fi Settings: Within the Wi-Fi settings, locate the option for “Saved networks.” This section stores information about all the Wi-Fi networks your device has connected to in the past.
- Select Network: Tap on the saved network for which you want to see the password. You will see an option to “Share” the network details.
- Authenticate: To proceed, you’ll need to authenticate using your PIN, pattern, or fingerprint. This step ensures that only authorized users can access the network information.
- View Password: After authentication, a QR code will appear on the screen. Below this code, you will see the network SSID and password. You can use another device to scan the QR code or simply note down the password.
This method on how to see wifi password on android is user-friendly and doesn’t require rooting your device, making it accessible for most users. It’s a quick way to retrieve network credentials without hassle.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps for Android 9 and Below
For devices running Android 9 or older versions, viewing saved Wi-Fi passwords becomes slightly more complex due to security restrictions. However, third-party apps can help. Here’s how:
- Download a Wi-Fi Password Viewer App: Several apps on the Play Store can display saved Wi-Fi passwords. Popular choices include “Wi-Fi Password Show” and “Wi-Fi Key Recovery.” Install one of these apps on your device.
- Grant Root Access: Most of these apps require root access to function properly. Rooting your device gives the app the necessary permissions to access system files where Wi-Fi passwords are stored.
- View Saved Passwords: Open the app and grant the requested permissions. The app will then display a list of all saved Wi-Fi networks along with their passwords.
Note: Rooting your device can void its warranty and may expose it to security risks. Proceed with caution and ensure you understand the implications of rooting.
Method 3: Using ADB Commands Without Root
If you prefer not to root your device, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands to extract Wi-Fi passwords. This method requires a computer and some technical knowledge:
- Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings, select “About phone,” and tap “Build number” seven times to enable Developer Options. Then, go back to Settings, enter Developer Options, and enable “USB debugging.”
- Install ADB Tools: Download and install ADB tools on your computer. Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
- Extract Wi-Fi Config Files: Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer. Use the command adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf to transfer the Wi-Fi configuration file from your device to your computer.
- View the Passwords: Open the extracted file with a text editor to view the saved Wi-Fi network names and passwords.
This method on how to see wifi password on android is effective and doesn’t require rooting, but it does involve using a computer and understanding ADB commands.
Method 4: Using File Explorer with Root Access
For those comfortable with rooting their Android device, using a file explorer to access system files is another method to view saved Wi-Fi passwords. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to see wifi password on android:
- Install a Root File Explorer: Download and install a root file explorer app from the Play Store. Some popular choices include “ES File Explorer” and “Root Explorer.”
- Grant Root Access: Open the app and grant it root permissions. This allows the app to access the system directory where Wi-Fi configuration files are stored.
- Navigate to Wi-Fi Config Files: Use the file explorer to navigate to /data/misc/wifi/. In some devices, the path might be /system/etc/wifi/.
- Open the Configuration File: Look for a file named wpa_supplicant.conf. Open this file with a text editor within the file explorer app.
- Find the Password: Inside the configuration file, you will see network SSIDs (network names) and their corresponding passwords (after psk=). Note down the required passwords.
This method is direct and effective but requires root access, which can void warranties and potentially expose the device to security risks.
Method 5: Using QR Code Scanning
QR codes provide a modern solution for sharing Wi-Fi network details. Here’s how you can use QR codes to view Wi-Fi passwords:
- Generate a QR Code: On Android 10 and above, you can generate a QR code for any saved Wi-Fi network through the settings. Go to Wi-Fi settings, select the network, and tap “Share.” Authenticate to view the QR code.
- Scan the QR Code: Use another device with a QR code scanner, such as a smartphone or tablet, to scan the generated QR code. You can use the built-in camera app on many devices or a QR code scanning app.
- View the Password: Once scanned, the network details, including the password, will be displayed on the second device. You can connect to the network directly or note down the password for future use.
This method is particularly useful for quickly sharing Wi-Fi details with others without needing to manually enter passwords.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I View Saved Wi-Fi Passwords on Android Without Rooting?
Yes, you can view saved Wi-Fi passwords on Android without rooting, especially on devices running Android 10 or higher. Use the built-in QR code sharing feature in Wi-Fi settings to see the password.
Q2. Is It Safe to Use Third-Party Apps for Viewing Wi-Fi Passwords?
Using third-party apps to view Wi-Fi passwords can be safe, but only if you choose reputable apps and understand the permissions they require. Be cautious, as granting root access can expose your device to potential security risks.
Q3. What Are the Risks of Rooting My Android Device?
Rooting your Android device gives you superuser access, which can help in retrieving Wi-Fi passwords. However, it voids the warranty and can expose the device to security threats. If not done correctly, rooting can also lead to system instability.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, accessing your saved Wi-Fi passwords on Android devices is feasible through various methods. Whether you are using Android 10 and above with its built-in features, third-party apps for older versions, or more technical methods like ADB commands, each approach has its benefits and drawbacks. Choose the method on how to see wifi password on android that best suits your technical comfort level and device specifications. Always prioritize security and understand the implications, especially when rooting your device or granting app permissions. By following the outlined steps, you can easily retrieve and share your Wi-Fi passwords whenever needed.
About The Author
