Needing to connect a new device to a wireless network but forgetting the password is a common occurrence. Smartphone owners Redmi And Xiaomi People often wonder where this access key is stored and whether it can somehow be extracted from the system. Fortunately, the shell MIUI provides several built-in mechanisms for working with networks, and there are also alternative methods for advanced users.
In this article, we will examine in detail all the current methods for restoring access to Wi-Fi networks On Redmi devices. We'll cover native Android features, syncing options via a Mi account, and methods that require root access or access to the router's admin panel. It's important to understand that these methods may vary depending on your smartphone's firmware version and model.
Before taking any action, it's worth noting that data security is a priority. Therefore, viewing plaintext passwords using standard system tools is often impossible without special permissions. However, workarounds exist, and they can solve the problem of connecting guest devices or laptops.
Using the sharing feature and QR code
The easiest and most secure way to share network access without knowing the password is using a QR code. Starting with Android 10 and later versions of MIUI, the system allows you to generate a special code that, when scanned, automatically connects another device to Wi-Fi. This is ideal if you need to connect a friend's phone or tablet.
To use this method, go to your wireless settings. Find your active connection and tap it or select "Share." A QR code will appear on the screen. Important: On some MIUI versions, the password may be hidden by asterisks under the code, but it can be seen by taking a screenshot and recognizing the text using Google Lens or Mi Scan.
The algorithm of actions for gaining access via QR code is as follows:
- 📱 Open
Settings → Wi-Fion your Redmi. - 🔗 Click on the name of the network you are already connected to.
- 📷 Select the "Share" option or click on the QR code icon.
- 📸 Take a screenshot of the screen with the code.
What to do if the password is hidden by asterisks?
If the password isn't displayed in plain text under the QR code, take a screenshot. Then open the Google Lens or Mi Scan app and select an image from your gallery. The system will recognize the text and display the password in plain text.
This method works flawlessly on most modern models such as Redmi Note 10, Redmi 9 and newer. However, if the interface is different, look for a button with three dots or an "i" icon next to the network name. In some cases, the system may require unlocking the screen with a fingerprint or Face ID to confirm the action.
View saved networks via MIUI settings
Xiaomi device owners often have an advantage over users of other brands thanks to cloud password syncing. If your Mi account is enabled on your smartphone and Wi-Fi sync is activated, your password can be stored in the cloud. This allows you to restore access even after a factory reset or when purchasing a new device.
To test this method, you need to go to your account settings. Go to the section responsible for cloud data. Here you can see a list of saved networks. However, it's worth keeping in mind that MIUI doesn't always display passwords in plain text in this menu, often displaying only the "Synchronized" status.
The synchronization verification process includes the following steps:
- ☁️ Go to
Settings → Mi Account. - 🔄 Select "Cloud" and find "Wi-Fi."
- ✅ Make sure the sync switch is active.
- 📲 On the new device, sign in to the same account to automatically connect.
⚠️ Note: Syncing only works between devices logged in with the same Mi account. This method won't let you view passwords for other networks or networks you've connected to in the past and deleted from your memory.
It's also worth mentioning the "Mi Share" feature and similar data transfer services, which can use saved credentials to quickly pair devices within the Xiaomi ecosystem. This makes life easier for users with multiple Xiaomi devices.
Using Google Password Manager
The Google ecosystem offers a universal solution for storing passwords, including Wi-Fi network access keys. If your Redmi smartphone runs Android 10 or higher, passwords are likely saved to your Google Account automatically. This method is independent of MIUI and works on any Android smartphone.
To view saved data, go to Google's security settings. This is where you'll find all your app and website login information, as well as wireless network data. The interface may differ slightly depending on your Android version, but the logic remains the same.
Instructions for finding a password through Google:
- 🔑 Open
Settings → Google → Autofill. - 📂 Select "Autofill from Google".
- 🌐 Click "Passwords" or "Password Manager".
- 📡 Find the desired Wi-Fi network (SSID) in the list.
After selecting a network, the system will ask you to verify your identity using biometrics or a screen unlock PIN. Upon successful authentication, you'll see a login (usually the network name) and a "Password" field. By clicking the eye icon, you can copy the code or simply read it.
This method is especially useful if you've forgotten your home network password but previously connected to it from another Android device signed in to your Google account. Data syncs instantly as long as you have an internet connection.
Login to the router admin panel
If software methods on the smartphone itself fail, there's always the hardware option—the router's settings. The Wi-Fi password is stored in the router's configuration and can be accessed through a browser if you know the login and password for the admin panel.
To do this, your Redmi needs to be connected to the router (even if there's no internet, the local connection works). Open any 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 indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device.
Table of standard addresses for popular routers:
| Router brand | IP address | Standard login | Standard password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| Asus | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | (empty) |
| Xiaomi Router | 192.168.31.1 | admin | set during setup |
After entering your credentials, you'll be taken to the web interface. Find the section labeled "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Network," or "WLAN." The Security settings will display the current network name and password (PSK Password).
⚠️ Note: If the default login and password (admin/admin) don't work, they were changed during the initial router setup. In this case, you won't be able to log in without resetting the router to factory settings.
The interface of Xiaomi and Redmi Router routers is particularly convenient, as it often allows you to manage settings through the Mi Wi-Fi app on your smartphone. If the router is linked to your Mi account, you can view the password directly in the app by going to the device settings.
☑️ Checking access to the router
Methods using Root rights
For users with root access, the task is simplified to the max. The Android system stores all known Wi-Fi networks and their passwords in a system configuration file. Without root access, this file is protected from being read by regular apps.
The file we are interested in is usually located at the path /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confIt contains a list of all networks (SSIDs) and their corresponding passwords in clear text (PSK). To work with this file, you will need special applications, such as WiFi Password Viewer or a file manager with root access, such as Root Explorer or MiXplorer.
Procedure for root users:
- 🛠️ Install a file manager with root support.
- 📂 Go to the root of the file system (
/). - 📝 Open the way
data/misc/wifi/. - 🔍 Find the file
wpa_supplicant.confand open it with a text editor.
Inside the file you will see blocks of code where ssid — is the name of the network, and psk — the desired password. This method is universal and works on all versions of Android, as long as you have root access. However, gaining root access will void the device's warranty and may interfere with the operation of banking apps.
Risks of Rooting
Obtaining superuser rights grants full access to the system. Failure to delete system files can brick the device. Furthermore, banking apps (Sber, Tinkoff) and Google Pay may not work on rooted devices without additional cloaking.
Resetting the router to factory settings
If none of the software methods work and the router's admin panel password is lost, a radical but effective solution remains: a hard reset. This will return the router to its out-of-the-box state, and the Wi-Fi password will be the one on the factory sticker.
To perform a reset, find a small hole with the inscription on the router body ResetPress it with a paperclip or needle and hold it there for about 10-15 seconds until the lights blink. After rebooting, the network will have the same name as on the sticker, and the password will also be the default.
Consequences of reset for the user:
- 🔄 All provider settings (PPPoE, L2TP) will be reset, the Internet may stop working until you configure them again.
- 📡 The Wi-Fi network name will return to the factory default (for example, Xiaomi_1234).
- 🔑 The password will become the default one (indicated on the label).
- 🏠 All connected devices will be disconnected and will require you to re-enter your password.
⚠️ Important: Before resetting, make sure you have your contract with your ISP or the internet setup information (PPPoE login and password). Without this information, the router will not be able to connect to the global network after the reset.
This method guarantees network access, but it requires time to reconfigure the equipment. Use it only as a last resort, after all other options have been exhausted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to view the Wi-Fi password on a Redmi without root access?
Yes, this is possible using a QR code in the Wi-Fi settings (Share section) or via a Google account (Password Manager). Logging into the router settings also helps if you know the password for the admin panel.
Where is the password file physically located on Android?
System file wpa_supplicant.conf is located along the way /data/misc/wifi/This folder can only be accessed by superuser (Root) rights.
What should I do if the QR code doesn't show the password in text?
Take a screenshot of the code, then open the Google Lens or Mi Scan app and select the screenshot. The app will recognize the text and display the password separately from the image.
Is it safe to use password viewer apps from the Play Market?
Most of these apps without root access can't show your real password; they only copy it for autofill or display a QR code. Apps that require root access have full access to your data, so you should only download them from trusted sources.
Will the Google Passwords method work if I changed my account password?
If you've changed your Google account password, you'll need to sign in again on your device. After successfully logging in and enabling sync, your previously saved Wi-Fi passwords should be downloaded from the cloud.