How to View Connected WiFi Password on Android

Have you ever connected to a Wi-Fi network on your Android device and forgotten the password? Or maybe you need to share the password with someone else who wants to connect to the same network. Whatever the reason may be, being able to view the connected Wi-Fi password on your Android device can come in handy.

In this blog post, we will explore different methods to view the connected Wi-Fi password on Android. We will provide step-by-step instructions for each method, along with their pros and cons. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to retrieve the Wi-Fi password on your Android device.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to View Connected WiFi Password on Android:

There are several reasons why you might need to view the connected Wi-Fi password on your Android device. Some of these reasons include:

1. Sharing Wi-Fi Password: If a friend or family member wants to connect to the same Wi-Fi network, you can easily share the password with them. Rather than manually entering a complex password, you can provide them with the exact password used on your device.

2. Forgotten Wi-Fi Password: Sometimes, we connect to multiple Wi-Fi networks, and over time it becomes difficult to remember all the passwords. Being able to view the connected Wi-Fi password on your Android device can help you retrieve the forgotten password.

3. Troubleshooting Network Issues: If you are experiencing network connectivity problems, viewing the connected Wi-Fi password can be useful for troubleshooting. You can check if the password is correct or if there are any issues with the network settings.

Now that you understand the importance of viewing the connected Wi-Fi password on Android, let’s explore different methods to achieve this.

Method 1: Via the Wi-Fi Settings:

Overview: This method involves accessing the Wi-Fi settings on your Android device to view the connected Wi-Fi password.

Steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to the "Network & internet" or "Connections" section, depending on your Android device.
3. Tap on "Wi-Fi" to access the Wi-Fi settings.
4. Find the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to and tap on it.
5. A pop-up window will appear with detailed information about the Wi-Fi network. Look for the "Password" field.
6. The password will be masked by default. Tap on the eye icon next to the password field to reveal the password.
7. The password will now be visible and you can note it down or share it with others.

Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward method to view the connected Wi-Fi password.
2. No additional apps or tools required.
3. Works on most Android devices.

Cons:
1. Requires access to the device settings, which may be restricted on some devices.
2. Might not work if the device is not connected to the Wi-Fi network.

Method 2: Using a File Manager:

Overview: This method involves using a file manager app to navigate to a specific system file that contains the Wi-Fi configuration details, including the password.

Steps:
1. Install a file manager app from the Google Play Store, such as ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer.
2. Open the file manager app.
3. Navigate to the root directory of your device. This may vary depending on the file manager app.
4. Look for a folder named "data" or "data/misc".
5. Inside the "data" or "data/misc" folder, you should find a folder called "wifi" or "wifi/connections".
6. Open the "wifi" or "wifi/connections" folder.
7. Look for a file with the extension ".conf" or ".cfg". The file name may vary, but it will usually include the name of the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
8. Open the file using a text editor or the built-in file viewer of the file manager app.
9. Within the file, look for the line that starts with "psk=". The text after "psk=" is the Wi-Fi password.
10. Note down or share the Wi-Fi password as needed.

Pros:
1. Works even if the device is not currently connected to the Wi-Fi network.
2. No additional apps or tools required (except for the file manager app).
3. Provides access to other Wi-Fi configuration details as well.

Cons:
1. Requires the installation of a file manager app.
2. Not as user-friendly as the previous method.
3. The system file location may vary depending on the Android device.

Method 3: Via a Third-Party App:

Overview: This method involves using a third-party app specifically designed to view Wi-Fi passwords on Android devices.

Steps:
1. Install a third-party app from the Google Play Store, such as "WiFi Password" or "WiFi Key Recovery".
2. Open the app after installation.
3. The app will automatically detect and list all the Wi-Fi networks saved on your device.
4. Find the Wi-Fi network you are connected to and tap on it.
5. The app will display the Wi-Fi password associated with the selected network. Note down or share the password as needed.

Pros:
1. User-friendly interface specifically designed for viewing Wi-Fi passwords.
2. No need to navigate through system files or device settings.
3. Works on most Android devices.

Cons:
1. Requires the installation of a third-party app.
2. Some apps may display ads or require in-app purchases for additional features.
3. Privacy concerns as third-party apps need access to Wi-Fi network details.

Method 4: Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge):

Overview: This method involves using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) command-line tool on a computer to retrieve the connected Wi-Fi password from your Android device.

Steps:
1. Enable USB debugging on your Android device. Go to the device’s "Developer options" and toggle on "USB debugging".
2. Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
3. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
4. Execute the following command in the command prompt or terminal window:
"`
adb shell "su -c ‘cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf'"
"`
5. The command will retrieve the Wi-Fi configuration file from your Android device and display it in the command prompt or terminal window.
6. Look for the network name (SSID) and password (PSK) within the command output.
7. Note down or share the Wi-Fi password as needed.

Pros:
1. Works even if the device is not currently connected to the Wi-Fi network.
2. Provides access to the full Wi-Fi configuration file, including other saved networks.
3. No additional apps required on the Android device.

Cons:
1. Requires the installation of ADB on the computer.
2. Command-line interface may not be user-friendly for everyone.
3. Requires USB debugging to be enabled on the Android device.

What to Do If You Can’t View Connected WiFi Password:

If you are unable to view the connected Wi-Fi password using any of the methods mentioned above, here are a few things you can try:

1. Restart Your Device: Sometimes, simply restarting your Android device can resolve temporary issues and allow you to view the connected Wi-Fi password.

2. Reset Network Settings: Resetting the network settings on your Android device can help resolve any configuration issues that may be preventing you from viewing the connected Wi-Fi password. Keep in mind that this will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords from your device.

3. Contact Your Network Administrator or ISP: If you are unable to retrieve the Wi-Fi password for a network that you don’t have administrative access to (e.g., public Wi-Fi), you may need to contact the network administrator or your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.

Bonus Tips:

Here are three bonus tips related to viewing connected Wi-Fi passwords on Android:

1. Use a Password Manager: Consider using a password manager app to securely store and manage all your Wi-Fi network passwords. A password manager can also help generate strong and unique passwords for each network.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: To further secure your Wi-Fi network, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if your router or network administrator supports it. 2FA adds an extra layer of security and makes it harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access to your Wi-Fi network.

3. Regularly Update Wi-Fi Passwords: It is a good practice to periodically update your Wi-Fi passwords, especially for networks that are shared with multiple users. This helps maintain the security of your network and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

5 FAQs:

Q1: Can I view the connected Wi-Fi password on a non-rooted Android device?

A: Yes, you can still view the connected Wi-Fi password on a non-rooted Android device using methods like the Wi-Fi settings or third-party apps.

Q2: Is it legal to view someone else’s Wi-Fi password without their permission?

A: It is generally considered unethical and potentially illegal to view someone else’s Wi-Fi password without their explicit permission. Always obtain the necessary consent before accessing or using someone else’s network.

Q3: Can I view saved Wi-Fi passwords on an Android device even if I am not connected to the network?

A: Yes, the file manager method and ADB method mentioned in this article allow you to view saved Wi-Fi passwords even if you are not currently connected to the network.

Q4: Can I use these methods to view Wi-Fi passwords on someone else’s Android device?

A: No, these methods require administrative access to the Android device in order to view the Wi-Fi passwords. You cannot use these methods on someone else’s device without their permission.

Q5: Are there any security risks associated with viewing Wi-Fi passwords on Android?

A: Viewing Wi-Fi passwords on your own Android device does not pose any significant security risks. However, it is important to be cautious when sharing passwords and ensure that you trust the recipient.

Final Thoughts:

Being able to view the connected Wi-Fi password on your Android device can be highly useful in various scenarios. Whether you need to share the password with someone else or simply retrieve a forgotten password, the methods outlined in this blog post provide you with multiple options.

From accessing the Wi-Fi settings to using third-party apps and utilizing ADB, there are different approaches to suit your preferences and requirements. Remember to follow the necessary ethical and legal guidelines when viewing Wi-Fi passwords and always seek permission when accessing networks that are not your own.

By understanding and utilizing these methods effectively, you can effortlessly retrieve the connected Wi-Fi password on your Android device and optimize your network connectivity experience.