Have you ever connected to a WiFi network on your phone and then forgot the password? Trying to remember or guess the password can be frustrating, but luckily there are several methods you can use to easily retrieve the saved WiFi password on your Android or iOS device. In this blog post, we’ll explore three simple methods for viewing your phone’s saved WiFi passwords.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to See Your Phone WiFi Password
There are a few reasons you might need to view the saved password for a WiFi network on your phone. Maybe you need to connect another device to the same network but can’t remember the password. Or perhaps you want to share the password with a friend or family member who will be visiting. Whatever the case may be, being able to easily retrieve the saved WiFi password on your phone can save you time and frustration.
Method 1: Using the Router’s Admin Page
If you need to retrieve the WiFi password for a network you previously connected to with your phone, you can try accessing the router’s admin page. Here’s how:
- Open your phone’s web browser and enter the IP address for the router’s admin page. This is typically found on the back of the router, or in the user manual.
- Log in to the admin page using the username and password provided. If you’ve never accessed the router’s admin page before, you may need to create a new account.
- Once you’re logged in, navigate to the Wireless or WiFi settings page.
- Look for a tab or section labeled "Wireless Security," "Security Settings," or something similar.
- The saved WiFi password should be displayed in this section. If it’s obscured, you may need to click a button to reveal the password.
Pros:
- Can retrieve passwords for any WiFi networks previously connected to.
- Doesn’t require any third-party apps.
Cons:
- You need to know the IP address of the router’s admin page and login credentials.
- Method varies by router and may not work on some networks.
Method 2: Using the ES File Explorer App
If you have an Android phone, you can use the ES File Explorer app to view your phone’s saved WiFi passwords. Here’s how:
- Download and install the ES File Explorer app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and tap the three-line menu icon in the top left corner. Then, tap "Local > Device > System > etc > WiFi" to navigate to the folder containing WiFi-related files.
- Find and open the file named "wpa_supplicant.conf."
- The saved WiFi passwords should be displayed here. Look for the line that starts with "psk" and the password will be displayed next to it.
Pros:
- Works on Android devices.
- Doesn’t require root access or any technical expertise.
Cons:
- This method doesn’t work on iOS devices.
- You need to download a third-party app.
Method 3: Using Keychain on iOS
If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and you’re running iOS 7 or later, your device stores WiFi passwords in your Keychain. Here’s how to retrieve them:
- Open the Settings app and go to "Accounts & Passwords > App & Website Passwords."
- You may need to enter your device’s passcode or use Touch ID to access this information.
- Find the WiFi network for which you want to view the password and tap it.
- The password should be displayed on the next screen. You may need to tap a button to reveal it.
Pros:
- Works on iOS devices without the need for any additional apps.
- Passwords are stored securely and can be accessed easily.
Cons:
- This method doesn’t work on Android devices.
- You may need to enter your device’s passcode or use Touch ID to access saved passwords.
What to Do If You Can’t See Your Phone WiFi Password
If you’ve tried all of the methods above and still can’t view your phone’s saved WiFi password, there are a few possible fixes to try:
- Reset your router by power cycling it or using the reset button (this will erase all settings and passwords).
- Try using a different device to access the router’s admin page (such as a laptop or desktop computer).
- Check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the router manufacturer for support.
- Consider using a password manager like LastPass to securely store and manage your WiFi passwords.
Bonus Tip
If you’re having trouble remembering your WiFi password, try coming up with a mnemonic or using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords for all of your accounts.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I see saved WiFi passwords for networks I’m not currently connected to?
A: Yes. If you’ve previously connected to a WiFi network with your phone, you should be able to retrieve the saved password using one of the methods above, even if you’re not currently connected to the network.
Q2: Can I retrieve WiFi passwords from a phone that’s no longer in my possession?
A: Unfortunately, no. You’ll need physical access to the phone that was previously connected to the WiFi network in order to retrieve the saved password.
Q3: Are there any security risks to using these methods?
A: There is some risk involved in accessing and viewing saved WiFi passwords, as it could potentially be used by an unauthorized person to access your network. It’s important to keep your phone and router secure with strong passwords and up-to-date security measures.
Q4: Can I recover a WiFi password if the network isn’t broadcasting its name (SSID)?
A: Unfortunately, no. If you don’t know the name of the WiFi network (SSID), you won’t be able to retrieve the saved password for it.
Q5: Why do I need to know my WiFi password?
A: Access to WiFi networks is restricted by passwords to prevent unauthorized access, so you need to know the password in order to connect to the network and use the Internet.
Final Thoughts
Being able to easily retrieve saved WiFi passwords on your phone can save you time and frustration, and the methods above make it simple to do so. Whether you’re using an Android or iOS device, you should be able to view your saved WiFi passwords with just a few clicks or taps. If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to your ISP or the router manufacturer for support.