In today’s connected world, Wi-Fi is one of the most essential utilities. Whether at home, work, or public spaces, having access to Wi-Fi can make your online experience smooth and efficient. But what if you connected to a Wi-Fi network long ago and now want to share the password with someone — but you forgot it? Luckily, if you are using an Android phone, there are ways to retrieve saved Wi-Fi passwords depending on the Android version you are using.
This article will guide you step-by-step on how to see Wi-Fi passwords on Android phones. We will cover both newer and older Android versions and also answer some frequently asked questions at the end.
Viewing Wi-Fi Password on Android 10 and Above
With Android 10, Google introduced a built-in feature that allows users to see and share saved Wi-Fi passwords. This method doesn’t require any root access or third-party apps, making it the easiest and safest way.
Steps to View Saved Wi-Fi Password:
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Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
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Go to Network & Internet or Connections (depending on your phone brand).
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Tap on Wi-Fi.
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Now tap on the currently connected network, or scroll down and select Saved networks.
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Choose the network you want the password for.
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Tap the Share button. You will be asked to verify with your fingerprint, PIN, or pattern.
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Once verified, a QR code will appear. Below it, you will see the Wi-Fi password in plain text.
This method is available on phones from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, OnePlus, and others running Android 10 or newer.
Viewing Password Using QR Code Scanner
If your phone doesn’t display the password but shows a QR code, you can scan it using another phone to reveal the details.
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Take a screenshot of the QR code showing the Wi-Fi connection.
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On another device, open a QR code scanner app (most camera apps have it built-in now).
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Scan the code.
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The network name (SSID) and password will appear, allowing you to connect directly.
This trick is especially helpful if you want to share the password without saying or typing it.
For Android 9 and Below – Root Required
Unfortunately, Android 9 (Pie) and earlier versions do not offer any direct way to view saved Wi-Fi passwords. The only way to access them is by rooting your phone, which gives you administrative privileges.
Steps After Rooting:
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Install a root file explorer like Root Explorer, ES File Explorer, or Solid Explorer.
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Go to the directory:
/data/misc/wifi/ -
Find the file named
wpa_supplicant.conf. -
Open it with a text editor.
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Inside the file, you’ll see a list of saved networks. Find your network name (SSID), and next to it, you’ll see the password written next to “psk=”.
⚠️ Note: Rooting your phone voids your warranty, may expose your phone to security threats, and can cause malfunction if done improperly. Only proceed if you know what you’re doing.
Use of Third-Party Apps
There are apps available on the Play Store that claim to show saved Wi-Fi passwords. However, most of them require root access, and many are full of ads or don’t work as advertised.
If your phone is rooted, you can try apps like:
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WiFi Password Viewer
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WiFi Key Recovery
Just download the app, grant root permissions, and it will display a list of saved Wi-Fi networks along with their passwords.
For non-rooted phones, these apps won’t work.
Sharing Wi-Fi Without Showing Password
Even if you don’t want to reveal the password, you can share it using a QR code.
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Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
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Tap the connected network.
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Select Share.
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Let your friend scan the QR code on their phone to connect instantly.
This is a clean, easy way to share Wi-Fi access without typing the password or worrying about spelling mistakes.
Why You Might Need to View Saved Wi-Fi Password
There are many situations where knowing the saved Wi-Fi password is helpful:
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You want to share it with a guest.
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You want to connect another device like a tablet or laptop.
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You want to write it down or keep a record.
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You are switching routers or making changes in your home network setup.
FAQs: How to See Wi-Fi Password on Android
Q1: Can I see Wi-Fi password without rooting on Android 9 or lower?
No. Android versions below 10 do not allow viewing saved Wi-Fi passwords unless the phone is rooted.
Q2: Is it safe to use third-party apps to view saved passwords?
Only if your phone is rooted and you trust the app developer. Otherwise, these apps may misuse permissions or display false information.
Q3: I don’t see the “Share” option in Wi-Fi settings. What should I do?
Make sure your phone is running Android 10 or higher. Also, check if any updates are available for your phone. If not, your phone might not support this feature due to brand-specific UI limitations.
Q4: Does this method work for Wi-Fi extender passwords?
Yes. If you’ve connected to a Wi-Fi extender, it functions just like a router. You can view the password using the same steps as a regular Wi-Fi network.
Q5: Can I use the same method to see the password of a public Wi-Fi network?
If your phone has saved the public Wi-Fi password and you’re still connected, yes — you can view it through the Share option in Wi-Fi settings.
Final Thoughts
Being able to see your Wi-Fi password on your Android phone can save time and make sharing easier. While newer versions of Android (10 and up) make this process very simple, older versions still require rooting, which isn’t recommended for beginners.
If you’re frequently connecting new devices or helping others connect to your network, it’s a good idea to note down your Wi-Fi password or take a screenshot of the QR code for easy sharing. Android continues to improve user-friendly features like this, and staying updated always helps.
Whether you’re at home, office, or traveling — knowing how to manage and retrieve Wi-Fi credentials is a smart move.
