In today's world, wireless networks have become an integral part of the digital space, and it's common to need to connect a new device to it, but the password has long been forgotten. Smartphone owners Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO are in a more advantageous position, since the shell MIUI and new HyperOS provide built-in tools for managing network connections. You don't need to be a programmer or have Root rightsto access saved authorization data.
Previously, extracting security keys required complex third-party applications or full system access, which could void the warranty. Now, standard operating system functionality is sufficient. Android, which allows you to not only connect devices via QR code but also view the character combination itself in text format. This is especially useful for those who frequently change routers or forget the complex passwords created during initial setup.
This article will examine in detail all the available methods for recovering lost data on devices of this brand. XiaomiWe'll cover standard methods that work on most current firmware versions, and also touch on security issues related to storing this information in the cloud. Understanding these processes will help you effectively manage your home network without unnecessary headaches.
The standard method of viewing is through network settings.
The easiest and most secure method available to device users Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO, is hidden in the standard settings menu. Starting with certain versions of the shell MIUI 12 and above, as well as in HyperOS, the company's engineers have implemented a feature that displays the password directly on the active connection card. To do this, open your smartphone's settings and go to Wi-Fi, where a list of available networks is displayed.
Find the network you're currently connected to in the list, or any other saved network you want to access. Tap the arrow to the right of the network name or the icon itself to expand the detailed menu. In the window that opens, you'll see a QR code for quickly connecting guests. However, to see the password itself, you need to perform one additional step: tap the eye icon or the "Password" text below the QR code.
⚠️ Please note: The system will require you to verify your identity. You will be asked to enter your unlock pattern, screen PIN, or place your finger on the fingerprint scanner. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information if they pick up your unlocked phone.
After successful authentication, a text string containing the password will appear instead of the asterisks or dots. You can copy it by clicking the corresponding button or simply rewrite it. Please note that on some older models or custom firmware builds, this feature may be absent or may not work correctly. In such cases, the interface may only offer to scan the QR code with another device.
Using a QR code to transfer data
If direct text viewing is unavailable for some reason or the interface is different, a universal QR code mechanism comes to the rescue. This method doesn't require third-party software and works on any modern smartphone with a camera. The system-generated code Xiaomi The code contains all the necessary information for connection, including the network SSID and the security key in encrypted form.
To use this method, follow these steps:
- 📱 Open the Wi-Fi settings on your Redmi and click on the desired network.
- 📷 Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code or show it to another device.
- 🔍 Use the built-in scanner in the Camera app or the Scanner toolbar.
- 📋 After recognition, the system will display a notification with the password text or prompt you to connect.
There's a caveat: some scanners may simply prompt you to connect without displaying the text. In this case, you can use third-party QR code reader apps from Google Play, which can decode image content into readable text. You can also upload a screenshot to Google Lens, which can often recognize text data within image code.
Verification via Google account and synchronization
operating system Android has a powerful mechanism for synchronizing Wi-Fi passwords via an account Google. If on your device Xiaomi If syncing is enabled, saved networks can be accessed through the web interface or on other devices linked to the same account. This is especially convenient if you've lost your phone but need to know the password to connect to your laptop or tablet.
To test this method you need to:
- 🌐 Go to your phone settings and select the "Google" section.
- 🔐 Go to the "Autofill" menu and select "Autofill from Google".
- 📡 Find the "Wi-Fi Passwords" item (not available on all Android versions).
- 👁️ Click on the desired network and confirm your identity to view the data.
It is important to note that this feature is version dependent. Android and regional account settings. On some devices Redmi The paths to these settings may differ between the Chinese firmware version and the global firmware. If you don't find this option, it's likely that this specific sync feature hasn't yet been enabled by the developers in your region or on your firmware version.
| Method | Requirements | Complexity | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI Settings | MIUI 12+, HyperOS | Low | High |
| QR code | Camera, Scanner | Low | High |
| Google Account | Synchronization | Average | High |
| ADB Commands | PC, Debugging | High | Average |
Using ADB for Advanced Users
For those who are not afraid of the command line and have access to a computer, there is a method of using the debug bridge. ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to extract system configuration files, which store passwords for all networks ever connected. This method requires enabling developer mode on your phone. Xiaomi and installing drivers on a PC.
The process is as follows: first, you need to activate developer mode by quickly tapping the build number seven times in the "About phone" section. Then, in the "Developer options" menu, enable the option USB debuggingAfter connecting your phone to your computer and confirming authorization on the smartphone screen, you can run a command to display a list of saved networks.
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep -i ssid
However, on modern versions Android (starting with version 10) file access wpa_supplicant.confThe directory where passwords are stored in cleartext is closed even to ADB without root access. Therefore, this method can only show network names (SSIDs), but not the passwords themselves, unless the device has root access. However, for older devices or specific configurations, this can be a useful diagnostic tool.
What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?
Make sure the ADB drivers are installed, the cable is working properly, and a window asking for debugging permission appears on your phone's screen. Also, try switching the USB connection mode to "File Transfer."
Third-party applications and their limitations
In the store Google Play You can find many apps that promise to reveal Wi-Fi passwords with one click. However, users Xiaomi And Redmi You should be extremely careful. Since the release of Android 10 and the implementation of Google's stricter security policies, non-rooted apps are prohibited from reading system files containing security keys.
Most of these programs operate as "password generators" for nearby networks (which is often a myth or a database of popular passwords) or require root access. Installing apps from unknown sources to gain such access can lead to malware infection. Genuine Wi-Fi management utilities, such as WiFi Analyzer, are useful for signal analysis, but not for stealing or recovering passwords without system privileges.
⚠️ Warning: Be wary of apps that require excessive permissions. If a simple "flashlight" or "Wi-Fi manager" asks for access to your contacts, SMS, and location, it's a sure sign of a scam. Use only trusted, highly rated software.
If your phone has root rights (obtained, for example, through Magisk), then virtually any app with the "Show Password" feature will be able to read the configuration file. But whether it's worth risking the security of banking apps (which may not work on rooted devices) for the sake of a single password, which can be retrieved via a QR code, is up to you.
Resetting the router as a last resort
If none of the software methods work and you urgently need a password (for example, to connect a new smart device that can't read QR codes), you can still physically access the router. If you've never changed the factory settings, the default password is often found on a sticker on the bottom of the device. The default SSID may also be listed there.
If the password has been changed and forgotten, but you absolutely must connect, you can reset the router to factory settings. There's a small button on the device for this. Reset, which you need to press and hold for 10-15 seconds while the power is on. After this, the router will reboot, and the network will become open or reset to the factory password on the sticker.
☑️ Checklist before resetting your router
After resetting, you'll need to reconfigure your internet connection through the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). This will require time and technical knowledge, so it's recommended to use this method only as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to view the Wi-Fi password on a Xiaomi without unlocking the screen?
No, this is not possible for security reasons. Operating system Android and the shell MIUI Require identity verification (pattern, fingerprint, FaceID) before displaying saved passwords. This protects your data if your phone is lost.
Why did my saved passwords disappear after updating MIUI?
Sometimes, major system updates or network settings resets can clear the list of saved connections. This can also happen if you signed out of your Google or Xiaomi account and the sync didn't complete in time.
Does this method work on older versions of Android (6, 7, 8)?
On older versions Android There was often no built-in password viewing feature in the settings. In such cases, root access or the use of a QR code through third-party generator apps was required if the phone was capable of creating them. On modern Redmi And POCO Such old versions are rare.
Are password recovery apps safe to use?
Using unverified apps carries risks. They can request unnecessary permissions, collect data about your networks, and transmit it to third parties. It's better to use built-in tools. Xiaomi or QR code methods that do not require installing additional software.
What should I do if the QR code is not read by the camera?
Try increasing the screen brightness, cleaning the camera, or adjusting the angle or distance. If the built-in camera isn't working, use the Scanner app from the Tools folder on your Xiaomi device or download a reliable QR scanner from the Play Market.