Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the router is in an awkward location to turn it over and read the sticker? Or need to connect a new gadget, but don't have a computer or a piece of paper with the access code handy? On smartphones Xiaomi Redmi (as well as other models with a shell MIUI) There are several ways to extract a saved password from a wireless network - and most users won't need root rights or complex manipulations.
In this article we will look at 5 proven methodsHow to find out your Wi-Fi password directly from your phone Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 or other models on MIUI 12, 13, or 14Some methods work without additional software, others require third-party utilities, and the most reliable (but also most complex) method involves accessing system files. Choose the appropriate option depending on your model and firmware version.
⚠️ Important: If you are connected to someone else's network (for example, in a cafe or hotel), extract its password via your phone it won't work — MIUI blocks access to such data for security reasons. The methods below only work for networks you've previously connected to. on the same device.
1. The standard method through MIUI settings (without root)
The easiest method is to use the built-in shell function MIUI, which allows you to view the password for the current network. Unfortunately, it doesn't work on all firmware versions (the option is hidden in some regional builds), but it's worth a try.
Instructions:
- 📶 Connect to the Wi-Fi network whose password you need to find out.
- 🔧 Open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - 🔍 Find your current network in the list and tap on its name.
- 👁️ In the window that opens, click on the icon QR code (or the "Share password" option).
- 🔐 The system will ask for confirmation fingerprint, PIN code or graphic key.
- 📱 After authentication, a QR code with network data will open. Below it, you'll see password in plain text.
If there's no QR code option, your MIUI version doesn't support it. In this case, proceed to the next method.
Update MIUI to the latest version
Check your regional settings (Russia or Global should be selected)
Restart your phone and try again
Try connecting to another network and check its password.
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⚠️ Attention: on some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 (for the Chinese market) the password display function may be disabled. In this case, only resetting the router or connecting to it via cable.
2. Viewing the password via the configuration file (requires a file manager)
All passwords for Wi-Fi networks on Android are stored in a system file. wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be accessed through any file manager with root rights (For example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer), but there is a workaround for devices without root.
The method is suitable for Redmi on MIUI 13/14 and requires installation of the application CX File Explorer (or similar with support for system folders).
Step-by-step instructions:
- 📁 Install CX File Explorer from Google Play.
- 🔓 Open the app and grant all requested permissions.
- 📂 Follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/or (for older versions of MIUI):
/data/misc/wifi/ - 📄 Find the file
WifiConfigStore.xml(orwpa_supplicant.conf) and open it using the built-in text editor. - 🔍 The file will contain lines like this:
<string name="config_key_ssid_wifi_name">PASSWORD</string>Where
wifi_name— the name of the network, andPASSWORD- her password.
💡 Advice: If the file does not open, copy it to another folder (for example, Downloads) and view it through any text editor.
What to do if the /data/misc folder is inaccessible?
On some firmware versions, access to system folders is blocked even for file managers. In this case, the only solution is rooting or using ADB commands (see Method 4).
| MIUI version | Path to the password file | Root required? |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 | /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml |
No (via CX File Explorer) |
| MIUI 13/14 | /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/ |
No (but you need permissions to system files) |
| MIUI 11 and later | /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf |
Yes (required) |
⚠️ Attention: editing or deleting files in a folder /data/misc/wifi/ may lead to loss of all saved networks on your device. Do not change the contents of files unless you are sure of what you are doing!
3. Using ADB commands (for advanced users)
If the previous methods did not work, you can extract the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — a tool for debugging Android devices. This method requires connecting the phone to a computer but does not require root access.
What you will need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
- 🛠️ Utility ADB Tools (download and unzip the archive).
- 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (
Settings → About phone → MIUI version→ Tap the build number 7 times → Return toSettings → Advanced → Developer options → USB debugging).
Instructions:
- Connect Redmi to the computer and confirm debugging permission on the phone screen.
- Open a command prompt (or Terminal) in the folder with
adb.exe. - Enter the command to check the connection:
adb devicesYour device's serial number should be displayed.
- Run the command to get a list of saved networks:
adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml"or (for older versions):
adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf" - In the output, find the line with
psk="your_password".
🔹 If the command returns an error Permission denied, then on your device access blocked to system files without root. In this case, only unlocking the bootloader and obtaining superuser rights.
Standard via QR code
Via file manager
ADB commands
Root access
I don't know, I haven't tried it yet.
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4. Obtaining root rights to access passwords
The most universal, but also the riskiest method is unlocking the bootloader and installation Magisk to gain root rights. This will allow you to view all saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks, including hidden networks and those you connected to a long time ago.
⚠️ Warning: unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone, and incorrect actions can lead to brick device (complete inoperability). If you're unsure of your skills, it's better to use other methods.
Brief instructions:
- 🔓 Unlock your bootloader using the official tool Mi Unlock Tool (requires Xiaomi account and 7-15 days waiting period).
- 📱 Install a custom recovery (for example, TWRP).
- 🛡️ Sew it Magisk to obtain root.
- 🔍 Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer) and follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/ - 📄 Open the file
wpa_supplicant.conf— all passwords will be there in the following format:network={ssid="NAZVANIE_SETI"
psk="PAROL_OT_SETI"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}
💡 Helpful tip: After rooting, install the application. WiFi Password Viewer from Google Play - it will automatically retrieve all saved passwords and display them in a convenient list.
5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
If none of the above methods worked, try these options:
- 🔄 Resetting the router. Click the button
Reseton the back panel of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds), then connect to the network with the factory name (indicated on the sticker) and password (usuallyadminor12345678). - 📡 Connection via WPS. If your router supports WPS, press the button
WPSon it, and on the phone selectConnect via WPSin the Wi-Fi settings. - 💻 View on another device. If you have a laptop or another phone connected to the same network, extract the password from it (on Windows:
Control Panel → Network Connections → Wireless Network → Properties → Security). - 📞 Contacting the provider. Call your internet service provider's support team and request Wi-Fi access details (identity verification may be required).
⚠️ Attention: If you rent a place or use a corporate network, resetting your router may affect other users' settings. In this case, it's best to confirm the password with your network administrator.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to extract the Wi-Fi password on Redmi Users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
- 🚫 "File access denied" — means that your file manager does not have permission to read system folders. Solution: use CX File Explorer or get root.
- 🔄 "ADB doesn't see the device" - check if USB debugging is enabled, install the drivers Mi PC Suite and try connecting again.
- 📱 "There is no QR code location" — Update MIUI to the latest version or change the firmware region to "Global."
- 🔒 "Requests a password for my Mi account" If you've forgotten your Xiaomi account details, you can restore them on the website. account.xiaomi.com.
🔹 If your Redmi is running a firmware for the Chinese market (with the CN suffix in the build number), many features may be limited. In this case, only flashing the global version of MIUI will help.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network I've connected to before but am currently offline?
Yes, but only if you have root access or you use ADB commands. In the file wpa_supplicant.conf Data about all saved networks is stored, even if you're not currently connected to them. Without root, you can't view passwords for old networks.
Why are passwords encrypted in the WifiConfigStore.xml file?
Starting from MIUI 13Xiaomi has started encrypting some data in configuration files. If you see a character set like d29c4d4a3f2e1c..., then your firmware uses encryption. In this case, the only solution is rooting or resetting the router.
Will the QR code method work on Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Yes, but only if the device has MIUI 12.5 or later. On older versions (for example, MIUI 11) this feature may not be available. Update the firmware via Settings → About phone → System update.
Is it possible to extract the password from a phone if it is locked?
No, if your phone is locked (you forgot your pattern or PIN), you won't be able to access system files or Wi-Fi settings. In this case, your only options are resetting the router or contacting your provider.
Are there any apps to view WiFi passwords without root?
Officially, there are no apps on Google Play that can extract passwords without rooting, as this violates Android's security policy. All apps like WiFi Password Show or WiFi Key Recovery require superuser privileges. Be wary of apps that promise to bypass this restriction—they may contain malicious code.