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For many of us, the process of connecting to Wi-Fi is something that is fairly automatic; we load up an app on our phone and our system has already remembered where we are, what the Wi-Fi password for that network is, and our device has already taken the necessary steps to connect to it – all with minimal effort on our end.
While there are no doubt a number of advantages to this; namely, the time and effort saved in finding the Wi-Fi password for each new place each time and connecting manually – there can also be issues, as you may have occasions where you need to see the Wi-Fi, only to realize you have no idea where it might be hiding.
Fortunately for you, we have made it our mission to ensure that you have all of the information that you need to access the Wi-Fi password on your Android device – and have all of the methods that you need to get you connected in no time.
Why Do I Need A Password?
You may be wondering why you will need to access your Wi-Fi password – surely the job of the phone is to remember it?
In some cases, however, you may need to see the password in order to access other devices, secure networks, emails, and websites – the password is that all-important key to let you pass through a certain gateway.
You cannot always rely on your device to automatically remember this information; though tech is great, it is far from infallible. Having a backup option is useful for helping ensure that you are always able to access the information that you need.
How Can I Find The Wi-Fi Password On My Android Device?
Android devices offer a number of potential methods for helping you to access your Wi-Fi password, and the simplest options here do not require any particular technological know-how.
Step
Phone Settings
One of the easiest options is to use your Android device to manage your router option.
To access this, you will need the physical router, complete with login details (usually displayed on the back), and you will need to connect your phone to the network.
Start by locating the “Settings” icon on your phone, and head to “Connections”. Once you are here, select the “Wi-Fi” option, and then select the Wi-Fi network that your device is currently connected to.
Select the “cog” icon, located on the right side of the network, and then select the option to “Manage Router”.
You can then find the login location that is set on the back of your physical router. Make a note of these details, and enter them into the login page that appears on your device.
Once you have filled this in, you can search for the wireless tab or icon in order to locate the Wi-Fi password – the exact setting here will depend on the brand of the router.
Step
Using A Third-Party App
Another popular option is to select an app, and this will also not require you to root your Android device.
Of these, the Router Setup Page is one of the most popular options, as this offers the chance to locate the router page, in order to edit the settings.
This can be found on the Play Store – simply find the app, download and install it, and then head to the menu.
You will see a list of router models and brands listed, so select your chosen model, and then use the default login details to help you set up the router. Once again, the Wi-Fi password will be located on the wireless tab or icon.
Step
Using The IP Address
In some cases, you may prefer to use your IP address to locate the Wi-Fi password on your Android browser. You will need to open your mobile browser, and then input a number: 192.168.0.1, or, alternatively, 192.168.1.1.
Entering this will open a pop-up field on your browser, and you will be asked to locate the login information (username and password)that is found on the back of your physical router.
Next, head to the “Wireless Security” section of the field, and this will show you your Wi-Fi password.
What Is Android Rooting?
If the above methods fail, or you are looking for something a little more technically advanced, then Android Rooting may be the best option for you to pursue – this is usually only recommended as a last resort.
Rooting means gaining root access or administrative privileges on your Android device.
Regardless of how much or how little money you spend, the internals of your Android device are still hidden from view, so rooting can help you access this information.
Think of it as using a user or administrator account for accessing your desktop computer. You get to use most of the features of your phone, but you need administrative rights to do so.
Rooting your Android device gives you exactly that — root access to your device.
You become the administrator of your phone instead of just a user, and this can be useful in accomplishing a range of activities – including finding your Wi-Fi password.
There are a few issues with rooting your Android – namely, that you risk losing access to some of the protections and securities that come with your phone in its natural state.
You will, however, have greater control over your device and access to root privileges – this includes the ability to browse the root folder of Android, and alter any system files on your device, as well as the chance to access any tools and features which have been blocked.
Root access is not for the faint-hearted, but if you have the tech knowledge to proceed, it can be useful for helping you access saved Wi-Fi passwords.
In order to root your Android phone, you will need to download an app that is intended for this purpose.
Of these, the King Root app often gains rave reviews and is easy to use. Start by connecting your device to the Wi-Fi network, and then locate the KingRoot APK on the Play Store, download, and install it on your device.
Once the app is in place, you can click the “Root” icon, which is located below the details of your device, and the lock icon.
Waiting a short while will allow the results to appear, and the app will notify you with a “Root successfully” message once the process has been completed.
There is also a version of this app available for PC if you struggle with using the mobile version, and this can be useful for helping you locate the Wi-Fi password for your network.
Locating the Wi-Fi Password on A Rooted Device
Step
Download And Install Root Browser
Once you have rooted your Android mobile device, you can then locate the Wi-Fi password by downloading and installing the Root Browser.
Step
Open Root Directory
When you are promoted, you can grab your superuser access permission, and then open the “Root Directory ” option from the app.
Step
wpa_supplicant.conf
Next, select “Data” > “misc” > “Wi-Fi” and click “wpa_supplicant.conf.”
Step
Locate Wi-Fi Password
Finally, open the “RB Text Editor” option to reveal various groupings of PSK and a list of networks or SSIDs.
You can scroll down to the bottom to locate the network that you accessed most recently. Find the relevant SSID, and then find the PSK for the right Wi-Fi password.
Final Thoughts
Using one of these options will let you locate your Wi-Fi password, even if you can’t remember what you typed into it when setting up your connection.
This info could prove invaluable when you’re trying to troubleshoot a Wi-Fi issue, or just wanting to be sure you don’t leave an important Wi-Fi network’s credentials at home. And because these passwords are so easy to find, they should be kept safe where no one else can see them.