The situation when you need to connect a new device to the network, but the password has long been forgotten and is not written down anywhere, is familiar to many smartphone owners Samsung. Fortunately, modern versions of the operating system Android Allows you to easily retrieve saved access keys directly from your phone's settings. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert or have access to the router to solve this problem.
Previously, obtaining such information required complex root privileges, which could lead to loss of warranty. Now the procedure has been greatly simplified and is built into the standard shell interface One UIWe'll cover all current methods, from built-in system tools to using QR codes and third-party apps.
In this article, we'll cover in detail how to find a saved password on different versions of Android, what to do if the standard method doesn't work, and how to secure your network after regaining access. Follow the instructions carefullyto avoid errors during setup.
Using a QR code to view a password
The easiest and fastest way to find out your Samsung WiFi password is to use the built-in QR code generator. This method works on all devices with Android 10 and above, including the latest models Galaxy S23, S24 And Galaxy A series. You won't need to install any additional software.
To get started, open Settings and go to the Connections section. Find the item Wi-Fi and click on it. You'll see a list of available networks, with the currently active network displayed at the top. Next to or below your network's name is a gear icon—this accesses detailed settings.
At the bottom of the network settings screen you will see a button QR code or QR codeClick on it. The system will ask you to verify your identity using your fingerprint, face recognition, or unlock PIN. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access.
⚠️ Warning: Do not screenshot this QR code or send it to strangers. Anyone who scans this code will be able to instantly connect to your network without entering a password.
After successful authentication, a QR code will appear on the screen. The password itself is usually written in small print underneath it. If the text is too small or unreadable, simply take a screenshot and open it in the Gallery app. Tap the "Share" or "Google Lens" button, and the system will automatically recognize the password text.
Instructions for Android 10 and later
Starting from Android 10Google has introduced a unified WiFi password management system on smartphones. Samsung This process seems the most intuitive. If you use One UI 3.0 and newer, the algorithm of actions will be almost identical on all models.
First, make sure your phone is connected to the network whose password you want to find out. Then, follow the path Settings → Connections → Wi-FiClick on the name of your active network or the gear icon next to it. In the menu that opens, find the button QR code in the lower right or left corner.
The system will ask you to confirm your identity. After entering your biometric data or PIN, you will see a square code. In some firmware versions, the password is displayed directly below the code. If it is not displayed, use the "Share" function to copy the link or key text.
☑️ Check your password before viewing it
It's important to understand that this functionality may be absent on very old devices or custom firmware. In this case, if the standard method doesn't work, you'll have to look for alternative solutions, as described below.
How to view your password on older versions of Android
Owners of devices with Android 9 and below face security restrictions. In these OS versions, access to the file where WiFi keys are stored (wpa_supplicant.conf), closed to regular applications without special rights.
If you have root rights (superuser rights), you can use a file manager with access to system folders, for example, Root Explorer or ES File Explorer (with root enabled). You need to go to the path /data/misc/wifi/ and find the file wpa_supplicant.conf.
Open this file as a text document. Inside, you'll find entries in the following format:
network={ssid="Your_Network_Name"
psk="Your_password"
}
There is a field here psk contains the password you're looking for. If you don't have root access, the only legal way is to access the router settings through a browser, provided you remember the password for the device's admin panel.
Is it possible to root a Samsung?
Rooting your Samsung device (using Magisk or KingRoot) will void your device's warranty and may disable Samsung Pay and Secure Folder features. Only do this if you fully understand the risks.
Using Google Password Manager
Modern smartphones Samsung Actively sync data with your Google account. Google Password Manager automatically saves WiFi network access keys if this feature is enabled. This is a convenient way to retrieve data, even if you've changed your phone.
To check your saved passwords, go to Settings your phone. Find the section Google and press Autofill. Next, select Google Autocomplete and go to Google Password Manager (or just type "Password Manager" in the settings search).
Find the name of your WiFi network in the list of saved data. Click it, confirm your identity, and you'll see the login (SSID) and password. The "eye" button allows you to copy or view the hidden character.
This method is especially useful if you can't connect to the network right now but want to find the password for another device. The password manager automatically updates every time you successfully connect.
Third-party WiFi recovery apps
In the store Google Play There are many apps that promise to reveal passwords. However, most of them only work on rooted devices. Without superuser access, they can only show QR codes for already connected networks (duplicating the system function) or offer paid subscriptions.
One of the proven solutions is the application WiFi Password ViewerIt requires root access to read system files. If you have root access, the app will instantly display a list of all networks ever used and their passwords in plaintext.
For non-rooted devices, you can try QR scanner apps such as QR & Barcode ScannerThey don't "hack" the password, but they allow you to read it from the screen of another phone where it is displayed as a QR code, or from a sticker on the router if it contains a QR code.
- 📱 WiFi Password Viewer — requires root, shows all saved networks.
- 📱 WiFi Map - more suitable for searching open networks around, but has analysis functions.
- 📱 InstaWifi — allows you to create widgets for quick connection, but does not always show the password itself in plain text.
Be careful when installing such software. These apps often contain aggressive advertising or collect data about your connections. Always check the permissions the app requests during installation.
Accessing router settings via a browser
If your phone can't display the password (for example, on a very old version of Android without root), you can try logging into the router's interface. To do this, your phone must be connected to a WiFi network, even if the internet is down.
Open your browser (Chrome, Samsung Internet) and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is often written on a sticker on the bottom of the router.
The system will ask for a login and password to access the admin panel. By default, this is often admin/admin or admin/passwordThis information is also indicated on the device's sticker. If you've changed it before and forgot, you'll have to reset the router to factory settings.
After successful login, find the section Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings or Wireless networkIn the field Wireless Password, WPA Key or PSK Your current password will be displayed. You can copy it or change it to a new one.
| Router brand | Entrance address | Default login | Default password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | (empty) |
| Zyxel | 192.168.1.1 | admin | 1234 |
Common problems and solutions
Sometimes users encounter a problem where the QR code button is inactive or the password is not displayed. This may be due to corporate network security policies or system errors. One UI.
If the network is marked as "Saved, protected" but the password is not visible, try forgetting the network (Forget the network) and reconnect by manually entering the password on another device where you know it. After this, syncing via Google may restore access on your phone.
Problems may also arise after a major system update. In this case, it is recommended to clear the cache of the system Settings app. To do this, go to Settings → Applications, find "Settings", click Storage and select Clear cacheThis won't delete your data, but it may fix display errors.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces and item names may vary slightly depending on the version of One UI and your Samsung model. If you don't find an exact match, look for synonyms or similar icons.
In conclusion, the most reliable and secure method remains using the built-in QR code generator or synchronizing via a Google account. These methods do not require any system intervention and work reliably on most devices.
What to do if nothing helps?
If none of the software methods work, your only option is to physically reset the router using the Reset button. After this, you'll have to reconfigure your internet connection, but you'll be able to set a new password.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out the WiFi password if I have never connected to this network from this phone?
No, it's impossible to find out the password remotely without access to the router or another connected device. WPA2/WPA3 encryption technologies reliably protect data transmission. You can only find out the password if you have physical access to the router or a device that already knows the password.
Are password recovery apps safe to use?
Apps from the official Google Play store are generally safe unless they require suspicious permissions. However, apps that require root access may have access to your entire system. Use only verified apps with high ratings and numerous reviews.
Why is there no QR code button on my Samsung?
This feature was introduced in Android 10. If you have an older version of the operating system, the standard button will not be present. The button may also be missing if the device manufacturer has significantly modified the interface or if the network is corporate with special security certificates.
Is it possible to see the password for the guest network?
Yes, the principle is the same. If your phone is connected to a guest network, you can view its password through the WiFi settings or Google Password Manager just like for your main network, provided you have access to the phone's settings menu.