How to View Saved WiFi Passwords on Samsung Galaxy S8

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Forgetting a WiFi password can be frustrating, especially when your Samsung Galaxy S8 is already connected and working just fine. Fortunately, there are ways to retrieve saved WiFi passwords directly from your device. Whether you need the password to share with someone or to use on another device, this guide will walk you through the safest and most reliable methods to view saved WiFi passwords on your Samsung Galaxy S8.

Please note: Some methods may require root access or the use of a computer. Always proceed with caution and avoid untrusted third-party apps that may put your data at risk.

Contents

Method 1: View Saved WiFi Passwords Without Root (Using QR Code)

This is the simplest and safest method, but it requires your Galaxy S8 to be running Android 10 or later. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
  2. Tap Connections, then select WiFi.
  3. Find and tap the name of the currently connected network.
  4. Tap the QR Code icon, usually located at the bottom right-hand side.
  5. Your phone will display a QR code representing the network’s configuration.

To see the password:

  1. Take a screenshot of the QR code.
  2. Use another phone or QR code scanner app to scan the code.
  3. After scanning, the app will display the network SSID and the password in plain text.

[ai-img]wifi settings, samsung galaxy s8, qr code scanning[/ai-img]

This method doesn’t require any technical knowledge and is safe for all users whose device is updated to newer Android versions.

Method 2: Use a File Explorer (Root Access Required)

If your Galaxy S8 has root access, you can access the system directories where WiFi configurations are stored. This method gives you insight into all saved WiFi networks on your device.

Warning: Rooting your device can void your warranty, and mishandling system files may result in instability. Proceed only if you understand the risks.

Steps:

  1. Install a root-enabled file manager, such as Solid Explorer or Root Explorer.
  2. Grant root permissions to the file manager.
  3. Navigate to the following directory:

    /data/misc/wifi/
  4. Look for a file named wpa_supplicant.conf.
  5. Open the file using a text editor available within the file manager.

Within this file, you’ll see entries like:

network={
    ssid="Your_WiFi_Name"
    psk="Your_WiFi_Password"
}

[ai-img]root file explorer, android system files, wifi configuration[/ai-img]

This is the most thorough way to retrieve all stored WiFi credentials but is only recommended for advanced users with rooted devices.

Method 3: Via ADB Commands (No Root Required)

If your device is not rooted but you’re comfortable using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), this is another effective method. ADB allows you to communicate with your Android device from a computer.

What you’ll need:

  • A computer with ADB installed
  • A USB cable to connect your phone
  • USB Debugging enabled on your Galaxy S8

Steps to enable USB Debugging:

  1. Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information.
  2. Tap Build Number seven times until Developer Mode is enabled.
  3. Go back to Settings > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging.

Then, connect your device to the computer and run the following command in your terminal or command prompt:

adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

Important: This command only works if your device is rooted, or if the specific Android build allows it. Otherwise, you will get a permission denied message.

Tips and Security Considerations

  • Only use trusted applications when handling sensitive information like WiFi credentials.
  • Be cautious when sharing your WiFi password to avoid unauthorized access to your network.
  • Keep your device updated to ensure compatibility with newer features like QR code sharing.

If you’re unable to retrieve your saved passwords through these methods, your best alternative might be to reset your router and set up a new password that you can store safely.

Conclusion

Retrieving saved WiFi passwords on a Samsung Galaxy S8 is indeed possible, but the method you choose depends on your device version and whether or not it’s rooted. While using QR codes is the safest and most straightforward option for non-rooted devices, advanced users may prefer tools like ADB or file explorers for greater access. Always make sure to handle this information responsibly, keeping both your device and your WiFi network secure.