Find Your WiFi Password on Android: Complete Guide
How to Find Your WiFi Password on Android: A Complete Guide for All Versions
Forgotten your WiFi password? Unlike iPhones, Android devices let you view saved WiFi passwords directly in your settings—no router reset needed. We’ll show you how to find it in just a few taps, no matter which Android version you’re using.
What is This Feature?
Android 10 and newer include a built-in WiFi password viewer that lets you see passwords for networks you’ve previously connected to. This feature is part of Android’s system-level password management, accessible directly from your Settings app. Unlike older Android versions (9 and below), which required workarounds or rooting your device, modern Android makes password recovery straightforward and secure.
Current as of: Android 15 with One UI 7.0 — January 2025
This feature works across stock Android (Google Pixel phones), Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, OnePlus OxygenOS, and other Android manufacturers’ custom interfaces, though the exact menu locations vary slightly.
Why Use This Feature?
- Recover forgotten passwords without resetting your router — You can find your WiFi password instantly without losing all your router settings
- Connect guests quickly and securely — Share your password with visitors by simply showing them the QR code generated alongside your password
- Access your network on new devices — Quickly get the password when setting up a new phone or tablet without searching for physical documentation
- No technical skills required — The process uses simple taps in Settings; no command line tools, rooting, or developer mode needed (on Android 10+)
Things to Consider
- Security requirement: You must unlock your phone first — Android requires PIN, pattern, biometric authentication (fingerprint or face unlock), or password verification before showing WiFi passwords. This prevents unauthorized access if someone picks up your device
- Android version matters — Android 10 and newer have this built-in feature. If you’re on Android 9 or earlier, you’ll need to reset your router or use technical workarounds
- Manufacturer variations — Samsung Galaxy devices navigate through different menu paths than stock Android, and exact button labels vary across manufacturers (Samsung uses ‘Manage networks,’ while others use ‘Share’)
How to Find Your WiFi Password — Step by Step
For Android 12 and Newer (Most Common Method)
1. Open your Settings app and go to Network settings Tap the Settings app (gear icon) on your home screen or in your app drawer. Then tap “Network & internet” or “Internet” depending on your phone manufacturer.
2. Select the WiFi network you want the password for Under “Internet” or “WiFi,” you’ll see a list of saved networks. Tap the network name you need the password for (not the toggle switch—tap the actual network name).
3. Tap the ‘Share’ button A new screen opens with network details. Look for the “Share” button or option. Tap it to access the password.
4. Authenticate with your PIN, pattern, or biometric (fingerprint/face) Android will ask you to verify your identity to prevent unauthorized access. Use whichever method you’ve set up (PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or face recognition).
5. View your password and QR code Once authenticated, you’ll see both your WiFi password displayed in plain text AND a QR code that others can scan to connect. Write down the password or take a screenshot for reference.
For Android 10-11 (Alternative Path)
If you’re on Android 10 or 11, the path is slightly different:
1. Open Settings and tap “Network & internet” This is typically the second or third option in your main Settings menu.
2. Select “WiFi” Tap the WiFi option to see your saved networks.
3. Find your network and tap the settings gear icon Unlike newer Android versions, you won’t tap the network name—instead, tap the small gear or settings icon next to the network name.
4. Look for ‘Show password’ or the password field A small radio button or eye icon next to the password field lets you reveal it. Tap it to see the password in plain text.
5. Copy or write down your password Once visible, note the password carefully.
For Samsung Galaxy Devices (One UI 5-7)
Samsung uses a different path in its One UI interface:
1. Open Settings and tap “Connections” (not Network & internet) Samsung’s custom interface uses different naming. Look for “Connections” in your main Settings menu.
2. Tap “WiFi” or “WiFi networks” This shows your saved networks.
3. Tap the three-dot menu icon or “More options” At the top or bottom of the WiFi networks list, look for a three-dot menu (⋮) or “Advanced” button.
4. Select “Manage networks” or “Advanced settings” This opens a detailed network management screen.
5. Tap the network name, then tap “Share” or “View password” Depending on your One UI version (6 and older vs. One UI 7+), the button may be labeled “Share” (which shows QR code and password) or “View password.”
6. Verify with your authentication method On One UI 7 and newer, you can use fingerprint or face recognition. Earlier versions require PIN or pattern.
Alternative: Use the QR Code to Let Guests Connect
If you’d rather not share your actual password, use the QR code:
1. Follow steps 1-5 above to reach the password screen
2. Show the QR code to your guest They open their phone’s camera app and scan the QR code. A notification appears asking if they want to connect to the WiFi. They tap “Connect” and they’re on your network—no password typing required.
3. On Android 13 and newer, you can screenshot the QR code If you want to send the code via email or messaging app, Android 13 QPR3 and newer now allow screenshots of WiFi QR codes (this was previously blocked for security).
Troubleshooting: What to Do If These Steps Don’t Work
Problem: You can’t find the WiFi menu in Settings
Solution: The exact menu location varies by Android version and phone manufacturer. Try these paths:
- Stock Android/Google Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → Internet → [Your network] → Share
- Samsung Galaxy: Settings → Connections → WiFi → [Your network] → Advanced/Share
- Xiaomi MIUI: Settings → WiFi → [Your network] → Settings wheel icon
- OnePlus OxygenOS: Settings → WiFi → [Your network] → Share
If you still can’t find it, check your phone’s Settings search feature (usually a magnifying glass icon at the top of Settings) and search for “WiFi password.”
Problem: You’re on Android 9 or earlier
Solution: Your device doesn’t have the built-in password viewer. Your options are:
- Reset your router (easiest) — Press and hold the physical reset button on the back of your router for 10 seconds. This resets it to the factory default password (usually on a sticker on the router).
- Use a workaround app — Some third-party apps claim to show WiFi passwords on older Android, though these often require rooting your device (which voids your warranty).
- Check for a password backup — If you saved your WiFi password in Google Account, open Settings → Google → Manage your Google Account → Security and look for “App passwords” or “Device passwords.”
Problem: Authentication (PIN/fingerprint) keeps failing
Solution: Make sure you’re using the correct authentication method:
- For PIN: Enter your device PIN (the same one you use to unlock your phone)
- For fingerprint: Make sure your finger is clean and dry, and you’re scanning the registered finger
- For face unlock: Ensure good lighting and that your face is clearly visible
If nothing works, restart your phone and try again.
Problem: The password field is blank or shows “Unknown”
Solution: This occasionally happens with older saved networks or networks you connected to very long ago. Try these steps:
- “Forget” the network: From the network list, long-press the network name and select “Remove” or “Forget”
- Reconnect to the network using the password from your router label or documentation
- After reconnecting, the password will be stored and you can view it using the steps above
If you genuinely can’t remember the password, your only option is to reset your router (see above).
Problem: You need to share the password but don’t want to show the actual text
Solution: Use the QR code method instead. The QR code appears on the same screen as the password—show it to your guest and let them scan it with their phone’s camera app. They can connect without ever seeing the actual password. This works on Android 10 and newer.
Finding your WiFi password on Android is now as simple as opening Settings and tapping a few options—no technical knowledge required. Whether you need to recover a forgotten password, set up a guest, or configure a new device, Android’s built-in password viewer has you covered. If you’re on Android 10 or newer, you have full access; if you’re on Android 9 or earlier, consider updating your phone to get this convenient feature.