The situation where you urgently need to connect a new device to a wireless network but have lost the password is quite common. Smartphone users Xiaomi And Redmi People often wonder where the access key to an already connected network is stored in the system. Fortunately, modern versions of the operating system Android and branded shell MIUI provide built-in tools to solve this problem without the need for third-party software.
Previously, viewing saved data required permissions. root, which was a complex and risky process for the average user. Now, access to the settings menu is sufficient to view the hidden code or generate a QR code to quickly connect devices. This makes the process of restoring access simple and secure for the device.
In this guide, we'll cover all the current methods for viewing passwords on various firmware versions. We'll cover standard methods via interface settings, using the system's QR code generation functions, and extreme measures like resetting the router. It's important to understand that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI and the model of your smartphone.
Using the QR code feature in MIUI
The easiest and fastest way to find your Redmi WiFi password is to use the built-in QR code generator. This feature was introduced in MIUI several years ago and has become standard in versions 10, 11, 12, and later. It allows you to not only share access with a friend but also visually view the access key in text format.
First, you need to open the settings menu and go to the section Wi-FiA list of available networks will be displayed, with the currently active connection at the top. This is the one we'll be working with. Click the arrow next to the network name or the gear icon to open the detailed configuration menu.
In the window that opens, look for a button or icon labeled "Share" or a QR code. After clicking, the system will ask you to confirm your action; you may need to unlock the screen or scan your fingerprint. A square code will appear on the screen, often immediately followed by a text password.
⚠️ Note: If the text under the QR code doesn't appear, take a screenshot. Then open this screenshot using the Gallery or Google Lens app, and the system will automatically recognize the text.
This method is the safest, as it doesn't require installing additional apps and doesn't violate your warranty. However, if you have a very old firmware version, this functionality may be missing or may not work correctly.
Viewing via Google settings and sync
Modern Redmi smartphones are tightly integrated with the Google ecosystem. If you've ever connected to a network and signed in to your account, your password may have been automatically saved in Google's cloud storage. This is especially true for devices running stock Android or newer versions of MIUI with deep system integrations.
To check your saved data, go to General Settings phone. Find the section Google (often found at the very bottom of the list or in the Google folder). Inside, select "Autofill," then go to "Autofill from Google."
In the autofill menu, select "Passwords" or "Password Manager." Here you'll see a list of all your saved credentials. Search by your Wi-Fi network name (SSID). Tapping the desired entry will prompt you to verify your identity, after which the details will open, where you'll see the password in the text field.
- 🔒 This method only works if password syncing has been enabled.
- 📱 Data is accessible from any device signed in to the same Google account.
- 🔄 The password can be copied to the clipboard for ease of use.
The advantage of this method is centralized storage. Even if you reset your phone to factory settings, all keys will be restored automatically after logging in to your account. This eliminates the need to search for forgotten combinations every time.
Checking via the router menu from your phone
If standard methods don't work, you can try to find the password by accessing the router's settings. To do this, your Redmi phone must be connected to the WiFi network whose password you want to find. You'll use a browser to access the device's administrative panel.
Open any browser (Chrome, Mi Browser) and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is often written on a sticker on the bottom of the router. You'll need to enter the administrator username and password.
If you have never changed your login details, try the standard combinations: login admin and password adminIf they were changed earlier and you don't remember them, this method, unfortunately, won't help without resetting the router. In the router interface, look for the section Wireless or WLAN Settings.
☑️ Checking access to the router
Inside the wireless network section, find the field WPA/WPA2 Key or PasswordThe current encryption key is displayed here. Some router models hide the password behind asterisks, but there may be a "Show" button nearby or an option to change it to a new one you'll definitely remember.
Table of standard login data for routers
When attempting to log into the router admin panel, authorization difficulties often arise. Manufacturers use different factory default settings. Below is a table of the most common combinations for popular hardware brands.
| Router brand | IP address | Login | Password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | (empty) |
| Asus | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| Xiaomi | 192.168.31.1 | admin | (without password) |
| Zyxel | 192.168.1.1 | admin | 1234 |
Please note that if your router was provided by your internet service provider, the login details may be unique and printed on a special sticker on the device. In such cases, the standard combinations in the table will not work.
⚠️ Note: The interface and access addresses may vary depending on the router's firmware version. Always check the information on the sticker on the bottom of the device or in your provider's documentation.
Third-party applications and their limitations
There are numerous apps on the Play Store that promise to reveal saved WiFi passwords. However, starting with Android 10, Google has introduced strict security restrictions. Apps can no longer directly read system files. wpa_supplicant.conf, where the keys are stored, without having superuser rights (root).
Most of these apps work as QR code managers or access the clipboard, but they can't simply extract the password from the system. Installing apps that require root access on a modern Redmi smartphone can compromise the security system, block banking apps, and void the warranty.
There are specialized utilities that require connecting the phone to a PC and using USB debugging (ADB). This is a complex method, suitable only for advanced users. For the average Redmi owner, it's much safer to use MIUI's built-in tools.
- 🚫 Non-root apps are often useless for viewing old passwords.
- ⚠️ Programs with ads may contain malicious code.
- 🔐 Using root access reduces overall data security.
Why is Android blocking access?
Starting with Android 10, Google has blocked access to system files containing WiFi passwords for all apps to ensure user security. This prevents data theft by malware.
It's recommended to refrain from installing dubious WiFi hacks. It's better to take a minute to take a screenshot of a QR code through the settings than to risk the security of your entire device.
Resetting the router as a last resort
If none of the software methods work and you urgently need the password, the only option left is to physically reset the router. This is a drastic step that will return the device to factory settings. All settings, including the ISP connection type and network name, will be deleted.
On the router body, find a small hole with the inscription ResetPress it with a thin object (a paperclip or toothpick) and hold it there for about 10-15 seconds until the lights flash. After rebooting, the router will operate with the factory password indicated on the sticker.
It's important to understand the consequences: after the reset, the internet will be lost on all devices. You'll have to reconfigure the router using your ISP credentials (PPPoE or L2TP login and password), which should be included in your contract. Without these credentials, you'll be left without internet.
Use this method only if you've exhausted all other options and are confident you can reconfigure your device. For Redmi users, this is often faster than searching through complex system files.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out the password without connecting to the network?
No, it's impossible to view the password for a network the phone has never connected to using standard Android tools. The system doesn't store data about other networks.
Where is the password physically stored on Redmi?
Passwords are stored in a secure system file. /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confAccess to it without root rights is prohibited for regular applications.
Why doesn't the QR code show the password text?
In some versions of MIUI, the text is hidden. Take a screenshot and open it with Google Lens or any QR code scanner—they will recognize the hidden text.
Are password recovery apps safe to use?
Most of these apps are either useless without root access or contain ads and Trojans. It's better to use MIUI's built-in features.
What should I do if I forgot my router admin password?
If the standard admin/admin keys are not suitable, you will have to reset the router using the Reset button, which will require reconfiguring the Internet.