How to View Saved Wi-Fi Passwords on Android Without Root

Forgot your Wi-Fi password?

Or a friend just came over and asked for it, and you have no idea what it is?

Back in 2016, many of you asked me for this trick. An unrooted phone couldn't show you a saved Wi-Fi password at all, so you needed root or a login to your router.

Not anymore. Since Android 10, your phone can show you the password of a saved network, no root needed.

Also Read: How to See a Saved Wi-Fi Password on Android (No Root)

Here, I'll show you the Share screen method, the router method and the root method. I'll also tell you which one to use.

TL;DR

• Android 10 and newer: open the network's "Share" screen, verify it's you, and read the password written under the QR code on Pixel and many other phones.
• Samsung, Xiaomi and other phones: the menus differ. Look for "Share" or a QR code, then scan the code with any QR scanner to read the password.
• Your own router: log in at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 and find the password under "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" settings.
• Root: only if your phone is already rooted. Don't root a phone just for this.

Saved Wi-Fi Password Methods at a Glance

How to See a Saved Wi-Fi Password From the Share Screen

On Android 10 and newer, the Share screen shows your saved password. It's built right into Android, so you don't need to install anything.

Requirements

• A phone running Android 10 or newer
• Your phone's PIN, pattern, password or fingerprint

Steps

1. Open "Settings" → "Network & internet" → "Internet".
2. Make sure Wi-Fi is on and you're connected to the network.
3. Tap the settings (gear) icon next to the network name.
4. Tap "Share".
5. Your phone asks you to "Verify it's you". Use your fingerprint, face, PIN or pattern.
6. You'll see a QR code. On Pixel and many other phones, "Wi-Fi password:" and the password are written right under it.

That's all there is to it. Your friend can type the password, or scan the QR code with their phone camera to join.

There's an even faster way. Swipe down to open Quick Settings, tap "Internet", and then tap "Share Wi-Fi" at the bottom.

What About Networks You're Not Connected To?

Look for "Saved networks" at the bottom of the Wi-Fi list, and tap the network you want. If you see a "Share" button there, it works exactly the same way.

Also Read: How to Fix the “Obtaining IP Address” Error on Android

What If Your Samsung or Xiaomi Phone Looks Different?

Phones with their own Android skin, such as Samsung and Xiaomi, use different menus. Open the network's details and look for "Share" or a "QR code" button.

Some phones only show the QR code, without the password written under it.

The password is written inside that QR code as plain text, so scan it with any QR scanner on another phone to read it.

How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password Through Your Router

This was the method from my 2016 post, and it still works.

Your router has a settings page, and the Wi-Fi password is stored there. Only do this on a router that's yours.

1. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Open your browser, like Google Chrome.
3. Type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar and go.
4. It asks for a username and password.

5. Check the sticker on your router for the address and login details. Many routers print them there.
6. Once you're in, look for "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" settings. The password is often called the key or passphrase.

Back in 2016, I pointed out that most people never change the router login from admin / admin or admin / password. If your router still accepts one of those, change it right now.

Why? Anyone on your Wi-Fi could log in and change your settings, or lock you out of your own router.

If you want to go further with your network settings, read how to change the MAC address on Android without root.

Can You Use Root to See Saved Wi-Fi Passwords?

Only use this method if your phone is already rooted. If your phone is older than Android 10, the Share screen won't be there.

On a rooted phone, a root app can read Android's saved Wi-Fi settings directly. That's how we all did it back in 2015.

But don't root your phone just for this. Using your router's page is much safer.

Also Read: Does Rooting Brick Your Phone? The Honest Answer

Which Method Should You Use?

• Android 10 or newer: use the Share screen. It's the quickest, and it needs no root.
• An older phone, or no Share screen: log in to your router and find the password there.
• An already rooted phone: a root app can read the saved settings, but your router is still the safer choice.

Is It Okay to Use a Neighbour's Wi-Fi?

In my original post, I admitted I'd been using my neighbour's Wi-Fi for 7 to 8 months, because he never changed his password.

Looking back, don't do that. Using someone's network without asking isn't okay.

But it does teach a good lesson for your own Wi-Fi:

• Change your router's admin password from the default.
• Change your Wi-Fi password if you think too many people know it.
• Use WPA2 or WPA3 security in your router settings.

To see which devices are already on your network, read how to find devices connected to your Wi-Fi on Android and iPhone.

Final Thoughts

Viewing a saved Wi-Fi password on Android no longer needs root. If your phone runs Android 10 or newer, the Share screen is all you need.

For older phones, use your router's settings page, or root if your phone is already rooted. I'd stick with the router, since it's the safer of the two.

Menus change between Android versions and phone brands, so the names above may look a little different on your phone. If a neighbour has been on your Wi-Fi for months, change your password.

FAQs

Can I see a saved Wi-Fi password on Android without root?

Yes, on Android 10 or newer. Go to "Settings" → "Network & internet" → "Internet", tap the gear icon next to the network, then tap "Share" and verify it's you.

What if the Share screen only shows a QR code?

Some phones show only the QR code, without the password written under it. Scan it with any QR scanner on another phone, and the password will appear as plain text.

Can I look up the password on a router that isn't mine?

No. Only log in to a router that's yours, because using someone else's network without asking isn't okay.

What default router login should I change?

Most people never change the router login from admin / admin or admin / password. If yours still accepts one of those, change it right away, so nobody on your Wi-Fi can change your settings.

Still stuck? Tell me through the contact page.