Originally written by Raja, updated by Dibyajyoti Kabi. First published August 14, 2017. Updated October 24, 2026.
To see a saved Wi-Fi password on Android 10 or newer, open Settings > Network & internet > Internet, tap the network and tap Share. Your phone shows a QR code, and on many phones the password is written right under it. No root needed. On Samsung, the QR code is in the network’s settings under Connections > Wi-Fi.
When this post first went up in 2017, the only way was a root app called WiFi Password Viewer. That app is no longer on the Play Store, and Android now has a built-in share option, so I’ve rewritten the guide around that and kept a short root section for older phones.
Key points
- Android 10 and newer can share any saved Wi-Fi network as a QR code.
- Pixel and many other phones show the password as text under the QR code.
- If you only see a QR code, scan it with Google Lens to read the password.
- You need your screen lock PIN, pattern or fingerprint to open the share screen.
- Android 9 and older need root to see saved passwords.
How do I see a saved Wi-Fi password without root?
Use the Share option in Wi-Fi settings. Google lists it on its Android Help page for Wi-Fi networks. It works on Android 10 and newer, including Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus and Xiaomi phones, though the menu names can be a little different.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet > Internet.
- Tap the Wi-Fi network you want the password for.
- Tap Share.
- Confirm with your PIN, pattern or fingerprint.
You’ll see a QR code. On many phones the password shows in text below it. If it doesn’t, use the Google Lens method below.
How do I see a saved Wi-Fi password on a Samsung Galaxy?
Samsung puts the QR code in the network’s own settings. On most One UI versions, the steps look like this:
- Open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the gear icon next to the network you’re connected to.
- Tap QR code at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Save as image if you want to keep a copy.
On many One UI versions, Samsung shows only the QR code, not the password in text. If that’s what you see, scan it with Google Lens to read the password.
How do I read the password from the QR code?
Scan it with Google Lens, or with the camera on another phone. The QR code holds the network name and password, so Lens shows both as text.
- Take a screenshot of the QR code, or tap Save as image on Samsung.
- Open Google Photos or the Google app and open Lens.
- Pick the screenshot.
- Lens shows the network name and the password. Tap the password to copy it.
Delete the screenshot when you’re done, since anyone who sees it can join your network.
What if my phone runs Android 9 or older?
You need root. Android stores saved networks in a protected system file that normal apps can’t read. With root, a root file manager can open it.
| Android version | Where saved Wi-Fi networks are stored |
|---|---|
| Android 7 and older | /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf |
| Android 8 to 10 | /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml |
| Android 11 and newer | /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml |
The exact path can differ by phone maker. Look for the network name in the file, and the password is on the line marked psk or PreSharedKey. Open the file only to read it. Editing it can break your saved networks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see the password of a network I’m not connected to?
Yes, if it’s saved on the phone. Open Settings > Network & internet > Internet > Saved networks, tap the network and tap Share. On Samsung, open the Wi-Fi screen, tap the three dot menu and pick Manage networks.
Why don’t I see the Share option?
Your phone probably runs Android 9 or older, or the network uses enterprise sign-in like a school or office network. Those networks don’t support QR sharing.
Is it safe to use a Wi-Fi password viewer app?
On current phones you don’t need one. Apps that claim to show passwords without root can’t read the protected file, so skip them.
Related guides
That’s it. A quick trip to Wi-Fi settings and you’ve got the password without asking anyone.
If you can’t find the Share button, leave a comment with your phone model and Android version, and I’ll tell you where it is on your phone.
Cool to see everything getting automated. I still remember when one had to go and open the wpa_supplicant config file to view the overall list of wifi passwords and connections
Hopefully, in future, we don’t need to have root access to perform these simple task.