How to view your Xiaomi WiFi password: all the methods

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones running MIUI or the new HyperOS have advanced security features that hide stored access keys by default. This is designed to protect your data in the event of device loss, but situations often arise when you urgently need to connect a new device, tablet, or laptop to the network and can't remember the complex combination of keys. Users often wonder where exactly this information is stored in the system and whether it can be retrieved without root access.

Fortunately, the company's engineers have provided several legal and secure ways to access forgotten data through the standard operating system interface. You don't need to be a programmer or have in-depth knowledge of network protocols to perform this procedure. In most cases, simply knowing which menu section to look for the required option or how to scan a QR code is enough.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available methods, from the standard functionality of Android 10 and above to more complex but effective computer-based methods. We'll also examine how the encryption mechanism works. MIUI, why the old methods stopped working and what workarounds exist for different firmware versions.

Using the QR code sharing feature

The easiest and fastest method, available to the vast majority of Xiaomi smartphone users, is to use the built-in QR code generator. Starting with Android 10, the system not only allows you to share access but also view the password in text format immediately after generating the code. To do this, go to the Wi-Fi settings and select a network you're already connected to or one saved on your device.

Click on the network name or the arrow next to it to expand the detailed menu. A square QR code will appear in the center of the screen. The password will be written in small print directly below this QR code. If the text isn't immediately visible, try taking a screenshot and then opening the image through Google Lens or the standard code scanner in the gallery—the system will recognize the text automatically.

⚠️ Note: On some MIUI versions with enhanced security (especially Chinese versions), the password text below the code may be hidden by asterisks. In this case, use a screenshot and third-party QR code reader apps that can extract the text string from an image.

This method works on most modern models such as Xiaomi Redmi Note 10, Xiaomi 13 and newer. It doesn't require a computer connection and works even without internet access, as all information is stored locally in the phone's security system.

It is important to understand that this functionality is part of the standard shell. Android, so it works equally well on devices from different manufacturers, but in MIUI, the implementation is often enhanced with visual improvements. If you're using the global firmware version, you shouldn't have any display issues.

Viewing saved networks through system settings

In older interface versions or when using specific regions in the settings, the process may be slightly different. You need to access the wireless connection management menu. Typically, the path looks like this: Settings → Wi-FiA list of available networks is displayed here, but we are specifically interested in the current connection or previously saved profiles.

Tap the gear icon or arrow to the right of your network name. This will open a connection information page, displaying your speed, frequency, and IP address. This is where the information you're looking for is often hidden, at the bottom of the screen or under the "Share" button. On some MIUI builds, you'll need to tap the "Share" button, which will prompt you to verify your identity using your fingerprint scanner or enter your screen unlock PIN.

• 📱 Open "Settings" from the home screen.
• 📡 Go to the "Wi-Fi" or "Wireless networks" section.
• 🔒 Select the desired network from the list of saved ones.
• 👁️ Click "Show password" or scan the QR code.

If you don't see the Share button or the eyeball, try tapping the QR code itself if it appears as an icon. Security System HyperOS may require additional confirmation to ensure that the device owner is the one accessing sensitive data.

It's worth noting that in corporate networks or networks with web-based authentication (captive portal), password display may not be available, as a different authentication protocol is used. In home environments, where a standard WPA2/WPA3, this method works without fail.

Using Mi Cloud and syncing

The Xiaomi ecosystem offers a convenient cloud syncing service that can save your Wi-Fi profiles. If you have Mi Cloud syncing enabled, your network passwords can be accessed through the web interface or on other devices linked to the same account. This is especially useful if your phone's battery is low but you need to connect your laptop.

Visit the cloud service's official website from a computer. Log in with your Mi Account. A list of trusted networks may be stored in the "Settings" or "Wi-Fi" section (if supported in your region and cloud version). However, for security reasons, in recent versions of MIUI, direct display of passwords to the cloud is often hidden or encrypted.

However, synchronization is useful because when you buy a new Xiaomi phone and sign in to your account, the device will automatically connect to known networks without the need to enter a key. This is the implementation of the mechanism. Wi-Fi Assist and cloud profiles.

⚠️ Please note: The functionality of cloud Wi-Fi password syncing depends on the laws of the country you are in and the servers your account is connected to. In some regions (for example, Europe due to GDPR), this data may not be stored in the cloud.

Login to the router control panel

If your phone doesn't display the password directly, the most secure, old-fashioned method is to log into the router's admin panel. Since your Xiaomi phone is already connected to the network, it has full access to the router's interface. You'll need any browser: Chrome, Mi Browser, or Yandex.

In the address bar, enter the gateway IP address. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is often written on a sticker on the bottom of the router. After entering the address, the system will ask for the administrator username and password. If you haven't changed them, they'll also be listed on the sticker (often admin/admin).

Once inside, look for a section labeled "Wireless," "Wireless Mode," "Wi-Fi Settings," or "WLAN." The name may vary depending on your router model (TP-Link, Asus, Keenetic, Xiaomi Router). The current key will be displayed in the "Password," "Key," or "Wireless Network Password" field. You can copy it or simply rewrite it.

What to do if you forgot your router password?

If you changed your router's administrator password and forgot it, you'll need to reset the router itself. Find the small hole marked "Reset" and press it with a paperclip for 10-15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will reset to factory settings, and the password will be the one on the sticker.

This method is universal and doesn't depend on the Android or MIUI version. It works even on the most budget models, such as Redmi 9A or Poco M3, as it uses the standard HTTP/HTTPS protocol to manage network equipment.

Advanced Method: ADB and Computer

For technically savvy users, there's a way to obtain the password via USB debugging (ADB). This method doesn't require root access, but it does require a computer with the ADB driver installed. The method involves copying the system file where Android stores all known networks to the computer and analyzing it.

First, you need to enable developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly tap "MIUI version" or "OS version" 7-10 times. A message will appear saying "You are now a developer." Then, in the advanced settings, enable "USB debugging."

adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf c:/wifi_config.txt

Run the command in the computer's command prompt. File wpa_supplicant.conf contains a list of all networks (SSID) and their corresponding passwords in clear text (PSK). Open the saved text file and find the block network with the name of your network.

It is worth considering that on new versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14) access to the directory /data/misc/wifi/ Using regular ADB is often blocked by Google's security policies. In this case, the command will return a "Permission denied" error. This is normal behavior for a modern security system.

Apps from the Play Market and their limitations

The Google Play Store offers hundreds of apps claiming to reveal Wi-Fi passwords. However, it's important to understand how Android works: no app can read password files without root access. Therefore, most of these apps are either useless or simply serve as QR code generators, which you can easily create yourself.

Apps like "WiFi Password Viewer" do work, but only on rooted devices. If your phone isn't rooted, these apps will show a list of networks, but instead of passwords, they'll display asterisks or a message about insufficient access rights. Installing such apps on a regular phone is a waste of time.

• 🚫 Without root rights, applications cannot read system files.
• ⚠️ Many "hackers" contain advertising and viruses.
• ✅ Use only proven QR code tools.

Moreover, installing questionable "jailbreaking" software can lead to the theft of your personal data. It's better to use MIUI's built-in tools or the router method than to risk your device's security. System limitations Android Security Model are created specifically to isolate applications from each other.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to find out a neighbor's Wi-Fi password using Xiaomi?

No, this is not possible legally. The "Wi-Fi Share" feature in MIUI only works with networks the phone has previously connected to. Attempting to hack other people's networks is illegal and technically difficult without specialized knowledge and equipment.

Why doesn't the QR code scanner show the password text?

You may have a specific theme that changes the font, or your MIUI version may be hiding the text. Try taking a screenshot and recognizing the text using Google Lens, or use a third-party QR code reader that displays the RAW data of the string.

Will the password be reset if I forget the network in the settings?

Yes, if you tap "Forget Network" (Delete Network), your phone will delete the saved profile and password from its memory. To reconnect, you'll need to enter the key manually or use a QR code from another device that already knows the password.

Where is the password physically stored on a Xiaomi phone?

Passwords are stored in a secure system file. wpa_supplicant.conf at the root of the file system. Access to this partition is restricted for regular users and applications for security reasons, preventing data theft by malware.