Forgotten password from the Wi-Fi network to which your Samsung Galaxy is already connected ceases to be a problem thanks to the function of saving access keys in the One UI shell. Owners of devices running Android 10 and higher can instantly find out the saved password directly in the smartphone settings, without having to root or install third-party software.
Previously, retrieving saved data required hacking the system or using complex computer utilities. Now just go to the standard settings menu. However, the process may vary slightly depending on your model Galaxy S21, A52 or older versions. We will analyze in detail all the current methods, from methods with a QR code to advanced options for experienced users.
It is important to understand that access to the password is only possible if your smartphone is already connected to this network or has previously stored it in memory. If you have never connected to a router, you will not be able to restore the access key through the phone itself - in this case, you will have to look for a sticker on the router case or reset its settings.
Using the sharing function via a QR code
The fastest and safest way to find out the password on devices Samsung with a shell One UI versions 3.0 and higher are QR code generation. This feature was originally designed to quickly connect guests, but it also reveals the security key itself in text form. You don't need to install third-party applications or connect to a PC.
First, open the settings and go to the connections section. Find the item Wi-Fi and click on it. In the list of available networks, find the one you are currently connected to (it will be marked with a gear icon or the words “Connected”). Click on the gear icon to the right of the network name to open detailed parameters.
At the bottom of the network settings screen you will see a button QR code or an icon with a square image. Clicking on it will generate a unique code. Under this image, as a rule, a text line with a password is immediately displayed. If the text is hidden by dots, take a screenshot of the screen or click the "Share" button to send the code to the messenger to yourself - when you scan this code with any other phone, the password will appear in the notification.
⚠️ Attention: Never post screenshots of this QR code on social networks or open chats. Anyone who scans it will have full access to your home network without your knowledge.
If the password is not written in text under the QR code, take a screenshot of the screen and open the image in Google Lens or any barcode scanner - the application will decrypt the data and show the access key.
View saved networks in the settings menu
In the latest software updates, the company Samsung has added the ability to view a list of all saved networks, and not just the active one. This is extremely convenient if you want to find out the password for Wi-Fi that you connected to a month ago, but are now out of coverage. The interface may vary depending on the model Galaxy A or Galaxy S.
Go to the menu Settings and select section Connections. Next, go to menu Wi-Fi. In some firmware versions, there is a menu button (three dots) in the upper right corner of the screen, where the item Advanced or Other settingsis hidden. This is where the list of “Saved networks” may be located.
By clicking on the desired network from the list, the system may ask you to confirm your identity. This is a security measure implemented at level Android OS. You will need to enter your screen unlock PIN, pattern, or scan your fingerprint. After successful authentication, a window with network details will open, where the password will be specified.
- 🔑 Make sure that a reliable screen lock method is installed on your phone, otherwise the system will not allow you to view the saved keys.
- 📱 On older models of the series Galaxy J or A (released before 2019) this function may not be in the standard menu.
- 🔄 If the list of networks is empty, it means that the phone never saved data about these connections or they were reset.
Using Google Password Manager for synchronization
If the standard phone settings do not give the desired result, you should pay attention to the ecosystem Google. Many users do not know that their smartphones Samsung automatically sync Wi-Fi passwords with their Google account if the corresponding option is enabled. This works both on pure Android and on branded firmware.
Open the phone settings and find the section Google. In the account management menu, select Autofill, and then Autofill from Google. Next, go to the section Passwords or Password Manager. A database of all saved credentials associated with your email is stored here.
In the list of sites and applications Find your wireless network name (SSID). It may appear as an address or simply a network name. By clicking on it, you will see a hidden password field. To view, you will need to confirm your identity via biometrics or access code. This method is especially useful if the phone was reset to factory settings, but synchronization was active.
| Access method | Required rights | Difficulty | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in settings | No | Low | High |
| Google Account | Account access | Medium | High |
| ADB commands | USB debugging | High | Medium |
| root access | Full access | Very high | Low (risk of breakdown) |
Advanced method: using USB debugging (ADB)
For users who prefer a technical approach and have a computer at hand, there is a method for extracting data via interface ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not require obtaining superuser rights (root), but does require enabling developer mode on the smartphone Samsung Galaxy.
First activate developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → Phone information → Software information and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. After a message appears indicating that you have become a developer, return to the main settings menu. A new section will appear at the very bottom Developer options.
Inside this menu, find and activate the switch USB debugging. Connect your phone to your computer using the original cable. You need to install the package Platform Tools from Google on your computer. Open a command line or terminal in the folder with the utility and enter the command to test the connection:
adb devicesA request will appear on the phone screen to allow debugging from this computer. Click "Allow". Next, to extract the file with the Wi-Fi configuration, enter the command:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml⚠️ Attention: On modern versions of Android (11, 12, 13 and later), access to the file WifiConfigStore.xml via ADB without root access is often blocked by the system security policy. If the command returns a "permission denied" error, this method will not work without obtaining superuser rights.
What to do if ADB does not see the file?
If direct extraction is not possible, you can try to make a full backup of the system via ADB (adb backup command), and then unzip it on your computer to search for configuration files, but this requires deep knowledge of Linux or special utilities for unpacking .ab files.
Third-party applications and security risks
In the store Google Play you can find many applications that promise to show your Wi-Fi password with one click. However, it is important to understand how they work. Most of these utilities, for example WiFi Password Viewer, do not hack the network, but simply read system files, which can be accessed by any application with certain permissions.
The problem is that on Android above version 9, access to system files with passwords is strictly limited. Therefore, many applications either do not work or require root access. Obtaining superuser rights will void the device warranty Samsung and may lead to banking applications not working due to protection being triggered Knox.
Using unverified apps carries the risk of data leakage. An app requesting access to your networks could theoretically share that information with third parties. Always check the permissions that the app asks for during installation. If a simple password viewer asks for access to your contacts or microphone, this is a clear sign of malware.
- 🛡️ Avoid applications that require Root access for basic functions of viewing saved networks.
- 📉 Remember that hacking someone else's Wi-Fi network is an illegal act and is punishable by law.
- ✅ Use only applications with a high rating and a large number of reviews from real users.
It is safest to use the built-in functions of Android or Google Account, as third-party applications can compromise the security of your device.
Restoring access by resetting the router
If None of the software methods helped, and the password is lost forever, leaving physical access to the equipment. This option is suitable if you have the opportunity to get close to the router itself. On the body of most devices there is a sticker with factory data, including the network name (SSID) and the default security key.
If the default password was changed earlier and you do not remember it, the only solution is to reset the router to factory settings. To do this, find a small hole on the back of the device with the inscription Reset. Using a paperclip or toothpick, press and hold the button inside the hole for 10-15 seconds until the lights blink.
After rebooting, the router will use the data indicated on the sticker. You will be able to connect to the network using this password, and then go to the router’s web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and set a new, more secure access key. Don't forget to reconnect all your devices with the new password.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router will delete all individual settings, including the network name, encryption type and access restrictions for specific devices. Be prepared to set up the Internet again.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?
No, this is not possible using standard Android tools. The phone only stores the keys that were used to successfully connect. If the network is new and the phone has never joined it, there is no password data in the device’s memory.
Why is there no QR code button on my Samsung Galaxy?
This function appeared in the One UI 3.0 shell based on Android 11. If you have an older model or you have not updated the software, this option may not be available. In this case, try checking the settings through your Google account.
Is it safe to let your friends scan your QR code?
Yes, it is safe, but only for those whom you trust to access your network. Scanning the code gives the device full access to the internet through your router. Do not post the code image publicly.
Will the phone reset its Wi-Fi settings after a system update?
Usually no. During a regular software update, all saved networks and passwords remain in memory. However, when resetting to factory settings (Hard Reset), all this information will be permanently deleted.
Is it possible to recover the password through the Samsung service center?
The service center does not recover forgotten passwords from Wi-Fi networks, since this information is not stored on the manufacturer’s servers. This is local data of your device or router.