The password for each saved Wi-Fi network is stored on an Android device so your smartphone or tablet can reconnect instantly. These passcodes are usually not accessible, but the latest versions of Android make it easier to find them. However, if you have an older version of Android, you will need to root it.
Finding these passwords is useful if you don’t remember the password for a particular network. You will learn how to find them after reading the instructions below.
Can I view saved passwords on all models?
For Android 9 and earlier, all saved networks have their passwords locked in a protected section. These files can only be accessed if you root your device. Each smartphone or tablet model has a different rooting, which means you should search for the exact procedure online before doing it.
Rooting can be quick or take time, depending on your device. Unfortunately, it is impossible to root the latest Huawei models and online guides are generally not helpful for this purpose.
It is best to have TWRP installed first. That will allow you to install Magisk to root your device. Magisk is the most trusted rooting app, which means your device is in good hands.
Here’s how to install TWRP.
- Root and unlock the bootloader of your device.
- Install TWRP.
- Grant permissions to the app.
- Tap “TWRP Flash” and choose “Select Device”.
- Find your phone model.
- Download the latest image.
- Tap “Select a file to flash”.
- Confirm your choice.
- Select “Flash To Recovery” and confirm it.
The last step of installing TWRP is to make TWRP a permanent recovery. If this is not done, the phone will erase TWRP and you will have to flash it again.
- Open the TWRP side menu.
- Select “Restart” and “Reboot Recovery.”
- Swipe to allow changes to persist.
After setting up TWRP, you can install Magisk.
- Download and install Magisk Manager after enabling third-party downloads.
- Open Magisk Manager and install the framework, but select “Download ZIP only” in the following message.
- Boot your phone into recovery mode once the download is complete.
- Select “Install” in TWRP and go to the “Download” folder.
- Choose the Magisk ZIP file and slide it to install it.
- Open Magisk Manager and check that the root is complete.
Now you can download and install Wi-Fi key recovery. This app shows you the passwords for every network your device had previous connections with and is one of the only reliable apps that works after root.
However, remember that the device must be rooted first or you will not be able to actually access the protected directory.
Use a file browser app
After rooting your Android device, you can use a File Explorer app to examine the deepest crevices of your phone. These apps should support root browsing to work. An example is FX File Explorer.
FX File Explorer is one of the many applications that allow you to access root files. Here’s how to use it.
- Open FX File Explorer.
- First go to “/data/misc/Wi-Fi”.
- Find a file called “wpa_supplicant.conf” and open it.
- Find the network name and password.
- Write down the password so you don’t forget it.
File browsing applications have text or HTML viewers that open these files. That’s what allows you to verify saved passwords. Unlike password viewer apps, scanner apps have almost no chance of not displaying your saved passwords, making them a splendid option.
Some apps still work on a non-rooted device, but you can only check the directories. You still need to root to access the files.
However, this method may not work if your phone encrypts the wpa_supplicant.conf files. There is virtually no way to bypass encryption in situations like this.
How to view saved Wi-Fi passwords without root
Unfortunately, there is no real method to view saved Wi-Fi passwords on older devices running Android 9 and earlier. Some people will mention QR codes, but creating them will require the password first. This requirement puts users in a dead end.
Therefore, you can only really access saved passwords without rooting by performing the steps below with an Android 10 and newer device.
Using Android 10 and newer
Users on Android 10 and above have it easier as they can instantly create a QR code for their networks. They also do not need to be connected to that network to generate these codes.
Depending on your model, the steps may vary slightly.
- Swipe down and open the Settings menu.
- Scroll down and select the Wi-Fi option.
- Go to “Saved Networks.”
- Select a network and tap it.
- Choose “Share.”
- Authenticate with fingerprint or PIN.
- The password will appear below the QR code.
With how convenient it is in Android 10, it’s much easier to check what the password is if you forget it. It takes most people less than two minutes to complete these steps.
Using Samsung devices
Samsung is an exception, as it does not offer a built-in QR code reader. However, you can still verify the password with this method. The phone will generate a QR code, but you’ll need an external app to scan it.
- Open the Settings menu.
- Go to the “Connections” section.
- Head to Wi-Fi and tap the gear.
- Select “QR Code”.
- Tap “Save as Image.”
- Launch Google Lens or a similar application.
- Open the QR code image and scan it.
- Look at the password in plain text.
Google Photos You can also perform a QR scan to find out what the QR code contains.
Of course, using the rooted phone method on newer versions of Android is an option, but you already have these built-in methods for finding passwords. It is very unnecessary unless you have already rooted your device or plan to do so.
Additional FAQs
Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored on an Android device?
Passwords are stored in a directory called “wpa_supplicant.conf,” but access to them is blocked unless you root your phone or use special software. Rooting is not entirely necessary, but you will need to use the right tools.
Do I need to root to see saved passwords?
Rooting your phone is only necessary if your smartphone or tablet is running Android 9 or earlier versions. Normally, the file is inaccessible, but rooting allows users to access it effortlessly. Android 10 and above does not require rooting, but you can still do it if you want to look inside the wpa_supplicant.conf file.
Can you share saved passwords?
You will need to have the password to share it as a QR code. The process will vary depending on your smartphone model.
No secrets
Passwords for all saved networks you’ve connected to are at your fingertips, but rooting is required unless you have a phone running Android 10 or later. Unfortunately, users with older devices must root them before accessing files. Files are only unlocked after rooting a smartphone.
