How to Find Out Wifi Password from Android

Android / By / October 16, 2023

In today’s digital age, staying connected to the internet has become an essential part of our daily lives. We rely on Wi-Fi networks for fast and convenient internet access at home, at work, and even on-the-go. However, there may be instances when we forget the password for a Wi-Fi network we previously connected to. Whether you want to connect a new device to the network or share the password with a friend, finding out the Wi-Fi password from your Android device can be incredibly useful.

In this blog post, we will explore different methods that allow you to find out the Wi-Fi password from your Android device. We will discuss step-by-step instructions for each method, along with their pros and cons. Additionally, we will provide alternative solutions in case you find yourself unable to retrieve the Wi-Fi password using the methods mentioned. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can find out the Wi-Fi password from your Android device!

Why You Need to Find Out Wifi Password from Android

Finding out the Wi-Fi password from your Android device can be helpful in various scenarios. Here are a few reasons why you might need to retrieve the Wi-Fi password:

  • You want to connect a new device to the Wi-Fi network.
  • You need to share the Wi-Fi password with a friend or family member.
  • You want to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
  • You are setting up a new Wi-Fi router and need to configure it with the existing network settings.

Now that we understand the importance of finding out the Wi-Fi password from an Android device, let’s explore different methods to achieve this.

Video Tutorial:

Part 1. Using the Wi-Fi Settings

One of the easiest ways to find out the Wi-Fi password from your Android device is through the Wi-Fi settings. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.

Step 2: Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings. This can usually be found under the "Network & Internet" or "Connections" section, depending on your device’s manufacturer and Android version.

Step 3: Look for the Wi-Fi network you want to find the password for. Tap on the network name to open its settings.

Step 4: In the Wi-Fi network settings, you should see an option or icon that allows you to show the password. Tap on it.

Step 5: Depending on your device, you may be prompted to authenticate with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint. Enter the required credentials to proceed.

Step 6: After successful authentication, the Wi-Fi password should be revealed on the screen.

Pros:

  1. Straightforward method available on most Android devices.
  2. No need to install any additional apps.
  3. Doesn’t require root access.

Cons:

  1. Wi-Fi password retrieval is limited to the device you are using.
  2. May require authentication to access the password, adding an extra layer of security.
  3. May not work on older Android devices or customized versions of Android.

Part 2. Using a File Explorer

Another method for finding out the Wi-Fi password from an Android device involves using a file explorer app. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Install a file explorer app from the Google Play Store. Some popular file explorer apps include ES File Explorer, Solid Explorer, or FX File Explorer.

Step 2: Open the file explorer app and navigate to the root directory of your Android device. This is typically denoted by a forward slash (/).

Step 3: Look for a folder named "data" and open it. Within the "data" folder, look for another folder named "misc" and open it as well.

Step 4: Within the "misc" folder, you should find a subfolder named "wifi." Open this folder to access the saved Wi-Fi network configurations.

Step 5: Look for a file with the extension ".conf" or ".cfg" that corresponds to the Wi-Fi network you want to find the password for. Tap on the file to open it using the built-in text editor of the file explorer app.

Step 6: In the text editor, you should find the Wi-Fi password listed next to the network name under the "psk" or "password" field.

Pros:

  1. Provides access to the saved Wi-Fi configurations on your Android device.
  2. Doesn’t require root access.
  3. Works on most Android devices.

Cons:

  1. Requires the installation of a file explorer app.
  2. Can be time-consuming to navigate through folders and find the specific configuration file.
  3. May not work on devices with highly customized or restricted file systems.

Part 3. Using a Wi-Fi Password Recovery App

If the previous methods didn’t work or you prefer a more straightforward approach, using a Wi-Fi password recovery app can be a good solution. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Install a Wi-Fi password recovery app from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include WiFi Password Recovery, Password Recovery for Wi-Fi Networks, or Wi-Fi Password Show.

Step 2: Open the installed app on your Android device. The app should automatically detect and display the saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords.

Step 3: Scroll through the list of Wi-Fi networks to find the one you want the password for. The password should be displayed next to the network name.

Pros:

  1. Provides an easy-to-use solution specifically designed for Wi-Fi password recovery.
  2. Doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge.
  3. Works on most Android devices.

Cons:

  1. Relies on third-party apps, which may have limitations or privacy concerns.
  2. Some apps may require additional permissions or display ads.
  3. Compatibility with specific Android versions or devices may vary.

Part 4. Using a PC and ADB

If none of the previous methods work or you prefer a more advanced solution, using a computer with Android Debug Bridge (ADB) can provide access to the Wi-Fi password. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Install ADB on your computer. ADB is a command-line tool that allows communication between your Android device and computer. Instructions for installing ADB can be found on the Android Developer website.

Step 2: Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 3: Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer and navigate to the directory where ADB is installed.

Step 4: Execute the following command to ensure that your Android device is recognized by ADB:
"`
adb devices
"`

Step 5: If your device is recognized, execute the following command to access the device’s shell:
"`
adb shell
"`

Step 6: Once in the device’s shell, execute the following command to navigate to the Wi-Fi configurations directory:
"`
cd /data/misc/wifi
"`

Step 7: Execute the following command to list the files within the Wi-Fi configurations directory:
"`
ls
"`

Step 8: Look for a file with the extension ".conf" or ".cfg" that corresponds to the Wi-Fi network you want to find the password for. Execute the following command to view the contents of the file:
"`
cat
"`
Replace " with the name of the file.

Step 9: In the output, you should find the Wi-Fi password listed next to the network name under the "psk" or "password" field.

Pros:

  1. Provides a more advanced solution for accessing saved Wi-Fi configurations.
  2. Doesn’t require root access on the Android device.
  3. Offers greater control and flexibility.

Cons:

  1. Requires technical knowledge to install and use ADB.
  2. Relies on a computer with ADB installed.
  3. Advanced method that may not be suitable for beginners.

What to Do If You Can’t Find Out Wifi Password from Android

If none of the above methods work or you encounter any difficulties during the process, here are three alternative solutions you can try:

1. Reset the Wi-Fi router: If you have access to the Wi-Fi router, you can reset it to its default settings. This will remove any saved Wi-Fi passwords and allow you to set up a new one. Keep in mind that resetting the router will also disconnect all connected devices, so make sure you have the necessary credentials to reconfigure the network.

2. Ask the network administrator or owner: If you are trying to retrieve the Wi-Fi password at work, school, or a public place, reach out to the network administrator or the owner for assistance. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information.

3. Try alternative connection methods: If you can’t find out the Wi-Fi password, you can consider connecting to the network using alternative methods, such as Ethernet or WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) if supported by your Android device and the Wi-Fi router.

Bonus Tips

Here are three bonus tips to help you with your Wi-Fi password retrieval:

1. Keep a record of your Wi-Fi passwords: To avoid similar situations in the future, it’s a good practice to keep a record of your Wi-Fi passwords in a secure and easily accessible place, such as a password management app or a physical notebook.

2. Use strong and unique passwords: When setting up Wi-Fi passwords, make sure to use strong and unique combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. This enhances the security of your network and prevents unauthorized access.

3. Regularly update your Wi-Fi router firmware: Keeping your Wi-Fi router firmware up to date is important to ensure that it has the latest security patches and features. Check the manufacturer’s website periodically for firmware updates and follow the instructions for installation.

The Bottom Line

Finding out the Wi-Fi password from your Android device can be advantageous in various situations. Whether you need it to connect a new device to the network or share it with others, the methods discussed in this blog post can help you retrieve the Wi-Fi password efficiently. From using the Wi-Fi settings on your Android device to employing ADB on a computer, each method offers its own set of advantages and considerations. Additionally, we provided alternative solutions and bonus tips to assist you further with your Wi-Fi password retrieval process.

5 FAQs about Finding Out Wifi Password from Android

Q1: Are these methods applicable to all Android devices?

A1: The methods mentioned in this blog post should work on most Android devices. However, the availability and accessibility of certain features may vary depending on the Android version, device manufacturer, and customization.

Q2: Do I need root access to find out the Wi-Fi password?

A2: None of the methods discussed require root access on the Android device. They are designed to work without the need for advanced permissions.

Q3: Can I find out the Wi-Fi password of any network, even if I’m not connected to it?

A3: No, the methods mentioned in this blog post assume that you are connected or have connected to the Wi-Fi network in the past. Without prior connection, you won’t have access to the saved Wi-Fi configurations.

Q4: Is it legal to find out someone else’s Wi-Fi password?

A4: It is important to respect privacy and adhere to ethical guidelines. Retrieving someone else’s Wi-Fi password without their knowledge or consent is not recommended and may be illegal in some jurisdictions. Make sure to obtain the necessary permissions or seek assistance from the network owner or administrator.

Q5: What should I do if I forget my Android device password?

A5: If you forget the password to unlock your Android device, you can try using the "Forgot Pattern" or "Forgot Password" option on the lock screen. This typically requires you to provide the Google account credentials associated with the device. If you are unable to unlock the device through this method, you may need to perform a factory reset, which will erase all data on the device.{"@context":"https://schema.org”,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":null}

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