Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new gadget but can't be bothered to look for the piece of paper with the code? On phones Samsung Galaxy There are several ways to retrieve a saved password from a network to which the device is already connected. The main thing is to know where to look and what tools to use.
Unlike iPhone, where Wi-Fi passwords are hidden behind several layers of protection, Android (including the shell One UI (from Samsung) provides more options for viewing network data. However, the methods vary depending on the firmware version and smartphone model. This article covers the latest methods for Android 10–14, including models Galaxy S23/S22/S21, A54/A53/A52 and others.
Important: If the phone is not connected to the network, you cannot see the password. impossibleAlso, some methods require administrator rights or additional manipulation. But first things first.
1. View your password through your phone settings (Android 10 and later)
The easiest way is to use built-in tools One UIIt works on most modern smartphones. Samsung With Android 10 and higher, but may be absent on older models or custom firmware.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open
Settings→Connections→Wi-Fi. - 🔍 Find the network whose password you need to know in the list and tap on its name.
- 👁️ In the window that opens, click on the icon
QR code(orSharein some versions). - 🔑 A text string containing your password will appear under the QR code. If it's not there, see the next method.
If you only see a QR code instead of a password, you can scan it with another device (for example, via an app) Camera on iPhone or Google Lens on Android). But this is inconvenient if you need to enter the password manually.
Is the QR code icon active?|Is your phone connected to this Wi-Fi network?|Is your phone running Android 10 or later?|You don't have a work profile (e.g., enterprise) on your phone.
⚠️ Note: On some models Samsung With Android 12+ Depending on security policies (for example, on work phones), the password viewing option may be blocked by the device administrator. In this case, the only solution is to reset the router or contact the IT department.
2. Using a Wi-Fi configuration file (for advanced users)
All passwords from saved networks on Android stored in the system file wpa_supplicant.confAccess to it is possible without root rights, but requires the use of ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or a file manager with extended rights.
This method is suitable for users who are comfortable working with the command line. If you have never used it before ADB, it is better to skip this section or study it carefully - incorrect commands can disrupt the system.
Step-by-step instructions:
- 🖥️ Install ADB Tools to your computer (Windows/macOS/Linux).
- 📱 Turn on your phone
Developer mode(tap 7 timesBuild numberVSettings → About phone) and activateUSB debugging. - 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC via cable and trust the computer on your smartphone's screen.
- 💻 Open Command Prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and enter:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
In the received file WifiConfigStore.xml find the line <string name="PreSharedKey"> — after it, the password will be indicated in encrypted or clear text. If the password is encrypted, use online decoders (for example, Base64 Decode).
⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ The file path may differ (/data/vendor/wifi/wpa/wpa_supplicant.conf). Also some manufacturers (including Samsung) encrypt this file, and without root it is impossible to read.
What to do if ADB doesn't detect the phone?
1. Make sure the mode is enabled File transfer (not "Charging").
2. Try a different USB cable (preferably the original one).
3. Update ADB drivers on your PC (via SDK Platform Tools).
4. Restart your phone and computer.
5. On Windows check device Manager - if there is an exclamation mark next to ADB Interface, the driver is not installed correctly.
3. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords
If the previous methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities. Important: most applications in Google Play, promising to show passwords, either do not work or require root rightsWe tested several solutions and found two reliable options.
Option 1: WiFi Password Viewer (without root)
- 📌 Powered by Samsung With Android 9–12 (on newer versions it may not show passwords).
- 🔍 Shows saved networks and passwords in plain text.
- ⚠️ Requires permission to access
SettingsAndStorage.
Option 2: File Explorer with root access
- 🛠️ Apps like Root Explorer or FX File Manager can open system files if the phone is rooted.
- 📁 Search for passwords along the way:
/data/misc/wifi/or/data/vendor/wifi/. - 🔐 This method will not work on non-rooted devices.
Warning: Installing apps from unknown sources can harm your system. Check reviews and ratings on Google Play before using.
| Application | Root required? | Works on Samsung? | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Android 9–12) | Google Play |
| WiFi Password Recovery | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (any version) | Google Play |
| Root Explorer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Google Play |
4. Resetting the router password (if nothing helps)
If all the above methods fail, the only other option is to reset the router to factory settings. This will delete all user settings, including the Wi-Fi password, but will allow you to set a new one.
How to reset a router:
- 🔌 Find the button on the back of the router
Reset(usually recessed into the body). - 📍 Take a paper clip or a toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds.
- 🔄 Wait for the reboot (all indicators will light up).
- 🌐 Connect to the network with the factory name (indicated on the router sticker) and set a new password via the web interface (
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1).
⚠️ Attention: After resetting you will have to set up again PPPoE (if used), IPTV, guest network and other parameters. Take a photo of the current settings from the router's web interface beforehand.
5. Alternative methods (for specific Samsung models)
Some phones Samsung have unique features that allow you to bypass standard restrictions. For example:
For Galaxy S20/S21/S22 With One UI 3.1+:
- 📋 Go to
Settings → Biometrics and security → Other security settings → Wi-Fi credentials. - 🔓 Saved passwords may be displayed here (not on all firmware versions).
For Galaxy A52/A72 With Android 11:
- 📎 Use
Smart Switch(Samsung app) to create a backup. In some cases, Wi-Fi passwords are saved in clear text in the backup. - 🔍 Check the backup file on your PC using an archiver (look for
wifiin the file names).
These methods aren't officially documented and may stop working after a firmware update. If they don't work, return to the methods in the previous sections.
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to find a Wi-Fi password, users often encounter common problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| There is no "Share" option or QR code in the Wi-Fi settings. | Old version of Android or One UI shell | Update firmware or use ADB |
| ADB can't see the password file. | No rights or wrong way | Check the path for your Android version (see section 2) |
| The app shows an empty list of networks. | Manufacturer restrictions or corporate policy | Try another method or reset your router. |
| After resetting the router, there is no access to the Internet. | PPPoE connection is not configured | Check your connection details with your provider. |
If you use guest network On the router, its password may differ from the main one. Make sure you're trying to find the code for the network your phone is connected to.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that my phone was previously connected to but is not currently connected to?
No. Android Stores passwords only for current connections. If a network is removed from the list of saved connections, its data is erased. An exception is backups (for example, via Smart Switch), where passwords can be stored.
Will the QR code method work on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip/Fold?
Yes, on folding models Galaxy Z (series Flip And Fold) With One UI 4.0+ The option to display a QR code and password is available just like on classic smartphones. The exception is devices with corporate profiles.
Why did my password stop showing after the One UI update?
Samsung periodically tightens security policies. For example, in One UI 5.1 (Android 13) For some regions, the ability to view passwords through settings has been removed. In this case, only ADB or reset the router.
Is it possible to find out my neighbor's Wi-Fi password?
No, unless your phone is connected to its network. Any app that promises to "hack" someone else's Wi-Fi is either a scam or illegal. The most you can do is ask the network owner for the password.
How to protect your Wi-Fi from being seen via your phone?
1. Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and special characters).
2. Turn off WPS in the router settings.
3. Set up guest network with a separate password for temporary devices.
4. Change your password periodically (every 3-6 months).