Finding the entered WiFi password on your Android device can be incredibly useful in situations where you need to connect another device to the same network or share the password with a friend. While the process may seem daunting at first, it’s actually quite straightforward, and in this blog post, we will guide you through some effective methods to find the entered WiFi password on your Android device. Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual or a novice user, you’ll be able to follow these methods and retrieve the WiFi password without any hassle.
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The Challenge of Finding Entered WiFi Password on Android
When it comes to finding the entered WiFi password on an Android device, one major challenge is that the operating system itself does not have a built-in option to retrieve this information. This is done for security reasons to prevent unauthorized access to the network. However, it’s still possible to find the entered WiFi password on your Android device by using alternative methods. In the following sections, we will explore some of these methods in detail.
Things You Should Prepare for
In order to find the entered WiFi password on your Android device, there are a few things you should have prepared:
1. A rooted Android device: Most of the methods we will discuss require root access on your device. Rooting your Android device gives you superuser privileges, allowing you to access system files and settings that are normally restricted. Keep in mind that rooting your device may void your warranty and can have potential risks, so make sure to research and proceed with caution.
2. Basic knowledge of Android file systems: Some methods involve accessing system files on your Android device. Having a basic understanding of the file systems used by Android can be helpful in carrying out these methods.
3. Third-party file explorer app: While Android comes with a default file explorer, it may not have the necessary features to access system files. You will need to download and install a third-party file explorer app that supports root access. There are several options available on the Google Play Store, such as ES File Explorer, Solid Explorer, or Root Explorer.
Method 1: Using ES File Explorer
ES File Explorer is a popular file explorer app that supports root access and provides several advanced features. Here’s how you can use ES File Explorer to find the entered WiFi password on your Android device:
1. Download and install ES File Explorer from the Google Play Store.
2. Launch ES File Explorer and grant root access when prompted.
3. Navigate to the root directory by tapping on the "Local" option and then selecting "Device".
4. From the root directory, navigate to "data" > "misc" > "WiFi".
5. In the "WiFi" folder, you will find a file named "wpa_supplicant.conf". This file contains the entered WiFi passwords.
6. Open the "wpa_supplicant.conf" file using the ES File Explorer’s built-in text editor or any other text editor app installed on your device.
7. Scroll through the file to find the network SSID for which you want to retrieve the password. The password will be listed next to the "psk" attribute.
Pros:
– Easy to use with a user-friendly interface.
– Supports root access.
– Provides a built-in text editor for viewing system files.
Cons:
– Contains ads in the free version.
– Some advanced features require a paid subscription.
Method 2: Using WiFi Key Recovery
WiFi Key Recovery is a specialized app designed to retrieve the entered WiFi passwords on Android devices. Here’s how you can use WiFi Key Recovery to find the WiFi password:
1. Download and install WiFi Key Recovery from the Google Play Store.
2. Launch the app and grant root access when prompted.
3. The app will automatically detect the entered WiFi passwords and display them in a list, along with the network SSID and encryption type.
4. Scroll through the list to find the network for which you want to retrieve the password.
5. Tap on the network to view the password.
Pros:
– Specifically designed for retrieving WiFi passwords.
– User-friendly interface.
– No need to manually search for system files.
Cons:
– Requires root access.
– May not work on all Android devices.
Method 3: Via Router Settings
If you have access to the router’s settings, you can also find the entered WiFi password from there. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Connect your Android device to the WiFi network for which you want to retrieve the password.
2. Open a web browser on a device connected to the same WiFi network and enter the router’s IP address in the address bar. The router’s IP address is usually written on the back of the router or mentioned in the user manual.
3. Enter the username and password for the router’s settings page. If you haven’t changed them, the default username and password are often "admin" or "admin" for both.
4. Navigate to the WiFi settings or wireless settings section of the router’s settings page.
5. Look for the "Wireless Security" or "WiFi Password" section. The entered WiFi password will be displayed here.
Pros:
– Works without the need for root access.
– Suitable for users who have access to the router’s settings.
– Can be used on any Android device.
Cons:
– Requires access to the router’s settings.
– Limited to users who have physical or remote access to the router.
Method 4: Using ADB Commands
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a command-line tool that allows you to communicate with an Android device from a computer. By using ADB commands, you can access various system files and settings on your Android device. Here’s how you can find the entered WiFi password using ADB commands:
1. Install ADB on your computer. You can download the ADB tools from the Android Developers website.
2. Enable USB debugging on your Android device. To do this, go to "Settings" > "About phone" > "Software information" and tap on "Build number" several times until you see a message saying "You are now a developer". Then, go back to the main settings menu and you should see a new option called "Developer options". Open it and enable "USB debugging".
3. Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
4. Open a command prompt or terminal on your computer and navigate to the directory where ADB is installed.
5. Enter the following command to establish a connection with your Android device: `adb devices`
6. Once the connection is established, enter the following command to access the device shell: `adb shell`
7. Finally, enter the following command to view the entered WiFi password: `su -c cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf`
Pros:
– Allows advanced access to system files and settings.
– Suitable for users familiar with command-line tools.
– Can be used on any Android device with USB debugging enabled.
Cons:
– Requires installation of ADB and USB debugging enabled.
– May not be suitable for novice users.
Why Can’t I Find the Entered WiFi Password? (and Fixes)
1. Non-rooted device: If your Android device is not rooted, you won’t be able to access system files and retrieve the entered WiFi password using the methods mentioned above. In this case, you can try other methods such as logging into your router’s settings or using a password recovery app.
2. Android version limitations: Some Android versions have limitations in accessing system files, even with root access. Make sure your Android device is running a compatible version.
3. Changes in encryption: If the WiFi network you are trying to retrieve the password for has changed its encryption type or password, the methods mentioned above may not work. Make sure the network settings have not been modified.
4. Incorrect root access: In some cases, your Android device may not have proper root access, or the file explorer app you’re using may not be granted the necessary permissions. Verify that your device is properly rooted and the file explorer app has root access privileges.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you find the entered WiFi password on your Android device:
1. Check the router’s label: Sometimes, the WiFi password is printed on the label of the router itself. Look for a label that mentions the network name (SSID) and the password.
2. Use a password manager: If you frequently forget WiFi passwords, consider using a password manager app that securely stores all your passwords, including WiFi passwords. Apps like LastPass and 1Password offer this functionality.
3. Keep backups of your WiFi passwords: Whenever you connect to a new network, make a note of the password in a safe place or use a password manager to store it. This way, you can easily access the password whenever you need it.
5 FAQs about Finding Entered WiFi Password on Android
Q1: Can I find the entered WiFi password on my Android device without rooting it?
A1: No, finding the entered WiFi password on an Android device typically requires root access. Root access allows you to access system files and settings that are otherwise restricted from regular users.
Q2: Will rooting my Android device void the warranty?
A2: Yes, rooting your Android device usually voids the warranty. However, it is possible to unroot your device and restore the warranty if needed. Keep in mind that unrooting may also come with its own risks, so proceed with caution.
Q3: What if I don’t have physical access to the router to view its settings?
A3: If you don’t have physical access to the router, you can try accessing the router’s settings page remotely. Most routers have a web-based interface that can be accessed from any device connected to the same WiFi network.
Q4: Can I find the entered WiFi password on my Android device if I don’t have access to the network anymore?
A4: Unfortunately, if you don’t have access to the WiFi network anymore, retrieving the entered WiFi password becomes significantly more difficult. In such cases, it is best to contact the network administrator or reset the router to its factory settings.
Q5: Are there any risks involved in using ADB commands?
A5: While using ADB commands may pose some risks if not used properly, they are generally considered safe when following official instructions. However, it’s important to be cautious and avoid executing any commands that you do not fully understand.
In Conclusion
Finding the entered WiFi password on your Android device can be a valuable skill, especially in scenarios where you need to connect other devices or share the password with others. By following the methods and tips mentioned in this blog post, you can easily retrieve the WiFi password on your Android device. Remember to proceed with caution, especially when dealing with root access and system files, and always respect the privacy and security of WiFi networks.