Modern smartphones Samsung Galaxy S21 have powerful security features that, by default, hide saved access keys from prying eyes. However, situations often arise when you need to connect a new device to your home network, but the password itself is forgotten or written down in an inaccessible place. Fortunately, the Android operating system, starting with version 10, allows device owners view saved keys without the need to obtain superuser rights.
Owners of the S21 series flagships are in a better position, as the One UI interface provides convenient access to this data through the standard settings menu. You don't need to install third-party apps or connect your phone to a computer. Simply unlock the screen and know your PIN or biometric data for authorization. This solution is in the safest way data recovery, as it does not require intervention in system files.
In this article, we'll detail the steps for retrieving a forgotten password, as well as consider alternative methods in case the standard method is unavailable. We'll cover Android version compatibility, QR code functionality, and the nuances of resetting a router. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid entering data incorrectly or accidentally changing your network configuration.
Using the QR code feature to view your password
The fastest and most effective way to find out your Wi-Fi password Samsung S21 — This is the use of the built-in QR code generation feature. This feature was introduced in Android 10 and has become standard on all modern devices. When you're in the network management menu, the system not only allows you to connect but also generate a pattern for other devices.
To get started, open your smartphone's settings and go to the Connections section. Find "Wi-Fi" and ensure it's enabled. From the list of available networks, select one you're already connected to or one saved on your phone. Tap the gear icon to the right of the network name to open detailed connection settings.
At the bottom of the network settings screen, you'll see a "QR code" button. Clicking it prompts the system to verify your identity using a PIN, fingerprint, or face scan. Upon successful authentication, a graphic code will appear on the screen. Below it, the password text is typically displayed in small font.
- 🔑 Click the "QR code" button in the network properties menu.
- 👁️ Complete biometric verification or enter your unlock PIN.
- 📜 Look at the text under the code image - the password is written there.
- 📸 Take a screenshot if you need to transfer data to another device.
If the text below the code doesn't appear automatically, you can use the "Share" feature. Selecting "Message" or "Copy" may copy the cleartext password to your clipboard. This is especially useful if the font on your screen is too small to read comfortably.
It's important to note that this feature only works if the phone has previously successfully connected to this network. If the network has been "forgotten" or removed from the list of saved networks, you won't be able to recover the password through this interface. In this case, you'll need to use the other methods described below.
⚠️ Attention: Don't send screenshots of your QR code and password to strangers. Anyone who scans this code will gain full access to your network without having to enter complex characters.
View saved networks via Android settings
An alternative way to manage access keys is through the general wireless network settings menu. Unlike quick access via a QR code, here you can see a list of all the networks your device has ever connected to. Samsung S21This is useful if you are outside the router's coverage area but want to know the password for future use.
Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-FiAt the top of the screen, tap the three dots in the corner or the "More" button to open the additional menu. Select "Manage Networks" or "Saved Networks." This will display a list of all SSIDs your phone has interacted with.
Tap the desired network from the list. If it's the currently active network, you'll be taken directly to a menu with a QR code. If the network is saved but not active, your phone may prompt you to connect. In some versions of the shell, One UI Clicking on a saved network also opens a menu with the option to generate a QR code and view the password.
The Android security system requires re-authorization every time you access sensitive data. This means that even if you know the menu path, you won't be able to see the password without confirmation from the device owner. This protection prevents data theft if the phone falls into the wrong hands while unlocked.
☑️ Check your password before viewing it
Using a Google account for synchronization
Starting with Android 12, Google has introduced Wi-Fi password syncing via account. This means that access keys can be stored not only on the device's memory but also in the cloud. For owners Samsung S21 This opens the possibility of password access from any device where you are logged into the same Google account.
To check if your passwords are syncing, go to Google Settings on your phone. Find the "Autofill" section and select "Google Passwords." This is where all your saved credentials are stored, including wireless network keys. You can search for the network you need by name (SSID) and tap it to view details.
When you try to view your password, the system will ask you to confirm your identity again. After successful verification, you'll see your login and password in plain text. The advantage of this method is that the data is accessible even if the phone itself is missing. Samsung If the battery is dead or lost, the main thing is to have access to the account from another device.
However, keep in mind that syncing must be enabled beforehand. If you've never activated this feature or use local password storage in Samsung Pass, this method may not work. In this case, you should check the Samsung Pass app separately.
| Access method | Required Android version | Network access required | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code on the screen | 10 and above | Yes (for generation) | Low |
| Google Passwords | 12 and above (recommended) | No | Average |
| Wi-Fi Map App | Any | No (database) | High |
| Resetting the router | It doesn't depend | Physical access | High |
Third-party applications and their limitations
In the store Google Play Market You can find many apps that promise to show saved Wi-Fi passwords. However, owners Samsung S21 You should be extremely careful. Most of these programs require root rights, which will void your device's warranty and may affect secure features such as Samsung Pay or Secure Folder.
Rootless apps typically operate on the principle of a social database. They don't hack your phone, but rather search for matches in a vast database of passwords uploaded by other users. This means you can only see passwords for networks that someone has voluntarily added to the database.
Using such utilities carries security risks. By sending requests to third-party servers, you may reveal information about your location and the list of available networks. Furthermore, many "free" programs are filled with ads and may contain malicious code.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid installing apps with names like "WiFi Password Hacker" or "Universal Key." They can't crack WPA2/WPA3 encryption and are only used to collect data or display ads.
Why is rooting dangerous for the Samsung S21?
Gaining root access on Samsung devices triggers the Knox flag. This irreversibly blocks access to the company's secure services, including banking apps and Samsung Health. Restoring these services after the flag is triggered is virtually impossible, even after a firmware update.
What to do if the password is not displayed
In some cases, despite all efforts, the system may not display the password. This may be due to corporate security policies if the phone was issued by an organization, or due to limitations of a specific firmware version. The password may also not be displayed if the network was configured via an MDM (Mobile Device Management) profile.
If standard methods fail, the only reliable option is physical access to the router. Turn the device over and locate the sticker on the bottom. The factory password (Wireless Key / WPA Key) is often listed there. If you've changed the password before and don't remember it, you'll have to reset the router to factory settings.
To reset, find the button Reset (often recessed into the case). Press it with a thin object (like a paperclip) and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the lights flash. After rebooting, the router will return to factory settings, and you can connect using the password on the sticker.
After resetting your router, you'll need to reconfigure your internet connection (PPPoE, L2TP, or dynamic IP), so make sure you have your ISP contract or login credentials. Without these credentials, your internet won't work, even if Wi-Fi is available.
Frequently asked questions and technical nuances
Users often ask questions about the security of key storage and the compatibility of methods. It is important to understand that modern encryption standards, such as WPA3, provide a high level of security, making it impossible to simply "peek" at a password. All methods described in this article are legal and utilize the operating system's built-in functionality.
It is also worth mentioning the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Samsung S21 They may appear as a single network with a common name, or as two different ones (for example, MyWiFi and MyWiFi_5G). The password for them is always the same unless a separate guest network is configured. Viewing the password for one of the frequencies will provide the key for both.
Don't forget to regularly update your smartphone's software. Samsung releases monthly security patches, which may also affect Wi-Fi functionality. Keeping your software up-to-date ensures that autofill and QR code generation functions work correctly.
Is it possible to view the password if the phone is not connected to the network right now?
Yes, you can. If the network is saved in your phone's memory (status "Saved"), you can go to Wi-Fi settings, find this network in the list, and generate a QR code. A connection to the router is not required at this time; only the data stored in the system is needed.
Will the QR code method work on older versions of Android?
The native QR code generation feature for viewing passwords was introduced in Android 10. On Android 9 and below, this feature is not available in the standard interface. Owners of older versions (if installed on the S21 via custom ROMs) will have to root their device or view the password in their router.
What if the QR code cannot be scanned by another phone?
Make sure the screen is free of cracks in the code area and the brightness is set to maximum. Also, check that the second device's camera is clean. If the issue persists, use the "Share" -> "Copy to Clipboard" option or take a screenshot and open it in Google Lens.
Will my Wi-Fi password be reset when I update my Samsung firmware?
No, during a regular system update through Settings → Software Update Saved networks and passwords are preserved. However, performing a hard reset or flashing the firmware via Odin with data clearing will delete all saved networks.