How to Find WiFi Password on Android for All Versions

Have you ever struggled to recall your WiFi password when connecting a new device or sharing your network with someone? It’s a common problem, especially when we rely on our devices to save these details for us. Fortunately, Android phones store your WiFi credentials, and there are simple ways to access them if you know where to look.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through straightforward methods to locate your saved WiFi passwords on Android. If you’ve been searching for how to check WiFi password on Android or retrieve WiFi password from phone, this is the perfect starting point.

Where WiFi Passwords Are Stored on Android

When you connect to a WiFi network on your Android phone, the system automatically saves the password in its internal storage. This ensures that the next time your phone is near the network, it connects without needing you to re-enter the password. This data is stored in a secure part of your phone's memory, making it easy for your device to access but difficult for you to see directly. Android prioritizes security, which is why these passwords are hidden by default.

To view these stored passwords, you might need additional permissions, depending on your phone’s Android version. For example, newer Android versions (Android 10 and above) have built-in features that allow you to see WiFi passwords with just a few taps in the settings. However, if your phone uses an older Android version, you may need administrative access (also called "root access") to retrieve them.

Methods to Find WiFi Password on Android

Using Android 10 or Later

If your Android phone is running on Android 10 or a newer version, you’re in luck. Finding your WiFi password is incredibly straightforward, thanks to a built-in feature designed for convenience. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. Go to the Settings Menu: Open the Settings app on your phone. Scroll down and select “Network & Internet” (or a similar option depending on your phone model).

2. Access Your WiFi Settings: Tap on “WiFi” to view the networks. Select the network you are currently connected to or the one you want the password for.

3. Tap the “Share” Option: On the network details page, look for a “Share” button. This may be located next to the QR code or other options. Tap it.

4. Authenticate: To proceed, your phone will ask you to verify your identity using your PIN, password, or fingerprint. Enter your PIN or scan your fingerprint as required.

5. View the Password: Once authenticated, a QR code will appear on the screen. Below the QR code, you’ll see the WiFi password displayed in plain text. You can now use this to reconnect devices or share with others.

You’re at a friend’s house, and they ask for your WiFi password to connect their tablet. Instead of hunting for the password on paper, you can simply follow the steps above and share the password in seconds.

For Older Android Versions (Using File Explorers)

If your phone runs on an older version of Android (prior to Android 10), viewing saved WiFi passwords requires a bit more effort. These steps involve accessing system files, and for that, you’ll need root access, which gives you administrative control over your device. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Install a file manager that can access system files, such as ES File Explorer or Root Explorer. Make sure the app has root functionality enabled.

2. Open the file explorer and go to: /data/misc/wifi

3. Look for a file named wpa_supplicant.conf. This file contains information about all the WiFi networks you’ve connected to, including their passwords.

4. Use a text editor to open the file. Inside, you’ll see a list of network names (SSID) and their corresponding passwords (PSK). Example:

   network={ ssid="YourWiFiName" psk="YourPassword" }

5. Find the network you’re looking for and copy the password.

Rooting your device can void your warranty, compromise your phone’s security, and even lead to permanent damage if not done properly. Proceed only if you’re comfortable with these risks and understand the process.

Using Apps to Recover WiFi Passwords

For non-rooted devices or those who prefer a simpler method, certain apps can help recover WiFi passwords. These apps access your device’s saved WiFi credentials, but most require root access for full functionality.

1. Examples of reliable apps include WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery. Download one from the Google Play Store or a trusted source.

2. Open the app and allow it the required permissions to access stored WiFi data. For many apps, root access is needed.

3. The app will display a list of previously connected networks and their saved passwords.

Avoid downloading random apps claiming to retrieve passwords, as many can contain malware or compromise your privacy. Only use apps with good reviews and from trusted sources.

Google Account Backup Method

Google offers a convenient way to manage your saved WiFi passwords through your account’s backup feature. If your device is synced with your Google account, it may have saved the WiFi passwords from previous connections. Here’s how you can access them:

1. On your Android device, go to Settings > Google > Backup and confirm that WiFi passwords are included in the backup settings. If enabled, Google has likely stored your WiFi credentials.

2. On a computer or another device, open your browser and go to Google Password Manager (passwords.google.com). Log in using the same Google account linked to your Android device.

3. In the Password Manager, search for the WiFi network name (SSID) you’re looking for. If the password is stored, you can view it after verifying your account credentials.