Samsung smartphone users often find themselves at a dead end when they need to connect a laptop or tablet to their home network, but the Wi-Fi password is forgotten and not saved in memory. If previously, to restore the key, you required root access or logging into the control panel of the router, then modern versions of Android on devices of this brand allow you to find out the forgotten combination of characters in just a couple of touches directly through the system settings without third-party software.
Now you can find out the saved encryption key directly in the system settings, without resorting to third-party software. This became possible thanks to the introduction of the QR code generation function for quickly connecting guests. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods that will help you restore access to your wireless network data.
It is worth noting that the menu interface may differ slightly depending on the shell version One UI and the model of your gadget. However, the general algorithm of actions remains the same for most current devices of the South Korean brand. Let's look at the main ways to solve this problem.
Standard method through system settings
The easiest and safest way to find out the access key is to use the built-in functions of the operating system. Starting from version Android 10, the company Google has added the ability to view network settings in the form of a QR code. On smartphones Samsung This function has been further improved, allowing you not only to scan the code, but also to see the text value of the password.
First, you need to go to the main settings menu of your device. Find the section responsible for wireless connections. It is usually called Connections or Connections depending on the interface language. All parameters related to the operation of the communication modules of your phone are concentrated here.
Next select item Wi-Fi. A list of available networks will open in front of you, and the network to which you are currently connected will be displayed at the top of the screen. This section contains all the necessary information to restore access. Click on the gear icon located to the right of the name of the active network.
A screen with detailed connection parameters will open. At the bottom of this menu you will see a button or link that says QR code. Clicking on this element initiates the generation of a special image containing encrypted network data. This is where the required password is hidden.
⚠️ Attention: To view the QR code and password, the system may require confirmation of your identity. Be prepared to enter your screen unlock PIN, pattern, or place your finger on the fingerprint scanner.
☑️ Check before viewing
After successful authentication, a square code will appear on the screen. Below it, as a rule, a line of text is displayed that says “Password” or “Password”. This is the very key you were looking for. You can transcribe it manually or use the Share button to send the data to another device.
Using Google Lens to Transcribe
In some cases, especially on older versions of the shell or with specific security settings, there may be no text display of the password under the QR code. In such a situation, the image recognition technology from the company Google, known as Google Lens.
, comes to the rescue. This method allows you to “read” the information encrypted in the pattern lock and display it in an understandable form. You don't need to install additional apps, as the service is often integrated directly into the system or accessible through the standard camera app. This is a universal solution for many models Samsung Galaxy.
Take a screenshot of the screen with the displayed QR code of your Wi-Fi network. This usually requires holding down the power and volume down buttons at the same time. The image will be saved in your device's gallery and can be used for further analysis.
Then open the app Google or the search widget on your home screen. Find the camera icon in the search bar - this is the entrance to the service Lens. Select the option to download an image from the gallery and enter the previously taken screenshot with the code.
If the camera icon is not in the search bar, try opening the Camera application and pointing the lens at another screen where the QR code is displayed, or use the separate Google Lens application from the Play Market.
The system will analyze the image and recognize the data it contains. A block with information about the Wi-Fi network will appear in the search results. Often there will be a “Show password” button or just a text field where the access key will be indicated in clear text next to the network name.
View through the "Quick Connect" menu
An alternative path to the treasured data is through the quick settings panel. This method may be more convenient for those who prefer to minimize the number of transitions through deep menus. The interface One UI from Samsung provides flexible options for managing network functions.
Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to reveal the notification panel and quick switches. Find the icon Wi-Fi and click on it to get to the list of networks. If the icon isn't immediately visible, you may need to swipe left or tap the panel's edit button.
Tap the name of the network you're connected to or the settings icon next to it. In the pop-up window or new screen that opens, find the QR codebutton. The logic of actions here completely repeats the standard method, but the path to this point may be shorter.
Some users note that in certain versions of the firmware, when you click on the “Share” icon next to the network name in the list of connections, you are immediately prompted to generate a code. This saves time and allows you to quickly access data without unnecessary clicks.
Checking the password in the router application
If for some reason the system methods do not work, you can always turn to the source of Internet distribution - your router. Many modern network equipment manufacturers produce their own mobile applications for managing settings. This is especially true for devices from TP-Link, Asus, Keenetic i Xiaomi.
For this method, you will need the phone to be connected to the network for which you want to know the password, or you have remote access to the router’s admin panel. Download the official application of your router manufacturer from the store Google Play.
After logging into the application, find the section responsible for the wireless network settings. It may be called Wi-Fi Settings, Wireless Mode or WLAN. This section usually displays the network name (SSID) and security key (WPA Key/Password).
The advantage of this method is that you not only find out the password, but you can also, if necessary, change it to something more complex or easier to remember. In addition, here you can see a list of all connected clients and, if necessary, disable third-party devices.
| Router manufacturer | Application name | Settings section | Availability of Russian language |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Tether | Wireless / Wireless mode | Yes |
| Asus | ASUS Router | Internet / Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Keenetic | Keenetic | My networks and Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Xiaomi | Mi Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi settings | Yes |
| Tenda | Tenda Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi Settings | Partially |
⚠️ Attention: The functionality of applications and menu layout may change after updating the router firmware. If you do not find the item you need, check the official instructions on the website of the manufacturer of your equipment.
Third-party applications and security restrictions
In the store Google Play you can find many utilities that promise to show saved Wi-Fi passwords in one click. However, it is important to understand the limitations of modern security architecture Android. Starting from version 6.0, access to the system file wpa_supplicant.confwhere the keys are stored is closed to ordinary applications without superuser rights.
Most of these apps work on the same principle: they either require root accessor simply create a shortcut to quickly go to the system menu for generating a QR code, which we talked about above. Some applications may save connection history to their own database if you have previously used them to connect.
Using apps that require superuser rights carries certain risks. Rooting may void your device warranty Samsung, and also make it impossible to use secure applications, such as banking clients or contactless payment services Samsung Pay.
Therefore, experts recommend refraining from installing dubious utilities if the system’s built-in tools can solve the problem. The security of your personal data and financial information is more important than saving a couple of clicks when viewing your password.
Why do applications ask for root access?
The file with passwords is located in a protected system partition. Without superuser rights (Root), a regular application does not have permission to read this file for security reasons, so that malware cannot steal your access keys.
What to do if the password is not displayed
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where, when they click on the QR code button, the system gives an error or simply does not show the text transcript. This may be due to an outdated version of the software or specific security settings of corporate networks. First of all, make sure that your device is updated to the latest available version.
First of all, make sure your device is updated to the latest version available One UI And Android. You can check for updates in the Settings → Software update → Download and installationsection. New security patches often correct errors in the display of system elements.
If you are trying to view the password from a corporate network or a network with advanced security settings (for example, using certificates), the system may intentionally hide the key. In such cases, the only solution is to contact the organization's network administrator.
It is also worth checking whether the “Traffic Saving” mode or special security profiles are enabled on the phone, which may block the settings sharing function. Try temporarily disabling third-party antiviruses or firewalls if they are installed on yours Samsung.
The absence of a text password under the QR code is most often solved by updating the system or using Google Lens to scan the screenshot taken.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to view the Wi-Fi password on Samsung without the Internet?
Yes, it is possible. The password view and QR code generation function is a local system function. It does not require an active connection to the global network; it is enough that the phone remembers the saved network.
Will the password be visible if I reset the network settings?
No. When you reset the network settings (Network Settings Reset), all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairs and mobile network settings are deleted from the device memory. You can restore them only by connecting again and entering the key manually.
Does this method work on older Samsung models (before 2019)?
On older models running Android 9 (Pie) and below, the built-in function of viewing the password via a QR code with text decryption may not be available. In this case, you will need to use third-party applications with root access or access to the router settings.
Is it dangerous to send a QR code with a password to other people?
Yes, it carries risks. Anyone who scans this code will instantly connect to your network without having to enter a password. Send an image with a QR code only to trusted people and preferably delete it from the chat after use.
Why is there no QR code button in the Wi-Fi settings on my Samsung?
This may depend on the version of the One UI shell and regional firmware. Try updating your phone. If there is no button, use the method with a screenshot and Google Lens, which works on most devices, regardless of the interface version.