How to Unlock Wi-Fi Password on Android: 5 Easy & Safe Methods (No Root Needed)

Part 1. How Wi-Fi Passwords Are Stored on Android

Before learning how to unlock Wi-Fi passwords on Android, it's essential to understand where these credentials are stored.

When you connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network, Android stores the password in a system folder. These passwords are stored in a secure file and protected by strong encryption. This implies that they can only be read by the system, not normal users or applications.

There is a significant distinction between system and user access. System access is similar to possessing the key to a locked door. It allows you to view and alter hidden files. The majority of individuals have limited access to user accounts. This is why prior Android versions did not allow you to access Wi-Fi passwords without rooting your phone.

But with Android 10, things became easier. If your phone runs Android 10 or above, you may check stored Wi-Fi passwords in your phone's settings. Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, choose the network, and then hit "Share." You must enter a PIN or use your fingerprint to access your phone. A QR code will appear, and the password may be shown in plain language.

This is the safest method for novices to learn how to unlock a Wi-Fi password on Android. If you're wondering how to unlock a Wi-Fi password without rooting, Android 10 and up makes it straightforward.

Part 2. Prerequisites

Before you try to unlock your Wi-Fi password on Android, there are a few things you should consider. These actions are crucial. They help ensure that the strategy you choose will be effective.

1.Physical Access & Prior Connection

To see or share a Wi-Fi password, your phone must have previously connected to that Wi-Fi network. If not, your phone will not save the password. Always check to see whether your device has previously connected to Wi-Fi.

2.Permissions: Device Unlocked + Location On

To unlock or share a stored Wi-Fi password, you must first unlock your phone. This requires you to know the screen PIN, pattern, or fingerprint unlock method. To scan or share networks after Android 10, you must also enable location tracking. To turn it on, go to Settings > Location and tap the switch.

Without this, your phone may not display any stored Wi-Fi information. This step is required even if you already understand how to unlock Wi-Fi on Android.

3.Android Version Check

To view passwords in the simplest method, your phone must have Android 10 or later. To check this, navigate to "Settings > About Phone > Android Version." If your phone runs Android 9 or earlier, you may require an alternative solution.

Part 3. 5 Methods to Recover Wi-Fi Passwords

Now that your device meets all the requirements let's look at how to unlock Wi-Fi passwords on Android. The strategies below cover it all—no technical knowledge is required.

Method 1: Native Android Settings (No Root, Android 10+)

This is the quickest and most secure way to unlock a Wi-Fi password on your Android device. There are no additional applications or root access required—only your phone and a few clicks.

Steps to Reveal the Password:

Step 1. Navigate to "Network & internet > Internet" under "Settings."

Step 2. Tap the current Wi-Fi network name.

Step 3. Select Share, then authenticate with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint.

Step 4. A QR code will be displayed. Your password is shown underneath it.

Step 5. Copy the password or scan the QR code using another device.

Method 2: QR Code Scanning

If your phone does not have a "Share" button, you may still use QR codes to unlock Wi-Fi passwords on Android. This is beneficial for older devices or settings that are hidden. Follow the steps for Decoding a Wi-Fi QR Code.

Step 1. To produce the Wi-Fi QR code, use someone's phone and navigate to Wi-Fi. Tap the network, then select Share.

Step 2. If your phone supports QR scanning, use Google Lens or the camera app.

Step 3. Point it at the QR code shown on the other phone's screen.

Step 4. Let Lens scan the code. It may display network information such as SSID and P:yourpassword.

Step 5. Copy the P:… text and use it as your password.

If your Android does not display the "how to unlock Wi-Fi password" option, this approach can be used. You only need two phones and a clean

Bonus Tip: How to Unlock Android Screen Using Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock eliminates lock screens (PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint, or face) without requiring root access. It works with over 8,000 Android models from manufacturers such as Samsung, Pixel, and OnePlus.

How to Unlock Screen on Android using Dr.Fone

Step 1. Install Dr.Fone on your PC or Mac. Launch the tool and choose "Screen Unlock > Android >Unlock Android Screen."

Step 2. Connect your phone via USB and choose the appropriate model.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter "Download Mode."

Step 4. Dr.Fone will download the appropriate firmware and disable the screen lock, then select "Done."

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Method 3. Google Account Backup Method

Looking for another solution to unlock your Wi-Fi password? Your Google account might help. If your handset backed up Wi-Fi settings, you can access them from another phone. Follow the steps to Use Google Backup:

Step 1. Open "Settings" on a new or second Android device tied to the same Google account.

Step 2. Navigate to "Google Backup (or Settings > System Backup)." Check the Device Settings to verify if Wi-Fi credentials are backed up.

Step 3. If Wi-Fi data is listed, either do a system restore or allow Google to apply it automatically.

Step 4. Launch Google's "Find My Device" online or app. It reveals what and when the device was last online, which is useful for confirming network names.

Method 4. ADB Commands (Advanced)

Advanced Android users can utilize ADB commands to unlock Wi-Fi passwords when built-in alternatives are unavailable. This approach involves setting up a computer and phone developer environment.

Prerequisites:

• Enable USB Debugging: Navigate to "Settings > About phone." Tap "Build number" 7 times to access Developer options, then USB Debugging.
• You must have connected to Wi-Fi.
• A USB connection and an ADB-enabled PC are needed.

Guided Steps:

Step 1. Extract Platform Tools and launch Terminal. Unzip platform-tools-windows.zip. Right-click on a blank folder space while holding Shift.

Step 2. Choose "Open command window here." Check Device Connection

Step 3. Connect your Android phone via USB (allow USB Debugging).

Step 4. Type "adb devices" on the terminal. You can continue if your device appears.

Step 5. Power on display using adb shell input keyevent 26.

Step 6. Replace 1234 with your lock PIN/passcode: adb shell input text 1234

Step 7. Virtually enter:

shell input keyevent 66

This command mimics tapping the "OK" confirmation on your screen lock.

Method 5. Access Wi-Fi Passwords on Rooted Devices

This complex procedure requires expertise. Rooted devices can display cached Wi-Fi passwords. Be careful—system-level access is needed.

Step 1. Install Root Explorer, ES File Explorer (rooted), or Root Browser. When asked, provide root rights to the app.

Step 2. Navigate to /data/misc/Wi-Fi/

Look for the Image named:

wpa_supplicant.conf

This file stores network passwords and Wi-Fi service set identifiers (SSIDs).

Step 3. Open wpa_supplicant.conf in your file manager's text reader.

Step 4. Inside, locate blocks such as:

network={

ssid="HomeNetwork"

psk="MySecretWifi123"

key_mgmt=WPA-PSK

...

}

Each network={...} section refers to your connected Wi-Fi networks. The Wi-Fi password is psk.

Part 4. Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Even though accessing Wi-Fi passwords on Android is typically straightforward, you may encounter issues. Here's how to overcome the usual obstacles while attempting to unlock a Wi-Fi password on Android.

1. "Share" Option Not Showing

If the Share button is missing in Wi-Fi settings, your phone may require an upgrade. This functionality is accessible on Android versions 10 and later. To restore access to Wi-Fi sharing, update to the most recent software version.

2. Can't Access a Saved Network

If a network is not displayed under Saved Networks, it means your device was never connected to it. Android only stores passwords for networks that you've already joined. To resolve this, reconnect to the network once and then unlock your Wi-Fi password later

3. App or Method Not Working.

Some third-party applications and utilities rely on Android features that may not operate in later versions owing to increased security. If one app does not function, try another or use built-in features, such as the Share button or QR scanning.

4. Wi-Fi Password Not Visible

Despite scanning a QR code, the password does not always show. This might be due to authorization settings or security rules implemented by your device's manufacturer.

• Ensure your Location permission is enabled (Android 10 and above).
• Go to "Settings > Apps > Permissions" and enable Wi-Fi apps to access your location.
• If a system policy prevents QR scanning, you may need to update or manually allow network rights.

Conclusion

Recovering a lost Android Wi-Fi password is now easier. The Share feature in Android 10 and higher enables WiFi password unlocking using QR codes, eliminating the need for rooting or additional tools. In case that fails, QR scanning with Google Lens is a quick backup technique that reveals the password. Reading wpa_supplicant.conf allows root users to dig further. Each strategy is suited to different scenarios, so select wisely. No worry or guessing—these simple instructions will always show you how to unlock WiFi on Android. Besides, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock ensures the safe and easy removal of screen locks, providing convenience for your Android phone usage.

4,624,541 people have downloaded it