You are connected to Wi-Fi on your Samsung Galaxy A32, but forgot your password—and now you need to connect to another device? This situation is familiar to many. Luckily, there are several ways to retrieve a saved network password on Android, even if you don't have root access (root). In this article we will analyze 4 proven methods, relevant for Galaxy A32 at the base Android 11, 12, or 13 (depending on the firmware version).
Important: The methods vary in complexity and requirements. Some only work for networks you're currently connected to, while others allow you to see passwords for all saved access points. We'll start with the simplest option and gradually move on to more technical solutions. If you're unsure of your skills, use the first two methods.
Also note: Some manufacturers (including Samsung) may block access to passwords through standard system tools. In this case, a workaround using ADB or a backup copy. But first things first.
Method 1: Via Android settings (only for the current network)
The fastest method is to use the built-in password viewer feature in Settings Samsung Galaxy A32He works. only for the network you are currently connected to, and requires Android 10+Here's how to do it:
- Open
Settingson the phone. - Go to the section
Connections → Wi-Fi. - Click on the name of the current network (under the word
Connected). - Tap on the icon
⚙️ Settings(orNetwork managementin some firmware). - Select
Show passwordorShare(depending on the version One UI). - Verify your identity with
PIN code,fingerprintorgraphic key.
After this, a QR code will appear on the screen for quick connection of other devices. and text password underneath it. If the option Show password If it's missing, your firmware version doesn't support it. In that case, proceed to the next method.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung (especially with Android 9 and below) this method may not work. Also, the function is not available if the phone is connected to the network viaWPSorEnterprise mode(corporate Wi-Fi).
☑️ What to check before viewing a password
2. Method: via file manager (for all saved networks)
If the first method didn't work, you can try finding the password in system files. To do this, you'll need any file manager with access to root folders (For example, Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer or Total Commander). Important: this method does not require root rights, but it doesn't work on all firmware versions Samsung.
Instructions:
- 📁 Open the file manager and go to this path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
WifiConfigStore.xml Find the block with the name of your network (tag <string name="SSID">NETWORK_NAME</string>).<string name="PreSharedKey">YOUR_PASSWORD</string>.If file WifiConfigStore.xml No, try searching in the folder. /data/misc/wifi/ other files with the extension .conf or .xmlFor example, in some versions One UI passwords are stored in wpa_supplicant.conf.
⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 11, Samsung can encrypt the contents of a folder /data/misc/wifi/If you see unreadable text when opening the file, this method won't work. Proceed to the method with ADB.
Why does Samsung hide passwords?
Manufacturers restrict access to Wi-Fi passwords for security reasons. In theory, if a phone is stolen, an attacker could connect to the victim's home network. However, in practice, this is ineffective: most modern routers support WPA3 security, and passwords can be changed remotely through the provider's app.
Method 3: Using ADB (universal method)
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) — is a tool for debugging Android devices via a computer. It can be used to extract the password for any saved Wi-Fi network, even if other methods have failed. Disadvantage: it requires PC (Windows, macOS or Linux) and enabled USB debugging on the phone.
Step 1: Preparing your phone
- 📱 Go to
Settings → About phone → Software information. - 🔧 Click 7 times on
Build numberto activate developer mode. - 🔙 Return to
Settings → Developer optionsand turn on: USB debuggingOEM Unlock(optional if it doesn't work)
Step 2: Install ADB on your computer
- Download Platform Tools from the Android Developers website.
- Unzip the archive to any folder (for example,
C:\adb). - Connect Samsung A32 to PC via USB and select the mode
File transfer. - Open
Command line(Windows) orTerminal(macOS/Linux) in the ADB folder.
Step 3: Extract the password
adb shell
su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep -A 5 'YOUR_NETWORK_NAME'"
If the command doesn't work, try:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml C:\wifi_passwords.xml
After that, open the downloaded file. wifi_passwords.xml in any text editor and find the line with PreSharedKey.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware versions Samsung team su It may not work without root access. In this case, use an alternative command:
adb shell cmd wifi list_networks
And then:
adb shell cmd wifi get_network_info NETWORK_ID
(Where NETWORK_ID — network number from the first list).
4. Method: via backup (without a computer)
If you don't have access to a PC but you do have backup settings (for example, in Google Drive or Samsung Cloud), you can try to extract the password from it. This method works if a copy was created before resetting the phone or reflashing.
Instructions:
- Make a new backup via
Settings → Accounts and backup → Backup and restore. - Install the application WiFi Password Viewer (For example, This).
- Restore data from backup via the app.
- Passwords for all saved networks will appear in the list.
Important: This method works only if the backup contains files from the /data/misc/wifi/ folderOn new versions Android Google and Samsung may exclude such data from the archive by default. Check your backup settings!
| Way | Root required | Need a PC | Powered by A32 | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Android settings | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Android 10+) | ⭐ Very easy |
| File manager | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partially | ⭐⭐ Easy |
| ADB | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐ Average |
| Backup | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ Depends on the copy | ⭐⭐ Easy |
What to do if none of the methods worked?
If all the above methods have failed, you have several alternatives:
- 🔄 Reset the password on your router. On most models this is done by pressing a button.
Resetfor 10 seconds. After resetting, use the default password (indicated on the router sticker). - 📞 Call your provider. Many operators (eg Rostelecom, MTS, Beeline) can provide the password for your router over the phone after identification.
- 🖥️ Connect to the router via cable. Go to the web interface (usually at
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1) and look at the password in the sectionWi-Fi → Security. - 📱 Please use another device. If a laptop, tablet or other phone is connected to the same network, look at the password on it (for example, through
Network and Sharing Centeron Windows).
If you are renting accommodation or connected to a public network (for example, in a cafe or hotel), ask the administrator for the password. On corporate networks (with a domain @company.com) Passwords are typically managed by the IT department and are not stored on devices.
Security: How to Protect Your Wi-Fi After Your Password Has Been Viewed
Once you have learned the password, we recommend taking steps to protect your network:
- 🔒 Change your password to a more complex one. Use a combination of
12+ characterswith letters, numbers and special characters (for example,K7#pL9!mQ2$vR). - 🛡️ Activate WPA3. In the router settings, select the protection type
WPA3-Personal(if supported) This is newer and more reliable thanWPA2. - 📵 Disable WPS. This feature is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Find the option in the router's web interface.
WPSand deactivate it. - 👥 Create a guest network. If you have frequent guests, set up a separate network with limited access to local devices.
Also, check which devices are connected to your Wi-Fi. To do this:
- Go to the router's web interface (
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Find the section
DHCPorConnected devices. - Check the list by MAC address. Unknown devices can be blocked.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice unfamiliar MAC addresses in the list of connected devices, this could be a sign of hacking. Immediately change your Wi-Fi password and the password for the router's web interface (usually admin/admin by default).
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to find the Wi-Fi password on a Samsung A32 without rooting?
Yes, the first three methods in this article (settings, file manager, ADB) don't require root access. However, their effectiveness depends on the version. Android and firmware SamsungOn new devices with Android 13 ADB may be required.
❓ Why is the password in the WifiConfigStore.xml file encrypted?
Starting from Android 11, Samsung Encrypts some system files, including Wi-Fi passwords. This is designed to protect user data. If you see a string of unreadable characters instead of a password, use the ADB method or reset the router password.
❓ Does the QR code method work on all versions of One UI?
The function of displaying a password via a QR code appeared in One UI 2.5 (based on Android 10) and works on all subsequent versions, including One UI 5.x (Android 13). If you have an older firmware, update it via Settings → Software Update.
❓ Is it possible to find out the password for someone else's Wi-Fi connection that their phone connected to?
Technically yes, if the phone has previously connected to this network and the password is saved. However illegal use of other people's networks is prohibited (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code – unauthorized access to computer information). Use these methods only for your own networks!
❓ What should I do if the internet doesn't work after resetting my router?
After resetting the router to factory settings, you need to:
- Connect to the network with the router name (for example,
TP-Link_1234) with the default password (on the sticker). - Login to the web interface (
192.168.0.1) and set up an Internet connection (login details are usually specified in the contract with the provider). - If your internet connection still isn't working, call your provider's support team and let them know that your router has been reset.