Have you forgotten your home Wi-Fi password and there's no sticker with the password on your router? Or do you need to connect a new gadget but can't be bothered to search for a complex password? On smartphones Samsung with shell One UI There are several ways to extract saved passwords from networks - both with rights root, and without them. In this article, we will examine all the relevant methods for modern models (from Galaxy S22 to Galaxy A54) and explain why some old instructions no longer work.
Important: manufacturers and Google Access to passwords is specifically restricted for security reasons. Therefore, "legal" methods often require additional steps—from enabling USB debugging to using ADB commands. We've collected only proven methods that work Android 13/14 With One UI 5.0/6.0, But On some firmware versions from operators (for example, MTS or Beeline), some functions may be blocked.
1. Standard method via Samsung settings (without root)
The easiest method is to use the built-in function Samsung to view passwords. It works on most devices with One UI 4.0 and newer, but requires the phone to be connected to the required network at the moment.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open
Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi. - 🔍 Find the active network in the list (there will be an inscription next to it)
Connected) and tap on its name. - 🔑 In the window that opens, click on the icon
QR code(in the upper right corner) orShare. - 👁️ The system will prompt you to enter PIN code/pattern key or scan your fingerprint. After authentication, a QR code will appear with the network details, including the password in text format underneath.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ Doesn't show passwords from saved but inactive networks.
- ❌ On some models (for example, Galaxy M33 (for the Russian market) the "Share" option may be absent.
- ❌ Doesn't work on devices with corporate policies (e.g. work phones).
2. Using ADB (without root, but from a PC)
If you need to extract passwords from all saved networks, and not just active, the tool will help ADB (Android Debug Bridge)This method works without permissions. root, but requires a computer and USB debugging enabled.
Step-by-step instructions:
- 🖥️ Install ADB tools on PC (Windows/macOS/Linux).
- 📲 On your phone, enable:
- 🔧
Settings → About phone → Build number(tap 7 times to unlockDeveloper mode). - 🔌 Return to
Settings → Developer Modeand activateUSB debugging.
- 🔧
File transfer or MTP).adb shell
su -c "cmd wifi list_networks"
This will show a list of all saved networks with their networkId.
su -c "cmd wifi get_network_info [networkId] | grep psk"Replace [networkId] to the number from the previous step (for example, 0 or 1).
Download Platform Tools from the official Android website|Enable developer mode on your phone|Enable USB debugging|Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode|Run the command prompt as administrator-->
⚠️ Attention: On new versions One UI (6.0+) team cmd wifi may return an empty result. This is due to the tightening of the security policy. SamsungIn this case, only root or alternative methods (see section 4).
If ADB gives an error adbd cannot run as root, then access to system commands without superuser rights is blocked on your device. This is typical for phones with firmware from mobile operators.
3. View passwords from a backup (without root)
Another legal method is to create a backup of your Wi-Fi settings and extract the passwords from it. This method works on most devices. Samsung, but requires installation of third-party software.
Algorithm of actions:
- 📲 Install from Google Play application WiFi Password Viewer (For example, WiFi Password Recovery from SimoneDev).
- 🔄 Launch the app and grant access to
StorageAndWi-Fi settings. - 📥 Click
Create a backup copy— the program will save the file with the extension.confinto the phone's memory. - 🔍 Open any file manager (for example, Solid Explorer) and find the file along the path:
/storage/emulated/0/Download/wifi_backup.conf - 📄 Open the file with a text editor (for example, QuickEdit). Passwords will be specified in lines like this:
psk="your_password"
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Doesn't require
rootor ADB. - ✅ Shows passwords from all saved networks, and not just active.
- ✅ Works even on firmware locked by the operator.
Flaws:
- ❌ Some apps may charge a fee to export passwords.
- ❌ File
.confcontains passwords in clear text - delete it after use.
Standard via Samsung settings|ADB commands|Backup|Root access|Other method-->
4. Methods with root rights (for advanced users)
If on yours Samsung installed root (for example, through Magisk), you gain full access to the system files where Wi-Fi passwords are stored. This method is the most universal, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and may void your warranty.
Where to look for passwords:
- 📁 Open your root file manager (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with root access).
- 🔍 Follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlor (on newer versions of Android)
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreSoftAp.xml - 📄 Open the file with a text editor. The passwords will be in the tags:
<string name="PreSharedKey"><![CDATA[vash_papol]]></string>
Alternative way through Terminal Emulator:
- 📱 Install from Play Market application Termux or Terminal Emulator for Android.
- 💻 Enter the command:
sucat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep psk
⚠️ Attention: Modifying or deleting files in /data/misc/wifi/ may lead to loss of all saved networksDon't edit the file manually unless you're confident in what you're doing!
What to do if WifiConfigStore.xml is empty?
On some firmware versions Samsung (especially with Knox) passwords are stored in encrypted form. In this case, only specialized software like WiFi Key Recovery (requires root) or manually extracting keys from /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml.
5. Alternative methods (if nothing works)
If none of the above methods worked, try these options:
| Method | Requirements | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Resetting the router | Physical access to the router | All settings will be reset, including the network name. |
| View on another device | Another phone/PC/Mac connected to this network | You need to know the password for another gadget. |
| Contacting your provider | Agreement with an Internet provider | They may refuse for security reasons. |
| Using WPS | Router with a WPS button | Not all devices support WPS. |
💡 Helpful tip: If you often forget your passwords, create one Google Keep or Samsung Notes secure note with data from all networks. For security, store it in encrypted form (for example, via Cryptomator).
⚠️ Attention: Some applications in Google Play (For example, WiFi Password Hacker or WiFi Master Key) promise to show passwords without root, but are actually scams. They either don't work or collect your data. Check reviews and ratings before installing!
6. Common mistakes and their solutions
When attempting to extract passwords, users encounter typical problems. Let's look at the most common ones:
- 🚫 Command Not Found Error in ADB
Cause: Outdated version Platform Tools or the wrong way toadb.exe.
Solution: Download the latest version from official website and run commands from the ADB folder. - 🔒 Superuser access requested, but root is not available
Cause: The application is trying to usesu-commands.
Solution: Use non-root methods (sections 1-3) or gain root access via Magisk. - 📵 The phone is not showing up in ADB.
Cause: Drivers not installed Samsung or debugging is not enabled.
Solution: Install Samsung USB Driver and check that inSettings → Connections → USBmode selectedFile transfer. - 🔄 After backup the file is empty
Cause: The firmware blocks export of Wi-Fi settings.
Solution: Try a different app (eg. WiFi Password Viewer Pro) or use ADB.
If you see the message This network may be monitored by your organization (This network may be controlled by your organization), then the phone has corporate policy certificate (for example, on work devices). In this case, it is impossible to extract passwords without root.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
❓ Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network my phone connected to a long time ago but is now out of range?
Yes, but only if you have root access or you used the backup method (section 3). The standard method is through settings. Samsung shows password only for active networks.
❓ Why doesn't ADB show passwords on my Galaxy S23 Ultra?
On the new flagships Samsung (especially with One UI 6.0+) team cmd wifi may be blocked. This is done to protect against data leaks. In this case, the only solution is rooting or viewing the password on another device connected to the same network.
❓ Is it safe to use password extraction apps?
Most of the applications from Google Play (For example, WiFi Password Recovery) are safe if they have a high rating and many reviews. However, avoid programs that ask implausible permissions (for example, access to SMS or calls). Also, do not store files with passwords in cloud services (for example, Google Drive) without encryption.
How do I transfer all saved networks to a new phone? Samsung?
Use the function Smart Switch from Samsung:
- Install Smart Switch on both phones.
- Connect devices via cable or Wi-Fi Direct.
- Select
Settings → Wi-Fiin the list of data to be transferred.
Passwords will be transferred automatically, but they still won't be visible in plain text on the new phone without root.
❓ Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password for a guest network (for example, in a cafe)?
No. Guest networks typically use separate authentication, and their password isn't stored on your device. Additionally, many public hotspots use port insulation, which prevent devices from “seeing” each other on the network.
If none of the methods worked, check if you have any installed on your phone. device profiles (for example, through Android Enterprise). They may be blocking access to system settings. To check this, go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Other security settings → Device administrators.