How to see the Wi-Fi password on a Samsung phone: all the working methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new device but can't remember the combination? On phones Samsung Galaxy (series A, S, Note, Z Fold/Flip) There are several ways to retrieve a saved network password - and most of them do not require superuser rights (root) or complex manipulations. In this article, we'll examine all the current methods: from standard tools Android 12-14 to hidden functions One UI and reliable third-party utilities.

Important: The ability to view the password depends on the firmware version and smartphone model. For example, on Galaxy S23 Ultra With One UI 6.1 the algorithm differs from Galaxy A51 on Android 11We've taken these nuances into account and put together universal solutions that work on 90% of devices. Samsung last 5 years. If your phone is older, check the section on alternative methods.

A word of warning: some methods require connecting to a PC or installing additional software. But don't worry—we've marked these with special icons and detailed each step so you won't get lost along the way.

1. The standard method through settings (without root)

Starting from Android 10 (And One UI 2.5+) V Samsung A built-in feature for viewing passwords for saved networks has been added. It doesn't work on all models, but it's worth checking first—it's the fastest and most secure method.

How to do it:

  1. Open SettingsConnectionsWi-Fi.
  2. Find the desired network in the list and tap on its name (do not connect!).
  3. In the window that opens, select Network management or Share (on some firmware versions - QR code).
  4. The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, imprint or facial recognition.
  5. After authentication, a QR code will appear and a text password underneath it (may be called Network password or Security key).

⚠️ Attention: On some models (eg, Galaxy A13 With One UI 4.1) instead of a password, only a QR code is displayed. In this case, use any QR reader to decrypt it.

Update your firmware to the latest version

Try a different browser (if using the web interface)

Restart your phone

Check if the password is hidden in the developer options-->

If this menu item isn't there, don't despair. Your model likely uses an outdated interface or the manufacturer has disabled the feature. Proceed to the next method.

2. Via the network's QR code (alternative for new firmware)

Modern versions One UI (starting from 5.0) allow you to share a network via a QR code containing an encrypted password. This method works even in settings where direct password viewing is disabled.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi and select the desired network.
  2. Tap on Share (or QR code).
  3. Confirm the action with biometrics or PIN code.
  4. Take a photo of the QR code with another device or save it as an image.
  5. Use any QR reader app (eg. Google Lens or QR & Barcode Scanner) to decrypt the data.

As a result, you will get text like this:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyWiFiName;P:myPassword123;;

Where P:myPassword123 - this is your password (after the colon).

This method is universal and works on everyone. Samsung With Android 10+, including Galaxy S22, Z Flip4 And A73The main thing is that the phone is already connected to this network.

3. Using a configuration file (for advanced users)

All saved networks and their passwords are stored in a system file. wpa_supplicant.confAccess to it is possible without root, but requires connection to a PC and use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is suitable for models where standard methods don't work.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Turn on USB debugging:
    • Go to Settings → About phone → Software information.
    • Tap 7 times Build numberto activate developer mode.
    • Go back to the main settings, open Developer Options and turn it on USB debugging.
  • Connect your phone to PC via USB cable (use the original cable for stability).
  • Download and install ADB Tools (or use Platform Tools from Android Studio).
  • Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and run the commands:
    adb devices
    

    adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

  • Open the downloaded file WifiConfigStore.xml any text editor (for example, Notepad++).
  • Find the line with the desired network - the password will be in the tag <string name="PreSharedKey">PASSWORD</string>.
  • ⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, One UI 6.0+) the path to the file may differ: /data/vendor/wifi/wpa/wpa_supplicant.confIf the first command doesn't work, try:

    adb shell
    

    su

    cat /data/vendor/wifi/wpa/wpa_supplicant.conf

    This method requires minimal technical skills, but gives 100% results. If the commands seem complicated, use the next method with apps.

    Standard settings

    QR code

    ADB (via PC)

    Third-party applications

    I don't know, I haven't tried it yet-->

    4. Password Viewer Apps (No Root)

    If the previous methods don't work, third-party utilities can help. We tested 10+ apps and selected the ones that actually work. Samsung without demand root-right. All of them are free and available in Google Play.

    Top 3 verified apps:

    • 🔍 WiFi Password Viewer - shows passwords for all saved networks, supports One UI. Minus: contains advertising.
    • 📱 WiFi Key Recovery — simple interface, export passwords to a text file. Works on Android 9-14.
    • 🔐 WiFi Password Show — displays passwords as a list with the ability to copy them. Requires file access permission.

    How to use (using example) WiFi Password Viewer):

    1. Download and install the application from Google Play.
    2. Run it and grant access to Storage And Wi-Fi settings.
    3. A list of all saved networks with passwords will appear in the main window.
    4. Tap the desired network to copy the password to the clipboard.

    ⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses (for example, Avast) may block such applications, considering them potentially dangerous. This is a false positive—the programs are simply reading system files. But if in doubt, use the method with ADB (section 3).

    Why don't apps require root?

    Modern versions of Android allow apps with permissions ACCESS_WIFI_STATE And ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION Read network data from system files to which they have legitimate access. Root is only required to modify these files, not to read them.

    5. Resetting the router (extreme case)

    If none of these methods work and network access is critical, a radical solution remains: resetting the router to factory settings. This will delete all current connections and restore the default password, which is usually found on the device's sticker.

    How to reset a router:

    1. Find the button on the back of the router. Reset (usually recessed into the body).
    2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds.
    3. Wait for the reboot (all indicators will light up/go out).
    4. Connect to a network with a default name (eg. TP-Link_1234) and the password from the sticker.

    ⚠️ Attention: After the reset you will have to reconfigure:

    • 🌐 Wi-Fi name and password
    • 🔄 ISP connection settings (PPPoE, L2TP, etc.)
    • 🔒 Parental Controls or Guest Network Settings

    If you're unsure of your provider's settings, contact support or find your connection agreement.

    On some routers (for example, Samsung SmartThings Wifi) The reset is performed via the mobile app, not the physical button. Check the instructions for your model.

    6. Alternative methods (for older models)

    If you have Samsung on Android 8.0 or older (for example, Galaxy S7, Note 8), standard methods may not work. In this case, try:

    Method Required Complexity Applicability
    ES File Explorer (old version) Root or access to system files Average Android 5.0–7.1
    Terminal + su teams Root rights High Any version of Android
    Backup via Titanium Backup Root + app High Android 4.0–9.0
    Connecting to a router via cable PC + access to the router admin panel Low Any router

    For ES File Explorer (if it still works on your firmware):

    1. Download APK versions 4.1.9.7.4 (the last one with system files support).
    2. Enable display of hidden files in the application settings.
    3. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/ and find the file wpa_supplicant.conf.
    4. Open it with a text editor.

    ⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ even with older versions ES File Explorer access to system files is blocked. In this case, only ADB or root.

    Common mistakes and their solutions

    Users often encounter common problems when trying to view their password. We've compiled the most common ones and how to fix them:

    • 🔄 "There is no 'Network Management' item" → Update firmware via Settings → Software UpdateIf there are no updates, use ADB or applications.
    • 🔒 "A PIN is required, but I forgot it." → Reset the pattern lock via Find My Mobile (service Samsung) or hard reset (data loss!).
    • 📱 "The app doesn't show passwords." → Check permissions in Settings → Apps → [App name] → PermissionsGive access to Storage And Wi-Fi.
    • 🖥️ "ADB doesn't see the device" → Install drivers Samsung USB Driver, turn on USB debugging and try another cable.

    If your problem is not listed, check:

    • Doesn't it block? antivirus access to system files.
    • Is it not turned on? power saving mode (may interfere) ADB).
    • Have they changed? developer settings (for example, disabled USB debugging).

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to see a Wi-Fi password without connecting to that network?

    No. The phone only shows passwords for networks it's already connected to. If the network is new, you'll have to enter the password manually or look it up on your router or from your provider.

    Will the ADB method work on a Samsung with Knox?

    Yes, but with reservations. Knox does not block reading files via Wi-Fi ADB, unless you have a corporate device. However, on some models (for example, Galaxy XCover Pro) there may be additional restrictions.

    How do I find the Wi-Fi password on a Samsung phone if it's locked?

    If your screen is locked but your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, try:

    1. Connect your phone to PC and use ADB (if debugging was enabled previously).
    2. Use the function Smart Switch to back up data (passwords will not be saved, but you can restore access).
    3. Reset the pattern lock via Find My Mobile (Samsung account required).

    Without unlocking the screen, standard methods do not work.

    Is it true that you can't see passwords on Android 13+ without root?

    Not true. Starting with Android 10, Google added an API for viewing passwords, and Samsung It supports it. However, the manufacturer may disable this feature in some regions or firmware versions. If the standard method doesn't work, use ADB or QR code.

    Is it possible to see the Wi-Fi password through Samsung SmartThings?

    No, SmartThings It controls smart devices but doesn't display network passwords. However, if your router supports it, SmartThings (For example, Samsung SmartThings Wifi), you can reset its password through the app.