You forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but your phone Samsung Successfully connected to the network? This situation is familiar to many: your router was set up by your ISP or a friend, but the saved password has long since been lost. Luckily, there are several ways to retrieve the saved password directly from the device—without resetting the router or calling support.
In this article we will look at 5 proven methods, including built-in tools Android, functions Samsung One UI, and third-party utilities. Important: Not all methods work on the latest firmware versions due to stricter security policies. GoogleWe will indicate the limitations for each option and offer alternatives.
If you urgently need to connect a new gadget or share the internet with a guest, read on. Most methods don't require root rights or technical skills, but some steps may vary depending on the phone model (Galaxy S23, A54, Note 20 etc.) and versions Android (from 10 to 14).
1. View password through Android settings (without root)
The easiest way is to use the built-in password display function in Android 10+. Unfortunately, Samsung I hid this option in some firmware versions, but it is available on most devices.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open
Settings→Connections→Wi-Fi. - 🔍 Find your network in the list and tap on its name (not on the switch!).
- 🔑 In the window that opens, click
Share(orShare(on English firmware). - 🔐 The system will ask for confirmation PIN code, fingerprint, or pattern. After authorization, a QR code and a text password below it will be displayed.
⚠️ Attention: On some models (Galaxy S22 Ultra, A73 (etc.) Instead of a password, only a QR code may be displayed. In this case, use method #2 or #3.
☑️ Preparing to view your password
2. Using QR code to retrieve password
If the settings only show a QR code, you can extract the password from it using third-party scanners. This method even works on Android 13/14, where the direct password viewing function is disabled.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Generate a QR code in Wi-Fi settings (as in method #1).
- Take a screenshot of the screen with the code or remember it visually.
- Install a QR scanning app (eg. QR & Barcode Scanner from Gamma Play).
- Scan the code - the results will contain a string like this:
WIFI:S:MyWiFi;T:WPA;P:your_password;;Where
your_password— the password you are looking for.
💡 Helpful tip: If you have Samsung Galaxy with function Quick Share, you can send a QR code to another gadget and connect to the network without manual input.
3. Viewing the password via the configuration file (requires a PC)
This method is suitable for users who are ready to connect their phone to a computer. Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a file. wpa_supplicant.conf, but access to it is limited. It will be required USB debugging and a simple command.
Instructions for Windows:
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC via USB cable.
- 🔧 Turn on
Developer mode(tap 7 timesBuild numberVSettings → About phone). - 🔌 Activate
USB debuggingin the developer menu. - 📂 On your PC, open
Command lineand enter:adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml(if the file is not there, try
wpa_supplicant.conf) - 🔍 Open the downloaded file in Notepad and find the line
<string name="PreSharedKey">PASSWORD</string>.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ Access to this file is blocked without root rights. Alternatively, use Samsung Smart Switch to backup settings (the password will be in the encrypted backup).
What to do if the file is not found?
On newer versions of Android (12+), Wi-Fi data is stored encrypted in /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml. Without root access there is no way to access them, but you can try specialized utilities like WiFi Password Viewer (requires bootloader unlocking).
4. Applications for viewing saved passwords
IN Google Play There are utilities that extract passwords from system files. Most require root access, but some work on standard firmware too Samsung.
Top 3 apps (tested on One UI 5.1):
| Application | Root required? | Works on Samsung? | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (partially) | Play Market |
| WiFi Key Recovery | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Play Market |
| Samsung WiFi Password | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (only for older models) | APKMirror |
🔴 Warning: Unrooted apps may display invalid passwords or perform unstable. Before installing, check reviews—some utilities contain ads or collect data.
5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
If none of the methods work, there are radical options:
- 🔄 Resetting the router: Click the button
Reseton the back of the router (hold for 10 seconds). The password will be reset to the factory default (indicated on the sticker). - 📞 Call the provider: Check the password using the contract number (you will need your passport).
- 🖥️ Router web interface: Connect your phone to the router via cable (via OTG adapter) and log into the control panel at
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1(loginsadmin/adminor see sticker).
Critical information: On routers with firmware from the provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline) The factory password may differ from the one on the sticker. In this case, the only solution is to call support.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of method depends on the phone model, version Android and the availability of additional devices. Below is a table with recommendations:
| Method | Complexity | Do you need a PC/root? | Does it work on new Samsung phones? | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Android settings | ⭐ | ❌ No | ✅ Partially | No |
| QR code | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | No |
| Configuration file | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes (ADB) | ❌ No (on Android 11+) | Loss of warranty when unlocking the bootloader |
| Applications | ⭐⭐ | ✅ Sometimes | ⚠️ Depends on the firmware | Viruses in unofficial APKs |
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Users often encounter problems when trying to find their password. Let's look at some typical situations:
⚠️ Attention: If after pressing Share The error "Unable to extract password" appears in the Wi-Fi settings, which means the network is saved in a secure storage. AndroidTry disconnecting from the network and reconnecting—sometimes this resets the restrictions.
- ❌ Error: "File not found" when using ADB.
Solution: Check the file path for your Android version (see spoiler in method #3). - ❌ Error: The application shows an empty list of passwords.
Solution: Restart your phone and try again. Some utilities require a restart to read the latest data. - ❌ Error: The QR code cannot be scanned.
Solution: Increase your screen brightness and try a different scanning app (eg. Google Lens).
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to find the Wi-Fi password on a Samsung Galaxy S23 without rooting?
Yes, but with restrictions. Galaxy S23 With Android 13/14 The QR code method (method #2) or viewing it through settings (method #1) works, unless the feature is disabled by the firmware. Apps without root access will likely not display the password.
Why isn't there a Share button for my network in Settings?
This is a firmware limitation. Samsung One UI for some models (for example, Galaxy A13 or M33). The alternative is to use Samsung Smart Switch to create a backup copy and extract the password from the backup to your PC.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Official utilities from Google Play (For example, WiFi Password Viewer) are safe, but may not work on newer versions of Android. Avoid apps with suspicious permissions (access to SMS, contacts)—this is a sign of malware.
How do I find out the password if my phone isn't connected to Wi-Fi?
Without a network connection, it's impossible to retrieve the password from your phone. Options: reconnect (if the network is within range) or use another device that remembers the password (laptop, tablet).
Is it possible to find out the password for someone else's Wi-Fi that my Samsung is connected to?
Technically yes, but it violates Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (illegal access to computer information). We do not recommend using these methods to hack into other people's networks.