Many smartphone owners are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new device to an existing wireless network, but the password has long been forgotten and is not written down anywhere. This happens especially often in the ecosystem Xiaomi, where is the interface MIUI or new HyperOS This can hide some options from the average user. Fortunately, modern versions of the Android operating system provide built-in mechanisms to address this issue without requiring root privileges or installing questionable software.
In this article, we'll detail all available methods for retrieving saved data for connecting to a hotspot. You'll learn how to use standard system functions to generate a QR code, how to decrypt its contents, and what alternative methods exist via cloud services or the file system. This will allow you to quickly restore network access on any device.
Before you take any action, make sure your device is actually connected to the desired network or has been connected to it previously, as Android only stores keys for those points with which the phone has successfully interacted. Data security In modern firmware, it comes first, so access to this data is limited, but not completely closed to the device owner.
Using the QR code feature in MIUI settings
The simplest and most reliable method that works on most current models Xiaomi Redmi And PocoThe method involves using the built-in QR code data exchange feature. The Android system automatically generates a pattern containing all the necessary information, including the network SSID and the password itself. You don't need to be a programmer to use this method.
To get started, open the settings menu of your smartphone and go to the section Wi-FiFind the active network you're currently connected to in the list and click the arrow to the right of its name or the gear icon. In the connection details menu that opens, you'll see a button. Share or a QR code icon. Tapping it will require identity verification via a fingerprint scanner, Face ID, or screen unlock pattern.
After successful authorization, a square code will appear on the screen. Password in its pure form is often written directly below this image on some firmware versions. If the text is hidden or displayed as asterisks, you need to take a screenshot or use a second smartphone with a camera and a QR code reader app (for example, Google Lens or a standard in-camera scanner). Pointing the camera at the code will result in a pop-up notification with the text, followed by the phrase P: The required access key will be indicated.
β οΈ Note: On some global firmware versions, the password text may be hidden by asterisks even when scanning the code with a third-party app if enhanced security measures are enabled. In this case, use the Google Lens method, which can recognize text within graphical interface elements.
Viewing via Google Chrome and syncing
If you have Google account sync enabled, all saved Wi-Fi passwords are automatically stored in the search giant's secure vault. This method is especially convenient if you want to know the passkey but your Xiaomi phone isn't currently connected to the network or is far away. This data can be accessed through a browser or account settings.
To use this method, open the application Google Chrome On any device where you're logged into your account, go to your browser's settings menu (the three dots in the corner) and select Passwords or Password managerIn some interface versions, this section is moved to a separate application. Google on the phone in the tab SecurityThere you will find a list of all saved credentials.
In the list of networks, find the desired name (SSID) and click on it. The system will ask you to confirm your identity using biometrics or a PIN code. After that, the network card will open, where in the field Password There will be hidden dots. Click the eye icon to see the symbol combination in plain text. This is a universal method that works regardless of the phone model, whether it's a budget one. Redmi Note or flagship Xiaomi 14.
Using ADB Commands for Advanced Users
For those who aren't afraid to work with a computer and the command line, there's a more technical method of accessing system configuration files via USB debugging. This method doesn't require Root rights on the phone itself, but requires installation of drivers and tools ADB (Android Debug Bridge) on your PC. This allows you to retrieve the file that stores all the passwords you've ever entered.
The first step is to enable developer mode on your smartphone. To do this, go to Settings β About the phone and quickly press 7-10 times on the item MIUI version (or OS version), until a notification appears that you have become a developer. Then, in the advanced settings, find the item For developers and activate the switch USB debugging.
Connect your phone to your computer using a cable. Open the command prompt on your PC in the ADB folder and enter the following command to test the connection: adb devicesA debugging permission request will appear on your phone's screen, which you must confirm. After successful pairing, run the following command to back up the configuration file:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf wpa.confIf the command is successful, a file will appear in the ADB folder on your computer. wpa.confOpen it with any text editor (Notepad, Notepad++). Inside you will find blocks named network, where in the line psk The password you're looking for will be displayed in clear text. This method is one of the most secure for both older and newer versions of Android.
β οΈ Note: Command line interfaces and access to system files may vary depending on the Android version. On Android 12 and above, access to the /data/misc/wifi/ paths may be restricted even via ADB without root access. In this case, this method will not work without unlocking the bootloader.
Specifics of working in the HyperOS operating system
With the release of the new shell HyperOS, which replaced MIUI, company Xiaomi has made a number of changes to the interface logic and security. Many users have noted that the familiar paths to Wi-Fi settings have become less obvious. However, the basic principle of working with QR codes remains the same, although the visual design has changed.
IN HyperOS Clicking on an active network in the Wi-Fi menu often opens a pop-up card rather than a detailed window. To view the QR code, you sometimes need to click on the icon. Share (looks like a square with an arrow pointing up or the Mi Share logo). It's important to understand that encryption algorithm The data in the QR code remains standard for Android, so third-party scanners can read it without problems.
It's worth noting that new software versions have tightened biometric security requirements. While previously unlocking the screen was sufficient, the system may now require re-entering the Mi account password or performing a face scan specifically to view network settings. This is designed to protect against data theft in the event of device loss.
βοΈ Checking HyperOS settings
Android Method and Version Compatibility Chart
Not all methods work equally well on different operating system versions. Below is a table to help you decide which method will be most effective for your specific model. Xiaomi and firmware versions.
| Method | Android 10 and below | Android 11 - 12 | Android 13 - 14 (HyperOS) | Root is required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in settings | Partially | Yes | Yes | No |
| Google Account | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| ADB (wpa_supplicant) | Yes | Yes | Limited | Often yes |
| Apps from the Play Market | Yes | No | No | Yes |
As the table shows, with the release of new versions of Android (starting with 11), third-party app access to Wi-Fi configuration files has been completely blocked by the security system. Therefore, installing "magic apps" from the app store without root access is usually useless. The only guaranteed method without root rights on new systems remains generating a QR code through the system menu or synchronizing with Google.
Myths about third-party apps and root rights
On the Internet you can find a lot of advice to install applications like WiFi Password Viewer or similar utilities. On modern smartphones Xiaomi With current security updates, these programs will either show a blank screen or require a complex rooting procedure. Root rights (superuser rights) provides full access to the system, but voids the warranty and may disrupt the operation of banking applications.
If you decide to gain full access, you'll need to unlock the bootloader using the official Mi Unlock service, then install a custom recovery (such as TWRP) and the Magisk patch. Only then will apps be able to read system files directly. However, for a simple "remember your password" task, this is overkill and risky.
Be wary of programs that promise to "hack" or "reveal" your password without a connection. These are often adware or malware that collects your personal data. Trust only system tools or proven methods using your Google account.
What are root rights and is it worth getting them?
Rooting gives you complete control over the Android operating system, allowing you to modify system files, remove built-in apps, and customize the interface. However, this reduces the device's security, makes some banking apps (Sberbank, Mir Pay) unusable, and may void your warranty. Rooting is not recommended for viewing the Wi-Fi password.
What to do if none of the methods helped
In rare cases, when a phone has been reset to factory settings and Google sync has been disabled, recovering the password using software on the device itself is impossible. Network data is stored in secure memory, which cannot be accessed without the owner's authorization. In this situation, the only remaining option is physical access to the router.
Look at the bottom or back of your router. There's often a label there with the factory network name (SSID) and the factory password (Wireless Password/Key). If you've ever changed the password but don't remember it, and you can't connect via cable, you'll have to reset the router using the reset button. ResetAfter this, the device will be reset to factory settings, and you will be able to log in to the web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and set a new password.
Is it possible to view a Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to the network?
Yes, this is possible if your phone has successfully connected to this network before and saved the data to memory. You can open the Wi-Fi menu, find the saved network in the list (sometimes you need to tap "Add network" or browse the list of known networks), and generate a QR code, even if the connection is not currently active. A Google account will also help if syncing is enabled.
Why does the QR code scanner show an error or blank?
This could be due to several reasons: the screenshot is low-resolution, the use of specific encryption (WPA3 in some older scanners), or the screenshot may contain an extra menu that obscures the code. Try retaking the screenshot, cropping out the extraneous portion, or use the Google Lens app, which is better at recognizing codes on screens.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Apps from the official Google Play store that don't require root access are generally safe, but they're also useless on newer Android devices, as the system won't allow them to access files. Apps that require root access are potentially dangerous, as they gain complete control over your device. It's better to use built-in MIUI/HyperOS features.
Where is the password file located in the Xiaomi system?
The file is called wpa_supplicant.conf and is located along the way /data/misc/wifi/Access to this directory without root privileges or using ADB with certain privileges is restricted for regular applications for security reasons.