In today’s world, WiFi has become an essential part of our daily life. We use it to connect to the world, and its importance cannot be ignored. But sometimes, when we purchase a new device, we face an annoying problem: we don’t know how to connect it to the WiFi. In such cases, we may need the WiFi password to connect our device. But what if we forget the password? How do we retrieve it? This is where this blog comes in. This blog will discuss and provide different ways on how to retrieve Wi-Fi passwords from your phone.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Retrieving Wifi Passwords from Phone
It is common for individuals to forget or misplace their Wi-Fi passwords. This issue can be frustrating, especially if you want to connect your new device to Wi-Fi, but you forget the password. However, retrieving a Wi-Fi password from the phone can be quite difficult because most devices do not show the password in the settings. But that should not discourage you as we have several solutions.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before proceeding to retrieve the Wi-Fi password, you need to make sure of some important things. These include:
- The phone must already be connected to the Wi-Fi network, whose password you want to retrieve
- You should have rooted or jailbroken your phone
- You should have a file manager installed on your smartphone
Method 1: Using Router Settings
This method requires you to access your router settings. Please follow the below steps:
- Open your preferred browser from PC/Laptop
- Enter your router’s IP address in the URL bar and hit enter (e.g., 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
- Login to the router using the login ID and password. You can find this information from the manual provided along with the router. If you can’t find the manual, look for it online by searching for the router’s brand and model
- Once logged in, navigate to the Wireless settings section
- Locate the Wi-Fi password field and the SSID name of the network that you want the password for
- The password should be displayed next to the ‘Wi-Fi password’ field
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward process
- You don’t need to download any additional apps
Cons:
- You cannot use this method if you are not connected to the Wi-Fi network
- You cannot use this method if you do not have access to the router settings
Method 2: Using File Manager
This method requires your phone to be rooted or jailbroken, and you must have a file manager installed on your handset. Below are the steps you should follow to retrieve your Wi-Fi password:
- Download and install any one of the file managers from the Google Play Store (if you don’t have one).We recommend ‘ES File Explorer’.
- Launch the file manager and navigate to the root folder.
- Locate the folder named "data" and open it.
- Next navigate to "misc" and then go to the "wifi" folder. Inside the folder, you should find a file named "wpa_supplicant.conf" (tap and hold the file and select "Open with" and choose a text editor)
- Look for the section that has the name of your Wi-Fi network.
- Locate the line beginning with "psk=." The text after the equals sign is your Wi-Fi password.
Pros:
- You can use this method if you do not have access to router settings
Cons:
- You need to have rooted or jailbroken your phone.
- You can not use this method if your phone is not rooted or jailbroken.
- You might damage your phone by rooting or jailbreaking it.
Method 3: Using QR Code Scanner App
This method requires the installation of a QR code scanner app on your phone. Follow the below steps to retrieve your Wi-Fi password:
- Go to the Wi-Fi settings on your phone and tap on the network whose password you want to retrieve.
- An option named "Show QR code" will appear. Tap on it. This will create a QR code containing the Wi-Fi password.
- Download and install a QR code scanner app from the App Store. We recommend ‘QR Code Reader’.
- Launch the QR code scanner app and aim the phone’s camera at the QR code that is displayed on your phone for a few seconds.
- The app should read the QR code and display the Wi-Fi password on the screen.
Pros:
- You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use this method.
Cons:
- You need to have access to the phone that the Wi-Fi network is on
- You need to have a QR code scanner app installed on your phone
Why Can’t I Retrieve my Wi-Fi Password?
In some cases, the above-given methods may not work. This could be due to several reasons, including:
1. The device is not rooted or jailbroken
A non-rooted or non-jailbroken device will not allow you to access the system files and folders required to retrieve the Wi-Fi password. If this is the case, try the other methods shared above.
2. The Wi-Fi network name has been changed
If the Wi-Fi network name has been changed, the methods shared above may not work, and you might need to reset the router password.
3. You do not have access to Router settings
If you do not have access to the router settings, you cannot use the router setting method. In such cases, try the file manager method or scan the QR code.
Additional Tips
If you still can’t retrieve the password, you can try resetting the password or resetting the router itself. Make sure you have a backup copy of any settings you have changed as resetting the router will erase all settings.
5 FAQs about Retrieving Wi-Fi Passwords from Phone
Q1: Can I retrieve my Wi-Fi password if I am not connected to the network?
A: Unfortunately, you cannot retrieve a Wi-Fi password if you are not connected to the network. You must be connected to the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to retrieve.
Q2: Can I retrieve a Wi-Fi password without root access on my phone?
A: No, you cannot. Without root access, you cannot access the system files and folders required to retrieve the Wi-Fi password.
Q3: Is it safe to root or jailbreak my phone?
A: Rooting or jailbreaking your phone can be risky as it might damage your device and can void your warranty. Furthermore, it may also make your phone vulnerable to malware attacks. As such, it is recommended that you only root or jailbreak your phone if you have an advanced understanding of how it works.
Q4: How can I reset my router password?
A: You can reset your router password by pressing the ‘Reset’ button located at the back of your router. Press the button for a few seconds with a small needle or a pin, and your router will be reset to default settings, including the password.
Q5: Will resetting the router erase any important data?
A: Yes. Resetting the router will erase all settings, including the Wi-Fi password. It is advisable to back up any important data before resetting the router.
In Conclusion
Retrieving a Wi-Fi password from a phone is not always easy, but with the above methods and tips, it should not be a problem anymore. Still, remember that while rooting, jailbreaking, or resetting your phone or router may be enticing solutions, it is essential to be aware of the risks involved. Therefore, make sure you navigate with caution and always have a backup of any crucial data.