Have you forgotten your home Wi-Fi password, and the writing on the router box has worn off? Or do you need to connect a new device but are too lazy to look for the piece of paper with the code? Samsung Galaxy A31 There are several ways to retrieve a saved network password—most of them don't require root access or complex manipulation. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods, from viewing the password through settings to analyzing system files.
It is important to understand: The phone will only show the password for those networks to which it has already connected.If you've never entered a code from a neighbor or public Wi-Fi network, these networks won't appear in the list. Also, keep in mind that Android 10/11 (namely, it was under their management that it was released Galaxy A31) Some functions may be limited by the manufacturer - but we will also consider workarounds.
1. Standard method: password in Wi-Fi settings (Android 10+)
Starting from Android 10Google has added a built-in feature for viewing passwords for saved networks, but not all manufacturers enable it. Samsung This method works with some caveats: sometimes additional authentication via a PIN or fingerprint is required.
Instructions:
- Open
Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi. - Click on the name of your network (under the word "Connected").
- Tap on the icon Share (or "Share" in the English-language firmware).
- Confirm the action via
PIN code,Graphic keyorBiometrics. - The password will be displayed under the QR code in the field "Password".
⚠️ Attention: If the button Share Missing — your carrier or device administrator (e.g., on corporate phones) has disabled this feature. Try the alternative methods below.
This method is the fastest, but it doesn't work on all firmware versions. For example, on Samsung A31 With One UI 2.5 (Android 10) the button may be missing, and on One UI 3.1 (Android 11) - will appear after the update.
2. Via Wi-Fi configuration file (without root, but from a PC)
All Wi-Fi network passwords on Android are stored in an encrypted file. wpa_supplicant.confOn . Samsung Galaxy A31 It can be extracted without root rights, but you will need a computer and a debug bridge ADB.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Activate
Developer mode:- Go to
Settings → About phone → Software information. - Tap the item 7 times "Build number" (a notification will appear "You've become a developer!").
- Go to
USB debugging:
- Return to
Settings → Developer(will appear after activation). - Activate the switch USB Debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC and run the commands in ADB:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml C:\wifi_passwords\adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml" > wifi_pass.txt
In the received file WifiConfigStore.xml find the line:
<string name="PreSharedKey">your_password</string>
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware versions Samsung The file may be encrypted. If instead of a password you see a set of characters like a1b2c3d4e5 - use the backup method (section 4).
Install Samsung USB drivers on your PC|Download ADB Tools (platform-tools)|Enable developer mode on your phone|Enable USB debugging when connected|Create a folder to save files-->
3. Using a backup (for non-rooted devices)
If ADB seems complicated, you can get by with the standard one backup through Samsung Smart Switch or Google DriveWi-Fi passwords are included in the backup, but extracting them isn't easy.
Algorithm of actions:
- 📱 Create a backup:
- Go to
Settings → Accounts and backup → Backup and restore. - Select Data backup and wait for it to complete.
- Go to
- 💻 Extract passwords from backup:
- Download the backup to your PC (via Smart Switch or Google Drive).
- Use the utility Android Backup Extractor (requires Java) to unzip the file
backup.ab. - Find the file in the unpacked data
wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf.
Example of file content:
network={ ssid="my_network" psk="my_password" key_mgmt=WPA-PSK }
This method works on 100% of devices, but it takes time to create and process the backup. The main advantage is that root access and ADB are not required.
4. Password viewer apps (requires root)
If yours Samsung Galaxy A31 There is root rights, the task is simplified by installing specialized software. The best applications for this purpose are:
| Application | Functions | Link (Play Market) | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | Shows all saved passwords, export to text | Download | Works without internet, minimalistic interface |
| WiFi Password Recovery | Displays SSID, password, security type | Download | Supports dark theme, sorting by connection date |
| Root Browser | View file wpa_supplicant.conf manually |
Download | Requires knowledge of Android structure, but shows all network settings |
Important: Rooting your Samsung device will void your warranty and may cause security issues.If the phone is used to work with banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff), they may stop working.
⚠️ Attention: On Samsung Galaxy A31 with firmware One UI 4.0+ (Android 12) Some root apps may not read passwords correctly due to changes in the key storage system. Before installing, check reviews for the latest version of the software.
5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
If standard methods don't work, try these workarounds:
- 🔄 Resetting the router:
- Click the button
Reseton the back panel of the router (hold for 10 seconds). - The password will be reset to the factory default (indicated on the device sticker).
- Cons: All connected devices will be disconnected.
- Click the button
- 📡 Connection via WPS:
- Activate WPS on the router (button or web interface).
- On your phone, select
Wi-Fi Settings → Advanced → WPS. - The network will connect without entering a password, but this method does not work on all router models.
- 🖥️ View on another device:
- If a laptop is connected to the network Windows, the password can be found out through
Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Wireless Network → Properties → Security. - On MacOS open "Bunch of keys" and find the network name.
- If a laptop is connected to the network Windows, the password can be found out through
These methods are universal and work regardless of phone model. However, resetting the router should only be used as a last resort—afterward, you'll have to set up the network again.
What to do if the router does not reset?
If the button Reset does not respond to pressing, try:
1. Disconnect the router from power for 30 seconds, then hold Reset when turned on.
2. Use a paperclip or a toothpick - sometimes the button is recessed too deep.
3. Check if the reset is blocked by the firmware (relevant for some models) TP-Link And ASUS).
If nothing helps, the router may be physically damaged and will need to be replaced.
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When attempting to extract a password, users often encounter typical problems. Let's look at the most common ones:
- 🚫 "The 'Share' button is grayed out.":
Reason: Corporate policy restrictions (if the phone was issued by an employer) or operator restrictions (on some plans). Solution: Use the ADB or backup method.
- 🔐 "ADB doesn't see the device":
Reason: Drivers not installed Samsung USB or debugging is not enabled. Solution: Download the drivers from the official website. Samsung and restart your PC.
- 📱 "The wpa_supplicant.conf file is empty.":
Reason: On newer versions of Android, passwords are stored in encrypted form. Solution: Use root or a backup copy.
- 🔄 "After resetting the router, the Internet doesn't work.":
Reason: ISP connection settings (PPPoE, VLAN, etc.) are not configured. Solution: Check with technical support or refer to your contract for the correct settings.
If you encounter a different error, please check:
Settings → Software details → Android version And One UI versionSome bugs are fixed after a firmware update.
FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out my neighbors' Wi-Fi password using my Samsung A31?
No. The phone only shows passwords for networks that already connectedIt's impossible to hack someone else's Wi-Fi without the owner's permission—it's illegal (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, "Unauthorized access to computer information").
Why did the Share button disappear after an Android update?
Samsung sometimes limits functionality in new versions One UI At the operator's request or for security reasons. Try rolling back to the previous firmware (if you had a backup) or use the alternative methods in this article.
Will the ADB method work if the phone is locked?
No. To connect via ADB An unlocked screen and confirmation of a trusted device are required. If you have forgotten your pattern, first unlock your phone using Find My Mobile (Samsung service) or factory reset.
Is it possible to extract the password from a phone if it is broken (does not turn on)?
Yes, but you will need:
- Disassemble the phone and connect the flash memory to the programmer (for experienced users).
- Or take it to a service center—technicians will be able to extract data from the chip.
eMMC.
The cost of such a service: from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the region.
How can you protect your Wi-Fi from this type of hack?
To prevent anyone from extracting the password from connected devices:
- Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (in the router settings).
- Turn it off
WPS- This protocol is vulnerable to brute force. - Change your password regularly (every 3-6 months).
- Create "guest network" for temporary connections.