How to View Saved Wi-Fi Passwords on an Android Device

Every saved Wi-Fi network’s password is stored on an Android device so the smartphone or tablet can reconnect instantly. These passkeys aren’t usually accessible, but the latest versions of Android make it easier to find them. If you have an older Android build, though, it will require rooting.

Finding these passwords is helpful if you can’t remember the password for a particular network. You’ll learn how to find them after reading the instructions below.

Can You View Saved Passwords on All Models?

For Android 9 and lower, all saved networks have their passwords locked in a protected section. These files are only accessible if you root your device. Each smartphone or tablet model is rooted differently, meaning you should search for the exact procedure online before doing so.

Rooting can be quick or takes time, depending on your device. Sadly, Huawei’s latest models are impossible to root, and the online guides generally aren’t helpful to this end.

It’s best to have TWRP installed first. That will let you install Magisk to root your device. Magisk is the most trusted rooting app, meaning your device is in good hands.

Here’s how to install TWRP.

1. Root and unlock the bootloader of your device.
   
2. Install TWRP.
   
3. Grant the app permissions.
   
4. Tap on “TWRP Flash” and choose “Select Device.”
   
5. Find your phone’s model.
   
6. Download the latest image.
   
7. Tap on “Select A File To Flash.”
   
8. Confirm your choice.
   
9. Select “Flash To Recovery” and confirm it.
   

The final step of installing TWRP is to make TWRP a permanent recovery. If that isn’t performed, the phone will wipe TWRP, and you’ll have to flash it again.

1. Open TWRP’s side menu.
   
2. Select “Reboot” and “Reboot Recovery.”
   
3. Swipe to allow for modifications to stick.
   

After setting TWRP up, you can install Magisk.

1. Download and install Magisk Manager after enabling third-party downloads.
   
2. Open Magisk Manager and install the framework, but select “Download ZIP Only” on the following message.
   
3. Boot your phone into recovery mode after the download is complete.
   
4. Select “Install” in TWRP and go to the “Download” folder.
   
5. Choose the Magisk ZIP file and swipe to install it.
   
6. Open Magisk Manager and verify the root is complete.
   

You can now download and install Wi-Fi Key Recovery. This app shows you the passwords of every network with which your device had previous connections and is one of the only reliable apps that works after a root.

 However, remember that the device must be rooted first, or you can’t truly access the protected directory.

Using a File Explorer App

After rooting your Android device, you can use a File Explorer app to peer into your phone’s deepest crevices. These apps should support root browsing to work. One example is FX File Explorer.

FX File Explorer is one of many apps that let you access root files. Here’s how to use it.

1. Open FX File Explorer.
   
2. Go to “/data/misc/Wi-Fi” first.
   
3. Look for a file named “wpa_supplicant.conf” and open it.
   
4. Find the network name and password.
   
5. Write the password down so you won’t forget.

File explorer apps have text or HTML viewers that open these files. That’s what lets you check the saved passwords. Unlike password viewer apps, explorer apps have almost no chance of failing to show your saved passwords, making them a splendid choice.

Some apps still work on a non-rooted device, but you can only look at the directories. Rooting is still necessary to access the files.

However, this method may not work if your phone encrypts wpa_supplicant.conf files. There’s practically no way to bypass the encryption in situations like this.

How to View Saved Wi-Fi Passwords Without Root

Unfortunately, there’s no true method to view the saved Wi-Fi passwords on older devices running Android 9 and older. Some people will mention QR codes, but creating these will require the password in the first place. This requirement places users at an impasse.

Therefore, you can only truly access the saved passwords without rooting by performing the steps below with an Android 10 and newer device.

Using Android 10 and Newer              

Android 10 and above users have it easier, as they can instantly create a QR code for their networks. They also don’t need to be connected to that network to make these codes.

Depending on your model, the steps may vary slightly.

1. Swipe down and open the Settings menu.
   
2. Scroll down and select the Wi-Fi option.
   
3. Go to “Saved Networks.”
   
4. Select a network and tap on it.
   
5. Choose “Share.”
   
6. Authenticate yourself with a fingerprint or PIN.
   
7. The password will appear under the QR code.
   

With how convenient it is on Android 10, it’s much easier to check what the password is if you forget. It takes most people less than two minutes to perform these steps.

Using Samsung Devices

Samsung is an exception, as it doesn’t offer a built-in QR code reader. However, you can still check the password with this method. The phone will generate a QR code, but you need an external app to scan it.

1. Open the Settings menu.
   
2. Go to the “Connections” section.
   
3. Head to Wi-Fi and tap on the cog.
   
4. Select “QR Code.”
   
5. Tap on “Save As Image.”
   
6. Launch Google Lens or a similar app.
   
7. Open the image of the QR code and scan it.
   
8. Look at the plain text password.
   

Google Photos can also perform a QR scan to find out what the QR code contains.

Of course, using the rooted phone method on the newer Android versions is an option, but you already have these built-in methods to look for passwords. It’s highly unnecessary unless you already rooted your device or plan to do it.

Additional FAQs

Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored on an Android device?

The passwords are stored in a directory called “wpa_supplicant.conf” but it’s locked from access unless you root your phone or use special software. Rooting isn’t entirely necessary, but you’ll need to use the right tools.

Is rooting necessary to view saved passwords?

Rooting your phone is only needed if your smartphone or tablet runs on Android 9 or older versions. The file is ordinarily inaccessible, but rooting allows users to peer into it without effort. Android 10 and above doesn’t require rooting, but you can still do that if you want to look inside the wpa_supplicant.conf file.

Can you share saved passwords?

You’ll need to have the password itself to share the password as a QR code. The process will differ depending on your smartphone model.

No Secrets

The passwords of all the saved networks you connected to are within your grasp, but rooting is necessary unless you have a phone running Android 10 or newer. Unfortunately, users with older devices must root them before accessing the files. The files are only unlocked after rooting a smartphone.

What’s another method of finding saved passwords not mentioned here? How did you root your phone? Let us know in the comments section below.