You forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but your Samsung Galaxy A51 Successfully connected to the network? This situation is familiar to many: the router was set up by a provider or a friend, but the saved password has long been lost. Fortunately, there are several ways to retrieve the saved password on Android, both with standard tools and third-party ones.
In this article we will look at 5 proven methods, including working with phone settings, using a file manager, and specialized apps. Important: Not all methods are universal—their availability depends on the version. Android (on Galaxy A51 this is usual Android 10/11/12 with shell One UI) and availability root rightsLet's start with the simplest solutions that don't require technical skills.
⚠️ Warning: Extracting Wi-Fi passwords from someone else's device without the owner's consent may violate privacy laws. All methods in this article are intended for use with your own networks only.
1. Standard method: view the password in Wi-Fi settings (Android 10 and newer)
Starting from Android 10Google has added a feature to view passwords for saved networks directly in the system settings. Samsung Galaxy A51 This method works, but the path to the menu may differ from "pure" Android.
Here's how to do it:
- 📱 Open the app
Settings(gear on the home screen or in the applications menu). - 🔗 Go to the section
Connections → Wi-Fi. - 🔍 Find your network in the list (it must be connected or saved) and tap on its name.
- 🔑 In the window that opens, click
Network managementorShare(on some firmware versions -QR code). - 👁️ The system will ask you to confirm your identity: enter PIN code, pattern or fingerprint.
- 📝 After authentication, you will see the password below the field
Network password.
⚠️ Attention: If the button Share missing or inactive, then your version One UI doesn't support this functionality. In this case, proceed to the next method.
Disable your VPN (it may be blocking access to system settings) | Make sure your phone is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network | Try restarting your phone if the Share button isn't visible | Check if there are any restrictions set through the "Work Mode" (for example, "Work Profile")
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2. Using the network QR code (without root rights)
If there is no direct access to the password in the settings, you can bypass the restriction using QR codeThis method works on all versions. Android, including Samsung Galaxy A51, and does not require additional applications.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open
Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi. - 🔍 Find your network in the list and tap on its name.
- 🖼️ Select an option
QR code(may be calledShare via QR). - 📷 The system will display a QR code with network data. Take a picture of him or copy the image.
- 🔍 Use any QR code reader app (e.g. Google Lens or QR & Barcode Scanner) to decipher the code.
- 🔑 There will be a string in the QR data
WPA:...orP:- this is your password.
💡 Helpful tip: If you don't have a second device to scan the QR code, you can upload a photo of the code to your computer and decode it using online services (for example, zxing.org).
| Method | Root required | Works on Samsung A51 | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Settings (Share) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Android 10+) | ⭐ |
| Network QR code | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐ |
| File manager (without root) | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partially | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Applications (WiFi Password Viewer) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ADB commands | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
3. Viewing the password through the file manager (without root)
On some firmware versions Samsung Wi-Fi passwords are stored in plaintext in system files. To find them, you'll need a file manager with access to root folders (e.g., Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
Step-by-step instructions:
- Install file manager from Google Play (For example, Solid Explorer).
- Open the app and grant it access to your storage.
- Follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlor (for newer versions of Android):
/data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml - Find the line in the file
<string name="PreSharedKey">— after it the password will be indicated in encrypted or clear form. - If the password is encrypted, try using online decoders (for example, Base64).
⚠️ Attention: On Samsung Galaxy A51 With One UI 3.1+ access to these files may be blocked even without root. If the folder /data/misc/ does not open, this method will not work.
Why does Samsung block access to system files?
Manufacturers restrict access to password-protected folders for two reasons: safety (malware protection) and compliance with Google policyStarting from Android 11, even file managers with root cannot read some system files without additional manipulation.
4. Password viewer apps (requires root)
If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities. The most popular ones are: WiFi Password Viewer, WiFi Key Recovery And Root BrowserThey all require superuser rights (root), so you will first have to unlock the bootloader and flash it Magisk or SuperSU.
Instructions for WiFi Password Viewer:
- 📱 Install the app from Google Play (or download the APK from a trusted source, for example, APKMirror).
- 🔓 Grant root access on first launch.
- 🔍 A list of all saved networks with passwords will appear in the main window.
- 📋 Click on the network name to copy the password to the clipboard.
Important: After obtaining root rights, the warranty Samsung Galaxy A51 is cancelled and over-the-air (OTA) updates may no longer work. If you are not prepared for such consequences, skip this method.
5. Extracting the password via ADB (for advanced users)
A method for those who don't want to get root, but are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB)You will need a computer with installed drivers. Samsung and USB debugging enabled on the phone.
Instructions:
- 🖥️ Install ADB on PC (download Platform Tools from the website Google).
- 📱 Activate on your phone
Settings → About phone → Build number(tap 7 times to turn on)Developer mode). - 🔧 Return to
Settings → Developer Modeand turn it onUSB debugging. - 🔌 Connect Galaxy A51 to the computer and confirm trust of the device.
- 📋 In the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) run:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlor for newer versions:
adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml" > wifi_pass.txt - 🔍 Open the downloaded file
WifiConfigStore.xmlin any text editor and find the line with the password.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ This method may not work due to enhanced protection of system files. Also, some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block ADB commands on proprietary firmware.
6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
If none of the above methods work, there are radical solutions left:
- 🔄 Resetting the router. Click the button
Reseton the back of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After resetting, use the default password (indicated on the device sticker). ⚠️ All router settings will be lost! - 📞 Contacting the provider. Call your internet service provider's support team (the number is usually listed in your contract) and request that they resend your connection information. You may be asked to provide personal information or the installation address.
- 🖥️ View on another device. If a laptop is connected to this Wi-Fi Windows or MacOS, the password can be viewed through the network settings (on Windows:
Control Panel → Networks → Wireless Network → Properties → Security).
💡 Advice: To avoid similar situations in the future, save your passwords in Google Password Manager or specialized applications (for example, KeePassDX). To do this, when you first connect to the network, select the option Save to Google Account.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords on the Samsung A51
Is it possible to find the Wi-Fi password on a Samsung A51 without rooting?
Yes, but only if you have Android 10+ and in the network settings there is an option Share or QR codeOn older versions or custom firmware, root or ADB may be required.
❓ Why is the password in the WifiConfigStore.xml file encrypted?
Starting from Android 9Google has tightened the protection of stored passwords. In some firmware versions Samsung They are encrypted using the device's keys. Decrypting them without root is virtually impossible.
❓ Will the QR code method work if the phone is not connected to the network?
No. The QR code is generated only for active connectionIf the network is saved but not connected, use other methods (such as a file manager or ADB).
❓ Is it possible to recover the password using a Samsung account?
No, Samsung Account does not store Wi-Fi passwords. This information is stored only locally on the device. However, if you synced your settings via Smart Switch, the password could have been transferred to another phone Samsung.
❓ What should I do if the internet doesn't work after resetting my router?
After resetting, you'll need to reconfigure your connection to your provider. The setup details (login, password, connection type) are usually specified in your contract or can be clarified by contacting support. If you're unsure, it's best not to reset the router yourself.