Smartphone owners Samsung Galaxy A31 We often encounter situations where we need to connect a new device to our home network, but the Wi-Fi password is forgotten or lost. Fortunately, modern versions of the operating system AndroidStarting with version 10, Google allows users to view saved access keys directly in the interface settings. This was made possible by changes to Google's security policy, which, paradoxically, made the data more accessible to the device owner.
Previously, in older firmware versions, extracting saved networks required obtaining superuser rights (root), which was unsafe and could lead to the loss of warranty. Now, on Samsung A31 With the latest software, the process is extremely simplified and doesn't require installing third-party apps or extensive system intervention. All you need is access to the settings menu and be logged in to the current network or have it listed as a saved network.
It is important to understand that the methods may differ slightly depending on the shell version. One UI, installed on your SamsungHowever, the general principle of the “Share” or “QR code” function remains the unified standard for the ecosystem. AndroidIn this article, we'll take a detailed look at the standard methods for viewing passwords, as well as discuss alternatives for when the standard method is unavailable for some reason.
⚠️ Note: The Settings menu interface may be updated by the manufacturer. If you don't see this option, check for system updates in the "Software Update" section, as the layout of elements may change in new versions of One UI.
Android version and One UI shell requirements
Before you start searching for a password, you need to make sure that your software Samsung Galaxy A31 meets the necessary requirements. The function of viewing passwords via QR code has become standard since Android 10If your device is running an older version of the operating system (for example, Android 9 Pie), you won't be able to view the code using built-in tools without using third-party tools with root access.
shell One UI, developed by the company Samsung, has its own visualization features. Unlike "pure" Android, the process here may look slightly different, but the essence remains the same. Typically, users A31 have already received updates to Android 11 or Android 12, which guarantees the availability of the required functionality “out of the box”.
You can check the software version by going to the menu Settings → About device → Software informationThe version will be indicated here. Android and version One UIIf the Android version number is below 10, you will need to consider the alternative methods described at the end of the article or update your device if possible.
Viewing the password through Wi-Fi settings (Standard method)
The easiest and most secure way to find your access key is to use the built-in QR code generator. This method doesn't require an internet connection, as the information is read locally from the system's configuration files. To get started, open the menu Settings on yours Samsung A31 and select a section Connections.
In the list that opens, find the item Wi-Fi and tap it. You'll see a list of available networks, with the network you're currently connected to at the top. If you need to find the password for the currently active network, simply tap the gear icon to the right of the network name. If you need to find another saved network, scroll down to the "Other Networks" button or the list of saved profiles.
On the network screen (network details) at the very bottom there is often a button QR code or an icon. Clicking on it generates a graphic code containing an encrypted connection string. Under this code, in most versions One UI, a text string of the form is displayed WIFI:S:NetworkName;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;The password you are looking for is located after the symbol P: and before the double semicolon.
1. Open Settings → Connections
2. Go to the Wi-Fi section
3. Click on the gear next to the active network
4. Find the "QR code" button at the bottom of the screen
5. Read the password from the text line below the code-->
⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware versions from mobile operators, the password text line under the QR code may be hidden. In this case, the code will still work to connect to another device, but you won't be able to see the password characters.
Using Google Lens to transcribe
If on your screen Samsung Galaxy A31 Only the QR code itself is displayed without the text decryption of the password; you can use the built-in artificial intelligence system GoogleThis method is especially convenient because it does not require the installation of additional applications - the service Lens integrated into the Android system.
Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code or leave it open on the display. Then call the assistant. Google (usually by swiping from the corner of the screen or through the search widget) and select the function Lens (lens). Point the camera at the code image or select a screenshot from the gallery.
The system will recognize the code and offer the option to "Connect to Wi-Fi." However, if you click the "Copy" or "Show text" button, you'll see the same configuration line, where after the marker P: The password you're looking for will be displayed. This is a universal method that works even on devices where the manufacturer has hidden the text string.
What should I do if Google Lens can't see the code?
Make sure the image is clear and has good contrast. Try increasing the screen brightness or taking a new screenshot. Also, check that the Google app and Google Play services are updated to the latest version.
Viewing via the Quick Connect menu
In the ecosystem Samsung there is an alternative way through the function Smart View or the quick connection menu, which sometimes duplicates Wi-Fi Direct functionality. Although the primary method through settings is the preferred method, in some usage scenarios A31 Users prefer to work through the notification panel.
Pull down the notification shade by double-swiping down. Find the icon Wi-Fi and press it with your finger for a few seconds. This action will automatically take you to the wireless network management menu. Then the algorithm repeats: select the active network and search for the option QR code.
It is worth noting that in older versions One UI there was a function NFC for instant pairing, but it didn't display the password in plain text; it merely transmitted the encryption key to the other device. Therefore, for the "find password" task, the QR code method remains the only native solution without using the command line.
| Method | Root is required | Android version | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Settings (QR) | No | 10+ | Low |
| Google Lens | No | Any | Average |
| wpa_supplicant file | Yes | Any | High |
| Router (web interface) | No | Any | Average |
Alternative Methods: Router and ADB
If the standard methods are on Samsung A31 If these don't work, you can always turn to the internet source—your router. To do this, your phone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network. Open a browser (Chrome, Samsung Internet) and enter the gateway IP address in the address bar. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
After entering the address, the system will ask for the administrator username and password. If you haven't changed them, they are often listed on a sticker on the bottom of the router (standard pairs are: admin/admin or admin/password). Once in the web interface, find the section Wireless or Wireless network, subsection Wireless Security. There the password will be indicated in the field. PSK Password or WPA Key.
For advanced users, there is a method to use USB debugging (ADB). Having connected Samsung A31 To connect to a computer, you can request the system configuration file via the command line. However, this method requires developer mode enabled and a driver installed. Samsung USB Driver.
adb shell cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confThis command will display the contents of the file where all saved networks are stored. In the block network you will find a field psk="your_password"Please note that on modern versions of Android, access to this file without root access is often blocked, and the command may return an access error.
Security issues and limitations
Please be aware of the security measures implemented in AndroidThe system doesn't allow apps to simply read saved passwords from other networks. This is why many apps from the Play Market that promise to "show all passwords" either don't work or require root access, which reduces the overall security of your device. Samsung A31.
It is also worth considering that if the device was reset to factory settings (Hard Reset), all saved Wi-Fi profiles are permanently deleted. In this case, the only solution is to use the router or memorize the password. The account backup feature Google may restore the list of networks on first setup, but will not show them as text.
Another limitation is corporate Wi-Fi. If you connected to the work network using a certificate or web page (Captive Portal), a simple password (a string of characters) may not exist. In such cases, a complex encryption system is used. 802.1x, and it is impossible to “find out the password” in the usual sense.
⚠️ Warning: Never install dubious apps like "Wi-Fi Hacker" or "Password Viewer" from untrusted sources. They often contain malware that steals your personal data rather than revealing your passwords.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the Samsung A31 phone is not connected to this network right now?
Yes, if you've previously connected to this network and saved it to your device's memory. To do this, go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi, scroll down to the "Other networks" list (or click the three dots in the corner), find the network you want, click on it and select the option to view the QR code or properties.
What should I do if the QR code says "No encryption" instead of a password?
This means the network is open and doesn't require a password to connect. However, this is rare for home networks. Most often, this message appears if there was a configuration error. Try "Forgetting" this network in your phone settings and reconnecting, entering the password if you know it from another source.
Is it safe to root Samsung A31 to view passwords?
Obtaining root access (via Magisk or similar) voids the Samsung warranty and impairs the operation of the secure storage. KnoxThis makes the phone vulnerable to viruses and blocks banking apps. For viewing a single password, this is an excessive and risky measure.
Where is the password file physically located on Android?
The system file that stores Wi-Fi configurations is called wpa_supplicant.conf and is located along the way /data/misc/wifi/Access to this directory is closed by default to regular users and applications for security reasons.