Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face the need for quick access to a wireless network when standard character input is impossible or the password is forgotten. MIUI and new HyperOS offer advanced tools for interacting with the network environment, simplifying the authorization process. However, it's important to immediately define the limits of what's possible: modern encryption standards WPA2 And WPA3 make direct connection to someone else's network without the owner's knowledge technically impossible without the use of special vulnerabilities or physical access to the router.
There are several legitimate scenarios where you need to connect to Wi-Fi without manually entering a security key. This could be a guest network with open access, the ability to scan a QR code from a friend's device, or using technology WPS, if it's activated on the access point. It's also worth considering options where the phone has previously saved network data, and reconnecting occurs automatically.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at Xiaomi's built-in security features that allow you to share access or use saved credentials, as well as touch on the technical aspects of security protocols. You'll learn why "jailbreaking" through default settings is a myth, and which tools actually work in 2026-2027. We won't cover illegal methods of bypassing security, as they violate the law and can lead to your device being bricked.
Using a QR code for quick authorization
The most common and secure way to connect to the network without entering a password on Xiaomi phones is by scanning a QR code. This feature is built directly into the system. Android and the shell MIUIIf you have access to another device that is already connected to the desired network, you can generate an access code and share it.
To generate a code on the source device, go to Wi-Fi settings and tap the gear icon or arrow next to the active network name. A square code containing encrypted SSID and access key information will appear on the screen. Xiaomi owners simply open the Camera or Scanner app and point the camera at the image.
The system automatically recognizes the data type and prompts you to connect. You don't have to manually enter complex characters, eliminating typos. This method works on all versions. HyperOS And MIUI, starting with version 10.
- 📱 Open "Settings" → "Wi-Fi" on a phone that is already connected to the network.
- 🔲 Click on the QR code icon or arrow next to the network name.
- 📸 Point your Xiaomi camera at the code that appears for instant authorization.
⚠️ Warning: Never scan QR codes from unverified sources posted in public places. Attackers may create a network with a similar name that will redirect your traffic to phishing sites.
It's important to note that some router models can generate static QR codes that can be printed and displayed in a prominent location. This allows for seamless connection without the need for other devices. This is ideal for providing guest access in an office or café.
WPS technology: push-button connection
Protocol Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) was designed specifically to simplify connecting devices to a wireless network without having to enter a lengthy password. On Xiaomi smartphones, this feature is often hidden in deep menus or requires the use of third-party utilities, as Google is gradually phasing out WPS support in stock Android for security reasons.
The method involves physically activating pairing mode on the router. There should be a button marked on the router body. WPS or the two arrows icon. Clicking it opens a time window (usually 2 minutes) during which any device can connect without a password.
On Xiaomi phones with the shell MIUI 12 In newer models, WPS network search is often removed from the quick menu. However, if your model supports this feature natively, the path will look like this: Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally (or three-dot menu) → WPS buttonAfter activating the search on your phone, you need to press the button on the router.
⚠️ Warning: The WPS protocol is considered vulnerable. If you use it at home, it is strongly recommended to disable the WPS function in your router settings immediately after use to prevent potential brute-force attacks.
If you can't find WPS using standard tools, you can use proven applications from Google Play, which can activate this mode through system APIs. However, on newer versions of Android (12, 13, 14), access to these APIs is often blocked, so this method doesn't work on all devices.
It's worth mentioning that some providers install routers with WPS enabled by default. In this case, the connection occurs almost instantly after selecting a network from the list of available networks, provided the phone supports automatic handshake.
Mi Share and key exchange
Xiaomi ecosystem offers a unique tool called Mi Share (integrated into new versions) Xiaomi Share). This is Apple's AirDrop equivalent, allowing you to transfer files and data between Apple devices. One of the features is sharing a Wi-Fi network profile.
When two Xiaomi devices are nearby, they can exchange access keys. This is especially convenient in an office or home, where one user already has internet access. The process feels almost magical: you don't need to know the password; the system automatically transmits the encrypted authorization token.
To use this feature, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be enabled on both devices. Turn on the notification shade. Mi ShareThen, on the source device, select the network in the Wi-Fi settings, tap "Share" or "QR code," and the recipient will see a connection notification.
- 📡 Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on on both phones.
- 🔓 Unlock the screen of the receiving Xiaomi device.
- 🔄 Accept the connection request in the pop-up window.
This method is the most secure of all password-less methods, as data transfer occurs over a secure channel using temporary encryption keys. Data is not transferred over the internet, but only locally between devices.
⚠️ Note: Mi Share only works between Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices. This method won't work for sharing passwords with iPhones or Samsung devices; you'll need to use a QR code.
Automatic connection to open networks
Many public places offer Wi-Fi without a password. In security terms, this is called Open NetworkXiaomi phones may warn you by default that such connections are unsafe, but they allow you to connect to them with one click.
Such access points usually don't have a lock icon in the list of available networks. When selecting such a network, the phone immediately attempts to obtain an IP address and connect to the internet. However, providers of such networks often use the method Captive Portal — an authorization page that opens in the browser.
System MIUI has a built-in mechanism for detecting such portals. Once you connect to an open network, the system automatically opens a browser window for you to enter your phone number or confirm the terms of use. This isn't exactly a "passwordless" connection, but it does eliminate the need to enter a WPA2 key.
There is a risk in using such networks. Since traffic is not encrypted at the wireless protocol level, an attacker on the same network can intercept your unencrypted data. Always use VPN when working with open Wi-Fi.
Xiaomi's security settings include a feature called "Warn about open networks." If enabled, your phone will display a risk notification every time you attempt to connect to an unencrypted hotspot.
Viewing saved passwords on Xiaomi
Users often want to connect to a network "without a password" because they've simply forgotten it, even though their phone has previously connected to the network and remembers the key. In this case, the problem can be solved by viewing saved data.
Starting from Android 10 And MIUI 11The system allows you to view saved Wi-Fi passwords without root access, but requires biometric or digital authentication from the owner. This is designed to allow you to share access even if you don't remember the password.
To see the password, go to Settings → Wi-FiTap the name of the network you're connected to or saved in the list. If the system asks for a screen unlock or fingerprint, confirm the action. A QR code will appear on the screen, and below it, in some firmware versions, a text password.
If the password text is hidden behind asterisks, take a screenshot of the screen containing the QR code. Then open this screenshot from Gallery and use the "Scan QR code" feature (or Google Lens). The system will recognize the code in the image and display the password in text format.
| MIUI version | Where to look for the password | Do you need root? | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10 and later | Not available | Yes (via file manager) | Access to system files is required. |
| MIUI 11 - 12 | Wi-Fi Settings → QR Code | No | The password may be hidden behind asterisks. |
| MIUI 13 - 14 | Wi-Fi Settings → (Details) | No | Often shows password in plain text after FaceID |
| HyperOS | Network Operations Center | No | Improved interface (Share) |
What to do if the password is not displayed?
If the password isn't displayed in plain text after unlocking, use the QR code screenshot method. This is a universal solution for all Android versions starting from Android 10. You can also try third-party apps like "WiFi Password Viewer," but they may require additional permissions.
Connecting via the router's web interface
If you have physical access to the router (you're in the room where it's located) but don't know the password, you can try connecting via a LAN cable or temporarily resetting the settings. However, if you're setting up a wireless connection from scratch, this method requires you to change the router's settings.
Many modern Xiaomi routers (Mi Router, Redmi Router) allow you to manage Wi-Fi settings via a mobile app Mi Wi-FiIf the router is already configured and linked to a Mi account, you can open the app, go to the wireless network settings, and either view the current password or change it to one you know.
It is also possible to connect via WPS if it is enabled in the web interface. By accessing the router settings from a computer (usually at 192.168.31.1 or 192.168.1.1), you can find the section Wireless → WPS and activate it. Then follow the instructions in the second section of the article.
Important: If you don't own a router, this method is unusable. Attempting to hack a router's admin panel by brute-forcing the password is illegal. This information is provided solely for setting up your own equipment.
- 🌐 Connect to the router via cable or another network.
- 🔑 Enter the gateway IP address in your browser (indicated on the sticker below).
- ⚙️ Find the Wireless Security section and copy the key.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces may vary depending on the manufacturer (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Xiaomi). The location of the WPS menu or security settings may vary. Please consult the official documentation for your model.
☑️ Check your network security
Hacking Myths and Scanner Apps
There are numerous requests online about how to hack a neighbor's Wi-Fi using special apps. It's important to understand: modern encryption protocols AES It is almost impossible to bypass it by simply searching through the keys from a phone in a reasonable amount of time.
Apps that promise to "connect in 1 minute" are most often either scams (they collect your data) or use a password database compiled by the users themselves. They don't hack the network, but simply check whether the password matches the top 1,000 most common combinations (for example, 12345678).
Using such programs on Xiaomi devices can lead to the installation of malware that will display ads or steal passwords from banking apps. MIUI has a powerful built-in antivirus, which often blocks the installation of such utilities.
Real "hacking" requires specialized equipment (external Wi-Fi adapters with monitoring mode) and in-depth knowledge of cryptography. This is extremely difficult and time-consuming to accomplish on a regular smartphone, even with root access.
Is it possible to connect to Wi-Fi without a password if it is hidden (SSID Hidden)?
Connecting to a hidden network without knowing its name (SSID) and password is impossible using standard means. The phone must have received a beacon from the router at least once or have a saved network profile. If the network is hidden, its name must be entered manually.
Why can't Xiaomi see 5 GHz networks?
Some older Xiaomi models or versions for certain markets (such as China) may not support 5 GHz channels used in other regions (e.g., 149-165). Try changing the region in your Wi-Fi settings or the channel in your router settings to 36-48.
Is it safe to use apps like WiFi Map?
Apps like WiFi Map rely on crowdsourcing—users share passwords themselves. If the network owner once used such an app, the password could leak into a database. When connecting through such databases, you don't know who else has access to the network, which compromises the security of your data.
How to delete a saved network on Xiaomi?
Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, click on the network name and select Delete network or Forget the networkThis is useful if you've changed your router password, but your phone continues to try to connect using the old password.