Find Your WiFi Password on Android Without Apps

If you’ve ever needed to connect a new device to your WiFi but can’t remember the password, your Android phone can help. This guide shows you how to view the saved WiFi password directly from your phone’s settings, no extra apps required. You’ll need an Android device running Android 10 or newer, and you must be connected to the network you want to look up.

What You’ll Need

An Android phone or tablet running Android 10 or later (the steps may vary slightly by manufacturer).
Access to the Settings app on that device.
You must be currently connected to the WiFi network whose password you want to see.
Your phone’s lock screen PIN, pattern, or password (to verify your identity).

Step-by-Step

Open the Settings app. Look for the gear icon in your app drawer or notification shade.
Tap “Network & Internet” or “Connections.” The exact wording varies by phone. On stock Android it’s “Network & Internet”; on Samsung it’s “Connections.”
Select “WiFi” or “Wi-Fi.” This opens the list of available networks.
Tap the network you’re connected to. It will be at the top of the list, often with a gear icon or the word “Connected” beneath it.
Look for a share or QR code icon. On many phones, there’s a small QR code icon next to the network name. On others, you may need to tap the gear icon first to see it.
Tap the share icon. This brings up a QR code that represents your WiFi network and password.
Authenticate with your fingerprint, face, or lock screen PIN. Android will ask you to verify your identity before showing the password.
Read the password. After authentication, the password appears below the QR code, often with a “Show password” checkbox. If you don’t see it, check that box.
Copy or note the password. You can tap the password field to copy it, or just write it down.

Common Mistakes

Looking at the wrong network. Make sure you tap the network you’re actually connected to, not a nearby network with a similar name.
Not being connected. If you’re not connected to the network, the password won’t be visible in this menu.
Skipping authentication. Some people miss the step where you need to enter your phone’s PIN or pattern. Without it, the password stays hidden.
Using an older Android version. If your phone runs Android 9 or earlier, the password isn’t shown in the share menu. You’ll need a different method (see Troubleshooting).
Confusing the router password with the WiFi password. The password you see here is for your WiFi network, not the admin password for your router’s settings page.

Tips

Use the QR code to share. Instead of typing the password, let others scan the QR code with their phone’s camera. It’s faster and avoids typos.
Forget and reconnect to see the password again. If the password isn’t showing, try forgetting the network and reconnecting. It should appear after you rejoin.
Check your router’s sticker. If you have access to the router, the default WiFi password is often printed on a label. This is handy if you’re not currently connected.
Keep your phone updated. Newer Android versions sometimes change the menu layout. Keeping your phone updated ensures you have the latest steps.

Troubleshooting

If you don’t see a share or QR code icon: Some phone manufacturers (like older Samsung models) place the QR code under the network’s gear icon, not directly on the network name. Tap the gear icon next to the network, then look for the QR code or “Share” option.

If you’re on Android 9 or older: The built-in method won’t work. You can try checking your router’s label, or if you have a rooted phone, you can look in the system files (but that’s advanced and not recommended for most users).

If the password field is blank: Make sure you’ve completed the authentication step. If you’ve already authenticated and it’s still blank, try toggling the “Show password” checkbox off and on.

If you’re not connected to the network: You can’t view the password for a network you’re not currently on. You’ll need to connect first, which requires the password—so this method only works for networks you’ve already joined.

If the steps don’t match your phone: Different brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, etc.) have slightly different menus. Search your phone’s settings for “WiFi” and then look for “Saved networks” or “Saved passwords.” Some phones list all saved networks under a separate menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password for a WiFi network I’m not connected to?

No, the built-in Android feature only shows the password for the network you’re currently connected to. For other saved networks, you’d need to connect to them first or use a third-party app (which usually requires root).

Why does Android ask for my phone’s PIN to show the password?

This is a security measure. It ensures that only someone who has unlocked your phone (with your fingerprint, face, or PIN) can see the saved password, preventing casual snooping.

Does this work on Samsung, Xiaomi, and other brands?

Yes, the core feature exists on all Android 10+ devices, but the exact menu names differ. On Samsung, it’s under “Connections” > “WiFi”; on stock Android, it’s “Network & Internet” > “WiFi.”

Can I use the QR code to connect a device that doesn’t have a camera?

No, you’ll need to type the password manually on that device. The QR code is only for devices with cameras (like other phones).

Is there a way to see the password without a lock screen set up?

If you don’t have a lock screen, Android may not ask for authentication, and the password will show immediately after tapping the share icon. However, it’s not recommended to leave your phone without a lock screen for security reasons.

What if I forgot my phone’s lock screen PIN?

You won’t be able to view the WiFi password through this method. You’ll need to reset your phone’s lock screen (which may wipe data) or find the password another way, like checking your router’s settings page.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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