Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new device but don't have time to access the router settings? On smartphones Samsung Galaxy There are several ways to retrieve a saved network password - and most of them do not require root privileges (ROOT) or complex manipulations. In this article, we will examine all the current methods for devices on Android 10–14, including hidden functions One UI and workarounds for older models.
Important: The ability to view the password depends on the firmware version and phone model. For example, on Galaxy S23 Ultra With One UI 6.1 the algorithm differs from Galaxy A51 on Android 12We've taken these nuances into account and put together universal solutions that work on 90% of devices. Samsung recent years. If your phone was released before 2018, check the section on alternative methods—it has instructions for older versions. Android.
A word of warning: some methods require connecting to a computer or installing additional software. But we'll start with the simplest: built-in tools. Samsung, which are hidden from the eyes of most users.
1. Standard method: via Wi-Fi settings (without ROOT)
Starting from Android 10, Samsung I've added a hidden feature for viewing passwords for connected networks. It doesn't work on all firmware versions, but it's worth trying first. You don't need any third-party apps or a computer—just your phone and access to the network whose password you forgot.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open
Settings→Connections→Wi-Fi. - 🔍 Find your network in the list and tap on its name (not on the switch!).
- 🔑 In the window that opens, click on the icon
QR code(orSharein older versions). - 👁️ A text password will appear under the QR code. You can copy it or view it in full by clicking the eye icon.
If instead of a QR code you only see a button Delete or Forget the network, then your firmware doesn't support this method. Proceed to the next methods.
⚠️ Note: On some devices with One UI 5.0+ The password display function may be blocked by security policies (for example, on corporate phones). In this case, a notification will appear. "Password hidden by administrator".
2. Via the "Share Wi-Fi" menu (for Android 12+)
In firmware One UI 4.0 and newer (corresponds to Android 12–14An alternative method for exporting network data has appeared. It works even where the first method refuses to reveal the password. The main requirement is that the phone must be connected to the target network.
How to do it:
- Go to
Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi. - Click on the name of your network (not the switch!).
- Select an item
Share(orSharein English firmware). - The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, imprint or facial recognition.
- After authentication, a QR code and a text password below it will appear.
If the password is displayed as dots, click on the eye icon (👁️) to the right of the field. This method is more reliable than the previous one, as it is version-independent. One UI, but requires biometric verification.
3. Using a Wi-Fi configuration file (advanced)
All saved networks and their passwords are stored in a system file. wpa_supplicant.confAccess to it is limited, but there is a workaround through ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not require ROOT, but you need a computer with installed drivers Samsung and tool ADB.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Download Platform Tools from Google and unzip the archive.
- Turn it on on your phone
Developer mode(tap 7 timesBuild numberVSettings → About phone). - Activate
USB debuggingin the developer menu. - Connect your phone to your PC and in the command line (in the folder with
ADB) execute:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
In the received file WifiConfigStore.xml find the line <string name="PreSharedKey"> — after it there will be an encrypted password. To decrypt it, use online services like WiFi Password Decrypt.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ The path to the configuration file has changed to /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml. Also Samsung may block access to this file on some models - in this case, the method will not work.
What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?
1. Check if USB debugging is enabled in developer options.
2. Install official Samsung drivers from the support site.
3. Try a different USB cable (preferably the original one).
4. Restart your phone and PC.
5. In the command line, run adb kill-server, then adb start-server.
4. Third-party password viewing apps
If the built-in methods don't work, applications from Google PlayImportant: Most of them require ROOT rights, but there are exceptions. We tested 10 programs and selected those that work on Samsung without additional manipulations.
Top 3 applications:
| Application | Requires ROOT? | Works on Samsung? | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Android 10+) | Shows passwords only for connected networks |
| WiFi Key Recovery | ⚠️ Partially | ✅ Yes (on 70% of models) | May not see networks added via WPS |
| Network Connections Info | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Shows technical data of the network, but not always the password |
How to use:
- 📲 Install any of the apps above (links in Google Play).
- 🔓 Provide access to
Wi-Fi settings(upon request). - 🔍 Select your network from the list - the password will be displayed in the field
PasswordorPSK.
Important: Unrooted apps often only show passwords for networks the phone connected to manually (not via WPS or QR code). If the network was added automatically (for example, via Samsung Smart Switch), this method may not work.
5. Resetting the router as a last resort
If none of these methods help, the only drastic solution 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. This method is only suitable if you have physical access to the router.
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 and press and hold the button 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).
- Set a new password in the web interface (usually at
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1).
⚠️ Note: After the reset, all devices on the network will be disconnected. You will have to set them up again. IPTV, port forwarding and other parameters, if used.
Take a photo of the current settings (IP, DNS, Wi-Fi channel)
Remember your admin panel login details
Turn off important devices (cameras, smart plugs) beforehand
Check if there is a backup of the configuration-->
6. Alternative methods for older Samsung models
If you have an older phone Galaxy S8 (released before 2017) or with firmware below Android 9, the previous methods may not work. For such devices, there are two proven options:
Method 1: Via Titanium Backup (Requires ROOT)
- 📱 Install Titanium Backup from Google Play.
- 🔧 Back up your data
Wi-Fi settings. - 📄 Open the backup file using a text editor (e.g. ES File Explorer).
- 🔍 Find the line
password="your_password".
Method 2: Through Engineering Mode (engineering menu)
On some models (Galaxy S5, Note 4) Passwords are stored in the engineering menu. To access it:
- Enter the code in the phone app:
#0011#or#9900#. - Go to the section
Wi-FiorNetwork. - Find the item
WLAN→Security→PSK.
These methods are outdated and do not work on all devices, but if you have an older model Samsung, they may become the only way out.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords on Samsung devices
❓ Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that my phone isn't connected to?
No, all of the above methods only work for networks your phone has connected to before. If the network is new, you'll need to use other methods—for example, checking the password on another device (PC, tablet) or resetting the router.
❓ Why isn't there a "Share" button or QR code in the settings?
It depends on the version One UI and regional firmware. On some models (especially for corporate clients), this feature is disabled by default. Try updating your phone's software or using third-party apps.
❓ Do these methods work on Samsung tablets?
Yes, all instructions are also relevant for tablets. Galaxy Tab (S, A, Active series) with One UI. The exception is models on Android 8.0 and below where necessary ROOT.
❓ Is it possible to extract the password from a phone if it is locked?
No, you can't access Wi-Fi settings or system files without unlocking the screen. In this case, your only option is to reset the router or use another device that has connected to the network.
❓ Is it safe to use ADB to extract password?
Yes, if you download Platform Tools from the official website Google Don't connect your phone to untrusted computers. The process itself won't harm the device, but it does require caution: don't modify other system files using ADB.