Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphones often find themselves in a situation where they need to connect a new device to a wireless network, but have forgotten or lost the password. Fortunately, the Android operating system, combined with MIUI or the new HyperOS, provides convenient tools for restoring access to data. You don't need root privileges or complex third-party apps to accomplish this.
Modern firmware versions allow you to view saved security keys directly in the system settings. This is especially important, as many users rely on automatic connections and lose track of complex key combinations. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods that will help you quickly find the information you need and share it with guests or other devices.
It's worth noting that the menu interface may differ slightly depending on the Android version and the specific model of your smartphone. However, the general logic of the security system remains the same. We'll cover the standard tools, the QR code method, and alternative options if the standard approach doesn't work for some reason.
View your password via QR code in Settings
The easiest and most reliable method, available on most modern Xiaomi devices, is to use the QR code sharing feature. Android stores encrypted data about the networks you've ever connected to and allows you to visualize them for quick connection. To get started, go to Settings → Wi-Fi and find the network from which you need to know the key.
Tap the gear icon or arrow next to the active network name. In the menu that opens, you'll see a "Share" button or a QR code icon. When you tap it, the system will ask you to authenticate with biometrics (fingerprint or Face ID) or enter your screen unlock pattern. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your data.
After successful authorization, a QR code will appear on the screen. Key feature A common issue with modern versions of MIUI is that a clear text string containing the password is often displayed beneath the code itself. If the text isn't immediately visible, simply take a screenshot or use a second smartphone with a camera and QR code scanning capabilities (for example, using the Scan app or Google Lens).
- 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings on the second phone's lock screen to scan the code.
- 🔍 Use Google Lens to automatically recognize text from images if the password isn't written explicitly.
- 🔒 Make sure biometric security is enabled on your device to access network settings.
⚠️ Note: The option to display the password text under the QR code may not be available on some global firmware versions or older versions of Android. In this case, the text will be hidden, and you will need to use the scanning method.
Using the Settings Menu and Google Passwords
If simply scanning the QR code doesn't work, consider syncing with your Google account. The Android ecosystem can store Wi-Fi passwords in the Google Password cloud. This allows you to access data from any device signed in to your account. On Xiaomi smartphones, this functionality is integrated into the security system.
To check your saved data, go to Settings → Google → Autofill → Google AutofillNext, select "Passwords" or "Password Manager." In the list of saved entries, find the name of your wireless network. After clicking on it and logging in, you'll see a password field that you can copy or view by clicking the eye icon.
This method is especially useful if you reset your phone but had previously made a backup. It is important to understandSyncing should have been enabled beforehand. If you've never used the Google password manager, your data may be missing, and you'll have to resort to other methods to restore access.
The table below provides a comparison of the main methods for accessing data:
| Method | Root rights | Complexity | Android version |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in settings | Not required | Low | 10 and above |
| Google Passwords | Not required | Average | Any |
| wpa_supplicant file | Wanted | High | Any |
| Router (Web interface) | Not required | Average | It doesn't depend |
Checking via the router's web interface
When your phone can't display the password directly, the logical next step is to contact the source of the signal—the router. If you have access to the router's administrative panel (via a browser on a PC or another phone connected via cable or Wi-Fi), you'll be able to not only view but also change the security key.
To do this, open your browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Standard addresses usually look like this: 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address, login, and default password are often indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device. Once logged in, find the section Wireless or Wi-Fi SettingsThere in the field Wireless Password or PSK Key The current password will be displayed.
Be careful when changing router settings. Changing the password will disconnect all connected devices, requiring them to be reconnected. If you simply want to know the current password, simply copy it or rewrite it without clicking "Save" after making any changes.
What to do if you forgot your router password?
If you changed your router's admin password and forgot it, you'll need to reset the device to factory settings. To do this, press and hold the Reset button on the router for 10-15 seconds. This will reset your username and password to the factory defaults (found on the sticker), but you'll need to reset your internet settings.
Technical Methods: ADB and File System
For advanced users who aren't afraid of the command line, there's a method for obtaining the password via USB debugging (ADB). This method doesn't require root access on some versions of Android, but it does require a computer and installed drivers. The method involves requesting the Wi-Fi configuration directly from the system.
First, you need to activate developer mode on your Xiaomi. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly tap "MIUI version" (or "OS version") seven times. Then, in the advanced settings, enable "USB debugging." Connect your phone to your PC and launch the command prompt.
Enter the command to display a list of saved networks. This worked fine on older versions of Android, but in newer versions (Android 10+), Google has blocked direct access to this file without root access. Still, it's worth a try:
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep"mConfiguredNetworks"If this method doesn't work due to security restrictions, the only technical solution is to gain superuser (root) rights. With root rights, you can open the system file. /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf any text editor. It will store all networks in the format ssid="Network Name" And psk="Password".
⚠️ Warning: Rooting (unlocking the bootloader) on a Xiaomi phone will wipe all data from the phone and may disrupt some banking apps and Google Pay services. Only do this if you fully understand the risks.
The nuances of different versions of MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi's skins are constantly updated, and the layout of elements may change. In MIUI 12 and 13, QR code functionality was implemented en masse, but in some regions (Global ROM), it could work unstable. In the new operating system HyperOS The interface has become more minimalistic, but the operating principle remains the same.
Users of Chinese firmware versions (CN ROMs) often have earlier access to new features than owners of global versions. If you can't find the option you need, check for system updates. Sometimes bugs that prevent password display are fixed in security patches.
It's also worth considering that on some Redmi models with reduced functionality (Go or Lite series), individual system apps may be replaced with lightweight alternatives that may lack the QR code generation feature. In such cases, Google Passwords becomes the primary method.
☑️ Check before resetting network settings
What to do if nothing helps
In rare cases where none of the software methods work, physical access to the router remains. If you've never changed the router's settings, the password may be listed on the factory sticker on the device. Look for the "Wireless Key," "WPA Key," or "Wi-Fi Password" field.
If the password was previously changed and lost, and you can't access the admin panel, the only solution is to reset the router to factory settings. After this, the device will broadcast Wi-Fi using the password on the sticker, or without a password at all, allowing you to access the settings and configure new ones.
Remember that regularly backing up your settings and using password managers will prevent such problems in the future. Digital hygiene This means not only having complex passwords, but also finding a secure place to store them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on a Xiaomi without unlocking the screen?
No, this is not possible. For security reasons, Android requires owner verification (PIN, fingerprint, or pattern) before displaying information such as network passwords or account details.
Why is the password not displayed in text after scanning the QR code?
It depends on the Android version and operating system. In Android 10 and later, Google changed its security policy, and some manufacturers stopped displaying the plaintext password under the code. In this case, use a second phone to scan the code—it will automatically connect to the network without even displaying the password.
Is it safe to use third-party password viewer apps?
Most apps on the Play Market that promise to "hack" or "reveal" passwords are either useless (as they lack system privileges) or malicious. MIUI and Google's built-in tools are sufficient for the task; don't risk your data.
Will my Google password be saved if I reset my phone to factory settings?
Yes, if you had syncing with your Google account enabled before the reset. After entering your account on the reset phone, your Wi-Fi passwords may be automatically retrieved, or you can find them in the Google Passwords menu.