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In today’s digital age, Wi-Fi has become a necessity for most people. Whether you’re at home, work, or on the go, having access to a reliable internet connection is important. However, there are times when we forget the password to our Wi-Fi network, which can be quite frustrating. Thankfully, there are several methods you can use to find the password of a Wi-Fi network on your Android device. In this blog post, we will explore these methods, step by step, to help you regain access to your Wi-Fi network.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Find the Password of Wi-Fi on Android
There are several reasons why you might need to find the password of a Wi-Fi network on your Android device. One common situation is when you buy a new device or have friends or family visiting and need to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Instead of manually entering the password on each device, you can simply retrieve it from your Android device and share it with them. Another scenario is when you reset your Wi-Fi router or change the password, and you need to update the Wi-Fi settings on your Android device. Instead of going through the hassle of manually entering the new password, you can easily retrieve it and update the settings. Overall, finding the password of Wi-Fi on Android can save you time and effort, making it a useful skill to have.
Method 1. How to Find the Password of Wi-Fi on Android via Wi-Fi Settings
Before we proceed with the steps, it’s important to note that this method works only for Wi-Fi networks that you have previously connected to on your Android device.
1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
2. Tap on the "Wi-Fi" option to view the available networks.
3. Find the Wi-Fi network for which you want to retrieve the password and tap on it.
4. A popup window will appear with the details of the network. Scroll down and tap on the "Show password" option.
5. You may be prompted to enter your device’s security credentials, such as your fingerprint or PIN.
6. After successfully verifying your credentials, the Wi-Fi password will be displayed.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to find the Wi-Fi password on your Android device.
2. Does not require any additional software or apps.
3. Works for Wi-Fi networks that you have previously connected to.
Cons:
1. Can only retrieve the password for Wi-Fi networks that you have connected to before.
2. Requires access to the Android device’s settings, which may not be possible if you don’t have permission or own the device.
Method 2. How to Find the Password of Wi-Fi on Android via Router Settings
If you have access to the Wi-Fi router’s settings, either through administrative privileges or physical access to the router itself, you can retrieve the Wi-Fi password from there.
1. Connect your Android device to the Wi-Fi network for which you want to find the password.
2. Open a web browser on your Android device and enter the IP address of the router in the address bar.
3. You can usually find the IP address of the router on the back or bottom of the router, or in the router’s manual.
4. Press Enter or Go to access the router’s web interface.
5. Log in to the router using the administration username and password. This information is typically printed on the router or mentioned in the router’s manual.
6. Once logged in, navigate to the Wi-Fi settings or wireless settings section.
7. Look for the section that contains the network name (SSID) and the password. The password may be displayed as dots or asterisks for security reasons.
8. Click on the option to show the password, and it will be revealed.
Pros:
1. Works for any Wi-Fi network for which you have access to the router’s settings.
2. Allows you to retrieve the password of the Wi-Fi network without needing to access the Android device’s settings.
3. Can be useful if you need to find the password for a network you have not previously connected to on your Android device.
Cons:
1. Requires administrative privileges or physical access to the router.
2. May not be possible if you don’t have permission to access the router’s settings or if you don’t own the router.
Method 3. How to Find the Password of Wi-Fi on Android via Third-party Apps
If the previous methods didn’t work for you or you prefer a more automated solution, you can use third-party apps from the Google Play Store to find the Wi-Fi password on your Android device.
1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Search for "Wi-Fi password recovery" or "Wi-Fi key recovery" apps.
3. Install a reputable app from the search results, such as "WiFi Key Recovery" or "WiFi Password Recovery Show."
4. Open the installed app on your Android device.
5. Allow the necessary permissions the app requires to access your Wi-Fi settings.
6. The app will scan and display a list of Wi-Fi networks that you have previously connected to, along with their passwords.
Pros:
1. Provides an automated solution to find the Wi-Fi password on your Android device.
2. Works for any Wi-Fi network for which you have previously connected to on your Android device.
3. Does not require administrative privileges or physical access to the router.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing a third-party app, which may not be preferable for some users.
2. Some apps may contain ads or require in-app purchases for additional features.
Method 4. How to Find the Password of Wi-Fi on Android via File Manager
This method works if you have access to the root directory of your Android device, either through a file manager app or by connecting your device to a computer.
1. Download and install a file manager app from the Google Play Store if you don’t already have one.
2. Open the file manager app on your Android device.
3. Navigate to the root directory of your device, which is usually denoted by a forward slash (/).
4. Look for a file named "wpa_supplicant.conf" or "wpa_supplicant.conf.bak" and open it with a text editor.
5. The file will contain a list of previously connected Wi-Fi networks along with their passwords. Look for the network you’re interested in and find the corresponding "psk" or "password" field.
6. The Wi-Fi password will be displayed as plain text or in an encrypted format, depending on the device.
Pros:
1. Works for any Wi-Fi network for which you have access to the root directory of your Android device.
2. Does not require administrative privileges or physical access to the router.
Cons:
1. Requires access to the root directory of your Android device, which may not be possible or recommended for novice users.
2. The Wi-Fi password may be displayed in an encrypted format, which may require additional steps to decrypt.
What to Do If You Can’t Find the Password of Wi-Fi on Android
If you’re still unable to find the password of a Wi-Fi network on your Android device, here are a few possible fixes:
1. Reset the Wi-Fi router: If you have physical access to the router, you can reset it to its factory settings. Keep in mind that this will erase all settings, including the Wi-Fi password, so you’ll need to set it up again. Consult the router’s manual or manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to reset the router.
2. Contact the network administrator: If you’re trying to connect to a Wi-Fi network in a public place or at work, you may need to contact the network administrator to retrieve the password.
3. Try a different method: If one method didn’t work for you, try another method from the ones mentioned above. Different methods work in different scenarios, so it’s worth giving them a try.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your Wi-Fi password retrieval experience on Android:
1. Use a password manager: Consider using a password manager app to securely store and retrieve Wi-Fi passwords. These apps can securely store all your passwords, including Wi-Fi passwords, and automatically enter them when needed.
2. Write down the Wi-Fi passwords: Whenever you connect to a new Wi-Fi network, write down the password in a safe place. This will prevent you from having to go through the process of finding the password again in the future.
3. Regularly update your Wi-Fi passwords: To enhance the security of your Wi-Fi network, it’s a good practice to periodically change your Wi-Fi passwords. This will prevent unauthorized access to your network and ensure the safety of your personal data.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I find the password of any Wi-Fi network on my Android device?
A: No, you can only find the password of Wi-Fi networks that you have previously connected to on your Android device.
Q2: What if I don’t have physical access to the Wi-Fi router?
A: If you don’t have physical access to the Wi-Fi router, you can try using the Wi-Fi settings method or a third-party app method to retrieve the password on your Android device.
Q3: Is it safe to use third-party apps to find Wi-Fi passwords?
A: It’s generally safe to use reputable third-party apps from the Google Play Store. However, it’s important to carefully read the app’s reviews, ratings, and privacy policy before installing it on your Android device.
Q4: Can I find the Wi-Fi password in plain text using the file manager method?
A: It depends on your device and the file manager app you’re using. In some cases, the Wi-Fi password may be displayed as plain text, while in others, it may be encrypted or obfuscated.
Q5: Can I find the Wi-Fi password of a network I haven’t connected to before using these methods?
A: No, these methods only work for Wi-Fi networks that you have previously connected to on your Android device.
Final Thoughts
Finding the password of a Wi-Fi network on your Android device can come in handy in various situations. Whether you want to connect a new device, share the password with others, or update your Wi-Fi settings, knowing how to retrieve the password can save you time and effort. In this blog post, we explored four methods to find the Wi-Fi password on Android: via Wi-Fi settings, router settings, third-party apps, and file manager. Each method has its pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. Remember to use these methods responsibly and always obtain permission before accessing someone else’s Wi-Fi network.