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Nowadays, mobile phones have become an essential part of our lives. According to a survey, 98% of Internet users in the United States own a smartphone, and most of them use it to browse the internet and access their emails. Thus, with the majority of people using their smartphones for browsing the web, it becomes essential to have a secure connection.
To secure the wireless network, a network security key or passphrase is used. However, accessing this key can sometimes be challenging, especially if you do not remember it. Thus, in this article, we will discuss various techniques to get network security keys on Android phones.
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What’s Needed
Before we start, it is crucial to note that all the methods discussed below will require the following:
- An Android smartphone with OS 6.0 or above.
- A rooted Android phone (for some methods).
- A stable Internet connection.
- Some Android apps that will be discussed below.
What requires your focus?
To get a network security key on your Android phone, you must focus on the following –
- The Android version installed on your phone.
- The root status of your Android phone (for some methods).
- The available Internet connections in your area.
- The Android apps required to get the network security key.
Method 1: Using ES File Explorer
ES File Explorer is a popular file manager app that can also help you retrieve saved WiFi passwords on your Android phone. However, the app requires root access. If you have a rooted phone, then follow the steps mentioned below:
- Download and install ES File Explorer from the Google Play Store.
- Grant root access to the app.
- Open the app and tap on the ‘Menu’ icon.
- Click on ‘Local’ and then select ‘Device’.
- Now open the ‘System’ folder and then go to the ‘etc’ folder.
- Here you will find a file named ‘WPA_supplicant.conf’. Open it with a text editor.
- You should now be able to see the saved WiFi networks along with their passwords.
Pros:
- ES File Explorer is a free app.
- It provides a simple and easy way to get network security keys.
Cons:
- The app requires root access.
- It might not work with all Android devices.
Method 2: Using WiFi Passwords Recovery
WiFi Passwords Recovery is another app that can help you recover saved WiFi passwords on your Android phone. Unlike ES File Explorer, this app does not require root access. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install the WiFi Passwords Recovery app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and give the required permissions.
- The app will display all the WiFi connections that your phone has connected to along with their security types and passwords.
Pros:
- The app does not require root access.
- It offers an easy-to-use interface and can recover the passwords within seconds.
Cons:
- It might not work with all Android devices.
- It sometimes fails to retrieve passwords for some networks.
Method 3: Using QR Code
Another way to get the network security key on your Android phone is to use the QR code. Most routers come with a label containing a QR code that can be scanned to connect to the WiFi network. Here’s how you can use this method:
- Scan the QR code available on your router with your smartphone.
- The code will contain all the required details for your phone to connect to the network.
- The security key will also be included in the QR code.
Pros:
- It provides a quick and easy way to connect to the WiFi network.
- No additional app is required to retrieve the password.
Cons:
- This method only works if your router has a QR code label.
- The method can only retrieve the password for the network you are connected to.
Why Can’t I Get a Network Security Key on My Android Phone?
If you’re trying to retrieve the network security key on your Android phone and unable to do so, here are some reasons that may apply to your situation:
- You might not have the required permissions to access the password.
- You are not connected to the network with which you want to retrieve the password.
- Your Android version might be outdated.
Fixes:
- Grant the required permissions to the app.
- Make sure you are connected to the network with which you want to retrieve the password.
- Update your Android phone to the latest version available.
Implications and Recommendations
It’s essential to keep your WiFi network secured, and it’s not just limited to the network security key. You should make sure your router firmware is updated regularly, use a strong password and other security features, and maintain a good firewall. Additionally, it’s essential to note that getting network security keys can sometimes be challenging. For this reason, always store your passwords in a secure place that is easy to access.
FAQs
Q. Will these methods work on all versions of Android?
A. No, some methods may require a specific version of Android to work.
Q. Do I need root access to get the password?
A. No, WiFi Passwords Recovery is one of the apps that do not require root access.
Q. Can I get the password for a network that I am not connected to?
A. No, you need to be connected to the wireless network to retrieve its security key.
Q. Is it ethical to get someone else’s network security key without their permission?
A. No, it’s illegal and unethical to access someone’s network without their consent.
Q. Can I get the network security key through phone support?
A. No, the network security key cannot be retrieved through phone support. You need to have access to the device and the network to retrieve it.
In Conclusion
Getting the network security key on your Android phone might seem like a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. The methods discussed above can help you retrieve the key with ease. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that stealing or hacking someone else’s network is illegal and unethical. Hence you should always keep your network safe by taking some necessary precautions to secure it.