How to View Saved WiFi Without QR Code or Root (Android)

Someone who’s using at least Android 10 would get the option to give the password easily without Rooting, but what if I tell you some alternative ways that you can use to view saved Wi-Fi passwords without a QR code and without even rooting your smartphone?

This is going to be a definite guide. I have spent one hour entirely searching for a solution to it. I have a solution and an alternative to share in today’s blog post.

So have patience. Keep in mind that you have to read the entire article and, by the end of it, be able to know the password without a QR Code.

The current Situation Of viewing saved Wi-Fi passwords without Rooting

Just like me, you have an old Android version on your smartphone, and you want to know the safe Wi-Fi password, 

A hand holding a smartphone with the WiFi icon in the center and the words 'View Saved WiFi Passwords Without QR Codes' written in bold letters above the device.

How to View Saved Wi-Fi Password Without QR Code

How to view this is your Wi-Fi password. The only requirement we need is that you own that Wi-Fi or, if it’s your friend’s Wi-Fi, get into their home and perform this.

Firstly, let’s see how to view saved by password if you have rooted your smartphone without using the QR code method:

its our secert baby boss gif

If you own the Wi-Fi: Try These Tricks.

You are the person who owns the Wi-Fi, and you have access to the router. It would be best if you tried this now:

1. Use WPS Protocol

wps options from wifi settings

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a protocol that simplifies a secure wireless network setup. When you press the WPS button on a router, it initiates a process where devices can connect to the network without the need to enter a password. However, this method requires a pre-shared key or passphrase to establish a secure connection.

If your router has a WPS button, you can use it to connect to the Wi-Fi network with your Android device in one of two ways:

wps push button router
wps pin connection image clicked from android
wps connection image menu on android
  1. Push Button Method: Press and hold the WPS button on the router until the LED light starts flashing. Then, select the WPS option on your Android device’s Wi-Fi settings. Follow the prompts to complete the connection.
  2. PIN Method: On the router, look for the WPS PIN on the label or in the router’s settings. Go to the Wi-Fi settings on your Android device, select the WPS option, then choose the PIN method. Enter the PIN displayed on the router to complete the connection.

However, it’s important to note that using WPS to connect to Wi-Fi networks is not recommended, as it is vulnerable to attacks. It’s generally safer to connect to Wi-Fi networks using a secure password.

2. Tethering Needs No Password?

Now Samsung has announced a new feature that allows users to share their existing connected Wi-Fi with others using Bluetooth. This functionality operates through Quick Share, an official Samsung app designed for sharing files and media, which now includes support for sharing Wi-Fi.

screenshot of wifi page where phone is connected to wifi router
share to others wifi settings from samsung
screenshot of quick share and sharing wifi to others using Bluetooth

Similarly, you can utilize Bluetooth tethering options to make it easier for any Android device to share your connected Wi-Fi (without sharing the password) with others, providing speeds of up to 2Mbps, even if you have a 30Mbps Wi-Fi plan.

That being said, there are several other factors applicable to Bluetooth tethering, and this is one method for sharing Wi-Fi passwords or internet access without using QR codes

3. Checking Password from Admin Panel

Also, log in to the WI-FI router’s admin panel and view the Wi-Fi password.

screenshot of wifi connected with all options including auto connect and manage router

Step 1: Open your web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. The IP address is typically in the format of 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. You can usually find the IP address on the back of your router or in the documentation that came with it. 

Step 2: Enter your username and password to access the router’s administrative panel. If you still need to change the default username and password, you can find them in the documentation that came with your router.

Step 3: Once logged in to the admin panel, look for a section called “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi” settings. This section may be under a “Settings” or “Advanced” tab.

Step 4: Within the wireless settings section, look for a subsection called “Security” or “Security Settings.” Here, you should see the option to view your Wi-Fi password. The password may be hidden or obfuscated, so you may need to click a button or checkbox to reveal it.

Step 5: Once you’ve located your Wi-Fi password, make a note of it or copy it down. You can use this password to connect other devices to your Wi-Fi network.

3. Update Android OS

Software update_ Samsung smartphone

Updating the Android OS is another way to try if you want to view a Wi-Fi password, but finally, you have to use the QR code to know the password below Android 9. There are no ways to view Wi-Fi passwords without rooting your device.

4. Borrow A Smartphone

Firstly, you have to bring a smartphone with Android 10 or above, and you can ask your friends or neighbors about it because any Android 10 or the device would help you know the Wi-Fi password using the QR code method.

homescreen android

After getting a smartphone that Runs over the Android 10 offer, you have to use the WPS connection button available on all smartphones, which helps you log into Wi-Fi just by pressing a Wi-Fi button.

My Personal Experience of Knowing Saved Wi-Fi Pass without QR Code

My Personal Experience gif

There are a few ways to view saved wifi pass when QR code options are not visible. First, use the WPS push button, borrow a smartphone that runs Android 10, Use the wifi Admin panel, or root your device to know it because without rooting, there’s no direct method.

Here is my personal experience with viewing Wi-Fi passwords without a QR code. I am using Realme C11, which runs on Android 9.0, and there is no option to generate a QR code to share a password or view a password.

To view the saved Wi-Fi password, I called my best friend and told him to bring his Smartphone to my home. Then I used the WPS push button to connect my Wi-Fi router to my Smartphone, and then I generated a QR code, which is how I knew my Wi-Fi password, which is more important. So I used the WPS push button to get the login.

You might have heard of all the Android applications on Play Store that say they will show you the same Wi-Fi password but can’t live without root; you cannot view it. These apps misguide users with their false claims. Below I am sharing a screenshot with you.

screenshot of apps that claims to view saved wifi password from google play store

This is what I have learned. I hope you found this personal opinion helpful.

For Rooted Devices

let's go gif

This method is perfect if you’re a tech enthusiast who has rooted your device.

Rooting your device gives you access to system files, allowing you to view saved Wi-Fi passwords. Here’s how:

Step 1: Download a file explorer app that supports root access, such as Root Explorer or ES File Explorer.

Step 2: Open the app and navigate to the “data/misc/Wi-Fi” directory.

Step 3: Locate the “wpa_supplicant.conf” file and open it using a text editor.

Step 4: Voila! You can now view saved Wi-Fi passwords in plain text format.

NOTE:

Think of it like this: when you root your phone, you’re essentially removing the safety net the manufacturer put in place to protect you from harm. It’s like taking off your seatbelt while driving – you might feel more unrestricted and in control, but you’re also more vulnerable to danger.

Rooting can expose your phone to security threats, as it can allow malicious software to access your device’s sensitive data. It can also void your warranty, leaving you high and dry if something goes wrong. And just like performing a high-wire act without a net, one wrong move during the rooting process can send your phone crashing to the ground (figuratively speaking).

9 Ways to View Saved Wi-Fi Password Without QR Code

Here’s an overview of the nine methods to view saved Wi-Fi passwords without a QR code:

  1. Wi-Fi Password Recovery Apps: Use specialized apps from the Play Store to retrieve and display saved Wi-Fi passwords.
  2. File Manager: Navigate to system files using a file manager app and locate the “wpa_supplicant.conf” file to find the Wi-Fi password.
  3. ADB (Android Debug Bridge): Use ADB commands to access the device’s configuration files and retrieve the saved Wi-Fi password.
  4. Wi-Fi File Transfer App: Use apps like AirDroid or Portal to access the device’s internal storage and navigate to system files to find the password.
  5. Router Configuration: Log in to the router’s admin panel and locate the Wi-Fi password in the settings.
  6. Google Account Sync: Check your Google account settings for Wi-Fi passwords synced with your Android device.
  7. Wi-Fi Password Recovery Tool: Use desktop tools like WirelessKeyView to retrieve Wi-Fi passwords via USB debugging mode when connected to a computer.
  8. Check Router Label or Documentation: Look for the password on a label attached to the router or in the router’s documentation.
  9. Contact Network Administrator: If trying to access a public Wi-Fi network, ask the administrator for the password.

9 Ways to View Saved Wi-Fi Password With QR Code

  1. Wi-Fi Settings: Access Wi-Fi settings on Android 10 or above, tap on a network, and generate a QR code to view the password.
  2. Google Wi-Fi Sharing: Generate a QR code for a saved network using the Wi-Fi settings and share it with another device.
  3. Third-Party Apps: Install apps that generate QR codes for Wi-Fi passwords from the Play Store.
  4. Router Admin Panel: Some routers allow you to generate QR codes for Wi-Fi passwords through the admin panel.
  5. QR Code Generators: Use online QR code generators to encode your Wi-Fi password and generate a QR code.
  6. Wi-Fi Password Manager Apps: Install apps that display saved Wi-Fi passwords and generate QR codes for sharing.
  7. Share Wi-Fi Network: Android 12 or above allows you to share Wi-Fi networks via Nearby Share, generating a QR code.
  8. Router Manufacturer Apps: Some router manufacturers offer dedicated apps with QR code generation features.
  9. Wi-Fi Password Sharing Apps: Use apps designed for sharing Wi-Fi passwords that generate QR codes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, several alternative methods exist for viewing Wi-Fi passwords on Android. However, knowing the security risks associated with some of these methods is important. For example, using a third-party app or rooting your device can make your device more vulnerable to attack. It is, therefore, recommended that you prioritize device security and consider using a QR code method on compatible devices.

QR code methods are generally considered more secure than other methods, as they do not require you to share your password with anyone. However, it is still important to be cautious when using any method, as security breaches are always risky.

I hope you found this guide helpful. Please explore the mentioned methods while being cautious, and remember that security should be a top priority when attempting any method.

Thank you for reading!

I hope you guys found the article helpful. Please let me know in the comments or contact us if you have any queries, and I will reply quickly.

Samuel
Samuel
I'm Samuel, a technical author with expertise in mobile technology. I write how-tos and fixing tutorials for a variety of tech products, including Android phones, iPhones, and Macs. I have a deep understanding of how these devices work and the common problems that users experience.I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge with others and helping them learn more about mobile technology and how to fix common problems. My tutorials are clear, concise, and easy to follow, and I provide step-by-step instructions with screenshots and videos.I'm confident that my skills and experience make me a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about mobile technology or how to fix common problems.

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