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Are you tired of constantly forgetting your WiFi password and having to reset it every time you need to connect a new device? Or maybe you just want to make sure nobody else is secretly using your WiFi without your permission. Well, there’s good news. It is possible to view the hidden WiFi password on your Android device with just a few simple steps. This article will give you several methods to do so and show you some additional tips to help you maintain the security of your network.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to View Hidden WiFi Password on Android
WiFi networks often require a password to access them, and for security reasons, most router manufacturers conceal these passwords, making them invisible to users. So, if you have forgotten a password and want to connect a new device to the same network, you may face the challenge of not being able to see it. Without the password, you can’t connect to the network and access the internet, which can be frustrating.
Things You Should Prepare for
To view the hidden WiFi password on your Android device, you will need to make sure of a few things beforehand:
- Root access on your device
- A file explorer app with root access capability
- Basic knowledge of Android file system
Method 1: Using Root File Explorer
The most reliable method to view hidden WiFi passwords on Android is by using a third-party root file explorer app, which can access system files and reveal the hidden passwords. Here are the steps to follow:
- Download and install any file explorer app with root access from the Google Play Store (such as ES File Explorer).
- Open the app and grant root access when prompted.
- Navigate to /data/misc/wifi folder, where you can find several files that store your WiFi configurations.
- Look for a file with a name sequence like wpa_supplicant.conf.
- Tap and hold the file until a pop-up menu appears, and then select Open with > Text Editor.
- Your WiFi network names and passwords will be listed under the section "network={"
- You can now view your network names and passwords.
Pros:
- Compatible with most Android devices with root access.
- Free of charge, easy to use, and accessible.
Cons:
- Your device must be rooted.
- You might accidentally delete or alter critical files on your Android system.
Method 2: Via ADB Commands
Another way to view hidden WiFi passwords on Android is by using ADB commands through your PC or laptop. This method requires a bit more technical knowledge and access to the command prompt, but it’s still a reliable way to retrieve your WiFi password. Here’s how you can do it:
- Connect your Android device to your computer via a USB cable.
- Activate USB debugging on your device: Go to Settings > Developer options or About Phone > Software > Build Number (tap repeatedly until you see the notification "You are now a developer") > Developer Options > USB Debugging.
- Download ADB tools from Google’s platform tools.
- Extract the downloaded file into a new folder on your desktop.
- Open the command prompt window on your computer and navigate to the extracted folder: Hold Shift, then right-click and select "Open command window here".
- Type the command "adb shell" and enter.
- Type the command "su" to gain root privileges.
- Type the command "cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf" and enter.
- You should see your WiFi network names and passwords.
Pros:
- Does not require third-party apps or having to root your device.
- A more efficient way of accessing your hidden WiFi password.
- Enables easy alteration of your network configurations.
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge in using command prompt and ADB.
- The process is only available to PC owners; Not compitable with Macs or Linux computers.
- Requires a USB cable to connect your Android device to your PC.
Method 3: Using Wi-Fi Password Recovery App
Another quick way to view the hidden WiFi password on your Android is by downloading a free third-party app, such as Wi-Fi Password Recovery. Here are the steps to follow:
- Download and install the Wi-Fi Password Recovery app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and grant root permission if prompted.
- The app will automatically start searching for saved Wi-Fi passwords on your device.
- You can then view your WiFi network names and passwords in the app.
Pros:
- Easy to use without any technical knowledge.
- No need to connect your Android device to a PC or root your device.
- Free to download on the Google Play Store.
Cons:
- Based on the limited test, this app doesn’t always find every password.
- It may not be compatible with all Android devices or root versions.
- The app may come with bugs or adware in some cases.
Why Can’t I View Hidden WiFi Password on Android?
There can be several reasons why you can’t view the hidden WiFi password on your Android device, including:
- You don’t have root access on your device.
- You don’t have a file explorer app with root access capability.
- Your device’s Android version is too new to be compatible with some methods.
To fix these issues, you can try rooting your device, installing a compatible file explorer app, or looking into alternative methods that work with newer Android versions.
Additional Tips
To keep your hidden WiFi password safe and secure, you can follow these additional tips:
- Change your WiFi network name and password regularly.
- Use strong and unique passwords that are difficult to crack.
- Enable WPA3 or WPA2 encryption for your WiFi network.
- Turn off WPS (Wireless Protected Setup) on your router.
- Limit the number of devices that can connect to your network.
5 FAQs about How to View Hidden WiFi Password on Android
Q1: Can I view a hidden WiFi password without root access?
A: No. Root access is necessary to access the required system files, where your WiFi password is stored.
Q2: Do I need to connect to the Wi-Fi network to view the password?
A: No, you don’t have to connect to the WiFi network to view the password. However, you need to know the SSID of the network.
Q3: Can I view hidden WiFi passwords on my non-rooted device?
A: No, you can’t view hidden WiFi passwords on a non-rooted device.
Q4: Will viewing hidden WiFi passwords affect my existing network settings?
A: No, viewing hidden WiFi passwords won’t alter your existing network configurations unless you manually edit the configurations.
Q5: Is it ethical to view someone else’s WiFi password?
A: No, it is not ethical to view anyone else’s WiFi password. Doing so can result in serious legal consequences.
In Conclusion
Viewing hidden WiFi passwords can be useful in various situations. Knowing how to view your password can prevent you from having to reset it, enabling you to connect new devices to your existing network with ease. In this article, we have provided three methods for viewing hidden WiFi passwords on Android, along with tips and precautions to keep your network secure. Follow these steps carefully to access your password safely and securely.