Modern Samsung smartphones, including the popular model Galaxy A21s, are equipped with the One UI interface, which provides users with advanced network connection management capabilities. One of the most requested features, especially when purchasing a new device or connecting a guest, is the ability to view the saved wireless network password. Previously, this required superuser privileges, but in current versions of the operating system, Android This option is available using standard tools.
Owners Samsung A21s Often, we encounter a situation where we need to connect a laptop or tablet to the same network as our phone, but the password itself is forgotten or lost. Fortunately, the engineers at the South Korean company have provided a generation mechanism. QR code, which contains all the necessary authorization information. This solution significantly simplifies life for users and eliminates the need for third-party applications or complex manipulation of system files.
In this article, we'll detail the steps for extracting a network security key directly through your smartphone's interface. We'll cover the standard methods available on Android 10 and above, as well as touch on security issues and the nuances of working with network profiles. Viewing the password is only possible for networks to which the device has already been successfully connected and the data is saved in memory.
The standard method is via QR code and network settings.
The easiest and most reliable way to find out the access key on Samsung Galaxy A21s No additional software installation is required. The entire procedure takes less than a minute and is performed through the standard operating system settings menu. This method relies on a QR code generator, originally designed for quick connection to other devices, but also contains a text string containing a password.
To begin, you need to unlock your smartphone screen and go to the main menu. Find the icon Settings, which usually looks like a gear, and click on it. From the list that opens, select a section Connections, and then go to the item Wi-FiA list of available networks will be displayed here, with the network you are currently connected to indicated at the top.
Click on the active network name or the gear icon to the right of it to open the detailed configuration menu. At the bottom of the screen, below the signal quality graph and frequency information, you'll see a button. QR codeClicking this button will cause a graphic code to appear on the screen. This code contains your encrypted password.
- 🔑 Tap the "Show Password" button below the QR code if it's available in your version of One UI.
- 📱 Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code if the password text is not clearly displayed.
- 👁️ Use Google Lens or "Screen Search" to decipher the text.
- 🔄 Scan the code with another phone to instantly connect without entering characters.
It's important to note that in some firmware versions, the password text may be hidden behind asterisks, but it's often displayed in plain text underneath the code image. If you only see the code, take a screenshot (usually using a key combination). Volume down And Nutrition). Then open the gallery, select the image and click "Search on screen" or use Google Lens, which will recognize the text inside the QR code and show a string like WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;The password you are looking for will be located after the symbol P:.
Using Google Lens to Transcribe
If on yours Samsung A21s The password is not displayed as text under the QR code; Google's built-in artificial intelligence system will come to the rescue. Google Lens (lens) is capable of analyzing the image on the screen and extracting text data from it, including service information from QR codes.
The process begins by generating a QR code, as described in the previous section. Once the code appears on the screen, without closing the window, take a screenshot. Then, open the app. Google or Google PhotosIn the search bar or photo editor menu, select "Lens" or "Search by image." The system will analyze the image and highlight text blocks.
In the analysis results, you'll see a WiFi configuration string. It will look like technical code. You need to find the segment starting with P:The characters following the colon and up to the next colon or the end of the line are your password. Pay attention to the case and special characters, as they matter when entering on other devices.
⚠️ Warning: When using third-party apps to scan QR codes from your gallery, make sure they are highly rated and do not request excessive permissions to access your contacts or file system to avoid data leakage.
View saved networks and manage profiles
Android based operating system One UI Stores a list of all networks the smartphone has ever connected to. This allows for automatic reconnection when returning to coverage. These profiles are managed through the same Wi-Fi menu, but require scrolling down the list.
To see the list of saved networks while in the menu Wi-Fi, scroll down to the bottom of the screen. There you will find a button Other networks Or simply a list of previously used connections. By clicking on any of them, you can reopen the QR code menu and, therefore, find the password, even if you're not currently connected to that access point.
This feature is especially useful if you have moved to a new office or home and want to connect devices to the network you used before, but have forgotten the password. automatically It substitutes saved keys so you don't have to re-enter them for the phone itself, but the TV or printer may require the data.
There are several nuances to working with the list of networks:
- 🗑️ You can delete a network profile so that your phone stops trying to connect to it automatically.
- 🔒 For corporate networks with certificates, the password viewing method may not work due to security policies.
- 📡 Networks with a hidden SSID may appear in the list but require manual entry of data to reconnect.
- 🔄 When you reset your network settings, all saved profiles and passwords will be permanently deleted.
☑️ Check before resetting network settings
Table: Comparison of password retrieval methods
For your convenience, choose the method for extracting the security key on Samsung A21sWe've prepared a comparison table. It will help you understand which method will be most effective in your specific situation, taking into account your software version and the availability of additional tools.
| Method | Necessary rights | Complexity | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in settings | No | Low | High |
| Google Lens / Search | No | Average | High |
| wpa_supplicant (Root) file | Root rights | High | Average |
| Router admin panel | Access to the router | Average | High |
As the table shows, the stock methods for Android 10+ are the most preferred. They don't require voiding the warranty or installing questionable software. The root method, which was popular on older versions of Android (4.4 - 9.0), is now becoming less relevant due to increased system security.
Alternative methods via a router and PC
If for some reason you look at the password directly on Samsung A21s If this doesn't work (for example, the screen is damaged or the interface is glitching), you can use an alternative method. The password can often be found in the router's web interface if you have access to its settings through a browser.
To do this, connect your phone to the router's network (even without the Internet, if it's a local network) and enter the gateway address in the browser, usually this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1By entering your login and administrative password (often found on a sticker on the bottom of the device), you will be taken to the control panel. In the section Wireless or Wireless network You can not only see your password, but also change it to a new one that you will definitely not forget.
Another option is to use a Windows computer that's already connected to the WiFi network. In the wireless network properties in Control Panel, under the "Security" tab, check "Show entered characters" to make the password visible. You can then simply rewrite it and enter it on your phone.
⚠️ Please note: Router interfaces from different manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link) vary. If you are unsure of what you are doing, it is best not to change encryption settings to avoid losing internet access on all devices.
What to do if the router is someone else's?
If you're visiting someone or at the office, you'll likely be blocked from accessing the router's settings. In this case, the only legal option is to ask the owner or administrator of the network for the password. Hacking attempts are protected by law.
Security issues and key storage
The ability to easily view passwords on Samsung A21s This raises questions about the physical security of the smartphone itself. Anyone with unlocked access to your screen can quickly scan the QR code and connect to your network or learn keys for other networks. Therefore, it is recommended to use secure screen locking methods, such as PIN code, graphic key or biometrics.
Also, be careful with QR codes. Don't send screenshots of your home network access codes to strangers. While the code itself doesn't grant access to your personal files on your phone, it does open access to the local network, which may contain smart lights, cameras, and other devices. IoT (Internet of Things).
It's recommended to change your WiFi passwords periodically, especially if you frequently have guests or use public spaces. Changing your router password will automatically disconnect all devices, and you'll have to re-enter the new key, which is a good test of your knowledge of the current information.
Access problems and their solutions
Sometimes users encounter a problem with the QR code button being inactive or the password not being displayed. This may be due to app permissions or system process errors. SystemUIIn such cases, a simple device reboot helps, clearing temporary caches and restoring the interface to normal operation.
The issue may also lie in the account's permissions. If the phone is corporate-owned and managed by MDM (Mobile Device Management), the administrator may have restricted the display of passwords and the generation of QR codes for company security reasons. In this case, bypassing this restriction using standard methods will not be possible.
If you've updated your firmware and the interface has changed, look for similar menu items. Android's operating logic is consistent across most manufacturers, but section names may vary. Always check the "Connections" or "Network & Internet" section first.
Is it possible to find out the WiFi password without root access on Android 9 and below?
On Android versions below 10 (Pie and above), the system does not allow applications and the user to see saved passwords in plain text without superuser rights (Root). File wpa_supplicant.confThe directory where the keys are stored is protected by system permissions. The only way to access it is by gaining root access, which is difficult and risky, or by accessing the password in the router settings.
Will the QR code work if the network is hidden?
Yes, the QR code will contain the network's SSID, even if it's hidden (not broadcasting its name). However, for another device to connect, it must support manually adding hidden networks or correctly read this parameter from the code. In some cases, the phone may not connect automatically, and manual settings verification will be required.
Does the password reset when updating Samsung A21s?
No, all saved networks and passwords remain in the device's memory during a routine operating system update or security patch update. They are only deleted when performing a hard reset or resetting network settings.
How to transfer password to iPhone from Samsung?
Direct password transfer over the air (like AirDrop between iPhones) doesn't work between Android and iOS. The best way is to show a QR code from the Samsung screen and scan it with the iPhone camera. iOS will automatically prompt you to connect to the network after scanning the code.