Owning a modern smartphone such as Samsung Galaxy M21, implies a constant connection to a wireless network, but situations where you need to grant access to guests or connect a new device, but the password is forgotten, arise regularly. Fortunately, the operating system Android, starting with version 10, provides built-in tools for viewing saved security keys without the need for complex third-party software. Device owners Galaxy are in an advantageous position because the shell One UI Samsung offers one of the most user-friendly interfaces for managing network connections.
The process of recovering lost data may vary depending on the version of the operating system installed on your device. Galaxy M21If you have upgraded to Android 12 or newer, the procedure is extremely simplified and takes just a few seconds. For older versions, such as Android 10, additional steps may be required, including scanning a QR code or using root privileges. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods available for your model in detail.
Using built-in settings in Android 12 and later
Starting with the twelfth version of the mobile operating system, Google has implemented a native password viewing function, which completely eliminates the need for third-party applications. Samsung M21, which has received the corresponding update, this option works reliably and is accessible through the standard settings menu. You don't need to be a techie to use this method, as the interface One UI intuitive.
To get started, open the main settings menu of your device and find the section Connections. Next, go to the item Wi-Fi, which displays a list of available networks and your current active connection. This is where you'll find the information you're looking for, next to the name of the network you're currently connected to or in the menu of previously used networks.
Click the gear icon next to the desired network name. In the settings menu that opens, select the option QR code or button Show password, which may be hidden under the eye icon. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by entering your screen unlock PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition via BiometricsAfter successful authentication, a text access key will be displayed under or next to the QR code.
It's important to note that this feature only works for networks the phone has previously connected to or is currently connected to. If you're trying to find the key for a network the device has never used, this method won't work. It's also worth remembering that on some corporate or secure networks, administrators may block the display of keys.
How to view a QR code on Android 10 and 11
On operating system versions Android 10 And Android 11, which are also relevant for Samsung M21The viewing mechanism is slightly different. By default, the system doesn't display the password in text format immediately after clicking on the network settings. Instead, it generates a special QR code designed to quickly connect other devices.
To see the password itself, you'll need to perform a small manipulation. After opening the window with the QR code (via Wi-Fi settings, as described in the previous section), take a screenshot or simply note the code's location. Then open the default app. Google Lens (Google Lens) or any other QR code scanner installed on your phone.
Point the camera at the QR code on the screen or select a saved screenshot from your gallery. The app will analyze the image and return a text string containing the network name (SSID) and the password. Look for the string beginning with P: or WPA:, the text after the colon and before the closing quotation mark is your desired key.
What should I do if Google Lens can't see the code?
Make sure the image is clear, the screen is not flooded with light, and the QR code itself is fully within the scanner frame. Try increasing the screen brightness.
This method is the most secure, as it doesn't require installing any questionable software. However, it does require a second device or the ability to quickly switch between windows if you're scanning the code from your phone's screen. Galaxy M21 With its AMOLED screen, the contrast is usually sufficient for successful reading.
Methods for devices with root rights
For users who have decided to obtain superuser rights (Root) on your own Samsung M21: Access to system files where all network configurations are stored. This is the most powerful method, allowing you to see passwords for all previously saved networks, even those the phone isn't currently connected to. However, it's important to remember that rooting your phone voids your warranty and can be dangerous.
The essence of the method is to access the file wpa_supplicant.conf, which is located along the way /data/misc/wifi/This text file stores network name-password pairs in plaintext. To read this file, you'll need a file manager with root support, such as Root Explorer or ES File Explorer (with root functions enabled).
After granting the application superuser rights, navigate to the specified directory. Find the configuration file and open it as text. You will see a list of blocks where ssid — this is the name of the network, and psk — this is the password. Be extremely careful when working with system files: any incorrect changes may lead to unstable operation of the Wi-Fi module.
⚠️ Attention: Rooting Samsung devices may trigger protection Knox. This will permanently disable features like Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, and some banking apps, even if you later remove root.
There are also specialized applications from the Play Market, such as WiFi Password Viewer, which automate this process. They automatically find the required file and display the list in a convenient format. However, using such programs requires a high degree of trust in the developer, as you are essentially giving them access to all your saved keys.
Checking the password through the router
If the software methods are on the phone itself Samsung M21 If these fail or seem too complicated, there's always the "hardware" solution: checking the router's settings. The Wi-Fi password is stored in the router's admin panel, and if you have access to it (via cable or Wi-Fi), you can view or change the security key.
To do this, open a browser on your phone and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The exact address, as well as the login and password for entering the admin panel (often admin/admin) are written on a sticker on the bottom of the device. Modern ISP routers can be accessed through a special app.
After logging in, find the section responsible for the wireless network. It may be called Wireless, Wi-Fi, Wireless mode or WLAN. In the security subsection (Security) there will be a field Wireless Password, PSK Key or PasswordThere's often a "Show password" checkbox next to the input field, which allows you to see the characters.
| Router brand | Standard IP | Standard login | Menu section |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | Wireless -> Wireless Security |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | admin | Wireless Network -> WPS |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | Wi-Fi -> Security Settings |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | admin | My Networks and Wi-Fi -> Home Network |
This method is universal and does not depend on the version of Android on your device. Galaxy M21The only requirement is that the device must be connected to the router (at least via Wi-Fi if you know the password, or via a LAN cable if you're setting it up from a PC). If you've changed the router's administrator password and forgotten it, you'll have to reset the router using the reset button. Reset.
Using a Google Account for syncing
The Google ecosystem offers another elegant way to restore access that is often overlooked. If your Samsung M21 If password syncing with your Google Account is enabled, your Wi-Fi keys may be saved in the cloud. This is especially true if you've previously connected to this network from another Android device or used the Google Passwords feature.
To check this, go to your phone settings, select the section Google and press Autofill. Next, select Google Autocomplete and go to Google Passwords (or simply open passwords.google.com in your browser). The list of saved data may include a category or individual entries related to networks.
Although Google primarily stores website passwords, some service configurations and versions can also sync Wi-Fi network data between devices belonging to the same user. If you see the desired network in the list, tap it, verify your identity, and the password will be displayed. This method requires that you sign in to the same account on the device that was used to sync.
It's worth keeping in mind that this method doesn't work for all providers or in all regions, as privacy policies may restrict the transmission of network keys to the cloud. Nevertheless, it's definitely worth checking this section, especially if other methods haven't worked.
Problems and limitations on the Samsung M21
Owners Samsung Galaxy M21 may encounter a number of specific features associated with the shell One UIFor example, after a system update, the Wi-Fi settings interface may change, and familiar buttons may be moved. Also, some carriers that ship phones with their own firmware may block certain system data viewing features.
Another common issue is the inability to copy a password from the preview field. For security reasons, Android often prevents you from selecting the password text for copying when it's displayed over a QR code. In this case, you must either rewrite it manually or use the "Share" feature (if available), which will send the QR code to another device.
- 📱 Scaling: On the M21 screen, the QR code may be too small to be scanned by another phone, try zooming in.
- 🔒 Blocking: If your phone is locked by a corporate profile (MDM), access to Wi-Fi settings may be restricted by the administrator.
- 🔄 Interface glitches: Sometimes the "Show Password" button doesn't appear due to a temporary system glitch; restarting your phone often solves this problem.
It's also worth mentioning that if your phone is running a custom firmware (not official Samsung firmware), system behavior may be unpredictable. Modified versions of Android may have altered paths to system files or missing security components, which may affect the functionality of standard viewing methods.
⚠️ Attention: The One UI interface is updated regularly. Button layouts and menu item names may differ from those described in the manual depending on the firmware version and regional phone model.
☑️ Check before resetting your router
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the phone has never connected to this network?
Without access to the router or another device already connected to the network, it's impossible to discover the password. No program can easily crack WPA2/WPA3 encryption remotely. You'll need physical access to the router or root privileges on the device that previously stored the key.
Is it safe to use apps like "WiFi Password Viewer"?
Using such apps requires root access, which in itself reduces device security. Furthermore, you're trusting a third-party developer with access to all your saved passwords. It's recommended to use only trusted open-source apps or rely on Android's built-in tools.
Why isn't the "Show Password" button showing on my Samsung M21?
This could be due to several reasons: an outdated Android version (below 10), lack of root access (for older methods), or specific restrictions imposed by your carrier or corporate security policy. Try updating the system or verifying your settings via QR code.
What should I do if I reset my router and forgot my internet password?
After resetting, the router returns to factory settings. The Wi-Fi password will be the one printed on the sticker on the bottom of the device. However, to access the internet, you'll need to re-enter the username and password provided by your provider. This information can be found in your contract or in your provider account.