How to view the Wi-Fi password on a Samsung phone

It's common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network, but the password has long been forgotten and unwritten. Fortunately, modern Samsung Galaxy smartphones have a built-in feature that makes it easy to restore access to login data. Android device owners can retrieve the security key directly from the connection settings, without any complicated steps.

However, the data recovery process may differ depending on the version of the operating system installed. One UI and your gadget model. In this article, we'll cover all available methods in detail, from standard system tools to more advanced technical solutions. You'll learn how to quickly copy a code or transfer it to another device via QR code.

It's important to understand that the security of your network depends on the complexity of your password, but its safety is equally important. If you're using a standard router with factory settings, these can often be found on a sticker inside the device. However, if the password has been manually changed and lost, your Samsung smartphone will be your primary tool for troubleshooting.

Restoring access via QR code on Android 10 and later

Starting with Android 10, Google introduced a convenient credential sharing mechanism. On Samsung smartphones, this feature is extremely intuitive and accessible without installing third-party apps. To use this method, you need to be within range of the network whose password you want to find out and have one device already connected to it.

The process begins with going to the settings menu. You need to open the section Settings → Connections → Wi-FiA list of available networks will be displayed, with the one you're currently connected to marked with the appropriate status. Click the gear icon next to your network name to access detailed settings.

At the bottom of the network settings screen you will see a button QR codeClicking on it generates a graphic code containing encrypted network information, including the network name (SSID) and password. The system may require you to verify your identity with a PIN, fingerprint, or face scan, which is a security measure to protect your personal data.

What to do if the QR code does not scan?

If the other device's camera doesn't read the code, try increasing the screen brightness or reducing the distance. You can also take a screenshot of the code and open it from the gallery by selecting the scan option from the context menu.

A text version of the password is often displayed beneath the QR code image. If the text is hidden by dots, simply tap the eye icon or the corresponding "Show Password" text. This is the fastest way to find forgotten data. You can then copy it to the clipboard or take a screenshot.

Using Smart View and Sharing Data

The Samsung ecosystem offers a unique feature for sharing data between Samsung devices. If you have two Samsung smartphones or tablets, you can share your password directly, without even seeing it in text. This option is especially useful when you need to connect a guest or a new device and don't want to type long, complex characters.

To implement this method, both devices must have Bluetooth enabled. Bluetooth and be near each other. On the device that already has network access, follow the same steps: go to Wi-Fi settings, select the desired network, and tap the QR code button. Instead of scanning the code with the second device's camera, simply hold them close together.

System Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth protocol automatically detects the connection attempt. A pop-up window will appear on the second device's screen prompting them to connect to the network. After the connection is confirmed, the password will be entered automatically, and the device will gain internet access.

• 📱 Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices for discovery.
• 🔓 Unlock the screens of both smartphones before attempting the transfer.
• 📡 The function works more reliably if the devices are no more than 10 cm away.

It's worth noting that this method doesn't display the password in plain text on the receiving device; it simply authenticates. If your goal is to learn the password to write in a notepad, this method isn't suitable, but it's ideal for a quick connection.

Viewing saved networks on different versions of One UI

Samsung's One UI interface is updated periodically, and the layout of some controls may change. Owners of older models or devices that haven't updated to the latest versions of Android may require a different approach. In Android versions prior to 10, directly viewing passwords without root access was impossible, but this option has become standard in modern interfaces.

In the latest versions of One UI 5 and 6, the settings path remains the same, but the button layout may differ. Look for the "QR code" button at the bottom of the screen or in the upper-right corner of the network settings menu. In some cases, especially on enterprise firmware versions, this feature may be blocked by the device administrator.

If the default path doesn't work, try searching through the settings. Enter "QR" or "Wi-Fi" in the search bar at the top of the settings menu. The system will automatically suggest a shortcut to the desired section. This is especially helpful if you rarely use the deeper settings and have forgotten the exact location of the menu.

⚠️ Attention: On some custom firmware versions or devices purchased through certain carriers, the password viewing feature may be software-hidden. In this case, standard system methods will not be available.

For users who frequently change devices or work in IT, it's helpful to know that a list of all saved networks (without passwords, but with names) is available in the connection management menu. This helps you remember which access points you've connected to previously and find the right network in the list if you have a large number of them.

Using Google Chrome to sync passwords

Many users forget that the Google Chrome browser has a powerful built-in password manager that syncs data across all devices signed in to your account. If you've ever shared a Wi-Fi connection from a laptop or another phone signed in to your Google account, your password may have been saved in the cloud.

To check this, open the Chrome browser on your Samsung phone. Go to the menu (three dots in the upper right corner) and select Settings → PasswordsHere you'll see a list of all saved logins and passwords. Enter "Wi-Fi" or your network name in the search bar.

If the network is found, tap it. The system will ask you to confirm your identity (FaceID, fingerprint, or PIN). After successful authentication, you will see a password field. Tapping the eye icon will reveal hidden characters. This method is universal and does not depend on Android version or router model.

The advantage of this method is that it's cross-platform. You can find your password even if your Samsung phone is dead, as long as you have a computer with access to your Google account. Simply go to passwords.google.com and find the entry you need there.

• 🔐 An active internet connection is required to sync data.
• ☁️ The password must have been previously saved in your Google account.
• 📱 Biometric or PIN authorization is required to view on a phone.

This is one of the most secure methods for those using the Google ecosystem. It also allows you to easily copy and paste your password, eliminating the need to manually enter or scan codes from the screen.

Android Method and Version Compatibility Chart

To help you organize the information and choose the right method, we've compiled a summary table. It shows which methods are applicable to the various operating system versions installed on your Samsung device.

As the table shows, the standard system functions are sufficient for most modern users. The need for superuser (root) rights arises extremely rarely and is only relevant for very old models or specific tasks.

Advanced Method: Access via System Files (Root)

For experienced users with root access on their Samsung, there's a direct way to view all saved passwords through system files. This method even allows you to see passwords for networks the phone isn't currently connected to, but which were previously saved.

You will need a file manager with superuser rights, for example, Root Explorer or Solid ExplorerAfter granting access rights, you need to follow the path /data/misc/wifi/. This directory contains the file wpa_supplicant.conf.

Open this file with a text editor. Inside, you'll find configuration blocks for each saved network. Look for the lines ssid (network name) and psk (password). The password will be provided in clear text in quotation marks.

network={
ssid="MyHomeWiFi"
psk="SuperSecretPassword123"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}

⚠️ Attention: Rooting your Samsung device will void your warranty and may interfere with banking apps and Samsung Pay services. Only use this method if you fully understand the risks and consequences.

This method is the most powerful, but also the most risky. For the average user who simply needs to connect their tablet to the internet, it's overkill. However, in situations where access to forgotten network archives needs to be restored, it may be the only solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?

Using standard Android tools, it's impossible to view the password for a network the device has never connected to and doesn't store in memory. However, if the network was previously saved but is now out of range, the password can be found using Google Chrome (if syncing was enabled) or the wpa_supplicant system file if you have root access.

What should I do if the QR code button is not displayed?

This can happen on very old versions of Android (below 10) or on devices running custom carrier ROMs. In this case, try updating the system or use the alternative method via a Google account in the Chrome browser.

Is it safe to scan a QR code from your phone screen?

Yes, it's completely safe. The QR code in this case only contains network connection information (SSID and password). It doesn't transmit your personal files, photos, or contacts. However, don't show this code to strangers, as anyone who scans it will be able to connect to your Wi-Fi.

How to copy a password from a QR code on a Samsung?

In recent versions of One UI, when a QR code is generated, a text password is often displayed underneath it. You can tap it to copy it to the clipboard. If the text is hidden, tap the eye icon after authentication. The "Share" button next to the QR code allows you to send the data via messaging apps, but doesn't always copy the password as text.