How to View a Saved WiFi Password on Android Without Root?

Introduction

At some point, we all face the dilemma of needing to remember a WiFi password that was previously saved on our Android device. The challenge is heightened if the password is complex or if we no longer have access to the original source of the information. Common belief holds that viewing saved WiFi passwords on Android requires root access, but in reality, you can do it without rooting your device. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to view saved WiFi passwords on Android without root access.

Using Android Settings

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Access Network Settings: Go to your device’s Settings menu and select ‘Network & Internet’.

2. Access WiFi Settings: Tap on ‘WiFi’ to open the list of WiFi networks your device has connected to.

3. View Saved Networks: Click on ‘Saved networks’ to see all networks you’ve previously connected to.

4. Choose Network: Select the desired network from the list of saved networks.

5. Share Network: Tap on the ‘Share’ button which will prompt you to verify your identity using a biometric method or a PIN.

6. View Password: A QR code will be displayed along with the network password just below it. You can use this password to connect other devices to the network.

Using QR Scanners

If your Android version supports the QR code display method but you cannot find the actual password, you can use a QR scanner to decode the password from the QR code.

Third-Party QR Scanner Apps

• QR & Barcode Scanner
• QR Code Reader
• Barcode Scanner

Simply open one of these apps and scan the QR code displayed in the ‘Share network’ option to get your WiFi password.

Using ADB Commands

Another method involves using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands through a computer. Though it might feel a bit technical, it’s an effective way to retrieve saved WiFi passwords without root access.

Requirements

• A computer with ADB installed

• USB Debugging enabled on your Android device

• A USB cable to connect your device to the computer

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Download ADB: Start by downloading the ADB tool from the official Android Developer website.

2. Enable USB Debugging: Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap ‘Build number’ seven times to enable Developer Options, then go to Developer Options and enable ‘USB Debugging’.

3. Connect Device: Use a USB cable to connect your Android device to your computer.

4. Open Command Prompt: Open a command prompt window on your computer and navigate to the directory where ADB is installed.

5. Enter ADB Commands: Type the command adb devices to ensure your device is connected. Then type adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf to pull the file containing the WiFi passwords. Open this file with a text editor to find your saved passwords.

Conclusion

In conclusion, viewing saved WiFi passwords on an Android device without root access is entirely feasible. Whether you use the device’s settings, a QR scanner, or ADB commands, each method avoids the complexities and risks associated with rooting. We hope this guide helps you effortlessly retrieve your forgotten WiFi credentials whenever needed. Always remember to keep your digital security in mind and share your network passwords responsibly.