How to Share or Check a Saved WiFi Password on a Samsung Galaxy

This guide shows you how to view or share a saved WiFi password directly on your Samsung Galaxy phone. No extra apps or root access are needed. You’ll learn the built-in method that works on Android 10 and newer, plus what to do if you have an older device.

What You’ll Need

• A Samsung Galaxy phone (Galaxy S, Note, A, or Z series) running Android 10 or later.
• The WiFi network must be currently saved on your phone (you’ve connected to it at least once).
• For the QR code method, you may need another device (like a friend’s phone) to scan it, or you can use the camera app on another phone.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Share WiFi Password via QR Code (Android 10 and newer)

1. Open the Settings app on your Galaxy phone. You can find it in your app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon.
2. Tap Connections (it may be labeled “Wi-Fi” on some models).
3. Tap Wi-Fi to see the list of available and saved networks.
4. Find the network whose password you want to share. It will show as “Connected” if you’re currently on it. Tap the gear icon (âš™ï¸�) next to the network name.
5. On the network details page, tap QR code (or “Share” on some versions). A QR code will appear on your screen.
6. To share the password, the other person can scan this QR code using their phone’s camera (on most Androids, just point the camera at it) or by going to their WiFi settings and choosing “Add network” > “QR code scan”.
7. Alternatively, you can tap the Share icon (usually a share symbol) below the QR code to send it via messaging apps, email, or other apps. The recipient can then scan it from their screen.

Method 2: View the Password as Text (Android 10 and newer, some models)

1. Follow steps 1-4 above to get to the network details page.
2. Look for a Show password checkbox or option. On many Galaxy devices, it appears directly on the details page, or you might need to tap the QR code first and then tap “Show password”.
3. Check the box or tap the option. The password will be displayed as plain text. You can then write it down or copy it.

Method 3: For Older Android Versions (Android 9 and below)

1. If your Galaxy runs Android 9 or earlier, the built-in method may not be available. You can still check the password if your phone is rooted, but that’s advanced.
2. A simpler workaround: use a file manager app to open the WiFi configuration file. Go to Root > data > misc > wifi and open the file named wpa_supplicant.conf. Look for the network name (SSID) and the “psk” field – that’s the password.
3. Note: This method requires root access, which most users don’t have. If you don’t have root, consider updating your phone to a newer Android version or using a third-party app (though these often require root too).

Common Mistakes

• Not being on the network: You can only view the password for a network that is currently saved on your phone. If you’ve never connected to it, you can’t see its password.
• Looking in the wrong place: The QR code option is not in the main WiFi list. You must tap the gear icon next to the specific network name.
• Scanning with the wrong camera: When scanning a QR code, make sure the camera is in photo mode and the code is fully in the frame. Some older phones may need a QR scanner app.
• Sharing the wrong network: Double-check the network name (SSID) before sharing. It’s easy to share the password for a similarly named network.

Tips

• Use the QR code for quick sharing: It’s faster and more secure than typing the password manually.
• Copy the password to your clipboard: If you need to paste it somewhere, use the “Copy” button that appears when you view the password text.
• Keep your phone updated: Samsung regularly updates One UI, and newer versions may have different menu layouts. If you can’t find the QR option, check for a software update.
• For personal networks: If you frequently need to share your home WiFi, consider writing the password on a small label and sticking it to your router.

Troubleshooting

I don’t see the QR code option

• Make sure your phone is running Android 10 or later. Go to Settings > About phone > Software information to check.
• Some carrier-specific models may hide the option. Try searching in the Settings app for “QR” or “Share WiFi” using the search bar at the top of Settings.
• If you still can’t find it, your phone’s manufacturer may have customized the interface. Look for a “Share” icon (three dots or a share symbol) on the network details page.

The QR code doesn’t scan

• Clean your phone’s screen and the other phone’s camera lens.
• Increase the screen brightness to maximum.
• Move the phones closer together and hold them steady.
• If the other phone is an iPhone, use the built-in camera app – it can scan WiFi QR codes natively.

I get an error when trying to view the password

• This can happen if you’re not the phone’s owner or if a work profile is active. Try restarting the phone.
• If you’re using a work profile, you may not have permission to view passwords for work networks. Contact your IT administrator.

I need the password for a network I’m not connected to

• You cannot retrieve a password for a network you haven’t saved. You’ll need to ask the network owner or reset the router (if you have access).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share the WiFi password with an iPhone?

Yes. The QR code can be scanned by an iPhone’s camera. The iPhone will then prompt to join the network.

Does sharing the QR code reveal my password to everyone?

Anyone who scans the QR code gets the password. Only share it with people you trust. The QR code itself contains the password, so don’t post it publicly.

Can I see the password for a 5G or guest network?

Yes, as long as the network is saved on your phone. The method is the same for any WiFi network.

Will this work on Samsung tablets?

Yes, Samsung Galaxy tablets running Android 10 or later have the same feature.

What if I forgot the router admin password?

This guide only shows how to view the WiFi password saved on your phone. To reset the router admin password, you’d need to factory reset the router (usually via a physical button).

Is there a way to see the password without a QR code on older Android?

On Android 9 and below, you typically need root access. A non-root workaround is to use a third-party app that reads the saved WiFi list, but most require root. Your best bet is to update your phone.

Related

• Fix Outlook Error 0x800ccc78: Causes & Solutions
• Astro A50 PC Setup: Connect & Configure
• Protect Your Computer from Identity Theft