How to find the WiFi password on a Samsung M31 phone

Owning a modern smartphone such as Samsung Galaxy M31, involves constant interaction with wireless networks, and it's common to need to connect a new device to the internet, but the password for the current network is forgotten or lost. Fortunately, the latest versions of the Android operating system allow users to view saved access keys directly in the settings, eliminating the need to find complex workarounds or use third-party software. This feature is especially relevant for owners of mid-range devices, where data security and the convenience of the interface play a key role in the daily use of the gadget.

However, not all users know where exactly this information is hidden, or they encounter limitations if the firmware version does not allow this to be done using standard tools. Galaxy M31 Users can use the system's built-in capabilities or resort to more advanced methods if the standard path is unavailable. It's important to understand that the access restoration process requires careful attention, as accidental actions can reset network settings, requiring re-authorization on all previously connected devices.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the available methods to help you resolve a forgotten password. We'll cover both the standard methods available on Android 10 and above, as well as alternatives for older software versions. We'll pay special attention to interface nuances. One UI, which is installed on smartphones Samsung, as it has its own unique navigation features compared to stock Android.

Using the QR code feature in Android settings

The easiest and most reliable way to find out your WiFi password Samsung M31 - This is the use of the built-in QR code generation function, which appeared in Android 10. This method does not require root rights and is completely safe for your device, as it doesn't make any changes to system files. To use this method, you must be connected to the network whose password you want to find out or have access to the wireless connection management menu.

The process begins with going to the settings menu. Open Settings on your smartphone and select a section ConnectionsHere you will see the item Wi-Fi, which you need to enable if it's disabled. In the list of available networks, find the one you're currently connected to (it will be marked as "Connected") and click the gear icon to the right of the network name. This will open a detailed configuration menu for the selected connection.

At the bottom of the screen, below the frequency and IP address information, you will find a button QR codeBy clicking on it, the system will generate a graphic code containing all the necessary data for connection, including the password itself. On many devices Samsung with shell One UI The password may be displayed in text directly below the QR code. If the text is hidden, you can take a screenshot or simply point another phone's camera at the code.

It is important to note that for this feature to work, your lock screen must be secure. PIN code, a pattern, or biometrics. This is an Android security requirement that prevents unauthorized access to saved networks if your phone is lost or stolen. If you haven't previously set up a screen lock, the system will prompt you to do so before displaying the QR code.

Viewing saved networks via the settings menu

Interface One UI on smartphones Samsung Galaxy M31 Provides convenient access to your connection history. Unlike stock Android, where the list can be hidden, the user can see a list of all networks the phone has previously connected to. This is especially useful if you want to find the password for a network you're not currently connected to but have connected to in the past.

To access this list, go to Settings → Connections → Wi-FiIn the upper right corner of the screen, tap the three vertical dots to open the additional menu and select Additionally (or immediately Network management (Depending on the firmware version). A list of all saved networks will open. Clicking on any of them will display connection details.

It's worth noting that in some firmware versions, direct password viewing in this menu may be hidden, and the system will only offer to share the connection via QR code. This is normal security behavior. In this case, using the QR code method described above is the only standard way to retrieve data without third-party software.

If you plan to frequently manage networks, it's helpful to know that you can delete old or unnecessary connections in this menu. This helps clean up the list and speed up the process of connecting to known networks, as the phone doesn't have to sort through a long list of priorities. Regularly clearing the list can also resolve issues with automatic connections to weak networks.

Using Google Chrome to sync passwords

Many users don't know that the browser Google Chrome Android has a WiFi password sync feature if it was previously enabled. If you've ever shared a password with another device through the Google ecosystem or synced settings, you can find the saved passkey directly in your browser. This method works regardless of the version of Android installed on your device. Samsung M31.

To check for saved data, open your browser Chrome and go to the menu (three dots in the corner). Select Settings, and then find the section Passwords or Password managerThe list of saved logins and passwords sometimes includes data from WiFi networks, especially if you've used the "Share Password" feature on another Android device in the past.

This method is great because it's cross-platform. You can find the password not only on your phone, but also by logging into your Google account on your computer. However, if WiFi password syncing wasn't enabled, this method may be useless. Still, it's worth checking this section, as it only takes a couple of minutes.

Using third-party applications and root access

For devices where standard methods don't work for some reason, or for users who need full control over the system, there are specialized apps. However, for them to work fully on modern versions of Android, they often require root rights (superuser rights). Obtaining such rights on Samsung M31 It is possible, but it is a complicated process that may result in loss of warranty and reset of the counter. Knox.

One of the most popular applications for this purpose is WiFi Password Viewer or similar utilities. After installation and granting superuser rights, such programs scan the system file wpa_supplicant.conf, where all access keys are stored in cleartext. This is a powerful tool for system administrators, but it carries risks for the average user.

⚠️ Note: Rooting your Samsung Galaxy M31 will irreversibly activate the Knox security flag. This will permanently disable Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, and some banking apps, even if you subsequently remove root access.

If you do decide to take this step, make sure you fully understand the risks. Installing apps from unknown sources also increases your device's vulnerability. Always check reviews and the developer's reputation before installing software that requires deep system access. For most users, using such methods is excessive and unnecessarily risky.

What is the wpa_supplicant.conf file?

This is a system file in Linux and Android that contains wireless network configurations. It stores network SSIDs and their corresponding passwords in hashed or cleartext format. Access to this file without root access is prohibited by the Android security system.

Using ADB for Advanced Users

An alternative to rooting is to use the Android debug bridge (ADB). This method allows you to execute commands on your phone via a computer, simply by enabling USB debugging. It doesn't require unlocking the bootloader or voiding your warranty, but it does require a PC and basic command line skills.

First you need to enable developer mode on Samsung M31Go to . Settings → About the phone → Software Information and press seven times quickly Build numberAfter the message "Developer mode activated" appears, return to the main settings menu, where a new item will appear. Developer OptionsFind and activate it inside. USB debugging.

Connect your phone to your computer via USB cable. On the computer with the ADB drivers installed, open a command prompt and enter the command to list your WiFi configurations. However, it's worth noting that on Android 10 and above, access to this data via ADB is also limited without root access, unless the device has been previously configured. The command typically looks like a query to the settings database:

adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep "mConfiguredNetworks"

This method is more suitable for diagnostics and viewing technical information than for simply obtaining the password for the average user. If standard methods fail, ADB can provide more information about the WiFi module's status, but don't expect miracles from it in terms of bypassing Google's security restrictions.

Restoring access by resetting network settings

In situations where your phone won't connect to the network, you don't know the password, and none of the above methods have helped (for example, if you're not currently connected to the network), you may need to reset your network settings. This will delete all saved WiFi networks, Bluetooth settings, and mobile settings, returning them to their factory defaults.

You can perform a reset through the menu Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset network settingsAfter this procedure, the phone will be "clean" in terms of connections. You will have to re-enter passwords when connecting to the router. This is useful if the problem was a software conflict or misconfigured security protocols.

After the reset, if you have physical access to the router, you can view the password on the sticker on the back of the device or log in to the router's admin panel through a browser by entering the gateway IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). The login and password for logging into the router are often also listed on the sticker, unless you've changed them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to find the WiFi password on a Samsung M31 without root access?

Yes, it's possible. The most effective way is to use the QR code generator in the WiFi settings (available on Android 10 and above). You can also try finding the saved password in your Google account using a browser.

Are password viewer apps safe to use?

Using apps from the official Google Play store is relatively safe if they have good reviews. However, apps that require root access pose security risks and may disrupt Samsung's secure features (Knox).

What should I do if the QR code button is not displayed?

Make sure you're connected to the network you want to find the password for. If the button is still unavailable, your firmware version or carrier may be restricting this feature. In this case, try taking a screenshot of the WiFi settings screen or using Google Lens.

Will the phone reset after viewing the password?

No, simply viewing the password through settings or a QR code is completely safe and does not reset your device. A reset is only required if you select the appropriate option in the recovery menu.

Where are WiFi passwords stored on Android?

Passwords are stored in a system file /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confAccess to this directory is restricted for regular users and applications without superuser (root) rights for security reasons.