Are you tired of forgetting the password for the WiFi network you are connected to on your Android device? Or maybe you just want to know the password to share it with a friend or family member. Whatever the reason, this blog post will guide you on how to see the password of the connected WiFi on Android.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to See Password of Connected WiFi on Android
There are several reasons why you might need to see the password of the WiFi network you are currently connected to on your Android device. Here are a few:
1. Sharing with Others: If a friend or family member wants to connect to the same WiFi network, you can easily share the password with them instead of manually entering it on their devices.
2. Troubleshooting: When experiencing connectivity issues, knowing the exact password can help you troubleshoot the problem more effectively.
3. Connecting Additional Devices: If you want to connect another device to the same WiFi network, having the password readily available saves you the hassle of going through the setup process again.
4. Network Security: By being able to see the password, you can ensure that it is strong and secure, protecting your network from unauthorized access.
Now that we understand the importance of knowing the password of the connected WiFi on Android, let’s explore different methods to achieve this.
Method 1: Using the Router Settings Interface
To retrieve the password of the connected WiFi on Android using the router settings interface, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open a web browser on a device connected to the same WiFi network.
Step 2: Enter the IP address of the router in the browser’s address bar. This IP address is usually printed on the back or bottom of the router. It typically looks like 192.168.x.x, with ‘x’ being any number.
Step 3: Enter the router’s username and password when prompted. If you haven’t changed these, the default credentials are usually admin for both the username and password.
Step 4: Once logged in, navigate to the WiFi settings or wireless settings section.
Step 5: Look for the option to view the connected devices or connected clients. This list will display the MAC addresses or device names of all the devices connected to the router.
Step 6: Find your Android device from the list and locate the corresponding WiFi password. It may be labeled as the passphrase or network key.
Pros:
– This method works with any router that provides access to its settings interface.
– It doesn’t require any additional apps or tools.
Cons:
– You need physical access to the router.
– It may not be suitable for users who are not familiar with router settings.
Method 2: Using a WiFi Password Recovery App
If accessing the router settings is not an option for you, you can use a WiFi password recovery app available on the Google Play Store. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: Search for a WiFi password recovery app. There are several options available, such as "WiFi Password Recovery" or "WiFi Key Recovery."
Step 3: Install and open the WiFi password recovery app.
Step 4: Grant the necessary permissions for the app to access your WiFi information.
Step 5: The app will scan and display a list of all the WiFi networks you have connected to with their corresponding passwords.
Step 6: Find the network you are currently connected to, and the password will be displayed next to it.
Pros:
– No need to access the router settings.
– Simple and easy to use.
Cons:
– Some apps may require root access.
– The reliability of the app may vary depending on the device and Android version.
Method 3: Using a File Explorer App
Another method to retrieve the password of the connected WiFi on Android involves using a file explorer app. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Install a file explorer app from the Google Play Store. "ES File Explorer" is a popular choice.
Step 2: Open the file explorer app and navigate to the root directory.
Step 3: Look for a folder named "data" and navigate to "misc" > "wifi".
Step 4: Inside the "wifi" folder, you should find a file with the extension ".conf" that matches the name of the connected WiFi network.
Step 5: Open the ".conf" file using a text editor within the file explorer app.
Step 6: Locate the line that starts with "psk=". The characters following "psk=" are the password of the connected WiFi network.
Pros:
– No need for additional apps.
– Can be done without root access.
Cons:
– Requires manual browsing of system files.
– The location of the WiFi password file may vary depending on the device and Android version.
Method 4: Via QR Code
Some Android devices offer the ability to share WiFi network details via QR code. This feature allows you to scan the QR code with another device to automatically connect to the WiFi network. Here’s how to generate and scan the QR code:
Step 1: Go to the WiFi settings on your Android device.
Step 2: Find the network you are connected to and tap on it.
Step 3: Look for the "Share" or "Share network details" option. This may be located under an advanced settings menu.
Step 4: Select the option to generate a QR code for the WiFi network.
Step 5: The QR code will be displayed on your screen. You can take a screenshot or share it directly with another device.
To scan the QR code and connect to the WiFi network:
Step 1: Open the QR code scanner app on the device you want to connect.
Step 2: Scan the QR code generated by your Android device.
Step 3: The device will automatically connect to the WiFi network without the need to enter the password.
Pros:
– Convenient for sharing WiFi network details with other devices.
– QR code scanning makes connecting to the network quick and easy.
Cons:
– The device you want to connect with must have a QR code scanner app.
– Not all Android devices have this feature available.
What to Do If You Can’t See Password of Connected WiFi on Android
If the above methods don’t work for you or you encounter any issues, here are a few alternative steps you can take:
1. Restart Your Android Device: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues and display the WiFi password.
2. Reset the Router: If you have access to the router settings, you can perform a factory reset, which will reset all the settings to default. Be aware that this will disconnect all devices from the network and require you to reconfigure the router.
3. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP): If you are unable to retrieve the WiFi password using any of the methods mentioned, you can contact your ISP for assistance. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your WiFi experience on Android:
1. Use a Password Manager: Password managers, such as LastPass or 1Password, can securely store and manage your WiFi passwords across all your devices. This way, you can access them whenever needed without having to retrieve them manually.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for Router Settings: Adding an extra layer of security to your router’s settings interface can prevent unauthorized access. By enabling 2FA, you will need to provide a secondary authentication code, along with your username and password, to access the router settings.
3. Regularly Update Your Router Firmware: Keeping your router’s firmware up to date ensures that you have the latest security patches and enhancements.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I retrieve the WiFi password on my Android device without root access?
A: Yes, you can retrieve the WiFi password without root access by using the methods mentioned above, such as accessing the router settings interface or using a WiFi password recovery app.
Q2: Will the methods mentioned work for all Android devices?
A: The methods mentioned should work for most Android devices. However, the location of certain settings or files may vary depending on the device and Android version.
Q3: Are there any security concerns when retrieving WiFi passwords on Android?
A: It’s important to ensure that you are retrieving the WiFi password for your own network or with proper authorization. Sharing or accessing WiFi passwords without permission is a violation of privacy and can be unlawful.
Q4: Can I see the password of other WiFi networks using these methods?
A: No, these methods only allow you to retrieve the password of the WiFi network you are currently connected to or have previously connected to on your Android device.
Q5: Is it recommended to share WiFi passwords with others?
A: Sharing WiFi passwords should only be done with trusted individuals, such as family members or close friends. It’s important to exercise caution and ensure the security of your network.
Final Thoughts
Being able to see the password of the connected WiFi on your Android device can be highly beneficial in various situations. Whether it’s for sharing with others, troubleshooting connectivity issues, or connecting additional devices, knowing the password can save you time and effort. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily retrieve the WiFi password on your Android device and enhance your overall WiFi experience. Just remember to use this knowledge responsibly and respect the privacy of others.